Kühnhausen: Nature, Cycling Routes and Local History

At the western edge of Kühnhausen lies the Schwellenburg Nature Reserve; the Gera Cycle Route and the Cycling Ring also meet in the village. Historical themes are added by Porta-Coeli Church and a memorial on Kleine Schwellenburg. Nature, cycling and local history offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Nature reserve and cycling routes

Schwellenburg covers about 22 hectares. If you include the nature reserve in your plans, check the applicable access regulations before your visit. The area figure is approximate and gives an indication of the size of the reserve.

The Gera Cycle Route meets the Cycling Ring in Kühnhausen. This junction is a specific point of reference if cycling is one of your travel interests. Check current route information before setting out so you can plan around the route.

Church and culture of remembrance

Porta-Coeli Church in Kühnhausen, also known as Himmelspforte (Heaven’s Gate), dates from the 17th century. A memorial to those killed in both world wars is located on Kleine Schwellenburg; a local historical report from 2010 places it there. The church and memorial highlight different aspects of history: the church’s 17th-century construction, and remembrance of those killed in both world wars.

More cultural and garden themes in the wider destination of Erfurt

In the wider destination of Erfurt, the UNESCO World Heritage property Jewish-Medieval Heritage adds to the cultural and historical themes. It lies in the heart of Erfurt’s Old Town and comprises the Old Synagogue, the Mikveh and the Stone House – rare and exceptionally well-preserved examples of Jewish buildings in Central Europe. The Old Synagogue presents evidence of Erfurt’s medieval Jewish culture. This is a distinct focus alongside Kühnhausen’s local history.

Erfurt’s religious buildings also offer specific architectural points of comparison: St Mary’s Cathedral has a High Gothic choir, a Romanesque tower area and a Late Gothic west hall. The central tower houses the Gloriosa, the world’s largest medieval free-swinging bell. St Severus’ Church is a five-aisled Gothic hall church and served as the collegiate church of a community of canons from the 12th century onwards. Its artworks include the Severi sarcophagus from 1365, whose side panels depict the life of the saint, a stone Madonna from 1345 and a 15-metre-high baptismal font from 1467, as well as other works of art.

The egapark Erfurt offers a different focus. It includes the Danakil Desert and Jungle House, themed gardens, the Forest of Knowledge and the German Horticultural Museum. The park has Europe’s largest ornamental flower bed, covering 6,000 m², and Thuringia’s largest playground, which covers 35,000 m². Individual facilities and programme offerings may change; check the latest park information when planning your visit.

Choose accommodation based on your travel interests

The wider destination of Erfurt adds distinct cultural and garden themes. Focus your search on the place whose highlights you would most like to include in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Niedernissa, Frienstedt, Molsdorf, Kerspleben, Erfurt and Tiefthal.

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