Wernshausen: Church, Werra and Half-Timbered Houses

Discover Wernshausen through its church, half-timbered houses and the history of rafting on the Werra. The village is also the starting point of the 22-kilometre Rosatal Cycle Route and one endpoint of a Werra paddling route. This offers a choice of different focuses for your stay: local history, a cycling connection or arriving by water.

St. Luke’s Church on the Heyer promontory

St. Luke’s Church stands on the Heyer promontory, which drops steeply to the east, south and west. It lies about 29 metres above the village; a straight flight of around 90 steps leads up to it. Visits to the church must be arranged in advance. Its present form dates from 1723 and incorporates remains of an older church.

The church’s location and access give it a distinctive place in the village landscape. If you are planning a visit, remember to make the necessary arrangements. Its building history is also easy to trace: its present form dates from 1723 and incorporates remains of the older church.

Rafting history and half-timbered houses in the village

For more than three centuries, until the advent of the railway, rafting on the Werra was the main source of income for the people of Wernshausen. Today, the local rafting association keeps this tradition alive in its free time. In Wernshausen, you can encounter both the history of a once-important livelihood and an association that keeps its memory alive.

The rectory and bakehouse, lovingly reconstructed half-timbered buildings, are further landmarks in the village. The Pachtershof is considered the oldest documented residential building, while the town hall is elaborately designed in the Art Nouveau style. The buildings make different impressions: half-timbering defines the rectory and bakehouse, while the town hall stands out for its Art Nouveau design.

Distinguishing the cycle route from the paddling route

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 path to Helmers. A visit to the Frankenburg castle ruins is recommended there. Its connections to other routes and starting point in Wernshausen give the cycle route a clear link to several routes. Check the latest route information before setting out.

The Werra paddling route from Meiningen to Wernshausen offers a different perspective. It ends either at a landing stage by the angling club building or at the landing stage before the weir in Wernshausen. The difference is clear when choosing a route: the cycle route is defined by its length and connections, while the paddling route is defined by its starting point and two described landing points at the end. Check the current route and access conditions before setting out.

Cultural attractions in the wider Schmalkalden destination

The wider Schmalkalden destination adds a distinct focus on architecture, history and experiences. Construction of the town church of St. George began in 1413/14, incorporating parts of an earlier Romanesque church. At the most important meeting of the Schmalkaldic League in 1537, the best-known theologians of the time preached there; Martin Luther presented his Schmalkaldic Articles in the church.

At the Viba Nougat World in Schmalkalden, visitors can watch delicate, melt-in-the-mouth nougat being made in a glass-walled workshop. In various workshops, you can make your own pralines, chocolate or a classic nougat bar. Check the latest workshop booking details before visiting.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Obermaßfeld-Grimmenthal, Kurort Brotterode, Unterkatz, Unterschönau, Birx, Springstille, Grabfeld, Schwarza.

Go to the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.