Discover Goldisthal: Hydropower and a Reservoir Trail

House of Nature: The region and hydropower

The exhibition at the House of Nature presents distinctive aspects of the Thuringian Forest region, not far from the Rennsteig, in an engaging way. There is also a hands-on, interactive trail exploring different ways of using hydropower. The two attractions have different emphases: the exhibition focuses on the region, while the trail offers a practical introduction to hydropower.

The Goldisthal pumped-storage power station is another example of the town’s connection with this subject. Since 2002, it has contributed to the energy transition and supplied thousands of households with green electricity. The exhibition and the power station thus offer different ways to explore questions related to hydropower—as an experience at the House of Nature and as a subject with a tangible role in Goldisthal.

Around the reservoir

Nearby, a well-signposted, 12-kilometre circular route runs around the Goldisthal reservoir. Allow about three and a half hours for the walk. Its length and duration make it a separate activity to consider alongside the exhibition and trail when planning your trip.

This gives you two different ways to explore the area: a visit focused on exhibitions and hands-on activities, and a longer walk outdoors. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, this distinction may help with your plans: consider whether you would like to spend more time at the exhibition or on the circular route. The known details of the hike provide a concrete time frame.

More to explore in the wider Sonneberg destination

The wider Sonneberg destination offers more nature, culture and outdoor activities. Sonneberg district lies in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park and the Slate Land National Geopark; it is also along the German Toy Route. These regional connections add other distinct interests to a stay in Goldisthal, such as geology, traditional crafts or winter sports.

In Lauscha, the Museum of Glass Art traces the history of glass Christmas-tree decorations from 1860 to the present, including baubles and various other shapes. The production of mouth-blown Lauscha glass Christmas-tree decorations is also part of the region’s culture: it has been included in Germany’s nationwide Intangible Cultural Heritage register. Alongside hydropower and landscapes, the wider Sonneberg destination therefore offers an insight into a long-standing glassmaking tradition.

Geology and hiking are another focus. The Bleßberghöhle GeoTrail starts at the Bleßberghöhle Geopark Information Centre at Schalkau station and runs for 17.6 kilometres to Seltendorf station. Information panels explain the cave’s discovery, the geology of the Franconian Line fault zone, and karst features such as sinkholes, karst springs and sinking streams. The Iron Curtain Trail, also known as the Green Belt Border Trail, is another of the certified hiking and cycling routes in Sonneberg district.

For winter sports enthusiasts, the Thüringen Alpin Skiarena Silbersattel is near the slate-mining town of Steinach in Sonneberg district. It is Thuringia’s largest and most snow-reliable ski area. Facilities and seasonal operations may change, so check current conditions before making plans. Near Ernstthal, at Pappenheimer Berg, a drag lift adapted for summer use pulls a sled and its riders 500 metres uphill to the start. Check the summer toboggan run’s operating dates in advance.

Another local option is the Ankerbräu Erlebnisbrauerei in Steinach, which offers beer tastings and a beer bath. Confirm that it is currently operating before your trip. The wider Sonneberg destination therefore offers everything from geology and hiking to glass art and seasonal activities.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Steinach, Steinheid, Frankenblick, Effelder-Rauenstein, Scheibe-Alsbach, Neuhaus-Schierschnitz, Neuhaus Am Rennweg, Sonneberg.

Back to the wider travel overview: Sonneberg.