The Prussian Main Army, formed from three divisions under the command of General Eduard von Falckenstein, had been advancing from Eisenach towards Fulda since 1 July.

This was also the aim of the Bavarian Army, which wanted to unite there with the allied 8th Federal Corps (contingents from Baden, Württemberg, Hesse-Darmstadt, Hesse-Kassel, the Nassau and Austria).

Contrary to the order of the day, which had indicated the occupation of the village as the target, the rapidly advancing troops attacked the Nebelberg, southeast of Wiesenthal.

Despite considerable losses, they managed to storm this extremely solid position and hold it for a long time.

The withdrawal of the Prussians was only an apparent success for the Bavarian army, since the return to the starting position was planned from the outset.