Schönheide combines brushmaking, local history and forest trails with a historic narrow-gauge railway. Each offers a different focus: the museum explores production and everyday objects, the trails cover topics such as plants or former ski factories, and the heritage railway takes you through the Vogtland landscape. The town lies in a wooded setting in the Western Ore Mountains, right on the border with the Vogtland. When planning your trip, consider your interests as well as seasonal operating days and changing guided activities.
Brushmaking and Local History
At the Schönheide Brushmaking and Local History Museum, machines, tools and raw materials used to make brushes and paintbrushes are displayed alongside historic brushes, brooms and paintbrushes. Documents trace the development of the trade from around 1825. The exhibits offer a look at everything from materials and production to finished household items. The upper floor is devoted to local history. Objects and documents on display include a guild charter, a journeymen’s banner and a Schönheide Christmas pyramid dating from around 1830.
The craft is also significant across the region: the Western Ore Mountains municipalities of Steinberg, Stützengrün and Schönheide are considered to have Germany’s highest concentration of brushmaking workshops. This regional context broadens the perspective beyond the museum to include all three municipalities, while the exhibition itself focuses on brushmaking, its products and Schönheide’s local history.
St Martin Luther Church and Its Building History
Schönheide’s first church was consecrated in 1596 and collapsed during a church service in 1764. The present-day Martin Luther Church came into use in 1773. Its tower dates from the first church building, stands 43.5 metres tall and contains four bells. The church brings together two stages of building history: the older tower and the church building brought into use after the collapse.
Through the Vogtland Landscape on the Heritage Railway
The historic heritage railway runs for almost five kilometres between Schönheide and Stützengrün. Along the way, the track passes through the Vogtland landscape and overcomes considerable changes in elevation. A steam locomotive built in 1892 is considered the oldest surviving steam locomotive. Operating days vary by season, so check the timetable for your travel dates.
Trails with a Variety of Themes
The “Historic Skiing” circular trail is about four kilometres long. Information boards tell the story of former ski manufacturers; the route also offers views of the Ore Mountain ridge, the Eibenstock Dam and Schönheide with its surrounding mountains. Here, information about the history of ski manufacturing meets sweeping views of the landscape.
The “Around the Kuhberg” herb nature trail has a different focus. Its information boards explain more than 200 local herbs, trees and shrubs and their uses. Guided activities may include making herb seasonings, ointments and tinctures, baking herb bread or preparing dishes with wild herbs. Activities may vary by season and provider. Check trail conditions before setting out, too.
The Vogtland Panorama Trail provides another route option: it passes the Forstmeister Hotel before reaching the first houses in Schönheide. Check the signs and trail conditions when planning your route.
Recreation and Culture at Fuchsstein Grounds
Fuchsstein Grounds has an open-air stage and serves as a local recreation area; it also hosts cultural events. As the programme varies, it is advisable to check specific dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Pobershau, Bockau, Marienberg, Neukirchen/Erzgebirge, Thalheim/Erzgebirge, Jöhstadt, Gehringswalde, Jahnsdorf/Erzgebirge
Go to the main travel overview: Erzgebirgskreis.
