Neuhaus am Rennweg: Hiking, Cycling and Glass History

Neuhaus am Rennweg offers specific starting points for planning a trip focused on nature and culture: the Rennsteig high-altitude hiking trail runs right through the town, museums explore glass and local history, and the Gothic wooden church adds a distinctive architectural touch. Consider whether hiking, cycling or local history will be the focus of your stay.

Hiking and Cycling

The Rennsteig high-altitude hiking trail runs right through the town. The Bogenpfad trail on the Rennsteig has a precisely specified start and finish: both are at the Igelshieb sports field, close to the Rennsteighaus. This makes it easy to distinguish between the high-altitude trail that passes through town and the path that starts and ends at the sports field.

Cyclists also have several routes to choose from: the Rennsteig Cycle Path and the Schwarzatal Cycle Path reach Neuhaus am Rennweg. The Werratal Cycle Tour often starts in the town. According to the tourist information office, you can travel with a bicycle on the Südthüringen-Bahn or on a bus that carries bicycles from Saalfeld. As timetables and bicycle carriage options may change, check them before your trip.

At the town’s tourist information office, you can book hikes on the Rennsteig and walks to historically significant sites, with or without a certified nature and landscape guide. If you are planning such a tour, check availability in advance.

Glass History and Architecture

The Neuhaus am Rennweg Experience Museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the lives of the “Wäldler” and offers opportunities to listen, linger and take part in hands-on experiences. In the town centre, it explores the glass and local history of the Rennsteig town. Glass and local history of Neuhaus am Rennweg are also the focus of the Geißlerhaus, located in the birthplace of Dr Heinrich Geißler (1814–1879).

The Gothic wooden church in the town centre was consecrated in 1892 and is one of the few all-wooden churches in Germany. Its windows feature geometric and ornamental stained glass, with the colours arranged to reflect the ripening of grapes. The architectural style, year of consecration and window design offer different perspectives on the building.

More Destinations and Practical Information

The seasonal Waldbad Bernhardsthal outdoor swimming pool is nearby, about 300 metres before the entrance to Neuhaus am Rennweg, on the B 281 from the direction of Eisfeld. It has a natural swimming pool with a separate non-swimmer area, a beach volleyball court and a playground. Check the seasonal opening times before your visit.

The Rennsteighaus is close to the hiking car park and the Igelshieb railway stop. Its service facilities include showers, a toilet, a lounge and two outdoor bicycle lockers. If you are planning to use a specific facility, check its current status in advance.

The 54th Rennsteig Run is scheduled to start in 2027 at the sports field by the Guts-Muths sports hall in Neuhaus am Rennweg. If you are planning your trip around the race, check the details for the 2027 event.

Glass History in the Wider Destination of Sonneberg

Glass history is also part of the wider destination of Sonneberg. The Museum of Glass Art in Lauscha traces the history of glass Christmas ornaments, from baubles to a variety of shapes, from 1860 to the present day. The craft of making mouth-blown Lauscha Christmas ornaments has been included in the nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Discover more destinations: Siegmundsburg, Mengersgereuth-Hämmern, Lauscha, Spechtsbrunn, Scheibe-Alsbach, Schalkau, Goldisthal, Steinheid

Back to the wider travel overview: Sonneberg.