Best attractions and places to see around Steinbach am Wald, a state-recognized recreation area, are found within the heart of the Franconian Forest. This region is characterized by its elevation, natural beauty, and a blend of cultural and historical sites. Steinbach am Wald is the only Bavarian municipality directly traversed by the Rennsteig long-distance hiking trail, and it is nestled within the Naturpark Frankenwald. The area offers a variety of attractions, from industrial heritage sites to natural features.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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This hilltop castle, originally part of the Orlagau region, was built over a thousand years ago in the midst of a clearing on the upper reaches of the Saale River and its tributary, the Loquitz. It was first mentioned in a document from 1222. Via the Counts of Orlamünde (1250) and the Knights of Ghüna (1506), the castle finally passed to the Margraves of Brandenburg-Kulmbach and Bayreuth in 1622, falling to Prussia in 1791 and Bavaria in 1803. In 1896, the castle romanticist Dr. Erhard Messmer from Halle an der Saale acquired the completely neglected castle complex, had it renovated, and refurbished. Katharina von Orlamünde was born at Lauenstein Castle in the 14th century. She is said to haunt the castle to this day as the restless ghost known as the "White Lady."
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After the castle romanticist Dr. Ehrhard Messmer from Halle an der Saale purchased the dilapidated Lauenstein Castle in 1896, he had the building renovated in the historicist style. This included the restoration of the bridge over the moat leading up to the historic castle gate.
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This is the former Lehesten roofing slate opencast mine. Its dimensions alone are impressive; along with the nearby Oertelsbruch, it was one of the largest slate quarries on the continent (approximately 800 m long, 300 m wide, and up to 80 m deep). Source: Wikipedia
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The tower is located on the Wetzstein hill. A circular hiking trail to Staatsbruch Lehesten also runs here.
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A beautiful region 🤩 If you like, you can also take a detour to the Alvater Tower.
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The model village in the Lehesten Slate Park has existed since 2008. It is expanded annually in cooperation with the local roofing school. There are many different ways of covering a roof, a gable or a tower with slate. One model even shows a flower made of slate.
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The tower on the Wetzstein was built as a memorial against the expulsion of people and as a place of remembrance of a lost homeland. After the expulsion of the Germans from Czechoslovakia in 1945/46, local friends founded the Altvaterturmverein Langgöns in 1976. In 1999, the association rebuilt the Altvaterturm, which collapsed on May 2, 1959 and was not rebuilt, on the Wetzstein in a true-to-original manner.
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In the "Land of Blue Gold," as the slate is called here because of its distinctive color, the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining can still be experienced today. This extraordinary industrial complex, located at what was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, provides a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate. The entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is a nature reserve. 170 Red List species have now been confirmed to have settled in this partially inaccessible area.
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The region offers several significant historical and cultural sites. You can explore the impressive Lauenstein Castle, a hilltop castle with a rich history dating back to 1222, rumored to be haunted by the 'White Lady'. Additionally, the St. Laurentiuskirche and the Wehrkirche St. Johannes Baptista are notable historic churches in the area.
Steinbach am Wald is rich in industrial heritage, particularly related to slate mining. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site offers a hands-on experience of slate processing and its history. Nearby, the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, unique in Europe, showcases the methods used to lift mined slate rock. Don't miss the Model village at Schieferpark Lehesten, which demonstrates various slate roofing techniques.
Steinbach am Wald is nestled within the Naturpark Frankenwald, characterized by green forests, clear streams, and gentle hills. A notable natural feature is the idyllic Ölschnitzsee, a tranquil lake within the nature park, perfect for relaxation. The Staatsbruch Nature Reserve, part of the former slate quarry, is also a significant natural area, home to 170 Red List species.
Yes, for panoramic views, you can visit the Altvaterturm. Located on the Wetzstein hill, this tower offers a viewing height of 824 m above sea level and serves as a memorial and meeting place. It's a great spot to take in the Franconian Forest landscape.
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families, including the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Model village at Schieferpark Lehesten, which children often find fascinating. The Freizeit- und Tourismuszentrum also offers a family and wellness bath (GenerationenBad) and other recreational facilities. The Lauenstein Castle is also considered a worthwhile destination for children.
The region is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For specific routes, explore the Running Trails around Steinbach am Wald, MTB Trails around Steinbach am Wald, and Cycling around Steinbach am Wald guides.
Yes, the Franconian Forest Nature Park offers a variety of hiking trails. You can find routes ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Rennsteig Memorial – Schildwiese Toll House loop' which is considered difficult, or 'Town Hall Steinbach am Wald – Refreshing Fountain loop' which is moderate. For more options, check the Running Trails around Steinbach am Wald guide.
Absolutely. The area around Steinbach am Wald is well-suited for both mountain biking and touring cycling. You can find routes like the 'Ölschnitzsee – North Trail to Ölschnitzsee loop' for mountain biking or 'Vom Rennsteig nach Kronach' for touring. Explore the MTB Trails around Steinbach am Wald and Cycling around Steinbach am Wald guides for detailed routes.
The Rennsteig is a famous long-distance hiking trail, and Steinbach am Wald holds the unique distinction of being the only Bavarian municipality directly traversed by it. You can experience a section of this historic trail and take a break at the Rennsteig-Park. Several running and hiking routes in the area incorporate parts of the Rennsteig, such as the 'Rennsteig Memorial – Schildwiese Toll House loop'.
Steinbach am Wald, as a state-recognized recreation area, is enjoyable throughout the year. The spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the Franconian Forest. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the fresh air, while winter can offer opportunities for winter hiking, though specific conditions should be checked.
The natural environment of the Franconian Forest Nature Park generally welcomes dogs on trails. While specific 'dog-friendly' designations for every route aren't always available, many hiking and walking paths are suitable for exploring with your canine companion. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash where required and respect local wildlife.
The KunstPark am Rennsteig is an outdoor art installation featuring nineteen sawed-off fir trees. It also includes a forest conversion path, a wooden xylophone, a long jump pit, and a charcoal pile that recounts classic fairy tales, offering a unique blend of art and nature along the famous Rennsteig trail.


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