Sauhügel

The Sauhügel is a 721.7-metre peak in the Thuringian Slate Mountains, part of the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. It stands west of Lichte and south-east of the Leibis-Lichte reservoir. The hill is made of deep-Silurian slate that contains Phycodes circinatum, a trace fossil. The rock’s high iron content gives the slopes a reddish hue visible from far away. Geologists recognise these layers as key evidence of ancient sea-floor conditions. Walkers on the Rennsteig long-distance trail pass within a kilometre of the summit. At the top a small cairn marks the highest point, surrounded by spruce and beech woodland. The view stretches across the Thuringian Forest to the Fichtelgebirge on clear days. A forest road leads almost to the summit, making the peak an easy half-day excursion.