Inselbergschanze Ski-Jump Arena & Seimberg Viewpoint
Brotterode punches well above its size in winter sports, and the Inselbergschanze — the Werner Lesser II Ski Jump Arena — is the dramatic proof. Even in summer, standing at the Seimberg viewpoint at 622 metres and looking across at the massive ramp framed by the Großer Inselsberg is one of the most unexpectedly cinematic moments in the entire Thuringian Forest.
A winter-sports landmark reborn
The Inselbergschanze has hosted FIS Continental Cup ski-jumping events and is a storied venue in German winter sports, named after local legend Werner Lesser II.
The arena is currently undergoing major reconstruction — a new, modern facility is being built to secure the future of international ski-jumping competition in Brotterode, so visitors right now witness a venue in exciting transition.
The Seimberg viewpoint
Perched on the northern slope of the Seimberg at 622 metres, the viewpoint directly faces both the ski-jump structure and the Großer Inselsberg behind it — a composition that mountain-bikers and hikers rate as one of the finest in the region.
The spot is easily reached on the signed 'Sehenswürdigkeiten-Tour' walking loop from the town centre, passing below the jump ramps before climbing to the overlook.
Summer at the arena
Outside the competition season the area around the ski-jump is open for exploration, and the surrounding slopes are laced with mountain-bike trails that made this hill one of the earliest downhill venues in Thuringia.
The Inselberg Funpark's summer toboggan run is just minutes away on the same hillside, making this corner of Brotterode a genuine all-season adventure hub.
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