Discover Frankenheim/Rhön: Church, border history and nature

Frankenheim/Rhön combines architectural and border history with reasons to spend time outdoors. The Neo-Gothic Protestant church, the panoramic hiking trail and the pond complex each offer something different; in winter, cross-country skiing becomes a seasonal attraction. You can shape your stay around culture, nature or physical activity.

Church and border history

The Protestant church in Frankenheim was built in the Neo-Gothic style in 1885–1886. Neo-Gothic architecture draws on forms from Gothic architecture; the style name classifies the building, while the construction dates give its specific period of origin. Those interested in architecture will find a clearly defined cultural landmark here, alongside the area’s natural attractions.

Until 1989, Frankenheim was situated directly on the inner German border, between the former listening posts on Wasserkuppe and Ellenbogen, the latter with the Eisenacher Haus. This border history focuses on a different period from the church’s construction: one concerns the town’s location up to 1989, the other a building from 1885–1886. Together, these two themes offer different perspectives on Frankenheim’s history.

Panoramic hiking trail, pond complex and cross-country skiing

The panoramic hiking trail in Frankenheim is considered a worthwhile detour and invites visitors to linger, including those who are not there to hike. The trail need not be viewed solely as a sporting stage; it can also be a reason to take your time. The pond complex is also a worthwhile detour that invites visitors to linger. The trail and pond thus offer different ways to enjoy a visit that includes time outdoors as well as culture.

In winter, Frankenheim is considered a popular destination for cross-country skiers because of its high elevation. Cross-country skiing provides a seasonal contrast to the church, border history and the two places to linger. When planning your trip, you can consider whether winter sports or a mix of local history and time on the trail and by the pond should shape your stay.

Schmalkalden-Meiningen as a wider travel area

The wider travel area of Schmalkalden-Meiningen offers further natural and cultural attractions. The district’s “Prachtregion” encompasses four landscapes: the Thuringian Forest, the Rhön, the Werra Valley and Grabfeld. These landscapes can be explored on foot, whether for sporting activities or relaxed family outings.

In the wider travel area of Schmalkalden-Meiningen, the former inner German border strip is part of the Green Belt, a national natural monument with special protection under nature conservation law and for its historical significance. Nature and history thus come together across the wider travel area.

Visitors can enjoy a hands-on culinary experience at the Viba Nougat World in Schmalkalden: in a glass-walled manufactory, you can see how smooth, melt-in-the-mouth nougat is made. Practical confectionery courses add to the experience, giving visitors the chance to pour chocolate, decorate nougat and create pralines. Course schedules and booking conditions may change, so check them before planning your visit.

The “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum in Schmalkalden offers another cultural attraction. The blast furnace complex dates from 1835; locally mined iron ores were smelted there using charcoal to produce pig iron until 1924. The exhibitions explore almost 1,300 years of the region’s iron and steel goods production, including the well-known “Schmalkalder Artikel.” A 45-minute guided tour covers the history and operation of the blast furnace.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel style

When choosing accommodation, you can first decide whether your stay will focus on Frankenheim’s own local history, the trail and pond, or experiences in other places across the wider travel area of Schmalkalden-Meiningen. These interests provide a helpful starting point for finding accommodation that suits the kind of trip you have planned.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Brotterode-Trusetal, Unterkatz, Floh-Seligenthal, Rhönblick, Zella-Mehlis, Rohr / Thuringia, Sülzfeld, Wernshausen

Back to the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.