Discover Unterkatz: Church and Rhön

Unterkatz is part of the Thuringian Rhön and combines a distinctive village setting with hiking opportunities in the Vorderrhön. The imposing church stands on a small hill in the village centre. As a landmark, it gives the village a clear focal point—and is also the only fortified church in the Katzagrund.

Church and village setting in Unterkatz

The remains of a partly restored defensive wall can be seen around the church. Its fortified character is therefore a defining feature of the village centre. Visitors interested in churches and historic village settings will find more than a single building here: the old school, the rectory and the old parish barn are also in the immediate vicinity of the church.

When planning your trip, you can therefore consider Unterkatz from two perspectives: as a village with a distinctive architectural focal point and as a starting point for hikers exploring the Vorderrhön landscape. When looking for a holiday apartment in Unterkatz, consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on the village setting or on hiking. Both are specific points to consider when choosing your destination.

Hiking ideas and more impressions of Wasungen

The opportunity to explore the Vorderrhön from Unterkatz appeals to travellers who want to include the landscape in their holiday plans. If you would like to include other interests in your plans in addition to the village, you can consider Wasungen as a destination in its own right.

Wasungen is home to the Forest Botanical Garden. Across an area of around five hectares, it features 162 genera of woody plants, with 1,700 different species and varieties. Guided tours for specialist groups are subject to a clear condition: they are chargeable and available by prior arrangement. The garden is therefore a specific botanical attraction; if you are considering a guided tour, be sure to book it in advance.

The hiking trails around Wasungen also lead to different destinations. Circular Hiking Route 1 goes around the Forest Botanical Garden. Circular Hiking Route 2 goes around the Rupperg to the Kleine Zehn Buchen, while Circular Hiking Route 3 goes through the Mordtal to the Oberwallbachsmühle. You can use the places mentioned as a guide when choosing a route. The 96-kilometre long-distance hiking trail HWO2 connects Wasungen with Schlitz. A section of the Heinrich Cotta Hiking Trail leads from the Forest Botanical Garden to Heinrich Cotta’s birthplace in Kleine Zillbach.

For cyclists, the Werratal Cycle Route runs through Wasungen along the left bank of the Werra. The historic townscape provides a different cultural highlight: the historic town centre is protected as an ensemble and designated as a conservation area. Wasungen’s carnival includes a historic procession held every year on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, which is the highlight of the carnival. Check the date of the procession before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Wasungen, Obermaßfeld-Grimmenthal, Grabfeld, Floh-Seligenthal, Sülzfeld, Viernau, Struth-Helmershof, Erbenhausen.

See the overview of the wider region: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.