Zella-Mehlis combines an interactive discovery centre with scenic views, challenging hikes and distinctive architecture. When planning, you can first decide whether you would mainly like to experiment, take a hike of a specified length, or discover architecture and exhibitions. The attractions each have a different focus, giving every stay its own character.
Get involved and explore the outdoors
The eXplorata interactive discovery centre offers more than 100 hands-on experiment stations across 1,300 square metres. This active, hands-on experience is clearly different from a viewpoint or hike: instead of looking at a landscape, you can experiment at the stations yourself.
From Lerchenberg, at just under 560 metres above sea level, you can enjoy panoramic views over the town and the expansive surrounding forests. The Three Rocks Trail offers a different experience: the circular hiking trail is 9.3 kilometres long and rated difficult. It leads to three rock formations with views over the Zella-Mehlis valley basin, the Thuringian Forest and as far as the Rhön. This lets you choose between a viewpoint and a clearly described, challenging hiking route.
At Heinrichsbacher Stein, climbers can tackle routes graded from 3 to 9. This stated range gives climbers another specific point of reference when planning activities.
Half-timbered architecture, gallery and church design
The BĂĽrgerhaus is a notable half-timbered building in the Henneberg-Franconian half-timbered tradition. Its gallery hosts changing exhibitions featuring artists known internationally, nationally and regionally. The building thus combines a distinctive architectural feature with a changing exhibition programme.
The Zella Blasius Church is also notable for its design: its oval transverse floor plan, hipped gable roof and tower projecting from the middle of the north wall define the building. These features make it one of the most important central-plan church buildings in Thuringia. Those interested in architecture can see the specific forms that underpin this distinction.
More themes in the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen travel destination
Other places in the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen travel destination also offer their own highlights. In Schmalkalden, visitors can experience the production of smooth-melting nougat at the Viba Nougat World, in a glass-fronted workshop. Hands-on confectionery courses offer the chance to pour chocolate, decorate nougat and create pralines. If you plan to attend a course, it is best to check dates and booking conditions in advance.
Also in Schmalkalden, the “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum tells the story of the region’s industrial history. The blast furnace complex dates from 1835; local iron ores were smelted there using charcoal to produce pig iron until 1924. Exhibitions explore the nearly 1,300-year history of iron and steel goods production in the Schmalkalden region, including the well-known “Schmalkalden items”. A 45-minute guided tour focuses on the history and operation of the blast furnace.
The Prachtregion of Schmalkalden-Meiningen district encompasses the landscapes of the Thuringian Forest, the Rhön, the Werra Valley and Grabfeld. Its varied nature and outdoor activities include a 3.5-kilometre hiking trail with seating areas in the Breitunger Seen nature reserve, and the Trusetal Waterfall, which plunges 60 metres over a granite formation in three cascades. Visitors can climb 228 steps beside the waterfall. Oberhof has alpine ski slopes for fast descents; their seasonal operation depends on snow and facility conditions. Cross-country skiing is possible even in summer at Germany’s first indoor ski hall. Before visiting the hall, check its operating schedule and booking conditions.
Choose the focus of your stay
Discover more destinations: Fambach, Springstille, Kleinschmalkalden, Meiningen, Oberhof, Brotterode spa resort, HĂĽmpfershausen, Birx
Back to the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
