Kühndorf’s history is best explored through its architecture: Johanniterburg preserves a largely intact upper castle, while the castle barn, churches and bakehouse reveal further chapters of the village’s past. For a change of pace, visit nearby Dolmar, cycle back through Kühndorf, or arrange a microlight sightseeing flight from Dolmar airfield.
Johanniterburg: Building History and Views
Johanniterburg in Kühndorf was built between 1291 and 1315 by knights of the Order of St John. The upper castle is largely intact and consists of two residential towers set at right angles to one another, a keep that has since been substantially reduced in height, and a kitchen building. The upper floors offer views of the Rhön and the Thuringian Forest. The castle thus brings together medieval architectural history and views of two named landscapes.
Castle Barn, Local History Room and Bakehouse
The historic castle barn was completed in 1538 by the Counts of Henneberg-Römhild. Every year on Open Monument Day, a traditional flea market is held in and around the building. If you plan to visit the flea market, check the local calendar for that year’s event. The Kühndorf local history rooms are next to the castle barn. The local history room gives visitors a vivid impression of the hard and demanding lives of earlier generations; ask about visiting arrangements before you go. The village’s architectural character also includes half-timbered houses in the Franconian style. Local residents operate a well-preserved bakehouse specifically for bakehouse festivals.
Churches and Cemetery Museum
St Dionysius Church and the cemetery church in Kühndorf are considered worth a visit. Kühndorf Church was rebuilt around 1520; its octagonal baptismal font dates from 1576. The cemetery, with its 1617 cemetery church and the museum housed inside it, is also considered worth seeing. Exhibits include a bier, numerous cast-iron crosses, distinctive gravestones and other historically significant objects. Alongside the history of church construction, visitors can explore objects relating to local burial and commemorative traditions.
Nature, Cycling and Sightseeing Flights
Nearby Dolmar rises to 739.5 metres and is designated a natural monument. Traces of a ring-shaped rampart enclosure covering around eight hectares can be seen on its ridge; it is thought to date from the Celtic period. Dolmar offers two perspectives: its natural landscape and traces of early fortifications. A cycling tour through neighbouring communities and to Dolmar can take you back through Kühndorf, past Johanniterburg and through Schwarza. Microlight sightseeing flights take off from and land at Dolmar airfield in Kühndorf; flights are arranged by appointment.
Schmalkalden-Meiningen: A Wider Travel Region
The wider travel region of Schmalkalden-Meiningen offers additional cultural attractions of a different kind. In Schmalkalden, visitors can watch nougat being made at the Viba Nougat World’s glass-walled factory. Practical confectionery courses cover pouring chocolate, decorating nougat and creating pralines; check dates and booking conditions in advance. Schmalkalden is also home to the “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum: at this blast furnace facility, local iron ore was smelted using charcoal to produce pig iron from 1835 until 1924. Exhibitions explore the nearly 1,300-year history of regional iron and steel goods production, including the “Schmalkalder Artikel” (“Schmalkalden products”). A 45-minute guided tour explains the history and operation of the blast furnace.
Discover more destinations: Rhönblick, Kleinschmalkalden, Altersbach, Christes, Springstille, Zella-Mehlis, Erbenhausen, Breitungen/Werra
Return to the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
