On August 30th 2025, the second highest peak of the Thuringian Forest turned into an open-air stage for one of the region’s most innovative cultural events. With their Hidden Places series, Gleis3-Musik from Suhl once again delivered on their promise to bring electronic music to unusual and emblematic locations.
This time, the choice of venue could hardly have been more striking: Schneekopf, at 978 meters, a site that combines panoramic views with a sense of history and mystique, as evidenced by the stunning photos below that were captured at the occasion by René Kellermann.
The Line-Up and Soundscape
The evening featured a carefully curated mix of DJs and live acts, ranging from atmospheric, down-tempo sets at sunset to driving beats as night fell. Organizers emphasized the balance between immersion and respect for the environment: the sound system was designed to carry across the open summit without overpowering the natural setting.
Audience numbers were intentionally kept limited, in keeping with the series’ ethos of intimacy over mass gatherings. Those who made the climb to the summit experienced a program that was both international in spirit and deeply local in execution.
With its latest edition of Hidden Places, Gleis3-Musik turned the summit of Schneekopf into an open-air stage where beats and panoramic views merged. At 978 meters above sea level, the second highest peak in the Thuringian Forest set the scene for a carefully curated evening of electronic music, featuring six acts who brought both depth and diversity to the decks.
“Playing music up here is something special,” said one of the performing artists. “The landscape creates its own acoustics, and the connection between the audience, the sound, and the surroundings is unlike anything you experience in a city.”
The night opened with a back-to-back duel between Korben Dallas (also known under aliases such as A.N.SORG) and Ray Simon. Both veterans of the scene, they crafted a dialogue in sound that moved fluidly between underground house, deep grooves, and techno. Known for his groove-heavy, house-leaning sets, Korben Dallas contrasted with Ray Simon’s eclectic approach, where surprise vinyl cuts and genre-bending transitions kept the crowd alert and moving.
Next up was Stefan Strobe, a Suhl native and a fixture of the electronic music scene for over 20 years. From projects like Audiofake and Handspiel to his solo work, Strobe has graced venues ranging from Frankfurt’s Tanzhaus West to Erfurt’s Centrum and the legendary Atomic in Ohrdruf. His set at Schneekopf reflected that wide-ranging experience: a blend of local heritage and international club culture, underpinned by his own productions and collaborations with artists such as Marc de Vole and TONmotiv.
At sunset, Langstrumpf, a central figure behind the cultural platform Keep Yourself, brought underground energy to the mountain. Known for raw vinyl sets as well as hybrid performances with live percussionist Tante Olsen, Langstrumpf is as comfortable on local festival stages as he is abroad. His set on Schneekopf leaned into dramatic, atmospheric builds, rewarding the audience with a deep and immersive soundscape.
The duo Becky & Takt then shifted gears, infusing the summit with their signature melodic indie-electronic sound. With releases on respected labels like Dear Deer, Polyptych, and most recently Parquet Recordings, they brought a colorful fusion of 80s synth textures and modern dancefloor sensibilities. Their performance stood out for its emotional arcs – music that was as much for the heart as for the feet.
With over 25 years of DJ experience, MONEO delivered a set that demonstrated both range and finesse. Afro- and tribal-house influences collided with melodic flourishes and global rhythms, producing a journey from goosebump-inducing builds to euphoric peaks. His performance embodied the Hidden Places ethos: unexpected, inclusive, and impossible to stand still to.
Closing the lineup was APSON, also known under the aliases Glenn Apson and Porque. Renowned for his precision across formats—from podcasts to peak-time club slots – APSON showcased a style defined by detail and flow. His closing set carried the audience through the night, weaving intensity with a subtle sense of narrative.
As the night fell, for a moment, guests stood in awe as the Schneekopf Tower was illuminated by a laser show that then continued on to accompany the beats. Spectacular!
An Unconventional Stage
Hidden Places was conceived with the idea of breaking away from traditional concert halls and clubs, instead staging music where it can blend with nature and surprise audiences. A past edition has explored another unique venue in Thuringia – the wooded area around Oberhof – but the Schneekopf brought the concept to new heights – quite literally.
