On the border between the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district and the Ilmkreis district, the district of Breitenheerda extends in a north-south direction, in a saddle between the steeply rising shell limestone slopes of the Kalmberg and the Tännichberg at an altitude of 410 meters. It forms the main part of the village, which includes the small district of Tännich and whose district includes forest areas of the Tännich and Ziegenleite forest districts. Most of the half-timbered houses in the village have plastered facades, so that the original appearance can only be seen in a few places.
There was an NVA base on the large Kalmberg from the end of 1970 until reunification.

The village has been part of the town of Rudolstadt since January 1, 2019.