Biathlon lovers do not need to explain anything about the city of Oberhof in Germany. It is a world center for winter sports. Here is the famous biathlon stadium, where, since 1984, the stages of the World Cup have been held. Bobsleigh, ski jumping, cross-country skiing - these winter disciplines are also associated with Oberhof.
Where is the city located
But the city is not only the center of biathlon - it is a balneological resort. Oberhof in Germany is located in the very center of the country, the forests of Thuringia, at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Low mountain ranges, covered with forests, with hiking trails laid along them, are a resting place for residents of Germany. Fresh air, beautiful landscapes attract thousands of people here. Oberhof’s popularity is also served by convenient transportation, which allows you to easily reach the city from anywhere in Germany.
Resort Oberhof, Germany
Not only fans come here, but also those who wish to improve their health. In Oberhof there are hydropathic centers, swimming pools, climate pavilions and rest houses. Pure healing mountain air infused with herbs of Thuringia, local mineral water have a beneficial effect on the body with disorders of the nervous system, anemia, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, metabolic disorders.
City Oberhof
The government of the GDR, even during the partition of Germany in the city, was equipped with a base for preparing athletes for winter sports competitions. A biathlon stadium was built here, convenient tracks for skiing, including mountain skiing, were equipped. Ski jumps and bobsleigh tracks are available.
Thousands of German people come here for the weekend. Currently, tourists in the city have become even more. Looking at the photo of Oberhof in Germany, you can see that the town itself is small. Only 1,530 residents live here, but the influx of tourists on the weekend, especially during the competition, is simply huge. Places in local hotels, of course, are not enough. Sports enthusiasts stop in the towns adjacent to the town.
What you can see in the vicinity of the city
- The main attraction in Oberhof (Germany), of course, is the amazing nature, which resembles a fairy tale. In the vicinity of the city there are many interesting places that will undoubtedly interest tourists. To list everything is rather problematic, but we will give the most interesting ones.
- In Zella-Mehlis, located 8 kilometers from the city, is the famous saltwater aquarium, which contains exhibits from all seas and oceans. This is a whole complex consisting of 60 aquariums and 5 terrariums.
- The Goethe Museum in Ilmenau (14 km) has a rich exposition not only about the famous poet, but also about the history of the city.
- Museum of weapons in the city of gunsmiths Zule (13 km), here you can get acquainted with all types of weapons.
- Friedenstein Castle (25 km), the construction of which was initiated by order of the Duke Ernst of Saxe-Gotha in 1643, contains a rich collection of paintings, furniture, porcelain, gold and silver jewelry. In addition, its casemates and the castle’s rich greenhouse are of great interest.
How to get to Oberhof (Germany)
It’s not difficult for the Germans to get to Oberhof, since it is connected by roads to all German cities. You can come here by bus or by rail. But there is no airport. To get to the city from Russia, you must first come (fly) to one of the cities of Germany, the city of Erfurt is closest to Oberhof. The distance to it is 40 km. Hof Airport is 112 kilometers away, Kassel lies 147 kilometers away, where there is also an airport.
Airplanes from Russia fly to the cities of Leipzig and Nuremberg located near Oberhof. In extreme cases, you can fly to Berlin, Dresden or Frankfurt. From the airport of any city, you can continue by bus or train. For example, buses run from Erfurt from the central station to Oberhof.
Features of a trip by rail
Given that Germany is a small country, all trains here are without berths. They are divided into three classes:
- ICE - high-speed trains. Usually they ply between large cities, with a considerable distance.
- RE - regional trains that do not go to remote cities, something like our trains.
- STB - local small trains, often consisting of one or two wagons. They are more like small trams.
Tickets can be bought online or at ticket offices at train stations. There is a significant price difference. Given that train tickets are very expensive, it is best to purchase them online in advance, in this case there are big discounts. Getting from the remote cities of Germany to Oberhof, you will have to make transfers and ride on trains of all classes.
Where to stay
If you decide to visit Oberhof, then you need to remember that this is a small city, and there are a lot of tourists, especially during the competition, so you should not rely on luck, but you need to take care of the trip in advance and book accommodation. The Germans book accommodation for the year. Prices in hotels, of course, are not cheap. If it was not possible to find accommodation, then you should look for a place to sleep in the neighboring cities of Thuringia, getting to Oberhof by train.
Trips can fly a pretty penny. Therefore, it is necessary to consider as an option the purchase of a regional Thuringian ticket, which is valid throughout the day. The cost of a trip for one person is 20 euros, the cost of a ticket for a company of 5 people will be 28 euros. It is beneficial when the settlement where you are staying is far removed. If you live near Oberhof, it will be more profitable to buy a one-time ticket.
To use a Thuringian ticket, you need to look at the Internet for train schedules and transfer stations. You can use the machine at the station. Enter the starting and ending points, and it will give an accurate description of the route with all the transfers.
Nutrition
You can’t count on cheap food in the midst of the winter season. In cafes and restaurants, prices for Russian tourists are rather high. But you can find a cafe with an acceptable cost of lunch, since they are here at almost every step. There is a supermarket in Oberhof, it is located in the city center.
A trip to Oberhof will be interesting. There is something to see here. The forests of Thuringia, despite the fact that more than seven thousand kilometers of mountain hiking trails have been laid along them, have preserved many protected places.