Neuhaus am Rennweg is a destination where the Rennsteig high-altitude trail runs right through the town. Other highlights include a Gothic wooden church, museums devoted to glass and local history, and cycling routes that reach the town.
The Rennsteig and key landmarks
The Rennsteig high-altitude trail runs through Neuhaus am Rennweg. The “Bogenpfad am Rennsteig” (Arch Trail on the Rennsteig) has its own starting and finishing point: the Igelshieb sports ground, right next to the Rennsteighaus. If you are planning a guided tour, you can book Rennsteig hikes and walks to historically significant destinations at the town’s tourist information office, with or without a certified nature and landscape guide. Booking availability may change, so check in advance.
The Rennsteighaus is close to the hiking car park and the Igelshieb rail stop. As a service station, it has showers, toilets, a common room and two outdoor bicycle lockers. Check the current facilities before visiting. The location details help distinguish the Arch Trail’s starting point from nearby landmarks and service facilities.
Wooden church and glass history
The Gothic wooden church in the town centre 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. The colours of the glass are arranged to reflect the ripening of grapes—a striking detail that draws attention to the church’s design.
The interactive museum in the town centre explores the glass and history of this Rennsteig town. It also focuses on the lives of the “Wäldler” (forest dwellers) and invites visitors to listen, linger and take an active part. Another museum is the Geißlerhaus, located in the birthplace of Dr Heinrich Geißler (1814–1879); it also presents the glass and history of this Rennsteig town. A cultural stay can therefore include both architectural history and the history of glass and the town.
Cycling routes, outdoor swimming pool and events
The Rennsteig Cycle Route and the Schwarzatal Cycle Route lead to Neuhaus am Rennweg or pass through the town. Tourist information also often names Neuhaus as the starting point of the Werratal Cycle Tour. For travelling with a bicycle, the SĂĽdthĂĽringen-Bahn or a bus that carries bicycles from Saalfeld are listed as options. This distinguishes routes that reach Neuhaus from the described ways of travelling there with a bicycle. As connections and timetables may change, check the details before setting out.
The seasonal Bernhardsthal outdoor swimming pool has a natural pool with a separate non-swimmer area, a beach volleyball court and a playground. It is located about 300 metres before the entrance to Neuhaus am Rennweg on the B 281 from the direction of Eisfeld. If you plan to visit, check the current opening dates for this seasonal attraction.
A specific event date may also be important when choosing when to travel: the 54th Rennsteiglauf in 2027 starts at the sports ground by the Guts-Muths sports hall in Neuhaus am Rennweg. As details may vary from one edition to another, check the information for the 2027 edition before your trip.
In the wider Sonneberg destination
In the wider Sonneberg destination, Lauscha adds another perspective on glassmaking culture: the Museum of Glass Art Lauscha traces the history of glass Christmas ornaments, from baubles to other shapes, from 1860 to the present day. The manufacture of mouth-blown Lauscha Christmas ornaments has been included in Germany’s nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The wider Sonneberg destination also includes the district of Sonneberg, which lies in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park and the Slate Land National GeoPark.
If you are travelling for a specific date, it is also worth checking the relevant event and timetable details.
Discover more destinations: Siegmundsburg, Steinach, Effelder-Rauenstein, Spechtsbrunn, Scheibe-Alsbach, Frankenblick, Sonneberg, Lauscha.
Back to the wider travel overview: Sonneberg.
