Kleinschmalkalden: Cowbell and Volcano Trail

Kleinschmalkalden brings together an unusual attraction and a specific hiking idea: the bell described as the world’s largest cowbell represents the town, and the family-friendly Volcano Trail starts and ends there. The Kleinschmalkalden fair is another recurring cultural event. This gives you both a distinctive connection to the town and ways to combine your stay with hikes and further discoveries.

Cowbell, circular trail and fair

The cowbell is considered an attraction in Kleinschmalkalden and is described as the largest in the world. Its history is also connected to the wider destination of Floh-Seligenthal: the locally based Venter-Glocken GmbH made the bell and was awarded an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for it. If you would like to plan a visit to the bell, check current visiting arrangements in advance.

The Kleinschmalkalden Volcano Trail is a family-friendly circular hiking route. The start and finish are on Friedrichrodaer Straße by the cowbell, at an elevation of 453 metres. The circular route gives the hike a clear point of reference: you start and finish at the same attraction. For families who enjoy getting out together, this combination of a circular trail and a distinctive start and finish point is a practical consideration when planning a day out.

Local tradition also has a regular place in the annual calendar. The Kleinschmalkalden fair is a church dedication festival and begins every year in August. The Gotha Church of Kleinschmalkalden and the Hessian Church of Kleinschmalkalden belong to the Kleinschmalkalden parish. If you would like to plan your trip around the fair, check the date for the relevant year.

Hiking in the wider destination of Floh-Seligenthal

Beyond Kleinschmalkalden, the wider destination of Floh-Seligenthal offers a variety of hiking themes. The Luther Trail passes through Floh-Seligenthal and offers beautiful views of the municipality along stretches through dense forests. Those interested in geology can explore the stone parks along the two Geopark routes, where interactive features help visitors discover different rock types from the region. Certified Geopark guides lead tours and answer questions about geology, flora and fauna; check dates and booking details in advance.

Specific route details are also available to help you compare hiking options. The moderately difficult Höhnberg Loop is 14.3 kilometres long, takes about three hours to walk and has an ascent of 286 metres. The Great Haderholz Route is 11 kilometres long and runs between Seligenthal and Kleinschmalkalden, passing geological features and viewpoints around the Haderholzstein. For the Höhnberg Loop, you can factor walking time and ascent into your plans as well as the distance; the Great Haderholz Route leads to geological features and viewpoints around the Haderholzstein.

Nature and water in Floh-Seligenthal

Lake Ebertswiese was created by quarrying and lies between rock faces up to 30 metres high. Ebertswiese also includes a mountain meadow with several varieties of wild orchids and globeflowers. These landscapes add a distinctive natural highlight to the hiking routes in the wider destination of Floh-Seligenthal.

For swimming plans, Floh-Seligenthal has two facilities described here, each with different features. The Kleinschmalkalden Forest Swimming Pool has around 1,250 square metres of water surface and 50-metre lanes. On the outskirts of Struth-Helmershof, the solar-heated outdoor pool offers pools for swimmers and non-swimmers, a water slide and a children’s paddling pool. As both facilities operate seasonally, check their seasonal status before your trip.

Culture and practical information for your stay

At the traditional costume room in the district of Schnellbach, visitors can learn about the local population’s customs, traditions and way of life. Check current opening hours before visiting. Another recurring event in the wider destination of Floh-Seligenthal is the Lake Ebertswiese Festival: it takes place every year one week after the summer solstice. The programme includes music by local music societies and choirs, as well as performances by local clubs. If you would like to plan your travel dates around a festival, check the date for the relevant year.

The Floh-Seligenthal Tourist Information Office provides town maps, event information and bus timetables, as well as hiking and cycling maps. Timetables and event dates can help you fit your planned activities into your travel itinerary; check the latest information before setting off. If the cowbell and Volcano Trail are your main priorities, consider Kleinschmalkalden as the search location for suitable accommodation. If your trip is to include other attractions in the wider destination of Floh-Seligenthal, choose your accommodation based on the places and experiences you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Wallbach, Schmalkalden, Roßdorf, Schwallungen, Altersbach, Erbenhausen, Benshausen, Struth-Helmershof.

Go to the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.