Altenfeld: Glassmaking Tradition, Peasant Baroque and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Altenfeld
Altenfeld combines a glassmaking tradition dating back to 1646 with a listed church and trails through extensive forests and valleys with clear streams. Around the local mountain, Haube, and the Rennsteig, there are various ways to explore the landscape on foot. You can also learn about the town’s history and discover things to do related to glass. Which of these aspects interests you most may also influence your choice of a holiday apartment in Altenfeld.
Glassmaking Tradition and Architectural History
Since a glassworks was founded in 1646, glassmaking and glass processing have remained enduring traditions in Altenfeld. Glassblowing demonstrations are available by group reservation or from master glassblower Thomas Krannich at Masserberger Straße 14 in Altenfeld. Please arrange your visit in advance.
Altenfeld’s church was built between 1738 and 1741 as an octagonal, slate-clad half-timbered building in the so-called Peasant Baroque style. It has been a listed building since 1983. Its floor plan, construction and style give the church a distinctive architectural character.
The exhibition on Altenfeld’s glassmaking tradition and local history is also housed in the Bürgerhaus: it opened there in July 2002 on the occasion of the 2nd Thuringian Hiking Summer. The exhibition can be visited during official events organized by the local heritage association or by prior arrangement. The Bürgerhaus also houses the Kleine Galerie, which presents changing themed exhibitions. The Eger Musical Instrument Museum is also mentioned as a visitor attraction in Altenfeld.
Hikes Between Haube and the Rennsteig
Altenfeld’s extensive forests and valleys with clear streams invite you to take walks and hikes. The Rennsteig is the high-altitude hiking trail of the Thuringian Forest. Alongside trails through the local landscape, you can choose from specific routes with named starting points and destinations.
The circular hiking trail to the two peaks of the local mountain, Haube, is 5 to 10 kilometers long, depending on the route you choose. This range is a useful guide when planning your hike: you can gauge the circuit by the distance you select, rather than assuming it has one fixed length.
The certified Pilzsteig health hiking trail begins at Altenfeld’s market square or at Heubachsberg. These two starting points give you concrete options for planning your route. In winter, the “Around the Rotkopf” ski tour runs from Neustädter Straße at the edge of Altenfeld onward to the Rennsteig. As winter conditions vary, adapt the specific tour to the conditions on site.
Water and Play in the Townscape
Leisure facilities include Altenfeld’s outdoor pool, Waldschwimmbad. It has a water slide and diving boards; next to the pool is a beach volleyball facility with three courts. This adds more options for planning your day alongside hiking and cultural discoveries.
Choose a Holiday Apartment Based on Your Travel Interests
When looking for a holiday apartment in Altenfeld, you could first consider how you would like to spend your vacation: hiking around Haube, taking a trip along the Pilzsteig, or going ski touring in winter? Or would you like to focus on local history and the glassmaking tradition? The Haube circuit offers a specific range of distances, while the church, exhibition and glassblowing demonstrations offer different points of interest. If you also plan to enjoy activities at the Waldschwimmbad outdoor pool, you can take those into account when making your decision.
Discover more destinations: Stadtilm, Frauenwald, Bücheloh, Behringen, Ilmenau, Wachsenburggemeinde, Elxleben, Stützerbach.
For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Ilm-Kreis.
