Schwarza between cultural attractions and cycling routes
Accommodation in Schwarza
Schwarza offers a starting point for a stay focused on local history and routes through the surrounding area. Historic sites are located within the municipality; the Rhön-Rennsteig Cycle Route passes through the town, and the Zigeunerrunde also leads to Schwarza. You can tailor your plans to the sights and activities you have in mind.
History and culture in Schwarza
The Jewish cemetery was established from 1791 on the slope of the Osterkuppe, south of Schwarza. It is well preserved, protected as an archaeological monument, and maintained; a visit is recommended. The Sankt Bartholomäii cemetery chapel is one of Schwarza’s oldest buildings and is documented as far back as the 11th century. The cemetery wall of the Sankt Bartholomäi cemetery chapel also contains the so-called “Missgeburtenstein” (monument to malformed births).
The historic townscape also includes the Osterkirche, one of Schwarza’s sights, and Stolberg Castle. The latter is the later castle built on the site of an old moated castle. Anyone interested in local history can also plan a visit to the local history museum: the Heimat- und Geschichtsverein der Dolmargemeinde Schwarza (Schwarza Dolmar Municipality Local History Association) runs it in the Haus der Vereine, not far from the secondary school. Check whether it is currently open to visitors before you travel.
The local history museum occasionally hosts spinning evenings and lecture series; its rooms are also used for social gatherings. It is therefore worth checking in advance whether a visit and any events are available.
Cycling and hiking routes through Schwarza
The approximately 80-kilometre Rhön-Rennsteig Cycle Route runs from Fladungen to Oberhof and passes through Christes, Schwarza, and Zella-Mehlis. Check the latest route information before setting out. Another option is the Zigeunerrunde, which follows the Rennsteig-Dolmar-Weg to Schwarza and passes Schwarza Castle.
The route described is the main point of comparison when choosing between the two: the cycle route connects Fladungen with Oberhof and passes through several towns, while the Zigeunerrunde reaches Schwarza via the Rennsteig-Dolmar-Weg. Schwarza Castle is listed as a point along this hiking route. Stolberg Castle, meanwhile, is described as the later castle built on the site of an old moated castle; the two names should therefore not be assumed to refer to the same place.
More destinations in the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen travel region
Beyond Schwarza, the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen travel region offers other options for planning your trip. In Schmalkalden, visitors can experience nougat production at the Viba Nougat-Welt in a glass-walled workshop. Hands-on confectionery courses offer the chance to pour chocolate, decorate nougat, and create pralines. Course times and booking conditions may change; check them in advance if you are planning to take a course.
Another cultural and historical destination in Schmalkalden is the “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum. The blast furnace complex dates from 1835; local iron ore was smelted there using charcoal to produce pig iron until 1924. The exhibition explores the nearly 1,300-year history of iron and steel goods production in the Schmalkalden region, including the well-known “Schmalkalder Artikel” (Schmalkalden products). A 45-minute guided tour focuses on the history and operation of the blast furnace.
For winter sports, Oberhof is another destination in the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen travel region, with alpine slopes for downhill skiing. You can also go cross-country skiing in summer at Germany’s first indoor ski hall in Oberhof.
More places in the same wider travel region: Altersbach, Oberschönau, Schmalkalden, Trusetal-Laudenbach, Viernau, Floh-Seligenthal, Kühndorf, Rotterode.
Back to the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
