The municipality lies in the Vulkaneifel, a part of the Eifel known for its volcanic history, geographical and geological features, and even ongoing activity today, including gases that sometimes well up from the earth.

On 28 August 1193, Steiningen had its first documentary mention in a document signed by Emperor Heinrich VI in Boppard.

The manor house belonging to Springiersbach Abbey, which was mentioned in the 1193 document, has completely disappeared; only a waterpipe that was unearthed by ploughing in the 1920s, leading to the estate, is still preserved.

The chapel on the dexter (armsbearer's right, viewer's left) side refers to the one still standing today not far from Steiningen, where once stood the small village of Allscheid, whose inhabitants forsook their homes in 1852 and emigrated to the United States.

The bend sinister wavy (the slanted stripe) symbolizes the Altbach, which lends character to the local scenery.