Wernshausen can be explored through its architectural history and the routes along the Werra. St. Luke’s Church, the former Werra rafting trade and distinctive buildings give the village a cultural character; the Rosatal Cycle Path starts here, while a paddling route from Meiningen ends here. This brings local history together with two different ways of getting around. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Wernshausen, these themes provide a helpful framework for planning: you can consider culture, the cycle route and the stretch of river separately, rather than treating them as the same kind of outing.

St. Luke’s on the Heyer

In its present form, St. Luke’s Church in Wernshausen dates from 1723 and incorporates remnants of an older church. It stands on the Heyer, a mountain spur that drops steeply to the east, south and west, about 29 metres above the village. A straight staircase of around 90 steps leads up to it. If you would like to visit the church, you must arrange your visit in advance. The elevation, staircase and advance arrangements are therefore the specific points to bear in mind when planning your visit.

Rafting and distinctive buildings

For more than three centuries, until the advent of the railway, rafting on the Werra was the main source of income for the people of Wernshausen. Today, the raft-owners’ association keeps the memory of this former practice alive in its spare time. This brings together the village’s long economic history and present-day efforts to commemorate rafting.

The buildings also tell of different architectural styles. The rectory and bakehouse are lovingly reconstructed half-timbered houses. The Pachtershof is the oldest documented residential building, while the town hall is lavishly designed in the Art Nouveau style. Together, these buildings shape a village landscape defined by half-timbered houses, a particularly old residence and the town hall’s Art Nouveau architecture.

Cycling and paddling on the Werra

For cycle tourists, the 22-kilometre Rosatal Cycle Path links the Werratal Cycle Path with the Feldatal Cycle Path. Check the latest route information before setting out. The trailhead is in Wernshausen; from there, the route follows a forest track to Helmers. A visit to the ruins of Frankenburg Castle is also recommended in Helmers. So Wernshausen is the starting point for a cycle route that leads to another historic destination in Helmers.

The Werra paddling route offers a different experience: the stage from Meiningen ends in Wernshausen, either at a landing point near the fishing club’s clubhouse or at the landing point in front of the weir. Check the latest route and access conditions before setting out. While Wernshausen is the starting point for the Rosatal Cycle Path, it is the destination for this paddling stage.

Cultural highlights in Schmalkalden

The wider destination of Schmalkalden offers further cultural highlights. Construction of St. George’s Town Church there began in 1413/14, incorporating parts of an earlier Romanesque church. At the most important meeting of the Schmalkaldic League in 1537, the best-known theologians of the day preached in the church; Martin Luther presented his Schmalkaldic Articles there. Wilhelmsburg Castle stands above the old town and houses a permanent exhibition on the era of Martin Luther and the Schmalkaldic League. In Schmalkalden, architectural history, Reformation history and museum interpretation come together.

Viba Nougat World in Schmalkalden offers a different experience: visitors can watch nougat being made through a glass-walled workshop. In workshops, you can make pralines, chocolate or a traditional nougat bar yourself; check the latest booking details in advance. From April to October, public guided tours of Schmalkalden’s historic old town are also available. Confirm dates and departure details with the tourist information office.

Discover more destinations: Rhönblick, Meiningen, Erbenhausen, Bermbach, Walldorf, Steinbach-Hallenberg, Wallbach, Oberschönau

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.