Altenfeld: Hiking, Glassmaking Traditions and Local History
Accommodation in Altenfeld
Altenfeld combines hiking opportunities in forests and valleys with a long glassmaking tradition and a distinctive local history. It also offers cultural venues in the community center and leisure activities at the forest swimming pool. When planning your visit, you can choose different priorities: a hike on the Haube, insights into local glassmaking history, or time for other leisure activities.
Hiking on the Haube and toward the Rennsteig
Extensive forests and valleys with clear streams invite you to enjoy walks and hikes in Altenfeld. The circular trail to the Haube leads to the two peaks of the local mountain. Depending on the route you choose, it is 5 to 10 km long. This range gives you a concrete guide when choosing a shorter or longer option for your tour.
The certified Pilzsteig health hiking trail starts at Altenfeld’s market square or at Heubachsberg. This means there are two possible starting points for this trail, while the Haube is described as a circular hike to both peaks. The Rennsteig is the high-altitude hiking trail of the Thuringian Forest and is also the destination of another tour: The “Around the Rotkopf” ski hike starts on Neustädter Straße at the edge of Altenfeld and continues to the Rennsteig. As winter conditions vary, we recommend checking the current trail conditions before setting out.
Glass, the gallery and Altenfeld’s architectural history
Altenfeld’s glassmaking tradition dates back to the founding of a glassworks in 1646. Glassmaking and glass finishing remain local traditions. Glassblowing demonstrations are available by group registration or from master glassblower Thomas Krannich at Masserberger Straße 14 in Altenfeld. If you are planning to attend a demonstration, arrange your visit in advance.
The exhibition on Altenfeld’s glassmaking tradition and local history opened at the community center in July 2002, on the occasion of the 2nd Thuringian Hiking Summer. Visits are possible during official events held by the local heritage association or by prior arrangement. The community center also houses the Kleine Galerie, which presents changing thematic exhibitions. If you are planning a specific gallery visit, it is worth checking the current program. The Eger Musical Instruments Museum is named as a visitor attraction in Altenfeld; check its current opening hours before visiting.
The church also offers a tangible glimpse into local history. It was built between 1738 and 1741 as an octagonal, slate-clad half-timbered structure in the so-called Peasant Baroque style. It has been a listed building since 1983. Its floor plan, construction and style give the church a distinctive architectural character and set it apart thematically from the exhibition venues in the community center.
Swimming, beach volleyball and a winter event
The forest swimming pool in Altenfeld has a water slide and diving boards. Next to the pool is a beach volleyball facility with three courts. If you are planning a visit to the pool, check its current opening hours in advance.
For a winter outing, the “Around the Rotkopf” ski hike starts on Neustädter Straße at the edge of the village and leads to the Rennsteig. The “Trans-Thuringia” sled dog race is also connected to the landscape: The event area lies along the Rennsteig in and around Altenfeld. If you would like to plan your trip around the race, check the event dates in advance.
GroĂźbreitenbach as the wider travel destination
In the wider travel destination of GroĂźbreitenbach, a plateau stretches between the Langer Berg, the Schwarza Valley and the Rennsteig high-altitude hiking trail. GroĂźbreitenbach is a state-recognized resort and lies around 50 kilometers south of Erfurt and about 15 kilometers southeast of Ilmenau.
A distinct focus on cultural history in GroĂźbreitenbach is the St. Trinity Church. It has 600 seats and is the largest half-timbered church in Thuringia. Construction began in 1679, based on the plans of Andreas Rudolphi, the state master builder of Saxe-Gotha, to replace the dilapidated Johannis Church; it was consecrated in 1690. Johannis Church had been built in 1570 and collapsed in 1771, leaving only its church tower. The wooden baptismal font in St. Trinity Church dates from 1677 and was transferred from the old Johannis Church. The church is entirely clad in slate; a distinctive hexagonal roof turret sits atop the steep roof of the broad nave.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Bösleben-Wüllersleben, Gehren, Elxleben, Ichtershausen, Langewiesen, Großliebringen, Gräfenroda, Gehlberg.
Return to the wider travel overview: Ilm District.
