Last night, the hills of Thuringia were alive – not with the sound of cowbells, but with bass lines and beats. Gleis3 Musik, a rising techno collective from Suhl, hosted another unforgettable edition of Heididei zum Feierabend – an open-air electronic experience on the slopes of the iconic Ruppberg, just above Zella-Mehlis and not far from Suhl. And yes, it was as magical as it sounds!
But first, let’s revisit last year’s edition via the video below, before delving into Heididei zum Feierabend 2025, with wonderful photography by René Kellermann.
Gleis3 Musik – Techno from the Heart of Thuringia
Born from Suhl’s underground scene, Gleis3 Musik is more than a crew – it’s a vibe, a movement, a local response to the global love for electronic music.
They blend techno and house, inspired by Berlin’s warehouse energy, but rooted in the raw beauty of the Thuringian Forest. With every event, Gleis3 invites people to connect – with sound, nature, and each other.
Their mission? Make music accessible, inclusive, and euphoric. And last night’s edition of “Heididei” did just that.
Heididei zum Feierabend: A Party in the Clouds
- A secluded clearing on the Ruppberg
- Light installations, rolling fog, summer rain, and Technics turntables
- A lineup of local DJs spinning until stars appeared
- Chilled drinks, barefoot dancing, and sunset over the mountains
This wasn’t your usual Friday night. This was Feierabend turned festival.
- The location? Remote but reachable.
- The crowd? Diverse, respectful, and full of love.
- The music? Pulsing, hypnotic, soul-shaking.
From minimal grooves to peak-time bangers, the dancefloor never cooled down. At 866 meters, this was techno in the treetops.
Why it matters
Events like Heididei are rare. They bring culture to unexpected places. They show that small towns like Zella-Mehlis can be cool, can host magic, and can inspire new traditions.
Gleis3 Musik is doing just that – giving local talent a platform, building community, and proving that techno doesn’t need a club when you have a mountain.
From toddlers to techno veterans, everyone showed up. The dancefloor? A mountain summit at 866 meters. Families arrived with strollers, dogs, and snacks in the late afternoon sun. Teens turned the event into a birthday bash.
And somewhere between the basslines and forest edge, a three-generation crowd proved that electronic music is truly ageless.
The vibe only intensified as night fell. A few storm clouds circled the Ruppberg, lightning flickered in the distance, but nothing could dampen the mood. When a quick rain shower hit, the crowd squeezed under cabin roofs, ponchos came out, and umbrellas turned into party props.
The light show merged with flashes of thunder – it felt surreal. Nature wasn’t an obstacle; it was part of the setlist.
Spotlight on the Ruppberghütte & Verein
High on the Ruppberg sits the beloved Ruppberghütte, lovingly maintained by the Ruppbergverein Zella‑Mehlis e.V., a volunteer association with roots dating back to 1898.
What began as a modest shelter and snack stop has grown into an iconic gathering place — especially on weekends from May through October — serving bratwurst, garlic bread, soups, cake, local beer, schnaps, coffee, and more.
For Heididei zum Feierabend, the cabin transformed into a buzzing festival hub. Club members served bread and sausages, poured drinks, and welcomed hundreds of visitors.
Their mix of hearty food and warm hospitality powered the crowd’s energy, even when skies rumbled and raindrops began to fall. Service stayed seamless, ponchos and umbrellas included!
Without this volunteer backbone, the event wouldn’t have landed on this mountain stage. They didn’t just serve Bockwurst or beer—they served community, local history, and a foundation for the region’s cultural spirit.
When DJ sets finish and the music fades, the real magic remains in a rustic hut, run by passionate locals who believe that the Ruppberg is more than a peak — it’s home.
What’s next?
For August, another great event is already planned: Hidden Places. We just got our tickets and will be there, of course. Follow @gleis3_musik on Instagram for upcoming gigs, collaborations, and DJ drops. Their next pop-up might be deeper in the forest, higher on the hill, or right back in the heart of the city! Special thanks go out to René Kellermann for sharing these awesome pics with us!