Boxberg

Boxberg lies in the Thuringian Basin, five kilometres southwest of Gotha. Its name recalls the sheep and bucks that once grazed its slopes, and the older spelling ‘Bocksberg’ still appears on some signs. The town spreads across a hilly ridge covering five square kilometres, and the autobahn cuts the ridge in two. Two transport routes cross the area: the Thuringian Forest railway and the Leina Canal. The town is best known for its horse-racing track. Built in the 19th century in the English style, it remains in regular use. In August 2022 the Royal Ranger scouting movement held its Bundescamp here, bringing more than sixteen thousand campers onto the racecourse. A temporary stadium was erected for the event, and the grounds were filled with tents and banners. Visitors find a quiet town framed by gentle hills. The racing track sits at the centre, its grandstands and rails unchanged since the 1800s. Beyond the track, the canal and railway run parallel, linking Boxberg to the wider Thuringian landscape. The surrounding fields and wooded slopes offer short walks, while the autobahn’s noise reminds walkers of the modern world nearby.