Vesser is a state-recognized resort. In winter, winter hiking and cross-country skiing offer different options; marked trails around Vesser lead through meadow landscapes where some rare plants can be found. This gives travel planning two clear focuses: cross-country ski trails and winter paths on the one hand, and walks through the meadow landscape on the other. This status may change over time; check that it is current when planning a trip at a later date.
Winter Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing
For cross-country skiing, there is a signposted trail garden with loop routes of 2 and 3 km. Both routes can be skied in either the classic or freestyle technique. The 2 km loop is the shorter of the two options; the 3 km loop covers a longer distance. There are also numerous kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails around Vesser. This lets you compare the two stated loop lengths with the wider range of trails around the town. Check the current trail conditions before setting off. Winter hiking is another option in Vesser and remains a separate activity from cross-country skiing when planning your trip.
Meadow Paths and Mining
The landscape also shapes the choice of routes on foot. Marked hiking trails around Vesser lead through meadow landscapes where some rare plants can be found. The meadows and their plants are therefore part of the trail landscape, along with the marked routes. Hikers can take in both: the course of the trails and the areas of special plant life along the meadows.
The landscape around Vesser includes a mining education trail and a mining museum. The “Schwarze Crux” visitor mine is one of a small group of magnetite mines in Thuringia, where sought-after iron ore was mined for centuries. The visitor mine is currently temporarily closed. If you are considering a visit, check beforehand whether it has reopened.
Culture in Schleusingen
Schleusingen offers its own historic landmark in Bertholdsburg Castle. The Renaissance building is flanked by four towers and features magnificent portals. Until 1583, the castle was the seat of the Counts of Henneberg; today it houses the Natural History Museum. Three major exhibitions fill nearly 2,000 m² across the east, north and west wings. Highlights include dinosaur skeletons from southern Thuringia measuring 5 to 6 m long. Check the current visitor arrangements before visiting the museum, as they may change.
The market square in the center of Schleusingen is also a notable cultural site: lined with linden trees, the square is adorned with a market fountain dating from 1710, featuring a statue of Countess Elisabeth of Henneberg. The town festival includes the annual Abitaufe, held on the second-to-last weekend before the summer holidays. High school graduates from the Hennebergisches Gymnasium “Georg Ernst” are pulled through town in brightly decorated handcarts and then ceremonially baptized, after Countess Elisabeth’s face on the market fountain has been veiled. As the date depends on the summer holidays, check the exact town festival dates before traveling.
For the broader travel overview: Suhl.
