Best attractions and places to see around Cursdorf, a state-recognized recreation resort, are nestled in the Thuringian Forest, offering a blend of historical insights and natural beauty. Situated in the highest part of the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district, near the historic Rennsteig and the Schwarzatal, it is a prime location for exploring the region. The area is characterized by dense woods, green valleys, and clear streams, providing a setting for various outdoor activities. Cursdorf also has a history of glass apparatus manufacturing and porcelain art.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Great observation tower and you can walk in... the landlord makes Tyrolean dumplings and there is Watzdorfer Pils on tap 😜🙏 Note!!!! NO typical Thuringian cuisine... no roulades or anything like that....
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Great destination 🙏 By the way, the local gastronomy is highly recommended... Homemade dumplings with a Tyrolean recipe ☝️ But be careful... not typical Thuringian cuisine... but super tasty 🥰
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The Eisfelder Ausspanne, located deep in the heart of the Thuringian Forest, is a truly idyllic resting place for hikers and nature lovers. This hiking highlight, surrounded by dense forest and rich history, is a perfect place for a well-deserved break. When I visited the Eisfelder Ausspanne, I was immediately captured by the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the place. The refuge offers shelter and an opportunity to take a break, while the well-preserved "mile block" tells a piece of the place's history. The name “Ausspanne” derives from the tradition of unharnessing the horses here during the difficult crossing of the Thuringian forest ridge. The Eisfelder Ausspanne is an important crossroads on the Rennsteig and offers hikers various route options. Whether you come from Masserberg or Waffenrod or visit the Werraquelle - this place is an ideal starting or finishing point for numerous hikes. The space itself is equipped with many benches and tables, making it an inviting place for a longer rest. Here you can relax, enjoy the silence of the forest and strengthen yourself for the rest of your journey. It is also a popular meeting point for hikers who come here to exchange experiences and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
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This is a special point! Three large river systems meet here. However, this is not unique in Germany. I liked the design of the place.
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The Eisfelder Ausspanne is a large crossroads with a refuge.
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Open again since December '22.
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Yes, you can relax here. In historical times, the horses that had been harnessed before the steep ascent to the ridge were unharnessed here. Therefore the name. From here you continue to the Werraquelle or the Eselsberg, if you want, turn off in the direction of Goldisthal beforehand.
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Cursdorf, nestled in the Thuringian Forest, is a haven for hikers and cyclists. The region offers extensive forest areas and numerous trails of varying difficulty. Popular options include the Panoramaweg Schwarzatal and the Olitätenrundwanderweg. You can find detailed routes for MTB, touring bicycle, and road cycling around Cursdorf.
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting the Fröbel Observation Tower, located above Oberweißbach. Another excellent spot is the Meuselbacher Kuppe Observation Tower and Guesthouse, which also features a cozy restaurant. The Rennsteigwarte on Eselsberg also offers magnificent views and a place to eat.
Cursdorf has a rich history, particularly in glass and porcelain manufacturing. You can visit the Historical Glass Apparatus Museum, which showcases 19th-century physics teaching aids crafted by local artisans. The town is also known for Kati Zorn Porcelain Art, and a monument honors Georg Heinrich Macheleid, a co-inventor of porcelain. Don't miss the unique Three-current brick, a historical site marking a triple watershed.
Families visiting Cursdorf can enjoy several attractions. The Fröbel Observation Tower and Meuselbacher Kuppe Observation Tower are family-friendly viewpoints. The Snow and Summer Tubing Siegmundsburg offers tubing fun year-round. Additionally, Cursdorf provides leisure facilities like an 18-hole mini-golf course and a playground. The House of Nature Goldisthal, a short drive away, offers child-friendly environmental education.
The Historical Glass Apparatus Museum in Cursdorf is unique because it showcases historical physics teaching aids, specifically various types of glass tubes like Geißler and X-ray tubes. These were crafted with exceptional skill by Cursdorf glass apparatus manufacturers in the 19th century, who gained international recognition for their high-quality physics teaching materials. The museum demonstrates their function, offering insight into the town's contribution to scientific development.
The topographical conditions around Cursdorf are ideal for winter sports. The Snow and Summer Tubing Siegmundsburg offers tubing fun even in winter. The region also provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and designated, prepared winter hiking trails, making it a great destination for snow enthusiasts.
Beyond the scenic Thuringian Forest, Cursdorf is near the historic Rennsteig hiking trail and offers idyllic beauty above the Schwarzatal (Schwarzatal Valley). A unique natural monument is the Three-current brick, a point where water flows to the North Sea via three different river systems (Elbe, Weser, Rhine), making it a triple watershed unique in Germany.
Beyond Cursdorf itself, the surrounding region offers several significant attractions. These include the majestic Schwarzburg Castle with its Imperial Hall and Princely Armory, the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes (Feengrotten) known as 'Thuringia's wonder deep in the mountains,' and the Morassina Show Mine, famous for its unique stalactite formations. The Oberweißbacher Bergbahn (Mountain Railway), the steepest funicular railway in the world, also has a route ending in Cursdorf.
Several attractions offer places to rest and dine. The Fröbel Observation Tower and Meuselbacher Kuppe Observation Tower and Guesthouse both have inns or restaurants. The Rennsteigwarte on Eselsberg also provides dining options. For a simple break, the Eisfelder Resting Place offers a solid shelter and a nice rest area.
Visitors particularly appreciate the magnificent panoramic views from the observation towers, such as the Fröbel Observation Tower and Meuselbacher Kuppe Observation Tower. The historical significance of sites like the Three-current brick and the opportunity to relax at places like the Eisfelder Resting Place are also highly valued. The komoot community has shared over 890 photos and given more than 1300 upvotes, highlighting the area's natural beauty and interesting landmarks.
Yes, Cursdorf is situated near the historic Rennsteig, a renowned hiking trail in the Thuringian Forest. This proximity makes it an excellent base for exploring sections of this famous route and enjoying the extensive network of trails it connects to.


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