Discover Sonneberg: Toys, History and Nature

Several distinct themes are available for a stay in Sonneberg: the history of toys, a tour of the old town, nature stops and trails for outdoor activities. The places and routes below offer specific pointers to help you decide which focus best suits your travel plans.

Toys and City History

The German Toy Museum in Sonneberg exhibits 5,000 toys that trace the history of toys from their beginnings to the present day. The number of items on display may change. The collection pieces on permanent display include the “Thuringian Fair”: 67 lifelike figures depict a typical rural folk festival from the Thuringian-Franconian region in the 19th century. The museum also has three play areas. You can therefore explore both a broad historical overview of toys and a single scene with historical and regional significance.

The Historic Mile in Sonneberg is a walking tour through the old town to the roots of former toy production sites. Along 16 information boards, visitors learn about the history of the toy industry, its buildings, and the lives and work of local residents. While the museum showcases toys and their history, the mile focuses on former production and the old town.

City Park and Nature Themes

Sonneberg City Park covers 1.4 hectares and was established in the 19th century as a private public park by a Sonneberg toy manufacturer. The park is also home to the approximately 250-metre-long “Small Animals Up Close” trail, developed in 2026. It has seven stations and is designed for children and is almost barrier-free. Some sections have gravel paths with slight inclines; take these into account when planning your visit. The park thus combines a story about its origins with a short, themed trail.

Sonneberg Zoo is located in the Neufang district, at an altitude of almost 650 metres and surrounded by a coniferous forest. It is home to more than 100 animals from 35 species; these numbers may change. You can include nature themes in your travel plans in different ways: through the seven stations in the city park or through the animals at the zoo.

Trails Around Sonneberg

In Spechtsbrunn, a district of Sonneberg, the Rennsteig hiking trail passes through the city's northern outskirts. Also in Spechtsbrunn, hikers, cyclists and skiers use designated trails along the former inner-German border. The details vary by trail and activity: the Rennsteig hiking trail is identified as a specific route, while the trails along the former border are designated for three activities.

Another point of reference is the Sonneberg circular hiking trail. It starts and ends at the tourist information office at Sonneberg Central Station. Together with the trails in Spechtsbrunn, it offers a separate option for planning outdoor activities; the information given specifies the location or the start and end points in each case.

Astronomy as Another Theme

The Astronomy Museum at Sonneberg Observatory adds an exhibition theme beyond toys and city history. The exhibition covers astronomy, including topics from the solar system and meteorites. This means you can choose from historical themes as well as nature and science when planning your trip. You can focus on whichever of these subjects interests you most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Föritz, Spechtsbrunn, Effelder-Rauenstein, Steinach, Neuhaus-Schierschnitz, Goldisthal, Judenbach, Schalkau

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