Obermaßfeld-Grimmenthal combines historic local features with a connection to the Werra. In Obermaßfeld, the written record begins in 837 with “Mahesfeld”; the present-day name Obermaßfeld has been documented since 1629. Other features include St. Stephan, the medieval Hillhöfe and a landing and portage point for boats on the outskirts of town. Local points of interest thus range from architectural and local history to a specifically named spot on the river.
Local history: Mahesfeld, customs post and Hillhöfe
The early references to the town mark different milestones: 837 refers to the first documented mention as “Mahesfeld,” while the name Obermaßfeld has been attested since 1629. From 1378 to 1696, Obermaßfeld is cited as the most important customs post in the County of Henneberg. This period adds a long-standing customs role to the history of the town’s name. In the Middle Ages, the Hillhöfe were considered the most beautiful farms in the town. Early records of the name, customs history and a medieval assessment of the farms are thus distinct aspects in their own right.
St. Stephan and other local features
At St. Stephan’s Church, the chancel tower and church were rebuilt in the early 17th century; alterations followed later. In 2006, the cellar rooms of the Gaden, the gate tower and parts of the churchyard wall were restored. The churchyard wall is three metres high and largely preserved along its length. South of the church are a court site with a lime tree and a grain-measuring stone with five measures. The building history, the wall and the features in front of the church each offer their own clues to the town’s history.
The old village forge and the municipal bathhouse are also among Obermaßfeld’s notable features. They complement the church and the Hillhöfe with other local points of interest. When exploring the area’s historical themes, visitors can distinguish between buildings, farms and places shaped by communal life without treating them as a single sightseeing stop.
Grimmenthal and the river connection
Grimmenthal, a former pilgrimage site associated with an allegedly miraculous image of the Virgin Mary, lies north of Obermaßfeld. A pilgrimage chapel was consecrated there in 1498. The pilgrimage history belongs to Grimmenthal; the Hillhöfe and St. Stephan are features of Obermaßfeld.
The Werra Bridge was of great importance for connecting the trade routes between Obermaßfeld and Franconia. The landing and portage point for boats serves a different purpose: it is on the outskirts of Obermaßfeld, upstream of the weir. Historical trade connections and a specific riverside facility thus represent two different aspects of the Werra. Before using a boat, it is advisable to check the current conditions on the river.
More to explore in the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen destination
The wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen destination offers additional visitor experiences of a different kind. In Schmalkalden, visitors can see how melt-in-the-mouth nougat is made at the Viba Nougat World, in a glass-walled workshop. Hands-on confectionery courses include molding chocolate, decorating nougat and creating pralines. If you plan to take a course, check the latest dates and booking conditions. This adds a craft and culinary dimension alongside Obermaßfeld’s historic local features.
Also in Schmalkalden, the “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum offers an industrial history contrast. The blast furnace complex dates from 1835; local iron ores were smelted there using charcoal to produce pig iron until 1924. The exhibition explores the region’s nearly 1,300-year history of iron and steel goods production, including the well-known “Schmalkalder Artikel.” A 45-minute guided tour focuses on the history and operation of the blast furnace. Nougat production and iron processing thus stand side by side as distinct themes within the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen destination.
Discover more destinations: Zella-Mehlis, Altersbach, Struth-Helmershof, Bermbach, Erbenhausen, Schwarza, Meiningen, Christes.
Back to the wider travel guide: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
