Oberhof

Oberhof, known for its clean mountain air, forest walking trails and as a health resort since the 19th century, is now better known as a German winter sports centre, especially for biathlon and sliding sports. Set on a hillside, deep in the Thüringen forest, tradition reigns in this 1600-person village, with its numerous slate-sided houses and the main street boasting cafes and small hotels looking much as it did 100 years ago. Yet within walking distance of the village is the ultra-modern LOTTO Thüringen Skisport-HALLE, alongside the ARENA am Rennsteig that packs more than 100,000 biathlon fans for the BMW IBU World Cup over the first weekend of each new year.