Anrode: Monastery history nearby

Near Anrode lies the former Cistercian monastery of Anrode. It is situated in the valley of the Luhne and Gieße rivers, in front of the woodlands of Hollau. The valley, waterways and woodlands form the landscape in which the monastery’s history is set. Here, a tangible connection with nature meets a history unfolding over several centuries.

Anrode Monastery: historical turning points

In the 13th century, the newly founded monastery revived the old church village on the site. During the Peasants’ War in the 16th century, Anrode Monastery was attacked and looted; a fire destroyed it down to its foundations. In 1810, the convent was closed by decree. This sequence of events makes the changes over the centuries tangible: the revival of the church village was followed by destruction and, ultimately, closure.

For families who want to put the history into context together, this timeline offers a helpful guide: the 13th century, the Peasants’ War in the 16th century and the decree of 1810 mark distinct chapters. The landscape and the history can thus be seen as two separate ways of exploring the area around the monastery.

Markets and the history of hospitality around the monastery

The stables of Anrode Monastery are used for a monthly livestock and farmers’ market. The market takes place from March to October on the second Saturday of each month. If you would like to include it in your plans, check the specific date before your visit.

The “Schinkenkrug” excursion inn is also part of the history of the monastery barn: since September 2013, it was housed in the former steward’s apartment in the Lower Barn, also known as the monastery barn.

Dingelstädt: culture and activities in the wider travel destination

Dingelstädt offers its own cultural and active pursuits. The Breikuchen Festival has been celebrated there every summer as a town festival since 2001. The program includes traditional events organized by local associations, shows, musical events and culinary offerings. The festival thus adds a distinct summer highlight to the year.

Another focus is the Kanonenbahn cycle path. It is considered easy to ride and runs for about 32 kilometers from Dingelstädt in the Eichsfeld district of Thuringia to Frieda in the Werra-Meißner district of Hesse. The route includes six tunnels and four bridges. Its approximate length and these distinctive route features give a clear idea of the cycle path, while the Breikuchen Festival offers a summer occasion with a set date.

The revitalized UnstrutWelle indoor swimming pool reopened in September 2026 and is open to visitors all year round. In Dingelstädt, visits to the indoor pool are therefore another option alongside festival culture and cycling.

Churches and architectural history in Dingelstädt

The present-day parish church of St. Gertrudis was consecrated in 1855 as a three-aisled church in the Gothic style. It is the third known church on the site. The first church there was mentioned in documents as early as the 14th century; its construction date is unknown. The documented history of the site therefore goes back further than the present church, although the year the first one was built cannot be determined.

The mill complex at Mühlhäuser Straße 11 features an impressive Renaissance building and an ornately decorated portal. By contrast, the landscape explains the name of the pilgrimage church “Maria im Busch”: it comes from a slope that was once covered with bushes. These examples give architecture and the history of a place name a concrete point of reference in Dingelstädt.

Discover more destinations: Vogtei, Körner, Mühlhausen/Thuringia, Schlotheim, Blankenburg, Kutzleben, Flarchheim, Menteroda

For the wider travel overview: Unstrut-Hainich.