Perched at just under 1,000 meters, Schneekopf is the second-highest peak in the Thuringian Forest, a volcanic rhyolite summit marked by legendary Schneekopfkugeln and unmatched vistas. From its origins as an 18th-century astronomical post to its Cold War role as a military communications outpost, the mountain’s history mirrors regional upheavals.
Since the reunification of Germany – including initiatives by the Schneekopfverein Gehlberg – the mountain has been lovingly restored and opened to the public, now graced by a modern observation tower at 1,001 m and the Neue Gehlberger Hütte for visitors and overnight stays.
Eco-conscious protections extend across its terrain, incorporating a biosphere reserve and a nature reserve for the Schneekopfmoor, all while vibrant community traditions continue to keep the mountain’s spirit alive.
A Community in Motion
The crowd reflected the growing community around Hidden Places: music lovers, creatives, and locals curious about seeing their home region in a new light. Many spoke of the event as a chance to rediscover the Schneekopf – not only as a hiking destination but as a cultural space.
“Events like this show that Thuringia has the potential to connect with wider cultural trends,” noted one visitor. “It’s not just about music, it’s about identity and place.”
While the artists each brought their unique signature, the event was more than the sum of its parts. Limited in capacity and framed by the natural stage of Schneekopf, Hidden Places emphasized intimacy, authenticity, and the bond between music and place. Attendees climbed the mountain not just for a concert, but for a shared experience: watching the sun set over Thuringia while beats rose into the night.
For Gleis3-Musik, the Schneekopf edition marks another milestone in their mission to explore cultural spaces beyond the conventional. As one visitor remarked: “This is about more than music. It’s about rediscovering our region in new ways, and seeing how global sounds can meet local identity.”
Behind the Scenes: A Summit of Logistics
Pulling off Hidden Places Schneekopf was no small feat. While the audience experienced seamless sets and unforgettable views, the reality behind the event was a story of careful planning, local collaboration, and sheer determination.
First and foremost, bringing an entire production setup to 978 meters required precision. Every piece of equipment—from sound systems and lighting rigs to stage elements—had to be transported up the mountain. The crew faced not only physical challenges but also the responsibility of protecting a sensitive natural environment. To minimize impact, the dancefloor was positioned on existing gravel ground, avoiding any damage to the alpine vegetation.
Safety and security were top priorities. Organizers coordinated access routes, emergency protocols, and on-site services to ensure that 400 guests could enjoy themselves with peace of mind. The fact that the event passed without incident is testament to the professionalism of the Gleis3-Musik team.
Local partnerships played a crucial role as well. Food and beverage vendors were sourced from the region, bringing authenticity and supporting the local economy. This commitment to sustainability and community not only reduced the event’s ecological footprint but also gave it a distinctly regional flavor.
On the artistic side, securing six high-caliber acts – each with their own following – was both a booking challenge and a curatorial triumph. By balancing underground credibility with variety, the lineup became a statement of Gleis3-Musik’s vision: music that resonates locally yet belongs on an international stage.
Finally, selling 400 tickets for an event in such a unique location was itself a milestone. Marketing, community-building, and word-of-mouth combined to bring together a diverse audience, proving that demand exists for ambitious cultural formats in Thuringia.
The Schneekopf edition of Hidden Places thus underscored a broader truth: Gleis3-Musik is more than a music collective. It is a capable, professional event organizer, able to unite artistry, logistics, and sustainability in one coherent experience.
Below the after movie of the first edition: Oberhof, equally successful and celebrated by its participants.
Looking Ahead
For Gleis3-Musik, Hidden Places is more than a series – it is a statement about how culture can thrive outside of urban centers. The Schneekopf edition has raised expectations for what comes next. As organizers hinted, other “hidden places” across the region are already being scouted.
With plans already underway for future editions, the question is not whether Hidden Places will return, but which “hidden place” will be revealed next.
Follow @gleis3_musik on Instagram and Linktr.ee to stay in the loop for future events. Photo credit: René Kellermann