Discover Steinheid

On the ridge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains, Steinheid reveals two distinctive sides: the Kieferle, its local mountain, and a history stretching from gold mining to glassblowing and box making. There are also hiking trails with clearly marked routes and small craft workshops where visitors can watch artisans at work. If you want to combine nature, local history and crafts, you can use these themes as a guide when choosing accommodation and planning your days.

High-altitude location and views

Steinheid is situated on the ridge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. The Kieferle is Steinheid’s local mountain, rising 868 m above the district. Nearby, on the southern slope of the Fellberg, the Frankenblick offers distant views. Alongside the village itself, a distinctive mountain and a viewpoint in the surrounding area can therefore help guide your trip planning.

Hiking trails in different directions

From Steinheid, the 6-Kuppen-Steig trail leads into the Steinach Valley or via the Sandlinie to the Fellbergbaude. As a circular hiking trail, it connects Neuhaus, Lauscha, Steinach and Steinheid. Each of the six eponymous peaks is over 800 m high: Bornhügel, Pappenheimer Berg, Großer Tierberg, Fellberg, Kieferle and Rollkopf. The Goldpfad leads back to Steinheid through the Andruftal Valley. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by their different features: the 6-Kuppen-Steig focuses on connecting several places and the peaks, while the Goldpfad follows the return route through the Andruftal Valley.

Mining and changes in local history

Steinheid was first documented in 1362 as “die steynerne Heyde” in a feudal charter issued by the Margrave of Meissen. Gold mining in particular was once carried out here; in 1530, the town was granted the status of a free mining town. Mining operations, with 51 mines, were completely destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. After the destruction, glassblowing and box making became important supplier trades for the Olitäten trade. These successive chapters give the town’s history a clear thread: from its early documentary mention, through its status as a mining town, to the trades that later became important to commerce.

Crafts in Steinheid

Steinheid has a factory outlet for Christmas tree decorations and a small hand-painting studio. Special requests, such as painted baubles or slate plaques for special occasions, can be fulfilled there. Visitors can also watch artisans at work in several small craft workshops. These glimpses of craftsmanship complement the themes of mountain scenery and history with a look at creative work. If you plan to visit the factory outlet or hand-painting studio, check the opening hours in advance.

More discoveries in Neuhaus am Rennweg

Neuhaus am Rennweg is the wider travel destination, with attractions of its own. The Rennsteig high-altitude trail runs right through the town. The Bogenpfad trail on the Rennsteig begins and ends at the Igelshieb sports ground, very close to the Rennsteighaus.

The experience museum in the center of Neuhaus am Rennweg explores the glassmaking history and history of timekeeping in the Rennsteig town. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the life of the “Wäldler,” listen, linger and take an active part in the experience. The Gothic wooden church in the town center was consecrated in 1892 and is one of the few entirely wooden churches in Germany. Its windows feature geometric and ornamental stained glass, with the colors arranged according to the ripening of the grapes.

Discover more destinations: Neuhaus am Rennweg, Schalkau, Föritz, Frankenblick, Goldisthal, Lauscha, Effelder-Rauenstein, Neuhaus-Schierschnitz

For the overview of the wider travel region: Sonneberg.