Gräfenthal is located in the southern Thuringian Highland. Mountains in this region rise up to 800 meters above sea level and are usually wooded with spruce trees. 20 km north-eastern of Gräfenthal lies district town Saalfeld.
In 1288 the town was first mentioned. It was for much of its early history under various Ernestine princelings.
Number of inhabitants
1994: 3.146
1997: 3.036
2000: 2.913
2003: 2.808
2006: 2.692
2009: 2.499
2012: 2.150
2014: 2.056
Pictures
Buildings
Castle Wespenstein
Grenz- und Heimatmuseum Gräfenthal
Town church, with restored Art Nouveau mural paintings.
Railway viaduct
Economy and infrastructure
Erstwhile mining and the location at the route for commerce between Nuremberg and Leipzig were important economical factors. Mainly iron, slate and alum had been mined. During the 20th century Gräfenthal was well known for its porcelain products. From the formerly three manufactories only one is still in existence. Today a plastics factory is the main employer.
Gräfenthal lies on the road between Neuhaus am Rennweg and Probstzella. Further roads lead to surrounding municipalities. The town used to be connected to the railway-system up until the line section between Sonneberg and Probstzella became disused due to lacking profitability.