Suhl Travel Guide

A comprehensive guide to attractions, activities, food, accommodations, local culture, safety, and transportation logistics in Suhl, Germany.


Introduction to Suhl

Suhl is a charming city in Thuringia, located in Central Europe, Germany. With its beautiful sights, scenic views, rich heritage, and active cultural scene, Suhl has a unique character that is sure to captivate any traveler. This comprehensive guide to Suhl will provide a detailed overview of the top places to visit, the best things to do, the local culture and customs, and practical logistics for your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Suhl

Suhl has many places to visit that will interest both locals and tourists alike. Here is a list of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Suhl Town Hall: A beautiful historic building that serves as a center for cultural events and conferences.
  2. Suhl Museum: A history museum that showcases the heritage of Suhl and the surrounding region.
  3. Vessra Abbey: A well-preserved historical site with ancient ruins, a museum, and an exhibition center.
  4. Weapons Museum Suhl: A museum that exhibits the history of Suhl’s weapon industry with an interesting collection of weapons and ammunition.

Natural Attractions of Suhl: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Thuringian Forest: An impressive forest with hiking trails, scenic views, and hidden waterfalls.
  2. Trout Farm: A great place for fishing enthusiasts, where you can catch and cook your own trout in a tranquil and scenic environment.
  3. Alteburg: An old fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding forests.
  4. Tierpark Suhl: A beautiful park and zoo with a variety of animals from around the world.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Suhl

Suhl offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in and around Suhl:

  1. Rennsteig Trail: A famous trail that runs along the ridge of the Thuringian Forest with stunning views.
  2. Gold Trail: A beautiful hiking trail that leads to the former gold mines of the region and provides a unique insight into the area’s mining history.
  3. Ilmenau to Suhl Bicycle Trail: A relatively easy cycling trail that runs along the Thuringian Forest and offers beautiful views of the region.
  4. Mountain Bike Park: A popular mountain bike trail located in the Thuringian Forest with various trails for different levels of difficulty.

Best Things to Do in Suhl: Activities and Tours

Suhl offers a variety of activities and tours that cater to different tastes:

  1. Experience the Suhl shooting tradition: For more than 600 years, Suhl has been a center for the manufacture of hunting weapons and ammunition. You can buy, rent, or reserve a shooting range to test your aim while experiencing the local tradition.
  2. Take a canoe tour on the Saale River: You can rent a canoe, paddle down the Saale River, and check out some of the beautiful sights and observe some wildlife.
  3. Visit the Christmas Markets: Suhl’s markets are a beautiful sight to see in the winter and offer some of Germany’s best Christmas cookies.
  4. Caving in the nearby gypsum caves: There are several caves near Suhl that offer guided tours through the underground tunnels and rooms with stunning objects like stalactites and stalagmites.

Week-Long Itinerary for Suhl

Day 1 - Explore Suhl’s town center; visit the Suhl Museum, and the Fish Fountain; climb the Town Hall tower for breathtaking views of the city.

Day 2 - Visit the Vessra Abbey and the nearby town of Schleusingen.

Day 3 - Hike the Rennsteig Trail and have lunch at a mountain hut on the trail.

Day 4 - Visit the Weapons Museum Suhl, and learn about the local tradition of weapon manufacturing.

Day 5 - Take a canoeing trip on the Saale River.

Day 6 - Explore the Suhl Christmas Markets and taste some local specialties.

Day 7 - Enjoy a day trip to the nearby town of Erfurt, which is known for its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Food and Drink Scene of Suhl

Suhl has a considerable diversity in its food scene, ranging from local specialties to international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Thuringian Rostbratwurst: A traditional German sausage that is fried and served with sauerkraut and mustard.
  2. Landbrot: A hearty bread made from various grains and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
  3. Suhl Twigge: A tasty thin slice of hard sausage that is a local specialty.
  4. Rinderroulade: A thinly sliced beef roll, filled with onions, mustard, bacon, and pickles.

Local Beverages

  1. Thuringian beer: The region is famous for its beer, which tastes great and comes in many varieties such as Köstritzer, Schwarzbier, and Gose.
  2. Rostbratwurstmitbrötchen: A beer traditionally served alongside the Thuringian Rostbratwurst.
  3. Zibärtle: A fruit brandy made from the zibartle plum and typical of the region.

Where to Stay in Suhl: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Suhl has plenty of options for accommodations, such as hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some options:

Hotels

  1. Ringberg Hotel: A luxurious hotel set on a hill amid the Thuringian Forest with excellent rooms and suites, a restaurant, and a spa.
  2. Hotel Thüringen: A four-star hotel, located in the heart of the town with comfortable rooms, an award-winning restaurant and an indoor pool.

