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Germany
Thuringia
Landkreis Sonneberg

Judenbach

Attractions and Places To See around Judenbach - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Judenbach include a blend of cultural insights and natural beauty. Located in the Sonneberg district of Thuringia, Germany, Judenbach is characterized by a rural environment with predominant forests. The region is part of the Hohes Thüringer Schiefergebirge - Frankenwald, offering diverse landscapes for exploration. It was merged into the new municipality of Föritztal in 2018.

Best attractions and places to see around Judenbach

  • The most popular attractions is Thuringian Warte Observation Tower, a viewpoint that stands 26.5 meters high on the Ratzenberg. It offers expansive views and features a permanent exhibition about the former inner-German border.
  • Another must-see spot is Secluded Reginasee, a tranquil forest lake. This protected natural area serves as a habitat for numerous insects and water birds.
  • Visitors also love Fellberg, a summit towering at 842 meters. It provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports, with a resting spot at the Fellbergbaude.
  • Judenbach is known for its cultural sites like the Stiftung Judenbach, which houses the Ali Kurt Baumgarte-Museum and the Weidner Collection of mechanical toys, alongside natural features such as forests and mountains. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical sites to natural monuments.
  • The attractions around Judenbach are appreciated by the komoot community, with 284 upvotes and 239 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Fellberg

Highlight • Summit

Here you can stop off at the Fellbergbaude. It is located near the ski slope and offers a wonderful view. From here you can go mountain biking, hiking, and in winter you can also go skiing or cross-country skiing.

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Thuringian Warte Observation Tower

Highlight • Viewpoint

The 26.5-meter-high observation tower on the Ratzenberg (678 meters) is only about 200 meters from the state border between Bavaria and Thuringia. The inner-German border strip, now protected as the "Green Belt," is still clearly visible here. The 34-ton square steel structure was intended to stimulate tourism. The tower was inaugurated on June 17, 1963, the Day of German Unity, which commemorated the popular uprising in the GDR on June 17, 1953. The keynote speaker was Rainer Barzel (CDU), then Federal Minister for All-German Affairs. The Thuringian Lookout became a magnet for visitors who wanted to see Thuringia, including Federal President Heinrich Lübke in October 1964. The tower, partially renovated in 1993 and 2012, houses a permanent exhibition about the inner-German border.

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Kalte Küche (Cold Kitchen) 696 m above sea level

At this point, the Rennsteig trail crosses the old military and trade route from Nuremberg to Leipzig.

Local legend tells us that the unusual name originated from the fact that carters would take a break here after the strenuous climb, eating bread and sausage, thus having a "cold kitchen" meal. In reality, however, the name more likely derives from "Kalde," meaning border, and "Kuchel" or "Kochel," the Franconian term for a small church. Therefore, "Kalte Küche" means something like border chapel. Historical records show that a small wayside chapel stood at the old pass.

The border between the Thuringian Forest Nature Park, the Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park, and the Franconian Forest Nature Park runs here.

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Secluded Reginasee

Highlight • Lake

Unexpectedly, the dense forest opens here and presents you the romantic Lake Regina. The quiet forest lake is under nature protection and here countless insects and water birds live - among other things the extremely rare gnomes. With a little patience, you can also discover the inhabitants from the shore.

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A customs house used to stand here on the state border between Bavaria and Thuringia.
The locality on the Rennsteig is mentioned in the 1414 divisional document.

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Tips from the Community

BAMA
May 1, 2026, Fellberg

To the Fellberg Obelisk: Created in memory of the doctor, nature lover, and benefactor of Steinach, Dr. Robert Max Schmidt. 1860 - 1903 This stone stood for 50 years on the bridge over Steinach / Lauschaer Straße.

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Somehow I get a chill down my spine when I drive past here.

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The 26.5-meter-high observation tower on the Ratzenberg (678 meters) is only about 200 meters from the state border between Bavaria and Thuringia. The inner-German border strip, now protected as the "Green Belt," is still clearly visible here. The 34-ton square steel structure was intended to stimulate tourism. The tower was inaugurated on June 17, 1963, the Day of German Unity, which commemorated the popular uprising in the GDR on June 17, 1953. The keynote speaker was Rainer Barzel (CDU), then Federal Minister for All-German Affairs. The Thuringian Lookout became a magnet for visitors who wanted to see Thuringia, including Federal President Heinrich Lübke in October 1964. The tower, partially renovated in 1993 and 2012, houses a permanent exhibition about the inner-German border.

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Very beautiful idyllic lake

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A stop here is a must and you will get good information about the Rennsteig and other regions.

