Altenfeld can be explored through two specific themes: glassmaking and glass processing, which have been practised since 1646, and walks and hikes through a landscape of extensive forests, valleys and clear streams. The town also has a history of its own, a listed half-timbered church and several different trails. When planning your visit, you can focus on cultural history, outdoor activities or both.
Glassmaking Tradition and Local History
Since a glassworks was founded in 1646, glassmaking and glass processing have been enduring traditions in Altenfeld. The exhibition on glassmaking tradition and local history opened at the community centre in July 2002, on the occasion of the 2nd Thuringian Hiking Summer. Visits are possible during official events organised by the local history society or by prior arrangement.
The community centre is also home to the Kleine Galerie, which hosts changing themed exhibitions. The Eger Musical Automata Museum is also mentioned as a visitor attraction in Altenfeld. Each destination has its own focus: the exhibition is dedicated to glassmaking tradition and local history, while the gallery presents changing exhibition themes.
Glassblowing demonstrations are available by group booking or from master glassblower Thomas Krannich at Masserberger Straße 14 in Altenfeld. Arrange your visit in advance. This lets you connect the area’s long glassmaking tradition with a specific craft, without confusing the demonstration with an exhibition that is freely open to visitors.
Church and Architectural History
The church in Altenfeld was built between 1738 and 1741 on an octagonal floor plan, as a slate-clad half-timbered structure in the so-called peasant Baroque style. It has been a listed monument since 1983. Its form, materials and date of construction provide another clearly defined focus for the town’s history, alongside its glassmaking tradition.
Hiking Trails and Winter Tours
Depending on the route chosen, the circular trail to the two peaks of Hausberg Haube is 5 to 10 kilometres long. The certified Pilzsteig health hiking trail starts at Altenfeld’s market square or at Heubachsberg. These details provide two different reference points for planning your outing: the Haube circular trail has a stated distance, while the Pilzsteig’s starting points are specified.
The Rennsteig is the high-altitude hiking trail of the Thuringian Forest. One winter option is the “Rund um den Rotkopf” ski hike: it starts on Neustädter Straße at the edge of Altenfeld and continues to the Rennsteig. Winter conditions can vary, so check them before setting out.
The landscape along the Rennsteig in and around Altenfeld is the venue for the “Trans-Thuringia” sled dog race. If you would like to include the race in your travel plans, check the event dates for your travel period.
More Leisure Activities
Altenfeld’s outdoor swimming pool has a waterslide and diving boards. Next to the pool is a beach volleyball facility with three courts. If you plan to visit the pool, check its current opening hours in advance.
Discover more destinations: Gräfenroda, Wolfsberg, Gehren, Ichtershausen, Kirchheim, Ilmtal, Wachsenburggemeinde, Elleben.
For the overview of the wider area, see: Ilm-Kreis.
