Schwarza combines historic buildings and local history with cycling and hiking trails. Visitors choosing the town may be interested in a stay focused on cultural history, a route through the surrounding area, or both. The historic attractions and the routes offer different points of reference for planning.

Historic traces in Schwarza

The Jewish cemetery was established from 1791 on the slope of the Osterkuppe in the south of Schwarza. It is well preserved, protected as an archaeological monument and maintained; a visit is recommended. It is therefore part of both the town’s history and its specific historic sites. If you would like to visit the cemetery, check the local access information when planning your visit.

The Sankt Bartholomäii cemetery chapel is one of the oldest buildings in Schwarza and has been documented since the 11th century. The Osterkirche is also one of Schwarza’s attractions. Schloss Stolberg is the later castle built on the site of an old moated castle. These places represent different historical points of interest: the chapel’s early architectural history and the development of a moated castle into a later castle.

A smaller historical detail is the old market cubit at the post office in Schwarza. It complements the buildings with a reference to local market history. If you want to seek it out specifically, check shortly beforehand whether it can be seen on site.

The Dolmargemeinde Schwarza Local Heritage and History Association runs a local history museum in the House of Associations, not far from the regular school. Spinning evenings and lecture series are sometimes held there; the rooms are also used for social gatherings. These activities should not be taken as an ongoing events calendar. If you would like to plan your visit around them, check the dates and visiting options in advance.

Cycling and hiking routes

The approximately 80-kilometre Rhön-Rennsteig Cycle Route runs from Fladungen to Oberhof through Christes, Schwarza and Zella-Mehlis. The approximate distance refers to the cycle route between the named endpoints; Schwarza is one of the towns along its course. This makes it possible to consider the route as a longer option, rather than confusing its total length with a section in Schwarza.

Another route description leads to the Zigeunerrunde: it follows the Rennsteig-Dolmar-Weg to Schwarza and passes Schloss Schwarza. This provides a different point of reference alongside the cycle route, specifying the route via the Rennsteig-Dolmar-Weg and its connection to the castle.

The available information differs for each route: for the Rhön-Rennsteig Cycle Route, the approximate total distance and the route from Fladungen to Oberhof are given; the Zigeunerrunde is described by its course to Schwarza. Check the latest route information before setting out so you can choose the route that best fits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Walldorf, Grabfeld, Kleinschmalkalden, Frankenheim/Rhön, Kaltensundheim, Brotterode-Trusetal, Henneberg, Fambach

For the main travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.