Nordheim lies in a shallow depression, around 16 km from Meiningen. The "Grüne" stream runs through the meadow. Popularly known as "Nurde", Nordheim is one of the oldest villages in the district of Schmalkalden-Meiningen. The first documentary mention dates back to a donation to the Fulda monastery on 6 March 774. The village, which was mentioned several times in the 9th/10th century, was of great importance as the center of a march. Nordheim formed an important margraviate to which Berkach, Einödhausen, Ober- and Unterharles, Bauerbach and Debertshausen belonged.

According to its name, the village is a Franconian settlement and was the crown estate of the Saxon Emperor Otto I. Later, the Lords von der Keer and von Stein were the landlords, who exercised their own jurisdiction. It was not until 1808, when the imperial knighthood was abolished, that Nordheim came under the sovereignty of Saxe-Meiningen. A coat of arms sign on the old church gate indicates that it belonged to the Meiningen territory.

Nordheim is a clustered village and was already heavily fortified in the Middle Ages. A ring wall, which can still be seen in part today, forms some protection with a village moat (Wallgraben). Three gates, which were closed in the evening, led into the meadow. Two thirds of the buildings in the village center were built before 1870, Franconian half-timbering is predominant. Some of the half-timbered houses are listed buildings, and the church with its precious interior is particularly striking. The church was built as a fortified church with a church wall and arcades behind it. The former entrance gate of the fortified church and the arcade are still preserved today. Nordheim's jewel is undoubtedly the town hall and bakery with its magnificent double-sided staircase, which was built in the 18th century.

A lovingly furnished museum of local history documents the history of Nordheim and the surrounding area in pictures and words.

The district of Nordheim has 247 inhabitants living on a district area of 791 ha.