Hostels

  1. Jugendherberge Suhl: A clean and comfortable hostel in the center of Suhl with a game room, a playground, and a barbecue area for cooking your own sausages.
  2. Meininger Hostel: A cozy hostel with modern amenities and nice accommodations, located near the train station.

Guesthouses

  1. Villa Heinroth: A beautiful guesthouse in a 19th-century villa with comfortable rooms, a garden, and a terrace.
  2. Pension am Pürauer Tor: A charming guesthouse in the historic town center with comfortable rooms and a breakfast buffet.

What to Buy in Suhl: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Suhl has a rich tradition of crafting various handmade products, such as hunting rifles, ammunition, furniture, and metal goods. Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  1. Rostbratwurst: A pack of Thuringian Rostbratwurst to cook at home.
  2. Suhl weapons: Suhl is known for its tradition of weapon manufacturing, and you can find handmade guns and ammunition.
  3. Lace-making products: The region has a rich history of lace-making, and you can find various products like lace tablecloths, napkins, and handkerchiefs.
  4. Traditional wood and metal crafts: Suhl has a rich tradition of crafting wood and metal goods, such as jewelry and sculptures.

Local Culture and Customs of Suhl

Suhl has a rich heritage and an active cultural scene. The people of Suhl are welcoming and friendly, and visitors can expect a warm reception. The local customs of Suhl include the traditional shooting with firearms, which is an important activity in the region and has local clubs where you can participate and compete with your shooting skills.

Best Time to Visit Suhl

Suhl is a four-season tourist destination. The best time to visit depends on your interests and what activities you want to do. If you want to explore the natural landscape, spring and summer are the best times. The late fall is the most beautiful time in the Thuringian Forest, with the changing colors of leaves and cool weather. Winter is also a splendid time to visit Suhl, as there are plenty of Christmas markets to explore and winter sports to indulge in.

Do’s and Don’ts of Suhl

Do:

  1. Try the local beer and drink it alongside the famous Rostbratwurst.
  2. Explore the Thuringian Forest’s hidden waterfalls, scenic views, and hiking trails.
  3. Visit the Suhl Christmas markets during the holiday season.
  4. Participate in the city’s shooting tradition and competitions.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t disrespect the local traditions and customs.
  2. Don’t litter, and always follow the local recycling rules.
  3. Don’t wear hiking shoes inside restaurants or hotel lobbies.
  4. Don’t forget to bring a jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Safety and Health

Safety in Suhl

Suhl is a safe and welcoming city with low crime rates. Visitors can explore the city and its surroundings with ease and enjoy their trip without any worries. However, as a tourist, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings and take general precautions to avoid any issues.

Health in Suhl

Suhl has an excellent healthcare system, and visitors can receive treatments from trained medical practitioners if required. It is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance in case of any emergency.

Getting to Suhl: Transportation Options and Logistics

Suhl is easy to reach, and there are various transportation options available to visitors:

Airports Near Suhl

  1. Frankfurt Airport: Approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Suhl.
  2. Berlin Tegel Airport: Approximately three hours drive from Suhl.

Bus Stations Near Suhl

  1. Suhl Central Bus Station: The station is in the town center and has good connections to major cities in Germany.
  2. Erfurt Central Bus Station: The station is located in the nearest big city, Erfurt, and has good connections to other cities in Germany and Europe.

Other Options

  1. Train: Suhl has a railway station with good connections to other major cities in Germany.
  2. Car: If you prefer to drive, the town is easily accessible by highways.

How to Get Around in Suhl

Suhl is a small city, and it is best explored on foot. For longer distances, you can use public transportation options such as taxis or buses.

Where to Go Next from Suhl: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Suhl is surrounded by many beautiful destinations that you can visit. Here are some options:

  1. Erfurt: A beautiful city with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, great food, and vibrant nightlife.
  2. Weimar: The city of Goethe and Schiller, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the birthplace of the Bauhaus movement.
  3. Ruhla: A small town with the Ruhlaer Stollen, a medieval mine with underground tours, and a mining-themed museum.
  4. Altenburg: Another small town with an impressive castle and a beautiful historic center.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Suhl is a charming and welcoming city with a rich heritage, and vibrant culture. Visitors can enjoy the city’s numerous outdoor activities, explore the historical sites, and taste some of the local cuisine. With the comprehensive guide above, you are well equipped to plan and enjoy your trip to Suhl, Germany.

View over Suhl View over Suhl