The Schlagd recalls Wanfried’s former role in shipping on the Weser and Werra; waterway travellers can also use the landing stage there for a stopover. Together with historic buildings, guided city walks and cycle routes, this makes for a destination that can be explored from different perspectives. When planning your stay, you can give varying priority to culture, activities on the Werra and cycling tours.
The Schlagd and city history
The Schlagd was a former transshipment point for shipping on the Weser and Werra. Two large Schlagd houses dating from 1670 and the adjoining small warehouses recall the town’s former harbour history. This history can also be explored on city walks, which present the story of this 1,000-year-old trading and harbour town, led by experienced guides from the Wanfried Guild of Tour Guides. Check dates and availability in advance.
Other architectural landmarks offer a different perspective: Wanfried Evangelical Church is a Neo-Gothic sandstone building, erected in the late 19th century to designs by Hermann Rüppel. Keudell Castle is a large manor house. Together with the buildings at the Schlagd, the church and castle offer different ways to explore the city’s architectural history.
The Werra and cycle routes
For waterway travellers, the landing stage at the Schlagd is a possible stopover in Wanfried. The town is also a starting point for canoeists and paddlers heading north along the Werra. If you are planning a trip on the water, check the conditions at the landing stage before setting off.
Wanfried can also be reached by bicycle via two named long-distance routes: the Werra Valley Cycle Route and the Iron Curtain Trail, which the town identifies as EuroVelo Route 13. Up to six women’s and men’s bicycles, as well as one electric bicycle, are available to rent for trips in and around Wanfried. The routes describe how to get there by bike; bicycle hire is a separate option for local trips. Confirm bicycle availability before your trip.
Hiking and nature
The Plesse Tower is considered one of Wanfried’s finest hiking destinations. East of the town, a route with a total length of 9 kilometres passes through the 198-hectare Plesse-Konstein Nature Reserve. This offers two distinct points of reference for planning: a named hiking destination in Wanfried and a route through a nature reserve in the nearby area.
For longer hikes in the wider Werra-Meißner district, the P1 Hoher Meißner premium trail is another option: it is 13.7 kilometres long and rated difficult. This trail is a regional alternative, not the route east of Wanfried. If you are planning a specific hike, check the latest information about possible seasonal restrictions.
The wider area: Werra-Meißner district
Wanfried is located in the Frau Holle Land Geo-Nature Park. The Werra-Meißner district is also part of this Geo-Nature Park as a tourist destination. The region between the Werra Valley, Hoher Meißner and Kaufungen Forest is known for its varied geology, landscapes, flora and fauna. Hoher Meißner is the region’s highest mountain and is regarded as the home of Frau Holle.
Seasonal landscapes to visit in the Geo-Nature Park range from the cherry blossoms in the Witzenhausen cherry-growing region and the orchid blooms to the pink poppy fields in Germerode and Grandenborn, Frau Holle’s flower meadows, autumn foliage and winter sports on Hoher Meißner. These examples relate to the wider Werra-Meißner district, not exclusively to Wanfried. Blooming periods and seasonal conditions vary from year to year.
Getting here and accommodation
Regular bus services connect Eschwege’s town railway station with the Bahnhofstraße stop in Wanfried. As timetables vary, check the latest NVV information before travelling.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Neu-Eichenberg, Witzenhausen, Meinhard, Berkatal, Großalmerode, Waldkappel, Datterode, Meißner
To the regional travel overview: Werra-Meißner district.
