Langewiesen: Hiking, History and Markets
Accommodation in Langewiesen
Langewiesen can be explored in two ways: with panoramic views of the ridges of the Thuringian Forest and by following historic traces through the town. Exhibitions focus on technical manufacturing, porcelain and photography; weekly and annual markets provide a recurring rhythm. This makes for a mix of outdoor activity, local history and culture when planning your trip.
Routes Between Panoramas and Local History
The 13.9 km hiking trail leads around Langewiesen, passing places including the KulturFabrik and the tree trail. Along the way, there are panoramic views of the town and the ridges of the Thuringian Forest. The trail starts and ends at the Heinse House in the town centre.
The approximately 5 km historic town route offers a different perspective. It runs through the town past historic buildings and sites of former buildings documented in historical records. Information boards tell their stories. The most tangible points of comparison are the length and subject: a longer hike with landscape views and a shorter route focused on local history.
Technology, Porcelain and Photography
An exhibition about Wilhelm Höpflinger features a ball grinding machine, various ball bearings and the tools he used for his work. It also provides information about his biography and work. The Heinse House has a small exhibition on Langewiesen’s more than 100-year tradition of manufacturing thermometers and glass apparatus. Its permanent exhibition presents the history of the Oscar Schlegelmilch porcelain factory and examples of its decorative and tableware porcelain.
Photography is another of the town’s cultural themes: the KulturFabrik houses a photography museum that traces the origins of photography. The exhibitions have different focuses, from tools and manufacturing to the history of a porcelain factory and the development of a visual medium.
Weekly and Recurring Markets
A weekly market is held every Wednesday in Langewiesen’s market square. The mix of vendors may vary. There is also an Easter market and a Christmas market each year, both with supporting programmes and numerous craftspeople and traders. If you plan to visit one of these markets, check the dates of the events in advance.
The events differ in frequency: the weekly market returns on the same day each week, while the Easter and Christmas markets are held annually.
In the wider destination of Ilmenau
The wider destination also includes Ilmenau, with its own nature and culture attractions. Kickelhahn, Ilmenau’s local mountain, is 861 metres high; its 21-metre observation tower is one of the town’s landmarks. Three different trails in the Lindenberg Trail Park are open to mountain bikers. Check the latest local information before setting out. The 20-kilometre Goethe Hiking Trail links places where Goethe worked, from Ilmenau to Stützerbach.
For the winter season, numerous ski and winter hiking trails run from Ilmenau to the Rennsteig and from Auerhahn to Kickelhahn. Snow and trail conditions vary, and route availability is not guaranteed. The cultural sites also each have their own focus: the Münzkeller is right next to the Alte Münze and offers a glimpse into the 16th century. The Bergmannskapelle is on Sturmheide, in the middle of the former Ilmenau copper and silver mining district, below the spoil heap of the former “Gottes Gabe” mine shaft. It houses an exhibition on Ilmenau’s copper shale mining.
Discover more destinations: Oehrenstock, Bösleben-Wüllersleben, Geraberg, Arnstadt, Behringen, Plaue and Wolfsberg.
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Ilm-Kreis.
