Tambach-Dietharz/Thür.Wald: Reservoir, Forest and History
Accommodation in Tambach-Dietharz
Tambach-Dietharz combines forest and nature experiences with an unusually rich history. The Old Tambach Reservoir lies directly on the southern edge of the state-recognised resort in the Apfelstädter Grund. A circular route about 9 kilometres long runs around the shore—a useful point of reference if you enjoy spending your days outdoors and would like to make the reservoir the focus of your stay.
Der Falkenstein bei Tambach-Dietharz im Thüringer Wald.
Photo: Thuringius via Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Reservoir, Forest and Trails
Anyone who would like to learn more about the Old Tambach Reservoir can join a guided tour on Sundays from May to October. Group tours can be arranged by contacting the Tourist Information Office in advance. This helps you decide when planning your trip whether you would prefer to explore the area independently or request a tour for your group.
The forest trails also offer a variety of ways to explore the area. The Willi Matthias nature park educational trail leads from the Spittergrund through the Tambach Forest into the Tammichgrund. The Steinerne Tor, a natural monument, is also located in the Mittelwassergund hiking area. This man-high rock arch is a popular destination and an impressive photo opportunity. The educational trail and the Steinerne Tor are separate suggestions for anyone who would rather spend time in the forest and nature than exploring the area's history.
When looking for a holiday apartment, this focus may be decisive: would you like the reservoir to shape your stay, are you mainly interested in forest trails, or would you like to combine different experiences?
Local History and Technical Insights
The Luther Church was built around 1350 and rebuilt in a modified form after two major fires. At the end of February 1537, Martin Luther visited the church while stopping in the town on his way back from Schmalkalden. Tambach-Dietharz is also the birthplace of Meister Eckhart: he was born here around 1260 and left a lasting mark on Christian mysticism through his theological writings and sermons.
The Technical Museum Sägewerk offers another way to explore the past. It is a preserved historic sawmill with a history dating back to 1645. Together, the church, the town's history associated with Luther, Meister Eckhart's origins and the sawmill offer a range of reasons not to focus your stay solely on outdoor activities. If you would like to include both culture and nature in your plans, a holiday apartment in town may be a suitable base for your visit to Tambach-Dietharz.
Outdoor Activities in Every Season
Cycling routes in Tambach-Dietharz include the Apfelstädt Cycle Path, the Rennsteig Cycle Path and mountain bike trails. Those who prefer exploring on foot can choose another attraction: the Dinosaur Adventure Trail runs from Georgenthal and Tambach-Dietharz to the fossil site at Bromacker. The 4.5-kilometre section from Georgenthal to the Lohmühle passes through 100 million years of Earth's history. The stated length refers to this section; it does not describe the entire route of the trail.
Nearby is the striking sandstone crag Falkenstein. It has more than 100 climbing routes, and the rock is up to 96 metres high. This is a distinct option for guests interested in climbing, quite different from a cycling tour or a stroll along the reservoir shore.
Cross-country skiing is also available in the area: Tambach-Dietharz offers more than 25 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. This adds a clear incentive for active winter days to the cycling and hiking options. The Tambach-Dietharz forest swimming pool is another leisure option and is supplied daily with fresh water from the Spitter.
Getting Here and Choosing Accommodation
Buses on route 851 run regularly from Gotha railway station to Tambach-Dietharz. If you would like to travel by public transport, you can take this connection into account when planning your journey and check the current timetable. When choosing between a holiday apartment and a holiday home, the main consideration is which aspects of the area matter most to you: the reservoir and forest, cultural history, cycling and hiking trails, or seasonal activities.
If you would also like to explore other places, you can extend your search to Bienstädt, Neudietendorf, Friedrichroda, Seebergen, Schwabhausen, Gotha, Günthersleben-Wechmar and Finsterbergen.
Back to the main travel overview: Gotha.
