Piesau: Glassmaking Tradition, Hiking Trails and Customs

Piesau brings together a long glassmaking tradition, customs, legendary tales and hiking trails through the natural landscape of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. Those choosing the town for a trip can give different weight to culture and outdoor activities: glassmaking history and festivals offer a different focus from trails through gorges and alongside mountain streams. This combination gives you concrete pointers for planning your travel dates and accommodation around the experiences that matter to you.

Glassmaking Tradition and Customs

Glass was first melted in Piesau in 1622. The modern glassworks in Piesau continues to produce flacons for the international cosmetics and spirits industries. For travelers interested in craftsmanship and industrial history, the town thus combines a historic beginning with production that continues to this day.

Two annual events are among the local customs. Every year on Walpurgis Night, the Piesner Mountain Witches climb the Mittelberg and perform a witches’ dance around an open fire. The Piesau fair takes place every year in August; dates and program may vary. If you are traveling for a particular festival, plan your trip around the relevant dates.

A mysterious legend is associated with the Devil’s Pulpit near Piesau. In addition, the Herb Witches offer a fairytale treasure hunt for “Green Gold.” The legend and treasure hunt provide a different way to discover Piesau than its glass production: local folklore and a fairytale-themed experience spark curiosity. If the treasure hunt is part of your travel plans, check in advance whether it is being offered during your visit.

There are also specific local options to consider when planning a trip with children: the large playground, children’s recreation center and youth club in Piesau are also open to visitors.

Hiking Trails and Outdoor Activities Throughout the Year

Well-marked hiking trails in and around Piesau wind through the natural landscape of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. The area offers conditions for hiking and running in both summer and winter. A trail through the Arnsbach Valley passes through gorges and alongside mountain streams. For anyone who pays attention to landscape features while hiking, these gorges and streams make the valley trail a distinctive nature experience.

Nearby, along the Rennsteig, winter ski-hiking trails, cross-country ski trails and toboggan runs invite you to enjoy outdoor activities. The seasonal options therefore differ: hiking and running are possible in the surrounding area in both summer and winter, while the Rennsteig also offers activities specifically for winter.

The summer calendar also features the race organized by the athletics club “Saale-Rennsteig,” based in Piesau. The club organizes the “Saale-Rennsteig Marathon” in summer. The course is known throughout the region for its elevation gain and wild, romantic route. If you would like to experience the race, check the date before planning your trip.

Plan Your Travel Dates and Accommodation Together

When looking for accommodation in Piesau, it helps to decide on the purpose of your trip first. A stay around Walpurgis Night or the fair calls for different dates than a trip focused on hiking, the treasure hunt or the summer race. If you are traveling with children, you can also factor the playground, children’s recreation center and youth club into your plans.

Discover more destinations: Meura, Schwarzburg, Meuselbach-Schwarzmühle, Rudolstadt, Leutenberg, Reichmannsdorf, Leutnitz, Königsee-Rottenbach.

See the wider travel overview: Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.