In Goldisthal, the House of Nature and the pumped-storage power station offer different perspectives on hydropower. Nearby, the loop around the reservoir adds a longer hike to the theme. This puts an exhibition, a hands-on activity and a walking route side by side as different options for planning a trip.
House of Nature and hydropower
The exhibition at the House of Nature vividly presents distinctive aspects of the Thuringian Forest region, not far from the Rennsteig trail. Another focus is the use of hydropower: the House of Nature’s trail invites visitors to touch and take part, and explores different ways of harnessing hydropower. The landscape and an interactive approach to energy are therefore two distinct highlights.
The pumped-storage power station is also part of Goldisthal’s character. Since 2002, it has contributed to the energy transition and supplied thousands of households with green electricity. Together with the trail, it offers two perspectives on hydropower: its use in the hands-on activities and its contribution to the energy supply.
A circular route nearby
A well-signposted circular route leads around the Goldisthal reservoir, near Goldisthal. The route is 12 kilometers long, and the hike takes about three and a half hours. It can therefore be planned as a longer activity. The stated duration offers a concrete guide for planning your time, without needing to estimate the walking time.
The circular route is a different option from the trail at the House of Nature: here, the focus is on a longer hike around the reservoir, while there, visitors can take part in activities exploring different forms of hydropower. Those interested in both themes can treat them as separate highlights of their stay.
More discoveries in the wider Sonneberg destination
The Sonneberg district, part of the wider Sonneberg destination, lies within the Thuringian Forest Nature Park and the Thuringian Slate Land National Geopark. It also lies along the German Toy Route. These regional connections complement Goldisthal’s focus with attractions centered on hiking, geology, winter sports and culture.
Trails and geology
In Sonneberg district, the GeoPfad Bleßberghöhle (Bleßberg Cave Geo Trail) starts at the Bleßberghöhle Geopark information point at Schalkau station. The 17.6-kilometer hike leads to Seltendorf station. Information boards along the way explain the cave’s discovery, the distinctive geology along the Franconian Line fault zone, and karst features such as sinkholes, karst springs and sinking streams. The Iron Curtain Trail, the Green Belt border trail, is also among the certified hiking and cycling routes in Sonneberg district.
The hikes differ in both length and route: the reservoir trail is a 12-kilometer loop, while the Geo Trail is longer at 17.6 kilometers and runs between two railway stations. This makes it easy to choose between a loop and a hike with named start and end points.
Winter sports, summer tobogganing and local flavors
The Thüringen Alpin Skiarena Silbersattel near the slate town of Steinach is in Sonneberg district and is Thuringia’s largest and most snow-reliable ski area. As facilities and seasonal operations can change, check the latest seasonal and operating information before visiting.
At the summer toboggan run on Pappenheimer Berg near Ernstthal, a drag lift converted for summer operation pulls the sleds and their riders 500 meters uphill to the starting point. Check the latest operating dates before planning your visit. In Steinach, Ankerbräu’s experience brewery offers beer tastings and a beer bath. Check current operating information in advance.
Glass art and regional traditions
The Museum of Glass Art in Lauscha, in the wider Sonneberg destination, explores the history of glass Christmas ornaments, from 1860 to the present day, including baubles and various shapes. The production of mouth-blown Lauscha glass Christmas ornaments is also part of the region’s cultural heritage; it has been included in Germany’s nationwide Intangible Cultural Heritage register. Glass art offers a different focus from the hiking trails and hydropower attractions.
Back to the wider travel overview: Sonneberg.
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