Lauscha can be explored through one distinctive theme: glass Christmas ornaments. The Museum of Glass Art, the Farbglashütte glassworks and the annual Kugelmarkt offer different ways to discover it—from exhibitions and collections to watching glass being made. There are also hiking and cycling trails, as well as seasonal activities in Lauscha and the district of Ernstthal.
Glass Art and Advent in Lauscha
The exhibition at the Museum of Glass Art in Lauscha traces the history of glass Christmas ornaments from 1860 to the present day. It features baubles and a variety of shapes. The museum also displays a significant collection of glass products from Lauscha and the Thuringian Forest. This brings together the development of Christmas ornaments and the diversity of glass products. Lauscha is regarded as the birthplace of glass Christmas ornaments, giving the museum’s theme a direct connection to the town.
The FarbglashĂĽtte Lauscha glassworks offers another way to experience the glassmaking tradition: visitors can watch a glassmaking demonstration and observe glassmakers at work. This includes the manual drawing of tubes and rods, as well as the production of finished glass objects. The museum focuses on exhibitions and collections, while the glassworks lets visitors observe the steps involved in making glass.
The traditional Kugelmarkt is held every year during Advent, extends throughout the town, and features glassware dealers and regional artisans. Advent is therefore the right time to visit for anyone planning to attend the market. Check the exact event dates before travelling.
Hiking, Cycling and Summer Activities
For a longer hike, the “Hike Between Glass and Slate” starts in Lauscha. This moderately difficult circular route is 12 kilometres long and has 313 metres of elevation gain. Its distance, elevation gain and stated difficulty provide specific points of reference when choosing a route. In summer, you can also explore the natural surroundings of the glassmaking town of Lauscha on numerous hiking and cycling trails.
The summer toboggan run on Pappenheimer Berg in the Lauscha district of Ernstthal is another seasonal excursion. It is 1,300 metres long. For a trip focused on glass history and culture, it offers a different experience from the exhibitions and the work at the glassworks.
Winter Activities in Ernstthal
Erlebniswelt Ernstthal is located on the northern slope of the 835-metre-high Pappenheimer Berg in the Lauscha district of Ernstthal. It has three family-friendly downhill ski runs, ranging from easy to difficult. When winter conditions are suitable, the Erlebniswelt team also prepares various ski touring trails with a total length of up to 18 kilometres. The slopes and ski touring trails offer different options: the former are downhill runs, while the latter are prepared routes for ski touring. The conditions described are key when planning winter activities.
Further Perspectives in the Wider Destination of Sonneberg
The district of Sonneberg, part of the wider destination of Sonneberg, lies in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park and the Slate Land National Geopark; it also runs along the German Toy Road. Its cultural heritage also includes the making of mouth-blown glass Christmas ornaments from Lauscha, which has been added to the nationwide Intangible Cultural Heritage register.
Another hiking option in the wider destination of Sonneberg is the Bleßberghöhle Geo Trail. The 17.6-kilometre hike starts at the Bleßberghöhle Geopark information point at Schalkau station and leads to Seltendorf station. Information boards along the route explain the story of the cave’s discovery, the geology of the Franconian Line fault zone, and karst features such as sinkholes, karst springs and disappearing streams. For a winter option, the Thüringen Alpin Skiarena Silbersattel is located near the slate town of Steinach in the district of Sonneberg. It is considered Thuringia’s largest and most snow-reliable ski area; facilities and seasonal operations may change. Check current conditions before planning a day of skiing.
Discover more destinations: Mengersgereuth-Hämmern, Föritz, Goldisthal, Scheibe-Alsbach, Sonneberg, Neuhaus-Schierschnitz, Steinach, Schalkau.
Back to the wider travel overview: Sonneberg.
