Oberhof divides neatly into two seasons. In winter, the town is all about snow: biathlon and cross-country skiing at World Cup level, downhill skiing and snowboarding on the slopes, an ice canal toboggan run open to anyone, and the buzz of international sports events. In summer, the pace shifts entirely — the Rennsteiggarten botanical garden opens, hiking trails take over from ski runs, and the Rennsteig ridge offers long walks through forested ridges. The Rennsteig-Lauf in May bridges the two seasons: a mass-participation cross-country running race along the Rennsteig that draws thousands of runners.