Discover Böhlen: Forest, glass and village culture

Böhlen combines the central upland landscape of the Thuringian Forest with craftsmanship and village culture. Meadows, agricultural land and extensive forests shape the surrounding area. There are also walks along the Panoramaweg Schwarzatal, the demonstration workshop of the Glasvogelwelt and St. Anna’s Church. When planning a trip, you can weigh up the options between nature, craftsmanship and local cultural life.

Forest and walking

Around Böhlen, meadows and agricultural land alternate with extensive forests. The municipal forest covers around 290 hectares. This gives the forest a specific scale in the local landscape, while the open areas offer a different impression from the wooded terrain. Böhlen is a suitable starting point for walks along the “Panoramaweg Schwarzatal.” If you would like to make your stay active, you can use this trail to help plan your trip; the landscape also offers more than just one main attraction.

Glassmaking at the demonstration workshop

At the Glasvogelwelt demonstration workshop of glassblower Mike Grossmann, glowing glass is shaped into delicate birds and artistic figures. The fine forms and glowing material provide a distinctive craft element alongside the landscape and walking. This adds a theme of its own to Böhlen’s natural setting: glassmaking. For travellers interested in craftsmanship as well as scenery, this is another point to consider when choosing a destination.

St. Anna’s Church and village traditions

St. Anna’s Church is an important meeting place in Böhlen and serves as a cultural venue. It is also a place of worship, bringing together cultural and religious functions in village life. Traditional events are part of the village’s character too: the Bell’re Kärmse and the Böhlen Carnival are firmly established in the annual calendar. The church and recurring festivals represent different aspects of village culture. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the current dates in advance.

Großbreitenbach as a wider travel destination

The wider destination of Großbreitenbach offers another perspective on the landscape. Großbreitenbach extends across a plateau between Langer Berg, the Schwarzatal valley and the Rennsteig high-altitude trail. The town is a state-recognised health resort and lies around 50 kilometres south of Erfurt and about 15 kilometres southeast of Ilmenau. This information provides an overview of Großbreitenbach and places Böhlen in its wider regional context.

Großbreitenbach is also home to St. Trinitatis Church. With 600 seats, it is the largest half-timbered church in Thuringia. Construction began in 1679 to replace the dilapidated Johanniskirche. The older Johanniskirche had been built in 1570 and collapsed in 1771, leaving only its church tower standing. St. Trinitatis Church was built to the plans of Andreas Rudolphi, the regional master builder of Saxe-Gotha, and was consecrated in 1690. The steep roof of the broad nave is fully clad in slate and topped by a striking hexagonal roof turret. The wooden baptismal stand dates from 1677 and was transferred from the old Johanniskirche. It illustrates the historical connection between the two churches: the baptismal stand is older than the building to which it was transferred.

For the wider travel overview: Großbreitenbach.