Neuhaus-Schierschnitz: Castle, Local History Museum and Geo Trails

Neuhaus-Schierschnitz combines local history with destinations for hikers and cyclists. The castle and Local History Museum reflect the town’s history, while two Geo Trails offer different points of interest. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a skate park.

The Castle and Its Architecture

Neuhaus Castle was first mentioned in historical records in 1315 and has been a ruin since 1634. The Local History Museum is housed in a half-timbered building with a mansard roof covered in slate. The slate, half-timbering and roof shape give the museum building its distinctive architectural character and complement the town’s historical themes with a glimpse of its architecture. There is also a local heritage room. If you are planning a visit to the Local History Museum, check the latest information on access.

Two Geo Trails, Different Routes

The path to Gessendorf Spring branches off from the Steinkohle Geo Trail at the castle. It passes through the district of Gessendorf into the Green Belt and continues to the spring. Gessendorf Spring is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists. The route makes the spring its destination and connects it with the section through Gessendorf.

The Sand Mining Geo Trail runs for 6.5 kilometres through the Biene woodland. The route includes a view of Schottenberg and a return leg via the district of Mark, through a meadow valley to the Rathaus car park. The route offers hikers and cyclists natural, sandy paths through pine and spruce forests. The two descriptions highlight different features: the Gessendorf Spring route ends at a named destination, while the length, viewpoint and route through Biene and Mark provide guidance for a longer loop on the Sand Mining Geo Trail.

Outdoor Pool and Other Local Facilities

The Neuhaus-Schierschnitz outdoor swimming pool is located directly on the B89 and is surrounded by trees. If you are planning a visit, it is advisable to check the seasonal opening hours. Neuhaus-Schierschnitz also has a skate park and a local heritage room. Check the latest access information for these facilities before visiting.

More destinations in the wider Föritztal travel region

Föritztal is considered a transition area where southern Thuringia and Upper Franconia merge seamlessly. In the wider Föritztal travel region, Neuhaus Castle was built in the 13th century as a relatively modest complex. Schloss Neuhaus was remodelled in the Neo-Renaissance style between 1902 and 1904 by its then owner, Hermann von Walther.

At the Rotheul Observatory, visitors can use telescopes to observe, among other things, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, star clusters, nebulae and distant galaxies. Guided tours and observing sessions are arranged by prior agreement. The Chapel of St. Niklas was already standing in Judenbach before the end of the 14th century; it was extended into a church in 1455. In the wider Föritztal travel region, the Steinkohle Geo Trail is also suitable for cyclists, apart from a few sections.

Discover more destinations: Lauscha, Sonneberg, Frankenblick, Steinheid, Steinach, Effelder-Rauenstein, Schalkau, Goldisthal.

Back to the wider travel guide: Sonneberg.