Springstille: Elevation, timber framing and church history

Springstille lies 380 metres above sea level at the foot of the eastern spur of Stiller Stein and Stiller Berg. The spring-fed pond of the little river “Stille” is nearby. The Gasthaus zur Hechel also provides a clear landmark in the village: it is right at the entrance to Springstille.

Church and village history in Springstille

The church in Springstille brings together several layers of history. Its medieval predecessor church was dedicated to St Peter and Paul, served as the parish seat of Steinbach-Hallenberg and was destroyed in 1285. The lowest storeys of its tower have survived. The nave of the church in Springstille was probably added to the tower in 1628; this date is therefore reported as a likely one.

The church is one of the few unplastered timber-framed churches in the Schmalkalden church district. Two of its furnishings also have their own art-historical classification: the poor box and baptismal font are works of peasant Rococo. Springstille was first mentioned in a document in 948. The early mention of the village and the church’s later building phases offer different perspectives on the history of the place.

More experiences in the wider Schmalkalden destination

In the wider Schmalkalden destination, architectural and Reformation history complement Springstille’s local history. Construction of St George’s Church in Schmalkalden began in 1413/14, incorporating parts of a Romanesque predecessor 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 town church.

Wilhelmsburg Castle rises above Schmalkalden’s old town and houses a permanent exhibition on the time of Martin Luther and the Schmalkaldic League. At the Wilhelmsburg Castle Museum, visitors can see the banqueting halls, the richly decorated castle church, original room layouts with murals and stuccowork, the princely kitchen and the terraced garden. A historic wooden-pipe organ there is still playable. Check current access arrangements and opening hours before visiting.

The Viba Nougat World in Schmalkalden offers a different kind of experience: visitors can watch nougat being made in a glass-fronted manufactory. In various workshops, they can make their own pralines, chocolate or a classic nougat bar. Check current workshop booking details in advance.

Those interested in industrial history will find another focal point in Schmalkalden at the Neue Hütte. Thanks to its very good state of preservation, the early industrial blast-furnace complex can still be seen there as a whole. Visitors can explore the original furnace all the way around and climb to a height of over 11 metres. Public guided tours of Schmalkalden’s historic old town are offered from April to October; confirm dates and departure details with the Tourist Information Office.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Zella-Mehlis, Trusetal, Wernshausen, Kleinschmalkalden, Benshausen, Ellingshausen, Steinbach-Hallenberg, Walldorf

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