The tower is located exactly on the watershed between the Elbe and Weser river basins.
The Eselsberg, where the tower stands, reaches an elevation of 841.5 meters above sea level.
The current tower replaced previous wooden versions that stood on the same peak since the late 19th century.
The Rennsteig trail, accessible from the tower, is one of the oldest and most-walked long-distance hiking paths in Germany.
The Rennsteigwarte is a 15-meter-high observation tower situated on the Rennsteig hiking trail at the peak of the Eselsberg in Masserberg, Thuringia. Constructed as a steel lattice tower, it provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the Thuringian Forest, the Rhön mountains, and, under optimal conditions, the Brocken in the Harz. The site functions as a vital waypoint for long-distance hikers trekking the 169-kilometer Rennsteig path. Adjacent to the tower is the Turmbaude, a mountain inn providing refreshments for visitors at the summit. The structure serves as one of several prominent vantage points along this historic ridge trail. Its elevated position offers views over the southern valleys of the Thuringian Slate Mountains.
The top observation platform looking toward the rolling ridges of the Thuringian Forest.
Bring binoculars to identify distant peaks in the Harz and Rhön ranges.
Check the local visibility forecast, as summit cloud cover can frequently obscure long-distance views.
Combine your climb with a segment hike on the Rennsteig trail in either direction.
Attempting the ascent during high-wind warnings or thunderstorms as the exposed metal structure is susceptible to weather.
The tower may be closed during periods of severe winter weather or maintenance.
Sturdy hiking footwear is recommended due to the terrain on the approach path.
