Georgenthal/Thuringian Forest: Monastery Heritage and Dinosaur Trail

The municipality of Georgenthal offers a wide range of themes for a trip: traces of the former monastery, the Dinosaur Adventure Trail and activities at Hammer Pond. The landscape of the Georgenthal district is another highlight: its municipal area lies in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park and extends to the Rennsteig. You can choose between cultural history, a 4.5-kilometre route and time by the water as different focal points for your visit.

The Dinosaur Adventure Trail and a guided journey through time

The Dinosaur Adventure Trail runs for 4.5 kilometres from Georgenthal via the “Bromacker” dinosaur discovery site to Lohmühle. Dinosaur figures, each accompanied by an information board, are displayed along the route. There are either 17 or 20 dinosaur figures. The trail thus connects the discovery site with the dinosaur displays and information along the way. If you are interested in prehistoric times, Bromacker and the boards offer several points of interest along the route.

Another way to explore the past is through a guided experience: with advance booking, an experienced GeoPark guide accompanies visitors on a journey into the past. If you are considering this kind of tour, check the booking and tour details before your trip.

Activities at Hammer Pond

Modern pedal boats and traditional rowing boats can be hired at Hammer Pond. There is also a pond promenade with benches, suitable for walks and a rest. This gives you several ways to spend time at Hammer Pond: a boating activity, a walk or a break on a bench. Check the current availability of boats before you arrive.

Monastery heritage in the municipality

Column bases and wall remains survive from the former three-aisled monastery of Georgenthal. The Kornhaus adds further preserved stone elements to these traces: there is a stone rose window on the north gable, and the lapidarium houses finds from the monastery ruins. These include keystones, Romanesque capitals, vault ribs, cornices and window arches. These elements offer a glimpse of different forms of historic architecture. The exhibition in the Kornhaus can be visited by appointment.

The Church of St. Elisabeth also tells the story of the area’s former use. It once served as a chapel for the farmers who settled on the monastery grounds and for the monastery staff. Construction began in 1235, the year Elisabeth was canonised. The surviving monastery remains, stone fragments in the lapidarium and the church’s history thus offer different ways to explore the past: architectural traces, individual finds and its use as a chapel.

Landscape and orientation for your trip

The municipal area of the Georgenthal district lies in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park and extends to the Rennsteig. The district is also on the German Toy Route and is a state-recognised health resort. These connections complement the cultural history with landscape and tourist orientation. Choose the focus of your stay before looking for accommodation.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Schwabhausen, Emsetal, Ohrdruf, Ballstädt, Günthersleben-Wechmar, Mühlberg, Wandersleben, Dachwig.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gotha.