Do you already know about the March flowers in the Großschwabhausen forest? I have never seen such a sea of March flowers in Germany or anywhere else! It was truly impressive and magical to see. So, if you can use a trip from Jena, just keep reading. I have put together a few more tips for you.
The article appeared first in German on the sister blog.
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Where can you find the March flowers in Großschwabhausen?
The small village of Großschwabhausen in central Germany, which is part of the Weimarer Land district in the state of Thuringia, is not very big. And the Großschwabhausen forest feels almost as large as the village itself.
And it is precisely here where you find the many March flowers called “Märzenbecher” (winter snowflakes) of Großschwabhausen.
Already at the edge of the forest, you can see some clusters of these delicate flowers. But don’t get too excited yet and already stop for photos, because the truly spectacular sight comes when you walk directly into the heart of the forest. Keep walking for like 5 minutes and you’ll see.
I myself had already taken a lot of photos before I arrived there, and then I felt a bit silly. It was much more rewarding here!!
How do you get to Großschwabhausen?
The easiest way is by car. It takes about 20 minutes from nearby Jena or Weimar. There is a parking lot at the edge of the village, right in front of the forest, at the sports field or behind the sports hall.
We parked directly on the side of the road, at the southwesternmost point of the forest. (There was only one other car there. If it’s busy, you should definitely use the parking lot.) Right in front of the nature reserve sign.
From here, a path leads directly into the small forest with many spring flowers. Just keep to the north, and you will walk straight into the center of the forest.
If you rely on public transportation, you can easily take the regional train from Westbahnhof in Jena to Großschwabhausen. I think the Hopperticket would be the cheapest option. You get that at ticket machines at train stations, not online. Click on VMT-Ticket, then look for Hopper Ticket.
From the train station to the edge of the forest, it takes less than 10 minutes on foot. It takes about the same time to get to the middle of the forest.
The good thing about hiking in the Großschwabhausen forest is that it’s super easy. No inclines. No many roots or stones in the way.
Everything here is quite flat, the paths are clear, and there are enough paths to make it extensive. Depending on how long you want to be on your walk in Großschwabhausen.
Note that these are forest paths, which means there is no concrete or stone walk. It’s just forest floor that’s been cleared.
The paths are too narrow and bumpy for wheelchair users as far as I can judge.
What makes the March flowers in Großschwabhäuser Forst so special?
Their sheer number! March flowers rarely occur in such large numbers. Usually, you find smaller clusters, but not such a sea of green-white early bloomers covering the forest floor. That is quite unique!
If you generally appreciate early bloomers and flowers, you can also look forward to occasional winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis), liverworts (Hepatica nobilis), wood anemones (Anemone nemorosa), dog’s mercury (Mercurialis biennis), wild ginger (Asarum europaeum), primroses (Primula elatior), and a little later, Turk’s cap lilies (Lilium martagon).
Another fascinating place with many March flowers in Thuringia is the Erdengraben near the Dornburg Castles.
Interesting facts about March flowers
Did you know that spring snowflakes belong to the Amaryllis family? The small early bloomers grow to about 10 – 30 cm in height. The Latin name of the spring snowflake is Leucojum vernum.
These March flowers occur in Southern and Central Europe and are a typical sight in German spring times.
When do Spring Snowflakes bloom?
The Leucojum vernum blooms in March. Their German name is Märzenbecher, which literally translates to “March cup” due to its flowering time (March) and flower shape (bell-like).
Depending on the weather conditions (especially if it has been nice and moist), they can also bloom in February. But everything is definitely over by April.
If you see spring snowflakes in people’s gardens, you can already gage how far along they are in the forests. It takes them a few days longer due to the shadowy location.
Important + safety notes
Do not pick the flowers! (Nope, not for photos either.) They are protected.
Also, the forest Großschwabhäuser Forst is a nature reserve. That means you are not allowed to take any plants or stray off the paths and into the forest nilly willy. Stay on the trails and enjoy the view. You can take photos from low angles, so it looks like you are in the middle of the flowers but you aren’t actually.
The March flowers bloom right up to the path. You don’t need to walk into the foliage.
Also, all parts of the plants are poisonous to humans and animals. Therefore, you should definitely keep your dogs on a leash and also watch out for (small) children touching the plants (and then licking their hands).
Moreover, Thuringia is tick territory. The little critters can already be around from March onwards. Another reason to stay on the trails.
It’s best to wear long clothing. Nevertheless, it’s always advisable to carry a tick remover with you on your explorations in nature as a rule of thumb. Then you can react immediately if necessary. I use this tick card*. Alternatively, you can get special tick tweezers*.
Do not try to use regular tweezers cause they might cut the animal and cause more of the toxins to seep out and your skin to swell. Always seek out a doctor if you see any suspicious discoloration after tick removal. If a red ring shows up, it’s 100% necessary! Lyme disease is no joke.
If you are interested in further hiking tours in Thuringia, a hiking map* is worthwhile. (The one I linked is in German but it’s a map. You just need the trail depictions and geographical features anyway.)
I personally like to use the free app Maps.Me. It shows all possible hiking paths, and you can use it offline after downloading the regional map. Much more reliable than Google Maps.
Hiking tip: If you want to take a longer hike from Großschwabhausen, check out this route to the restaurant in Vollradisroda via Döbritschen.
More Germany travel tips and ideas
- Hiking the orchid trails around Jena in central Germany
- Where to find 6 million winter aconites in Thuringia
- On top of the world at Inselsberg mountain in the Thuringian Forest
- Where to go on day trips from Erfurt
