Discover Wanfried

Wanfried offers starting points for a trip that combines historic trade and harbor themes with excursions by bike or on the water. At the Schlagd, the town’s former shipping trade comes to life at a specific location; buildings and guided city walks reveal other aspects of the town’s history. When planning, you can decide whether cultural sites, outdoor activities or a mix of both should be the focus of your days.

Harbor history and city walks

The Schlagd in Wanfried was a former transshipment point for shipping on the Weser and Werra. The two Großen Schlagdhäuser dating from 1670 and the adjoining small warehouses are reminders of the town’s former harbor history. This makes the trade of the past tangible not only on city walks, but also at named locations.

On city walks, historical figures bring to life the story of this 1,000-year-old trading and harbor town. Experienced guides from the Wanfried Guild of Tour Guides accompany visitors. Check dates and booking options in advance if you are planning to join a tour.

Buildings and hiking destinations

The Evangelical Church of Wanfried is a neo-Gothic sandstone building, constructed in the late 19th century to designs by Hermann Rüppel. Keudell’s Castle in Wanfried is a large manor house. The church and manor house offer contrasting architectural highlights for a culture-focused stay.

The Plesseturm is considered one of Wanfried’s most beautiful hiking destinations. East of Wanfried, a route with a total length of 9 km leads through the 198-hectare Plesse-Konstein nature reserve. Both details offer different points of reference for planning walking excursions.

By bike or on the Werra

Cyclists can reach Wanfried via the Werratal Cycle Route and the Iron Curtain Trail, which the town identifies as EuroVelo Route 13. Up to six women’s and men’s bicycles and one electric bicycle are available to rent for tours in and around Wanfried; confirm availability before your trip.

On the water, Wanfried is a starting point for canoeists and paddlers heading north along the Werra. During a stopover, waterway travelers can use the landing stage at the Schlagd; check its conditions before setting off. The cycle routes and the Werra offer a different focus from the historic sites and guided city walks.

Getting here and the regional setting

Regular buses connect the Stadtbahnhof in Eschwege with the Bahnhofstraße stop in Wanfried. Check current NVV information for your travel date. Wanfried is located in the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park.

At the wider regional level, the Werra-Meißner district is also part of the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park as a tourist destination. The region between the Werra Valley, Hoher Meißner and Kaufunger Wald features great geological diversity, varied landscapes, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Hoher Meißner is the highest mountain in the region and is considered the home of Frau Holle. Throughout the year, the Geo-Nature Park’s event calendar offers guided hikes, nature experiences, family activities and themed tours around Hoher Meißner. Check the dates if you would like to include a particular activity in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Rommerode, Wehretal, Ringgau, Witzenhausen, Herleshausen, Waldkappel, Eschwege, Bad Sooden-Allendorf.

For the broader travel overview: Werra-Meißner district.