Charcoal burning is an old and widespread craft in the Saaleland. The production of charcoal is still commemorated today by former ovens and charcoal kilns such as the pitch kiln in Schleifreisen in Zeitzgrund.

A pitch kiln is a facility for the production of wood tar and wood vinegar, which are produced when resinous wood is smouldered. Wood is one of the economic roots of the region and still characterizes it today, especially in the Thuringian Holzland. Over 100 years ago, the region was already known throughout Germany for the manufacture of ladders and wooden products. Ladder makers and trenchers are also part of the traditional craft that is typical of the Thuringian Holzland.