Steinheid: Ridge Location, Trails and Crafts

Steinheid lies on the ridge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. Hiking trails, a distinctive local mountain and insights into local crafts give the village its own character. The history of its former mining industry is also part of its story. When planning a trip, it is therefore worth exploring two sides of Steinheid: the trails through the landscape and the traces of its craft heritage, past and present.

Landscape and trails around Steinheid

Kieferle is Steinheid’s local mountain and rises 868 m above the village district. It is a distinctive landmark in the ridge landscape. Nearby, the Frankenblick on the southern slope of Fellberg offers far-reaching views. The viewpoint is on Fellberg, not in Steinheid itself.

The 6-Kuppen-Steig circular hiking trail connects Neuhaus, Lauscha, Steinach and Steinheid. From Steinheid, it leads into the Steinach Valley or along the Sandlinie to Fellbergbaude. This offers two different directions to choose from: a trail into the valley and a route to the mountain inn. The Goldpfad leads back to Steinheid through the Andruftal valley. When comparing trails for your stay, you can therefore choose between a route connecting several villages, the two routes from Steinheid mentioned above, and a trail that returns to its starting point.

Crafts and local history

Steinheid was first mentioned in a document 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 village was elevated to the status of a free mining town. The mining industry, with its 51 mines, was completely destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. In the years that followed, glassblowing and box making became important supplier trades for the Olitäten trade. This sequence links the history of mining with crafts that focused on other products and skills.

Crafts can also be a theme for visitors today: at several small craft workshops in Steinheid, visitors can watch artisans at work. There is also a factory outlet for Christmas tree decorations and a small hand-painting studio. Special requests are fulfilled there, such as painted baubles or slate plaques for special occasions. Hand-painting complements the sales with bespoke items; if you have specific ideas, you can take them into account when planning your trip.

Further insights in Neuhaus am Rennweg

The wider travel destination of Neuhaus am Rennweg offers further cultural attractions, distinct from Steinheid’s local history. Its experience museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the lives of the “Wäldler,” with opportunities to listen, linger and take an active part. In the town center stands the Gothic wooden church, consecrated in 1892 and one of the few entirely wooden churches in Germany. Its windows feature geometric and ornamental stained glass; the colors are arranged according to the ripening of grapes. Neuhaus am Rennweg thus offers its own cultural and historical focus within the wider travel destination.

Discover more destinations: Sonneberg, Lauscha, Schalkau, Mengersgereuth-Hämmern, Neuhaus am Rennweg, Judenbach, Spechtsbrunn, Steinach.

View the wider travel guide: Sonneberg District.