Eselsberg

The hiking area around the Donkey Mountain is very worthwhile for several reasons. Round tours of different lengths can be undertaken starting from Masserberg. A circular route is signposted as suitable for the disabled. In winter, too, not only the cross-country skiers are considered, because winter hiking trails are also marked and prepared.

At the end of the last century, Masserberg attracted the first holiday guests to the village. The then mayor, Magnus Enders, recognized the opportunity to open up the mountain resort touristically. In 1899, for example, the construction of a lookout tower on the Eselsberg began, which offered the guest a broad view of the Thuringian countryside.

Over the years, a whole series of redevelopment and reconstruction of the tower. After the completion of the German reunification, the observation tower was extensively restored and now measures 33 meters high.

Today, the "Rennsteigwarte" is the only observation tower on the Rennsteig that invites guests from near and far to enjoy the magnificent view. to enjoy the Schneekopf, the Schwarzatal, the Fröbelturm, the Veste Coburg or the summits of the Fichtelgebirge.
Strengthening can be found next door in the Turmbaude.
thueringen.info/aussichtsturm-rennsteigwarte.html

A good point to stop for a moment. Think for a moment of those who literally were our predecessors, and founded the tradition of hiking and touring. Nature boys and hiking girls, who made our ways feasible today.

Great lookout tower for a small fee. Interesting architecture.

View terrific - and also the possibility (except Mondays) to turn right next to it. From roast to cake and beer to coffee, everything is available. :-)

The stair climb costs one euro and is fully automatic via a turnstile. I have not seen any employees or coin change machines. Above you have a view in all directions with explanatory boards.

On the summit of the donkey mountain are on the Rennsteig a trip restaurant and a 33 m high lookout tower, the Rennsteigwarte (♁⊙). The tower was built in 1974 after two wooden predecessors had been destroyed in 1951 by storm and 1974 by lightning. In the 1990s, it was rebuilt: The existing construction of steel framework was disguised with the inclusion of two open across corner glass surfaces. Behind the window glazing of the observation deck, there are photographs of the entire panorama with inscriptions of important visual targets (Wikipedia).

Tower with a very nice view. Admission 1 Euro.

There are refreshments and a great view from the tower, as long as there is no fog preventing the view.

It is approx. 1 km from the Masserberg car park to this point and is accordingly well attended. After that it will be a little emptier.
The Rennsteigwarte (the observation tower), the tower building on the Rennsteig and the Guts-Muths-Hütte are located here on Eselsberg.

The view is fantastic 🌟🤗

A great look! It's worth a visit!

Stop and pause!
Inside cozy ... outside there is a beer garden ... Hearty kitchen ... 👍

Here the view goes very far

Hiking also possible with baby carriages on wide paths.

You can also find the small, narrow and quiet paths here on the "Eselsberg". They flatter your feet through sparse spruce forest with a soft needle carpet.

It's worth a visit!

Not far from Massaberg the first excursion destination, in good weather with good views. Admission 1 €

The small obolus is very well laid out for so much information

And again a highlight in the middle of the forest

Not far from Massaberg the first destination, in good weather good views. Otherwise you can warm up next to it in the cozy cottage.

If you are in the area, you also have to go up the tower. Good view and panoramic view.

Incredible the view from up there.

Refreshments are currently not possible