In-depth guide · CampingSpirit
From Duderstadt along the Green Belt through the Eichsfeld, past Burg Hanstein into the Werra valley and on via Mühlhausen to Hainich National Park: about 310 kilometres through narrow half-timbered towns, former border country and a natural World Heritage site.
The spirit of the route
The Eichsfeld is a stretch of land that lay at the edge for a long time – and has preserved so much precisely because of it. The inner-German border ran between Duderstadt and Heiligenstadt, and the Kolonnenweg, the old border patrol track of concrete slabs, still runs today as a cycle path through meadows where red-backed shrikes and brown hares live. From your sliding door you will see church spires, half-timbered gables and limestone hills, in the Werra valley castle ruins above cherry trees and river, and in the Hainich nothing but beeches, whose leaves cover the paths in rusty red in autumn. The towns are tightly built, the gates low, the distances short – a loop for short stages, for a snack on market squares and for evenings by the Werra when all you hear is mosquitoes and church bells. At the end, Eisenach lies ahead with the Wartburg on the horizon.
Stage-by-stage plan
1Stage 1: Duderstadt to Heilbad Heiligenstadt (via Teistungen) (approx. 40 km)
- The drive
- From Duderstadt cross-country to Teistungen and the Grenzlandmuseum, then on state and district roads through the open Untereichsfeld towards Worbis and Heiligenstadt. Little traffic and well-built roads with a few village throughways; Duderstadt’s old town itself is narrow, with half-timbered lanes and cobblestones. Driving time just under an hour.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Duderstadt: historic town hall, the Propsteikirche St. Cyriakus and the Westerturm of the town fortifications – best explored on foot from the motorhome pitch.
- Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld near Teistungen: museum and open-air grounds with remains of the border fence, the Kolonnenweg and a watchtower; check opening times in advance.
- Heilbad Heiligenstadt: old town with spa park, Kneipp facilities and traces of Theodor Storm, who lived here as a district judge from 1856 to 1864.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In Duderstadt there is the Stellplatz at Adenauerring (electricity, water/waste, close to the old town) and the Wohnmobilstellplatz Talwiese on the edge of town (electricity, water, waste disposal, bookable online); check facilities, fees and number of pitches in advance. In Heiligenstadt you will find the Stellplatz Wiesenglück with electricity, water and waste disposal.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Outside designated motorhome pitches and campsites, the rule in Germany is this: one night to restore fitness to drive is usually tolerated in public car parks, as long as there is no prohibition sign. Camping with an awning, chairs or a barbecue is not allowed. Additional access rules apply in the Green Belt and in nature reserves; forest and field tracks are off limits to motorhomes.
- Insider tip for campers
- Do not drive the camper into Duderstadt’s old town: lanes, archways and oncoming traffic are tight. Park at the motorhome pitch and walk the few minutes. From Teistungen you can cycle sections of the Kolonnenweg as a cycle path – bikes on the back, then leave the camper at the museum.
2Stage 2: Heilbad Heiligenstadt to Bad Sooden-Allendorf (via Bornhagen and Burg Hanstein) (approx. 55 km)
- The drive
- From Heiligenstadt through the Obereichsfeld down into the Werra valley, past the castle remains at Bornhagen and on along the Werra to Bad Sooden-Allendorf in Hesse. The roads to Burg Hanstein are partly narrow and steep; in the Werra valley they are wide and easy to drive again. About an hour and a half with stops.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Burg Hanstein near Bornhagen: one of the largest castle ruins in central Germany, with a keep and a wide view over the Werra valley.
- Teufelskanzel: a viewing rock above the Werra valley, reached by a hiking trail from Bornhagen.
- Bad Sooden-Allendorf: half-timbered old town with a graduation tower and a salt museum recalling the salt-boiling industry; check opening times in advance.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In Bad Sooden-Allendorf the large Wohnmobilstellplatz Franzrasen lies on the Werra with electricity, water and waste disposal, plus the Alleerasen site. On the Hesse side, near the former border at Asbach-Sickenberg, there is a motorhome pitch at the Grenzmuseum Schifflersgrund. In Bornhagen there is a simple pitch on the edge of the village without water supply or waste disposal. Campsites can be found near Eschwege and Witzenhausen in the Werra valley.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In the Werra valley, woodland and riverbank areas are nature and landscape protection areas; overnighting by the river or on farm tracks is not permitted. Staying longer in the castle car park is not intended; the access road is unsuitable for large vehicles.
