Two lakes, protected landscapes and historic sites offer different ways to experience Barchfeld-Immelborn during a stay. When planning, it is worth keeping each area of interest in mind: nature and the cycle route sit alongside reminders of the town’s history, while rail connections and event dates raise their own practical questions.
Lakes and protected areas
The “Kiesgrube Immelborn” recreation centre consists of two separate lakes divided by a road. Along the shores are sunbathing lawns with scattered trees that provide shade. The annual events calendar includes a triathlon and the Kiesseeschwimmen swimming event. Anyone can take part in the Kiesseeschwimmen. If you would like to watch or take part in one of the competitions, check the specific dates before your trip.
The Forstloch-Riedwiesen nature reserve offers a different perspective on nature: it has several information boards and a designated circular trail. A total of 192 bird species have been recorded here, making it one of the most species-rich areas in southern Thuringia. The “Erlensee-Salzwiesen” natural monument lies on the boundary between the districts of Immelborn and Dorf Allendorf. It is protected because of its abundance of salt-tolerant plants and specialist insects, which are rare in the region.
Werra Cycle Route and getting there
The Werra Valley Cycle Route passes directly through Barchfeld. In Immelborn, the stork’s nest is right beside the cycle route: it sits atop a listed former brickworks chimney.
Rail is also a relevant option for getting there. The SĂĽdthĂĽringer Bahn stops several times a day at Immelborn station on the route between Eisenach and Meiningen. Check the current timetable before travelling; the stated frequency is not a substitute for planning a specific connection.
Church, cemetery and castle dungeon
The Amalienkirche in Immelborn was built in 1473 and dedicated to Saint Amalie. In Barchfeld, the Jewish cemetery on NĂĽrnberger StraĂźe has been in existence since 1853. About 80 simple tombstones made of red sandstone remain there today.
Relief carvings depicting religious and secular scenes have been preserved in the dungeon of Steinsches Schloss in Barchfeld. The motifs include scenes of the Crucifixion, a view of Jerusalem, and depictions of knights, hunting and animals. Visits are possible by prior arrangement. The Malsch & Volkert industrial monument complements this glimpse into history with working machinery that can be demonstrated during visits.
The local history room in Immelborn is intended to show, through household items, tools, clothing, traditional costumes and work equipment, how residents lived in the past and what local customs and trades there were. It is currently closed to visitors while it is being relocated.
Planning your stay and accommodation
If you are planning a visit to the castle dungeon at a specific time, prior arrangement is important; for the triathlon and Kiesseeschwimmen, check the latest event dates. If you are travelling by train, factor the timetable for your specific connection into your plans.
Discover more destinations: Berka/Werra, Behringen, Bad Liebenstein, Marksuhl, Stadtlengsfeld, Nazza, Schleid, Dankmarshausen.
Return to the main travel overview: Wartburg.
