Discover Obermaßfeld-Grimmenthal

A trip to Obermaßfeld-Grimmenthal can focus on two main themes: local history and architectural heritage on the one hand, and the Werra on the other. In Obermaßfeld, the Church of St. Stephen, historic farmsteads and evidence of former trade routes take centre stage; at the edge of the village, there is also a landing and portage point for boats on the Werra. Current river conditions may affect use of the landing point; check them before planning a trip.

Local history and former trade routes

Obermaßfeld was first mentioned in a document in 837 as “Mahesfeld”; the present-day name Obermaßfeld is documented from 1629. From 1378 to 1696, the village is recorded as the most important customs post in the County of Henneberg. The Werra Bridge was also of great significance for connecting trade routes between Obermaßfeld and Franconia. While the early form of the name marks a documentary starting point, the customs post and bridge draw attention to the trade and transport of later centuries.

Grimmenthal, north of Obermaßfeld, offers a distinct historical perspective. It was a former place of pilgrimage associated with an image of the Virgin Mary believed to work miracles; a pilgrimage chapel was consecrated there in 1498. Its history thus links a traditional claim of miraculous powers with the specific date of the chapel’s consecration.

St. Stephen’s Church and other sights

The chancel tower and Church of St. Stephen in Obermaßfeld were rebuilt in the early 17th century and altered later. In 2006, the Gaden cellars, the gate tower and parts of the churchyard wall were restored. The wall is three metres high and largely preserved along its length. South of the church are a court site with a lime tree and a grain measure stone with five measures. At St. Stephen’s, architectural history, the churchyard wall and the features south of the church can therefore be considered as distinct aspects of the site.

The old village smithy and the community bathhouse are also among Obermaßfeld’s notable sights. In the Middle Ages, the Hillhöfe were regarded as the village’s finest farmsteads. Together, these sights offer different perspectives on local history, from the church and its structural features to the farmsteads and other features of the village.

The Werra as another travel highlight

The Werra Bridge represents the historic connection between trade routes; the landing and portage point before the weir at the edge of the village serves a practical purpose for boats on the Werra. A historic transport connection and an opportunity to plan for a possible river activity sit side by side. If you would like to include a boat trip, take current river conditions into account when planning. When choosing accommodation, you can then weigh up whether local history or a possible activity on the water is the deciding factor.

Additional themes in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen destination

The wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen destination offers additional, distinct themes. In Schmalkalden, the Viba Nougat World showcases nougat production in a glass-walled workshop. Hands-on confectionery courses include moulding chocolate, decorating nougat and creating pralines. Course times and booking conditions may change; check them before planning your visit.

Also in Schmalkalden, the “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum tells the story of iron processing. The blast furnace complex dates from 1835; until 1924, local iron ore was smelted there over charcoal to produce pig iron. The exhibition explores the region’s nearly 1,300-year history of iron and steel goods production, including the “Schmalkalder Artikel”. A 45-minute guided tour covers the history and function of the blast furnace operation. This gives you a choice between hands-on confectionery and industrial history within the destination; both offer a different focus from Obermaßfeld’s local and architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Fambach, Meiningen, Friedelshausen, Oberhof, Rhönblick, Kaltensundheim, Altersbach, Sülzfeld.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.