However, it is more likely that the name comes from Schnee ("snow") and the fact that the mountain is snow-capped for long periods of time.

The group of rocks at the highest point on the mountain is called Backöfele ("baking oven"), after which the observation tower was named.

In the Thirty Years' War, folk from the surrounding village are supposed to have fled to this place where they baked their bread.

On 14 November 1951 US Forces requisitioned part of the summit and erected various buildings and steel structures for antennas and parabolic mirrors.

In 1961 the German Armed Forces (the Bundeswehr) took over the area to the north of the summit and, in 1967, communication sector (Fernmeldesektor) "E" took up its surveillance role in a new tower.

The low average temperature of 3.7 °C around the summit of the Schneeberg means that it is still able to support a glacial plant community.

In winter, tracks are frequently seen that indicate the return of the lynx to the high Fichtel Mountains around the Schneeberg.

Despite not being maintained after the departure of the military, its surface is still good enough for racing bikers who like to climb the 400 metres at 8% from Bischofsgrün.