Lichtenhain: Discover the Mountain Railway, Forest and Technology

In Lichtenhain, nature experiences meet insights into the technology of the Thuringian Mountain Railway. The Fröbel Forest and the Maschinarium are located at the mountain station; the mountain railway and two hiking trails also give your trip some specific points of interest. When planning, you can consider whether the forest, railway technology or a ride is among your main interests.

Experience the forest and discover railway technology

The Fröbel Forest is right beside the mountain station in Lichtenhain and is designated as a forest experience area for children. Visitors can enjoy the forest air, sounds of nature and the natural environment with all their senses. You can learn about the forest, its inhabitants and the region’s traditional crafts. For families with children, this offers a specific focus on nature and discovery: the forest itself, its inhabitants and regional craft traditions are all part of the experience.

Those more interested in technology will find the Maschinarium at the same mountain station. It offers an interactive insight into the mountain railway’s technology. In the engine house, you can learn about the drive system, drive pulleys, motors and brakes. Various stations also explain how the mountain railway works, its technology and its special features in an interactive way. The visit takes you from looking at individual machine components to understanding their function in railway operations.

The forest and technology offer different experiences, but both are at the mountain station: the Fröbel Forest focuses on nature and traditional crafts, while the Maschinarium focuses on the engine house and the mountain railway’s technology. If you are planning a trip with children, you can decide which theme better suits your interests: exploring the forest together or enjoying an interactive insight into technology.

Thuringian Mountain Railway: check the route and operating period

The Thuringian Mountain Railway opened in 1923. It is described as the world’s steepest funicular railway for transporting standard-gauge railway carriages. The railway has two historic ET 479 electric railcars; the route runs from the Lichtenhain mountain station via Oberweißbach to Cursdorf. This makes Lichtenhain a specific starting point for including a railway journey in your travel plans.

The stated period is important if you plan to travel by rail: due to maintenance work, the Thuringian Mountain Railway will be out of service from 13 July until mid-December 2026. Check the latest service information before travelling. On the Olitäten carriage, passengers can discover herbs and Olitäten (traditional herbal remedies) during the journey; this service is seasonal and weather-dependent. If you are interested, take both conditions into account when planning.

Hiking trails with different points of reference

The “In the Footsteps of the Buckelapotheker” hiking trail starts and ends at Lichtenhain mountain railway station. The nature park trail of the same name reaches both the Thuringian Mountain Railway and the Fröbel Forest in Lichtenhain. The two trails therefore offer different points of reference: the hiking trail has its start and finish at the station, while the nature park trail reaches both destinations in Lichtenhain. Check local information before setting out.

For groups of children, ThüringenForst offers forest education tours about forestry and the forest. You should arrange an appointment for these; confirm the arrangements before visiting. This offer complements the Fröbel Forest’s nature themes with insights into forestry and forest education, but is specifically intended for groups of children.

Lichtenhain as a place to search for your trip

If the mountain railway, forest and railway technology shape your travel interests, you can include Lichtenhain in your accommodation search. The attractions mentioned at the mountain station provide clear points of reference: the Fröbel Forest focuses on nature and crafts, while the Maschinarium focuses on the mountain railway’s technology. If you want to include a train journey, take the announced service break into account and check the latest information. This lets you choose a search location based on the experiences that really matter for your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sitzendorf, Remda-Teichel, Barigau, Meura, Oberweißbach/Thüringer Wald, Leutnitz, Rudolstadt, Unterhain.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.