Steinheid: Hiking, Mining and Crafts

Steinheid lies on the ridge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. Kieferle is Steinheid’s local mountain and reaches 868 meters above sea level. Nearby, Frankenblick on the southern slope of Fellberg offers long-distance views. It is a viewpoint in the surrounding area; Kieferle, by contrast, is established as Steinheid’s local mountain.

Hiking with clearly named routes

From Steinheid, the 6-Kuppen-Steig leads either into the Steinach Valley or via the Sandlinie to Fellbergbaude. As a circular hiking trail, it connects Neuhaus, Lauscha, Steinach and Steinheid. The route description thus provides two different points of reference: the stated directions from Steinheid and the course of the circular trail linking these four places. The Goldpfad leads back to Steinheid through the Andruftal. When choosing a hiking focus, you can take these different route connections into account. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions.

Mining and local history

Steinheid was first mentioned in a document in 1362: the town appears under the name “die steynerne Heyde” in a feudal grant issued by the Margrave of Meissen. A later milestone in the town’s history followed in 1530, when Steinheid was elevated to the status of a free mining town. Gold mining in particular was once carried out here. The mining operations comprised 51 mines and were completely destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War. Afterward, glassblowing and box making became important supplier trades for the Olitäten trade.

The first documentary mention, elevation to free mining-town status and destruction of the mining operations mark different stages in the town’s history: an early documentary reference, its later status as a mining town and the end of mining. The trades that followed show that even after the destruction of the mining operations, Steinheid’s history remained connected with crafts and trade.

Local crafts

Steinheid has a factory outlet for Christmas tree decorations and a small hand-painting studio. The studio fulfills special requests, such as painted baubles or slate boards for special occasions. Visitors can also watch craftspeople at work in several small craft businesses. This offers a choice of different ways to experience craftwork: individually decorated items from the hand-painting studio and the opportunity to watch craftspeople at work. If you would like to visit the factory outlet or the studio, it is advisable to check the current opening hours in advance.

Additional attractions in Neuhaus am Rennweg

In the wider travel destination of Neuhaus am Rennweg, the Rennsteig Höhenwanderweg runs right through the town. The Neuhaus am Rennweg Erlebnis Museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the lives of the “Wäldler” and encourages them to listen, linger and actively explore. In the town center, the museum also presents the glassmaking and history of this Rennsteig town.

Another distinct cultural attraction in Neuhaus am Rennweg is the Gothic wooden church in the town center. It was consecrated in 1892 and is one of the few entirely wooden churches in Germany. Its windows feature geometric and ornamental stained glass, with the colors arranged to reflect the ripening of the grapes. Together with the Rennsteig and the Erlebnis Museum, these offer further themes within the wider travel destination that differ from Steinheid’s local history, crafts and hiking trails.

Discover more destinations: Steinach, Spechtsbrunn, Föritz, Lauscha, Goldisthal, Scheibe-Alsbach, Judenbach, Schalkau

View the wider travel overview: Sonneberg.