The small town and its districts of Bachra, Roldisleben, Rothenberga and Schafau are picturesquely situated in the north-east of Thuringia, on the southern edge of the Finne and Hohe Schrecke nature reserve.

The wooded Finnerücken, which surrounds the town to the north and east, protects it from harsh winds. Rastenberg offers a mild climate, plenty of forest and clean air.

The town can look back on an eventful historical past. Pre- and protohistoric finds and the historic parts of the town wall with its fortified towers and many historic buildings bear witness to this.

Rastenberg was first mentioned in a document in 1252.

The town was already famous at least 300 years ago for its healing steel spring.

The historic town hall with its beautiful murals inside, the town wall from the 17th century and the Coudray church with a Schulze organ in the center of the town invite you to linger.

A special feature is the Rastenberg forest swimming pool, a monument among Thuringia's outdoor pools and unique with its 5000 m² water surface.

Its idyllic location in the middle of the Hochwald forest makes it one of the most beautiful outdoor pools in Thuringia. Special features include the historic changing rooms, the Wandelhalle and the Kabinen-Guck museum, the water playground and the slide.

The forest around Rastenberg can be explored on marked and partly unmarked circular trails, a nature trail and the supra-regional Finnewanderweg trail.