Germany: Thuringer Wald aka Thuringian Forest

Thuringer Wald aka Thuringian Forest is a mountain range running across the German state of Thuringia. While these are not the snow-clad Alps, but mostly low mountain ranges covered with dense forests – the area draws tourism year-round for skiing and x-ski in winter and virtually unlimited hiking in the summer. This is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve. Some of the most spectacular areas are just south of the town of Ilmenau and east of the towns of Suhl and Oberhoff – beautiful twisting mountain roads, mountain villages and resorts, peak to peak hiking trails under towering spruce trees, and – by the look of it – tons of mushrooms and berries later in the summer season.