- Insider tip for campers
- For Burg Hanstein it is better to stay in a car park down in the valley and walk the last stretch than to drive up in a long motorhome. The Werra valley is especially good to explore by bike: the Werra-Radweg mostly runs flat right beside the river, so bikes definitely belong on this stage.
3Stage 3: Bad Sooden-Allendorf to Worbis (via Leinefelde) (approx. 55 km)
- The drive
- From the Werra back into the Eichsfeld via Heiligenstadt and Leinefelde to Worbis. Hilly, well-built federal and state roads, town traffic in Leinefelde; driving time about an hour.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Alternativer Bärenpark Worbis: a rescue centre for bears from poor conditions, in large natural enclosures in the forest; open daily all year, check times and admission in advance.
- Leinefelde: town park and walking trails around the town.
- Hikes on parts of the Green Belt around Worbis, with views over the hills.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: At the Bärenpark Worbis there is a simple motorhome pitch without water supply or waste disposal, with a limited length of stay; it is not designated for tents. Building work can close it at times, so ask the operator for the current status in advance. In Leinefelde-Worbis there are further motorhome pitches; check the current status in the Stellplatz apps.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On hiking car parks in the Eichsfeld, overnighting is not forbidden everywhere, but is tolerated only to restore fitness to drive. In forest and nature reserves the rule is: no parking away from the road.
- Insider tip for campers
- This stretch is a good place for shopping and refuelling in Leinefelde, where the choice is bigger than in the smaller villages. Exchange gas bottles are available from DIY stores and camping shops in the region.
4Stage 4: Worbis to Mühlhausen (via Dingelstädt and the Kerbscher Berg) (approx. 55 km)
- The drive
- From Worbis via Dingelstädt to the Kerbscher Berg, then cross-country and along the federal road to Mühlhausen. The approach to the hill runs along minor roads, and the federal road flows smoothly. About an hour’s driving time.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Kerbscher Berg near Dingelstädt: a pilgrimage site with Stations of the Cross and a monastery above the village, with a wide view over the Eichsfeld.
- Mühlhausen: well-preserved town wall with the Rabenturm, plus the Marienkirche, where Thomas Müntzer preached.
- The old town with its churches and half-timbered houses on the banks of the Unstrut.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In Mühlhausen the Wohnmobilstellplatz am Engelsgarten stands close to the old town with electricity, water and waste disposal, designated by the town; check the number of pitches in advance. On the edge of town lies the Campingplatz am Schwanenteich.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Outside the designated sites, overnighting on streets and car parks in Mühlhausen is not intended; at the Engelsgarten, the town’s parking times and rules apply. On the Kerbscher Berg, overnighting in the pilgrims’ car park is not intended.
- Insider tip for campers
- Mühlhausen’s old town is narrow and partly traffic-calmed – leave the camper at the motorhome pitch and go on foot or by bike. On market days parking around the old town is scarce; ask the town about market days in advance.
5Stage 5: Mühlhausen to Hainich National Park (Thiemsburg) (approx. 35 km)
- The drive
- From Mühlhausen cross-country to the south and south-east, then through villages on the eastern edge of the Hainich to the Thiemsburg near Schönstedt. Wide roads, little climbing, a few narrow village throughways. A good half hour’s driving time.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Baumkronenpfad Hainich at the Thiemsburg: a treetop walkway with a viewing tower above the beech forest, which belongs to the Ancient Beech Forests and has been a UNESCO natural World Heritage site since 2011. From the national park centre you walk to the walkway; the walkway is barrier-free, the tower reachable only by stairs.
- Forest trails in the national park: in autumn the beech forests glow in red and gold; stay on the paths, fires and smoking are forbidden.
- Urwald-Life-Camp: an overnight and activity offering in the national park region; ask in advance whether motorhomes are welcome.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: On the eastern edge of the Hainich, a few kilometres from the Thiemsburg, lies the Campingplatz am Tor zum Hainich with hook-ups and sanitary facilities; check opening times and season in advance. Another site is in Bad Langensalza at the Friederiken Therme; check the current status in advance.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Hainich National Park, tent camping is forbidden and overnighting outside designated sites is not intended; paths must not be left, dogs must be on a lead, fires and smoking are prohibited. The car parks at the treetop walkway are meant for visiting, not for camping.
- Insider tip for campers
- Visit the treetop walkway in the morning, before school classes and coaches arrive. Wildcats and rare bats live in the Hainich; being quiet pays off. Bring tick protection and hiking boots that can take mud.
6Stage 6: Hainich National Park to Bad Langensalza (approx. 20 km)
- The drive
- From the Hainich north-east through the fields of the Thuringian Basin to Bad Langensalza. A short, flat stage on good country roads, only a few minutes’ driving time per place.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Rose garden with a great variety of cultivars, loveliest in June and in late summer.
