Wernshausen: Half-timbered houses, the Werra and local history

Church, half-timbered houses and Werra rafting

St. Luke’s Church in Wernshausen has had its present appearance since 1723; remains of an older church were incorporated into the building. It stands on the Heyer spur, which 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. The church can only be visited by prior arrangement, so plan accordingly if you would like to see the inside of the building.

Other buildings also shape the townscape: the vicarage and bakehouse are lovingly reconstructed half-timbered houses. The Pachtershof is the oldest documented residential building in Wernshausen; the town hall stands out for its ornate Art Nouveau design. Together, the buildings offer different insights into the town’s architectural history, from half-timbering to Art Nouveau.

Another important part of the town’s history is rafting on the Werra. For more than three centuries, until the advent of the railway, it was the main source of income for the people of Wernshausen. Today, the rafting association keeps the memory of this former occupation alive in its leisure time. Rafting is therefore remembered not only as a historic livelihood but also as part of Wernshausen’s past.

Cycling and paddling tours with different stages

The 22-kilometre Rosatal Cycle Route connects the Werra Valley Cycle Route with the Feldatal Cycle Route. Its starting point is in Wernshausen; from there, the route follows a forest track to Helmers. When planning, distinguish between the start in Wernshausen and the route that follows: from here, it first goes along the forest track to Helmers. A visit to the Frankenburg castle ruins is recommended there. Check the current route before setting out.

On the water, Wernshausen is the endpoint of the Werra paddling route from Meiningen. Suggested landing spots include a place by the angling club’s clubhouse or the landing point in Wernshausen in front of the weir. These are two different options for the end of the stage; check current route and access conditions before your trip. This makes it easier to plan the paddling route as an arrival in Wernshausen, rather than confusing it with the starting point of the Rosatal Cycle Route.

Culture in the wider destination of Schmalkalden

Schmalkalden is also part of the wider destination. In Schmalkalden, you can watch nougat being made at the Viba Nougat World through a glass-walled production facility. Various workshops let you make your own pralines, chocolate or a classic nougat bar; check the latest booking details before your visit. Schmalkalden’s bus and train station is only a few minutes’ walk from the Viba Nougat World—this location information refers to Schmalkalden, not Wernshausen.

Schmalkalden has its own themes in architecture and Reformation history. Construction of St. George’s Church began in 1413/14, incorporating parts of an earlier Romanesque church. During the most significant meeting of the Schmalkaldic League in 1537, well-known theologians of the day preached there; Martin Luther presented his Schmalkaldic Articles in the church. Wilhelmsburg Castle houses a permanent exhibition on the time of Martin Luther and the Schmalkaldic League. These sites add further attractions specifically associated with Schmalkalden to Wernshausen’s local history.

Choose your priorities when looking for accommodation

If you choose Wernshausen as your base, you can plan around the interests that matter most to you: St. Luke’s Church and the historic townscape, a stage of the Rosatal Cycle Route, or the Werra paddling route ending in Wernshausen. A visit to the church requires prior arrangement; for cycling and paddling tours, check the latest route and access conditions. Schmalkalden can be included in your travel plans as a separate cultural destination.

Discover more destinations: Rotterode, Schmalkalden, Oberschönau, Kleinschmalkalden, Breitungen/Werra, Zella-Mehlis, Trusetal-Laudenbach, Oberhof.

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