Lichtenhain/Bergbahn

Lichtenhain/Bergbahn is a former municipality in the district Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, in Thuringia, Germany. Since 1 December 2008, it is part of Oberweißbach.HistoryLichtenhain/Bergbahn was first mentioned in 1455 and is located on the ancient trade route from Erfurt to Nuremberg. It once belonged to the sovereignty of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, later to the Principality of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. In the Thirty Years' War the town was completely devastated. The main source of income of the residents was originally forestry, charcoal burning and resin extraction. Later the trading of nature medicines ("Olitäten") became a major economic driver. In 1812 Lichtenhain/Bergbahn counted 375 inhabitants which rose to 524 in 1902. In 1923, the Oberweißbacher mountain railway opened which connected Lichtenhain with national railway network. Major industries in modern times were the glass industry and the thermometer production, after the Second World War, increasingly tourism.The municipality Lichtenhain/Bergbahn was disbanded on 1 December 2008 and incorporated into the city of Oberweißbach. with administrative headquarters in Oberweißbach.PoliticsThe Council of the municipality Lichtenhain/Bergbahn consisted recently of 6 Women and councilors. SPD 3 seats FW 3 seatsIngo Lödel, the last honorary mayor, was elected on 27 June 2004.