Steinbach-Hallenberg: Craftsmanship, Hallenburg and Nature

Discover Steinbach-Hallenberg through three main themes: metalworking, Hallenburg Castle and trails in the surrounding mountain landscape. If you are planning a stay around specific interests, you will find both a museum with historic workshops and walks and seasonal activities here. The Metalworking Museum combines the history of craftsmanship with insights into the way of life of the people of Steinbach-Hallenberg; Hallenburg offers views of the town and mountains. The wildlife park in the district of Unterschönau is another place to visit. These different themes make it easier to decide which experiences you want to shape your stay.

Craftsmanship and local history at the museum

At the Steinbach-Hallenberg Metalworking Museum, you can visit workshops preserved in their original condition and see how people worked in the past. The museum includes a nail forge, a corkscrew workshop and a file-cutting workshop. These three areas give your visit a clear focus on craftsmanship and showcase different types of workshops.

The permanent exhibition “Ons Schdaaimicher,” which opened in January 2022, offers insights into the way of life, language development and club life of the people of Steinbach-Hallenberg. It complements the workshops with a look at local everyday life and language culture. Blacksmithing demonstrations take place on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from April to October. If seeing a demonstration is important to your visit, check the specific dates before you travel.

Hallenburg and its views

Hallenburg Castle was built around 1212 on the remains of older structures. A walk uphill offers views of the town and the surrounding mountains. This excursion combines the historic castle with an outdoor walk and views across the town and landscape, while the museum focuses on craftsmanship and local culture. You may need to pick up the key from the Tourist Information office to access the tower.

Walks and excursions

The Unterlautenberg Wildlife Park in the district of Unterschönau is home to red deer, fallow deer, mouflons and goats. A circular trail about 3 km long runs along the wildlife park. Its approximate length is a useful guide if you are planning a walk; this nature excursion can be included as a separate activity alongside the museum and Hallenburg.

Knüllfeld is known as Steinbach-Hallenberg’s hiking plateau. During the summer holidays, horse-drawn carriage rides there and back to the town center are regularly offered in cooperation with Fuhrbetrieb Falk Nattermann. Along the way, you can enjoy views down into the valley and of the surrounding mountains. This gives you two different ways to experience the landscape: a walk uphill to Hallenburg and a seasonal carriage ride to Knüllfeld. Specific ride dates are published in the town’s events calendar; check it if you want to make firm plans for a ride.

Getting around town

The Steinbach-Hallenberg Tourist Information office is centrally located in the town center, directly opposite the Metalworking Museum. Free parking is available for longer stays on Bismarckstraße or on Hennebergstraße, behind the town church.

Every five years, the Burgfest is celebrated as a major town festival in honor of Hallenburg Castle. If you want the festival to determine your travel dates, check the latest date in advance.

Discover more destinations

Brotterode spa town, Bermbach, Birx, Wasungen, Henneberg, Struth-Helmershof, Viernau, Altersbach

Return to the main travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.