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Anke Duderstadt
August 24, 2024, Fellberg

a really nice place to rest

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Anke Duderstadt
August 24, 2024, Fellberg

Sensational ... in summer there are trails for hiking and biking

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Anke Duderstadt
August 24, 2024, Fellberg

from here you have a sensational view ... there are paths for hiking and for downhill, if there is snow you can also ski

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cultural and historical sites can I visit in and around Judenbach?

Judenbach and its surroundings offer several significant cultural and historical sites. The Thuringian Warte Observation Tower on the Ratzenberg features a permanent exhibition about the former inner-German border. You can also explore the Historic Zollhaus at the Bavaria–Thuringia Border, a place steeped in history. In Judenbach itself, the Stiftung Judenbach houses the Ali Kurt Baumgarte-Museum and the Weidner Collection of mechanical toys, showcasing the region's rich toy-making tradition. Nearby, in Sonneberg, you'll find the Deutsches Spielzeugmuseum, and the Museum of Glass Art Lauscha is also within reach.

Are there opportunities for outdoor activities and nature exploration near Judenbach?

Absolutely. The region is part of the Hohes Thüringer Schiefergebirge - Frankenwald, offering diverse landscapes. The Fellberg, towering at 842 meters, is a natural paradise for hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports. The Secluded Reginasee is a tranquil forest lake and a protected natural area, home to numerous insects and water birds. Judenbach is also characterized by a rural environment with predominant forests, perfect for exploring.

What are some family-friendly attractions around Judenbach?

Families visiting Judenbach have several engaging options. The Stiftung Judenbach, with its Weidner Collection of mechanical toys, offers a fascinating look into the region's toy-making heritage. For animal lovers, the Tiergarten Sonneberg and the Meeresaquarium-Exotarium Nautiland are nearby. During winter and summer, Snow- und Sommer-Tubing Siegmundsburg provides fun activities. The SonneBad in Sonneberg is also a great option for swimming.

Where can I find the best viewpoints in the Judenbach area?

For expansive views, head to the Thuringian Warte Observation Tower on the Ratzenberg, which stands 26.5 meters high. The Fellberg also offers wonderful scenic views, especially from the Fellbergbaude. Additionally, the Spechtsbrunn Nature Park Information Center is located at a point with good views and historical significance.

Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels near Judenbach?

Yes, there are various hiking opportunities. For easy walks, you can find several routes around Judenbach, such as the "View of Blechhammer – St. Nikolaus Church Judenbach loop" or the "Shelter at Flößteich – Flößteich loop." The Easy hikes around Judenbach guide provides more details on these and other accessible trails.

What winter activities are available in the Judenbach area?

During winter, the region transforms into a snowy playground. The Fellberg offers opportunities for skiing and cross-country skiing. The Ski-Arena Silbersattel is also nearby, providing additional winter sports facilities. For a unique experience, Snow-Tubing at Siegmundsburg is available.

What is the significance of the Thuringian Warte Observation Tower?

The Thuringian Warte Observation Tower is a significant historical landmark. Inaugurated on June 17, 1963, on the Day of German Unity, it stands near the former inner-German border. The tower offers expansive views and houses a permanent exhibition detailing the history of this border, which is now protected as the "Green Belt."

Can I learn about the region's toy-making history?

Yes, the region has a strong tradition in toy-making. The Stiftung Judenbach features the Weidner Collection, which includes around 600 mechanical toys, illustrating the craft's history dating back to the 15th century. Additionally, the Deutsches Spielzeugmuseum in nearby Sonneberg offers another comprehensive look into the history of toys.

What makes the Secluded Reginasee special?

The Secluded Reginasee is a tranquil forest lake that is a protected natural area. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous insects and water birds, including the extremely rare gnomes. It's a wonderful spot for nature observation and quiet reflection.

Are there cycling routes available around Judenbach?

Yes, cycling enthusiasts can find several routes. The Road Cycling Routes around Judenbach guide lists options like the "People's House – Fuchbachmühle loop" or the "Cycle Path Near Pressig loop," with varying difficulty grades from easy to moderate.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Judenbach?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical insights. The expansive views from the Thuringian Warte Observation Tower and the historical context of the former inner-German border are highly valued. The tranquility and natural beauty of the Secluded Reginasee are also frequently praised, as are the opportunities for outdoor activities and the scenic views from the Fellberg.

Can I find places to eat or rest near the attractions?

Yes, for example, near the Fellberg, you can stop at the Fellbergbaude, which offers a wonderful view. The Spechtsbrunn Nature Park Information Center also provides a nice opportunity for a short stop with snacks, located directly on the Rennsteig.

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

SchalkauNeuhaus am RennwegGoldisthalFrankenblickLauschaFöritzBachfeldNeuhaus-SchierschnitzFöritzgrund

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