The municipality Rosenthal on the Rennsteig lies to the south-east on the border with the Free State of Bavaria in the "Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale" nature park. The area is characterized by the mountains and valleys of the Thuringian and Franconian Forests and the "Thuringian Sea", the Bleiloch Reservoir.

The municipality of Rosenthal am Rennsteig comprises the districts of Arlas, Birkenhügel, Blankenberg, Blankenstein, Harra, Lemnitzhammer, Kießling, Neundorf, Pottiga, Schlegel and Seibis. In GDR times, the municipalities were part of the border area in the Lobenstein district or bordered directly on it. Due to the proximity of the villages, there have always been close professional, family and friendly relationships. The local chronicles report on various links of this kind dating back to the Middle Ages.

The district of Blankenstein is known as the start and end point of the 168.3 km long "Rennsteig" as one of the most important European long-distance hiking trails. The path spider near Kießling lives up to its name and presents hikers with a choice of different paths through the region. The Museum of local history in neighboring Harra offers visitors a window into the bourgeois life of the past centuries. In Blankenberg, the Ruins of the "Old Castle". These are the remains of a castle that once overlooked the region. You can also enjoy a good view from the Viewing platform in Pottiga. Here the visitor can look out over the Saale valley let your gaze wander. In the neighboring Birkenhügel, the Forest rock clear view as far as Franconia. The Marienberg in Seibis, in the immediate vicinity of the Rennsteig, is just as worth a trip as the over 400 year old apple tree in Schlegel. Anglers come to the Waters near Lemnitz hammer at their expense. An old road once led through Neundorf Trade route between Nuremberg and Leipzig. Later it carried Napoleon's troops. Also Arlas is surrounded by the breath of history. A pilgrimage church dedicated to St. Mary was once located here. Even this first selection of excursion destinations allows guests in Rosenthal to experience the beauty of nature and enjoy the romance of discovering largely untouched nature.

Over 15,000 cyclists and hikers use the premium hiking trails every year Rennsteig, Kammweg, Frankenweg and Franconian Mountain Trail to the municipal area or they start their trips and hikes here.