Friedrich Schiller lived and worked in Bauerbach for seven months; in Berkach, several Jewish cultural sites tell a different story of the place. The area also features striking village architecture and protected landscapes. There are many reasons to visit Grabfeld, so when planning your trip, it’s best to start by choosing your main focus.
Jewish cultural heritage in Berkach
The Jewish ensemble in Berkach comprises a synagogue, a bathhouse, a school and a cemetery. The synagogue and Jewish school on Mühlfelder Straße were built between 1852 and 1854. The synagogue was restored for use as a synagogue in 1990/91 and formally rededicated on 3 November 1991; Rita Süssmuth, the Bundestag President at the time, attended the ceremony. The ritual bath, or mikveh, is also part of the site’s history: it was built in 1838 and restored in 1990. Many of the inscriptions on the gravestones in the well-preserved cemetery are still clearly legible.
A circular trail with information panels, established in 2014, connects the Jewish cultural sites. It provides a thematic framework for the various parts of the ensemble rather than simply listing them individually. The German-German Open-Air Museum in Behrungen includes a border fence and many other objects. Visits are scheduled for the third Sunday of each month and by arrangement; check before travelling whether this schedule is still current.
Schiller sites and museums
The former manor house of the von Wolzogen family in Bauerbach is now a museum. It illustrates the period when Friedrich Schiller lived and worked there for seven months. The historic Schiller hiking trail runs from Meiningen to Bauerbach; Bauerbach also hosts annual open-air performances. The museum, hiking trail and performances each highlight a different aspect of Bauerbach’s connection to Schiller.
In Jüchsen, the museum in the Old School, dating from 1616, displays numerous exhibits on the village’s history. Visits are by arrangement; please arrange your visit in advance. Wolfmannshausen also combines local history with art: it has a local history museum featuring a house figure, which can be visited by arrangement. The Church of St. Aegidius contains very well-restored wall frescoes dating from the time it was built. If a museum visit is an essential part of your plans, allow time to make the necessary arrangements and check in advance whether a visit is possible.
Village architecture and building history
Exdorf was first mentioned in a document in 951 under the name “Heigesdorf”. Preserved half-timbered houses shape the village’s appearance, along with historic courtyard entrance portals dating from the late Middle Ages. The village church is also notable for its architecture: its massive tower is topped by a distinctive curved dome.
In 1720, a church was built in the centre of Queienfeld beside an old defensive tower; part of its defensive moat has been preserved. The town hall and bakehouse dates from the 18th century and features a double-sided staircase. The two buildings reveal different aspects of the village’s history: here, the church and moat are connected, while there, the building’s distinctive staircase shapes its appearance.
Protected landscapes and trails
Those focusing on nature and landscapes will find several clearly identified destinations. The “Seeben” nature reserve in Behrungen features a variety of vegetation types and a rich diversity of species. Southwest of Jüchsen, near the road to Queienfeld, the Wirtswiese and Graulache were designated protected landscape features in 1996.
The Widderstatt near Jüchsen is a prehistoric settlement site that people have visited since 8000 BC. From there, the signposted Celtic Adventure Trail leads towards the Steinsburg near Römhild or to the Dolmar. In Exdorf, the circular “Zur Platte” trail begins; it forms part of the Castle Hiking Trail. These trail descriptions offer different starting points for planning, but do not specify distances or walking times.
When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to decide in advance whether you would like to focus primarily on Jewish cultural heritage, Schiller sites, architectural history or landscapes. Plan visits that require prior arrangements in good time, and check the current schedule for the open-air museum.
Discover more destinations: Bermbach, Benshausen, Unterschönau, Rhönblick, Erbenhausen, Schwallungen, Steinbach-Hallenberg, Kaltensundheim.
View the main travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
