The town of Hermsdorf is located in the heart of Holzland, between the Saale and Weiße Elster rivers. The town was first mentioned in documents in 1256. At that time, only a few charcoal-burning families lived along the Alte Regensburger Landstrasse and the inn "Zum Schwarzen Bäre im grünen Walde". This inn still exists today as a hotel and restaurant.

The character of the farming village changed in 1876 with the construction of the Weimar-Gera railroad line and the founding of the porcelain factory in 1890. Hermsdorf later became famous for its electrical ceramics. The construction of the highway junction in the 1930s and its expansion and extension in recent years made Hermsdorf an important business location with excellent connections in all directions. Hermsdorf was granted town status in 1969.

The surrounding area is very attractive and therefore also a suitable starting point for hikes on foot or by bike in the Zeitzgrund nature reserve with its mills and nature trail. Old restored restaurants invite you to linger and indulge yourself with genuine Thuringian specialties - from grilled sausage to roast beef and roast pork to the famous rum coffee.