Glassmaking and hiking trails give Piesau two very different points of interest. An important date is 1622: glass was first melted here that year. The modern glassworks still produces flacons for the international cosmetics and spirits industries. In Piesau, the early beginnings of glassmaking meet a production tradition that continues to this day—a distinctive local feature that characterizes the town beyond its nature trails.
Festivals, sports and local experiences
Every year on Walpurgis Night, the Piesner mountain witches storm Mittelberg and perform a witches’ dance around an open fire. The Piesau fair is also a fixture in the annual calendar: it takes place every August. As dates and programs may vary, it is a good idea to check the latest fair details before your trip. That way, you can plan your stay around one of these recurring events.
In summer, the athletics club “Saale-Rennsteig,” based in Piesau, organizes the “Saale-Rennsteig Marathon Run.” The route is known beyond the region for its elevation changes and romantically rugged course. If the race is a key part of your trip, check the details for the relevant edition. The herb witches also offer a fairytale-style treasure hunt for “Green Gold.” If you’re interested in this activity, check in advance whether it will be taking place at your preferred time.
Hiking, landscapes and winter activities
In and around Piesau, well-signposted hiking trails lead through the natural landscape of the Thuringian Slate Mountains; the area offers opportunities for hiking and running in both summer and winter. A trail through the Arnsbach Valley passes through gorges and along mountain streams. So when planning your time outdoors, you can take into account not only the trail network but also the area’s distinctive landscape.
In winter, the nearby Rennsteig area offers ski touring trails, cross-country ski trails and toboggan runs for active pursuits. These seasonal options add further winter activities to the hiking and running opportunities described as available year-round. A mysterious legend is also associated with the Devil’s Pulpit near Piesau—its own story, separate from the scenery of the Arnsbach Valley.
Facilities for visitors
The large playground, children’s recreation center and youth club in Piesau are also open to visitors. These three facilities complement the nature trails and events with local leisure activities. When planning, you can therefore consider not only seasonal events and outdoor activities, but also facilities in the town.
Neuhaus am Rennweg: Culture and the Rennsteig
The Rennsteig high-altitude hiking trail runs right through the center of Neuhaus am Rennweg. The Gothic wooden church there was consecrated in 1892 and is one of the few churches in Germany built entirely of wood. Its windows feature geometric and ornamental stained glass, with the colors arranged to reflect the ripening of the grapes.
The Neuhaus am Rennweg Experience Museum presents the glassmaking and local history of the Rennsteig town and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the lives of the “Wäldler”—listening, lingering and taking part in hands-on experiences. This gives Neuhaus am Rennweg its own cultural and historical focus, distinct from Piesau’s glassworks and trails.
Discover more destinations: Meura, Barigau, Lichtenhain, Unterweißbach, Reichmannsdorf, Remda-Teichel, Katzhütte, Uhlstädt-Kirchhasel
For the overview of the wider area: Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.
