When planning a stay in Frankenblick, the themes of the wider Sonneberg destination may also be relevant. These include cultural history relating to Lauscha Christmas ornaments, geological insights and outdoor activities. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to consider which kind of outing interests you most: crafts and history, a hike with geological points of interest, or a seasonal leisure activity. The regional examples differ in character, so you can choose among them based on your interests.
Christmas ornaments and regional culture
The Museum of Glass Art in Lauscha traces the history of glass Christmas ornaments from 1860 to the present day, featuring baubles and various shapes. This long time span gives the subject a historical perspective; at the same time, the craft of making mouth-blown Lauscha glass Christmas ornaments has been included in Germany’s Nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This offers two distinct perspectives: the history of the ornaments and the craft of making them. The Sonneberg district also lies along the German Toy Road. This route provides a separate regional connection that complements the cultural overview.
Geology on the GeoPath
The Sonneberg district is located in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park and the Slate Country National Geopark. The geological focus is brought to life on the Bleßberg Cave GeoPath: the 17.6-kilometre hike starts at the Bleßberg Cave Geopark Information Centre at Schalkau station and leads to Seltendorf station. Information boards explain the history of the cave’s discovery, the geology of the fault zone along the Franconian Line, and karst features such as sinkholes, karst springs and disappearing streams. The route length and named endpoints make it possible to gauge the scope of the hike in advance; the information boards also give it a clear geological focus.
Hiking trails and seasonal outings
The certified hiking and cycling routes in the Sonneberg district also include the Iron Curtain Trail (Green Belt Border Trail). For a winter sports outing, the Thüringen Alpin Skiarena Silbersattel is near the slate town of Steinach in the Sonneberg district. It is Thuringia’s largest ski area and the one with the most reliable snow. Since facilities and seasonal operations can change, check opening hours before visiting.
The summer toboggan run on Pappenheimer Berg near Ernstthal offers a different seasonal activity. Its drag lift has been adapted for summer operation and pulls the sleds and their riders 500 metres uphill to the starting point. Check operating dates before setting off. The regional options therefore differ not only in theme, but also in season and type of activity.
Brewery experiences in Steinach
The Ankerbräu brewery experience in Steinach offers beer tastings and a beer bath. If either experience is important to your plans, ask about current availability before your trip. This lets you tailor a visit to your interest in beer culture.
Discover more destinations: Mengersgereuth-Hämmern, Judenbach, Scheibe-Alsbach, Spechtsbrunn, Effelder-Rauenstein, Neuhaus Am Rennweg, Steinheid, Föritz.
See the wider travel overview: Sonneberg.