- Japanese garden – quiet and good for a stroll.
- Old town with town wall, town hall and half-timbering; plus the spa park.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Wohnmobilstellplatz at the Friederiken Therme in Bad Langensalza with electricity, water and waste disposal; check the number of pitches and fees in advance. Check further sites in the apps for the current status.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Bad Langensalza, camping on public car parks is not intended; use the designated sites.
- Insider tip for campers
- The gardens lie close to the old town and are easy to reach on foot. A plan for a relaxed afternoon: rose garden first, then the Japanese garden, spa park in the evening.
7Stage 7: Bad Langensalza to Eisenach (approx. 50 km)
- The drive
- From Bad Langensalza cross-country and along the federal road to the west, past the Hörselberge to Eisenach. Well built, town traffic in Eisenach. About an hour’s driving time.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Hörselberge: viewpoint hills above the Hörsel valley with legends and walking trails.
- Eisenach with the Wartburg: a castle above the town, UNESCO World Heritage site; the route ends here.
- The Thuringian Forest and the Rennsteig begin immediately beyond Eisenach.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: In Eisenach there is the Campingpark Eisenach south of the town as well as motorhome pitches, for example at the Aquaplex. Check the current status and facilities in advance. A small motorhome pitch lies near the Hörselberge.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Eisenach and at the Wartburg, free camping is not permitted; the Wartburg car park is meant for day visits.
- Insider tip for campers
- The route continues in the CampingSpirit guide “Burgberg, Kammweg und Stauseen – mit dem Camper von der Wartburg über den Rennsteig ins Saaletal”. If you would rather head north from the Eichsfeld, you will find the link in the CampingSpirit guide “Bergbau, Brocken und Fachwerk – mit dem Camper durch den Harz von Goslar nach Stolberg”.
Camping practice & local rules
Wild camping & overnight parking
- Germany has no nationwide right to wild camping. Overnighting in the vehicle once, to restore fitness to drive, is permitted as long as there is no prohibition sign; the rule is: no awning, no chairs, no levelling supports, no barbecue.
- In national parks and nature reserves – here the Hainich and parts of the Green Belt – overnighting outside designated sites is forbidden. Dogs must be on a lead and paths must not be left.
- The Eichsfeld and the Werra valley lie in three federal states (Lower Saxony, Thuringia, Hesse), and the rules can differ from municipality to municipality; heed the signs.
- You will stay legally and relaxed on motorhome pitches and campsites. Useful apps: park4night, Campercontact, Stellplatzführer.
Waste disposal & supplies
- Most motorhome pitches have water and waste stations, often for coins or card payment; empty cassettes and grey water only there.
- Drinking water from public fountains may only be taken where it is expressly marked.
- Gas: German propane exchange bottles are available at DIY stores and petrol stations. If you have a refillable bottle or a gas tank, you will find autogas at many petrol stations with the right adapter.
- Electricity via CEE plug; a 25 m extension cable makes sense.
Vehicle size & traffic rules
- Speed limits: motorhomes up to 3.5 t 100 km/h outside built-up areas; over 3.5 t 80 km/h outside built-up areas; on the motorway the recommended speed of 130 km/h applies to motorhomes up to 3.5 t, over 3.5 t 80 km/h (100 km/h if the vehicle registration document lists the vehicle as a motorhome). Caravan combinations 80 km/h, with a 100 km/h approval 100 km/h.
- Low-emission zones: none are currently known on this route; check the current status before driving into larger towns. There is no car or motorhome toll in Germany; the lorry toll does not affect motorhomes.
- Winter tyres: compulsory in wintry road conditions; in the Hainich and on the ridges of the Eichsfeld it can turn icy early.
- Alcohol: 0.5 per mille; using a mobile phone at the wheel is forbidden.
- Rear carriers and bicycles: lights and number plate must remain visible.
CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist
- Two bicycles or e-bikes: the Werra-Radweg and the Kolonnenweg in the Green Belt are largely flat and ideal for camper life.
- Hiking boots that can take mud: the beech trails in the Hainich are deep and slippery after rain.
- Tick remover and tick protection: the Eichsfeld and the Hainich are tick country.
- A tape measure or a height figure for the camper: archways and lanes in Duderstadt and Mühlhausen are narrow.
- Binoculars: in the Green Belt and in the Hainich you can watch red-backed shrikes, red kites and woodpeckers.
As of 2026-10. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go.
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