Wernshausen: Church, Half-Timbered Houses and Werra History
Accommodation in Wernshausen
Wernshausen brings its history to life: St. Luke’s Church stands on a hill spur above the village, half-timbered houses shape the village’s appearance, and rafting on the Werra was an important source of income for centuries. The start of the Rosatal Cycle Route and the end of a Werra paddling route add practical options for cycling and paddling trips. This lets you give culture and active days different priorities when planning your stay.
St. Luke’s Church on the Heyer Hill Spur
St. Luke’s Church in Wernshausen took on its present form in 1723 and incorporates remains of an older church. It stands on the Heyer hill spur, which drops steeply to the east, south and west, about 29 metres above the village. A straight staircase of around 90 steps leads up to it. Church visits are possible by prior arrangement only. The site combines a distinct architectural history with a striking position above the village.
Half-timbered houses and memories of Werra rafting
Buildings that shape the village’s appearance include the rectory and bakehouse, lovingly reconstructed half-timbered houses, the Pachtershof, the oldest residential building, and the town hall, lavishly designed in the Art Nouveau style. The Werra is also part of the village’s history: for more than three centuries, until the advent of the railway, rafting on the Werra was the most important source of income for the people of Wernshausen. Today, the rafting association keeps the memory of this past work alive in its free time.
Comparing the cycle route and paddling route
The 22-kilometre Rosatal Cycle Route connects the Werratal Cycle Route with the Feldatal Cycle Route. Its starting point is in Wernshausen; from there, the route follows a forest track to Helmers. A visit to the Frankenburg castle ruins is recommended there. The Werra paddling route from Meiningen to Wernshausen ends at a landing stage near the angling club’s clubhouse or at the landing stage in front of the weir. While the cycle route starts in Wernshausen and continues to Helmers, the village is a stop along the way for paddlers. Check current route and access conditions before setting out.
When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to keep these differences in mind: Is your focus on local history, cycling or a paddling trip on the Werra? Wernshausen offers various points of interest for each, without requiring you to follow just one fixed style of travel.
More highlights in the wider Schmalkalden destination
Other themes can complement your travel plans in the wider Schmalkalden destination. At the Viba Nougat World in Schmalkalden, visitors can watch nougat being made in a glass-walled production facility. Workshops let you make pralines, chocolate or a classic nougat bar yourself; check the latest booking details in advance.
Construction of St. George’s Town Church in Schmalkalden began in 1413/14, incorporating parts of an earlier Romanesque church. At the most important meeting of the Schmalkaldic League in 1537, well-known theologians of the time preached there, and Martin Luther presented his Schmalkaldic Articles. Wilhelmsburg Castle rises above Schmalkalden’s old town and houses a permanent exhibition on the time of Martin Luther and the Schmalkaldic League. At the museum, visitors can explore the banqueting halls, the castle church, historic rooms with murals and stucco work, the lords’ kitchen and the terrace garden; the historic wooden-pipe organ can still be played, too. Check opening hours and access details before visiting. Public guided tours of Schmalkalden’s historic old town are offered from April to October; confirm dates and departure details with the tourist information office.
Discover more destinations: Benshausen, Viernau, Rotterode, Unterschönau, Struth-Helmershof, Schmalkalden, Walldorf, Roßdorf.
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
