Discover Schwarza: History and Trails

Historic traces in Schwarza

The Jewish cemetery was established from 1791 on the slope of Osterkuppe in the south of Schwarza and is well preserved. It is protected as an archaeological monument, maintained and recommended for visitors. The cemetery chapel of St Bartholomew is one of the oldest buildings in Schwarza and is documented as far back as the 11th century. The cemetery wall also contains the so-called “Missgeburtenstein” (Stone of Deformed Births).

Other points of interest for history enthusiasts include Osterkirche, one of Schwarza’s attractions, and Stolberg Castle. It is the later castle built on the site of an old moated castle. A smaller historical discovery is the old market ell, located at the post office in Schwarza. These places and objects represent different facets of the area’s history, from buildings to traditional units of measurement.

The Heimat- und Geschichtsverein der Dolmargemeinde Schwarza (Local History and Heritage Association of the Dolmar Community of Schwarza) runs a local history museum in the Haus der Vereine, not far from the secondary school. Spinning evenings and lecture series are sometimes held there; the rooms are also used for social gatherings. Before your trip, check visiting options and the current dates for spinning evenings and lecture series.

Explore by bike or on foot

The approximately 80-kilometre Rhön-Rennsteig cycle route runs from Fladungen to Oberhof, passing through Christes, Schwarza and Zella-Mehlis. Its stated length and the places it passes provide a guide for planning your tour; check the latest route information before setting off. If you would rather explore on foot, consider the “Zigeunerrunde” (Gypsy Loop): it follows the Rennsteig-Dolmar-Weg to Schwarza and passes Schwarza Castle. For this route, too, it is advisable to check the latest information before planning your tour.

For planning your trip, it is especially helpful to decide whether you want to focus on Schwarza’s architectural and local history or combine your stay with longer cycling or hiking tours.

More to explore in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen holiday region

Beyond Schwarza, the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen holiday region offers a range of cultural highlights. In Schmalkalden, visitors can discover how nougat is made at the Viba Nougat-Welt in a glass-walled factory. Hands-on confectionery courses offer the chance to mould chocolate, decorate nougat and create pralines. Course times and booking conditions may change, so check them before making specific plans.

The “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum in Schmalkalden offers a different perspective on the region’s history. The blast furnace complex dates from 1835; local iron ores were smelted there using charcoal to produce pig iron until 1924. The exhibitions cover the nearly 1,300-year history of iron and steel goods production in the Schmalkalden region, including the well-known “Schmalkalder Artikel” (Schmalkalden products). A 45-minute guided tour focuses on the history and function of the blast furnace works. Nougat making and industrial history thus offer very different themes from Schwarza’s historic sites and routes.

Schwarza as a place to look for accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering what you want your stay to focus on. If you are mainly interested in Schwarza’s cemetery, chapel, museum and other local heritage, these themes provide a clear framework for choosing your destination. Cycling and hiking tours add an active dimension. If you would also like to include experiences such as nougat-making or Schmalkalden’s industrial history, exploring the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen holiday region can help broaden your options. Tailor your holiday-apartment search to the experiences that matter most to your travel group.

Discover more destinations: Oberschönau, Trusetal-Laudenbach, Erbenhausen, Schmalkalden, Rotterode, Schwallungen, Wernshausen, Kühndorf

View the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.