At its mountain railway station, Lichtenhain brings together nature experiences and technology: the Fröbelwald is right next to the mountain station, while the Maschinarium offers interactive insights into the Thuringian Mountain Railway. There are also hiking trails, the history of the railway and a seasonal Olitätenwagen. Forest themes and technical details each add their own distinctive touches to the destination.
Fröbelwald: Nature for all the senses
The Fröbelwald is Lichtenhain’s forest adventure park for children. Visitors can enjoy the forest air and sounds of nature, and experience nature with all their senses. Information about the forest and its inhabitants is part of the experience, as is the region’s traditional craftsmanship. Nature experiences, knowledge about the forest and traditional crafts therefore offer different themes at this visitor attraction.
There is also a forest education program for children’s groups: ThüringenForst offers guided tours about forestry work and the forest. Groups are asked to book an appointment, so please arrange your visit in advance.
The Maschinarium and the history of the mountain railway
The Maschinarium is located at the mountain station of the Thuringian Mountain Railway in Lichtenhain and offers an interactive insight into its technology. Visitors can explore the engine house and its drive system, which includes drive pulleys, motors and brakes. Various stations provide interactive explanations of how the mountain railway works, its technology and its special features. Here, the focus is on the railway’s mechanics rather than the forest.
The Thuringian Mountain Railway opened in 1923. The operator describes it as the world’s steepest funicular railway for transporting standard-gauge railway cars, a distinction it still holds today. The route taken by the two historic ET 479 electric railcars runs from the Lichtenhain mountain station via Oberweißbach to Cursdorf.
Plan for your journey and operating dates
Passengers can discover herbs and Olitäten in the Olitätenwagen during the ride. It operates seasonally and depending on the weather, so check before planning whether it is scheduled to run during your visit. Unlike the Fröbelwald and the Maschinarium, which are located at the mountain station, this experience takes place during the journey.
The Thuringian Mountain Railway is scheduled to be out of service from July 13 to mid-December 2026 for maintenance work. If the railway is an important part of your travel plans, take this period into account and check its current operating status before your trip.
Hiking trails connected to Lichtenhain
The “In the Footsteps of the Buckelapotheker” hiking trail starts and ends at the Lichtenhain mountain railway station. The Naturpark trail of the same name reaches both the Thuringian Mountain Railway and the Fröbelwald in Lichtenhain. So, in addition to visits to attractions at the mountain station, you can also choose hiking trails connected to these two themes.
If you plan to include the mountain railway itself, its temporary closure is an important factor.
Discover more travel destinations: Saalfeld, Kaulsdorf, Hohenwarte, Piesau, Gräfenthal, Sitzendorf, Reichmannsdorf, Middle Schwarzatal
For the broader travel overview: Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.
