Schnett on Simmersberg: Nature, Views and Traditions

Schnett lies on the southern slope of the 780 m-high Simmersberg. From the summit, views stretch across Thuringia and Franconia. The landscape, outdoor activities and local traditions offer different points of interest for planning your trip.

Nature and activities in Schnett

Schnett has a nature trail that also serves as a fitness trail. Both names refer to the same route: nature and exercise are combined in one offering. There is also a 150 m-long toboggan run on the Simmersberg in Schnett. This is a separate activity from the trail; snow and operating conditions are essential for tobogganing. Check these before your visit. This lets you distinguish between a nature and exercise trail and a snow-dependent tobogganing option when planning.

Church and local traditions

St. Oswald’s Church is another cultural focal point in Schnett. Visitors repeatedly admire its interior paintings, which are considered unique throughout the region. This offers a distinct cultural point of interest for travellers who want to include religious art alongside the landscape in their interests.

The Hullefraansnacht is also part of local tradition. It takes place every year and is considered a cultural highlight; it includes the “wild run into the new year.” Residents of all ages actively keep the tradition alive. The church offers a lasting connection to art, while the Hullefraansnacht provides an annual occasion. If you are considering a trip around New Year, check the exact event date.

Masserberg: Nature and outdoor activities

Masserberg lies directly on the Rennsteig and is surrounded by forest meadows, beech woods and spruce forests. Numerous well-marked hiking trails and the Rennsteig make it possible to hike through the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. Along the ridge, you can walk comfortably in various directions with little change in elevation, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. If elevation is important for your plans, the small changes in elevation along the ridge provide a useful point of reference.

The barefoot path in Masserberg runs over natural forest soil, sharp wood chips, wooden tree slices and soft moss. The different materials are the path’s defining feature. This gives you a clear idea of how it differs from the hikes and carriage ride described above.

History and views in Masserberg

The Evangelical Mountain Church in Masserberg was consecrated on 9 October 1883. The church that had previously stood there was destroyed in a fire in 1880. Since the third Sunday of Advent in 1980, the church has housed the “Masserberg Christ the King.” The Greiz sculptor Elly-Viola Nahmmacher carved the artwork from a lime tree trunk; it is 3 m high and 2.65 m wide. This sequence of dates connects the history of the church building with a work of art added later.

Another viewpoint in Masserberg is the Rennsteigwarte on 842 m-high Eselsberg. From there, panoramic views extend across the Thuringian Forest and its foothills. The observation tower was built in 1974. Two earlier wooden towers had been destroyed: one in 1951 by a storm, the other in 1974 by a lightning strike. The views and construction history offer two different ways to learn about this structure.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Kilian, Nahetal-Waldau, Langenbach, Themar, Sachsenbrunn, Oberstadt, Lichtenau, Ehrenberg

Return to the main travel overview: Hildburghausen-Suhl.