Birx – Nature near the Black Moor

Birx combines traditional festivities with a nearby natural area: the Black Moor. Circular hiking trail, nature trail and boardwalk each offer a different focus – from the moorland and its plant life to information boards and an observation tower. There is also a specific connection to winter activities, as Birx is connected to the groomed ski touring trail network.

The Black Moor near Birx

The Black Moor lies near Birx and is a 67-hectare nature reserve. It is one of the few remaining raised bogs in Europe. Sundews, peat moss and low-growing birch trees grow in the surrounding area. A nature trail leads through the moorland. The boardwalk at the Black Moor is about 2.5 kilometres long and features 23 information boards.

At the entrance to the Black Moor, visitors are allowed to enter an artificial moor pool. Ten boards featuring dandelion motifs share information about the moor in a child-friendly way and encourage visitors to take part in activities. At the end of the circular trail, an observation tower offers panoramic views over the moor. A circular hike from Birx to the Black Moor is also possible.

Winter trails, history and village life

Birx is connected to the groomed ski touring trail network. Seasonal conditions can vary, so if you are planning a winter trip, check the current conditions in advance. The Kaltensundheim–Birx stage offers another perspective on the landscape: remnants of former border installations can be seen along the route. This historical connection is linked to this stage in the wider region.

The village fair and sports festival are among the traditional festivities in the municipality of Birx. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the dates in advance. The Flechsenberger Hof and Rhönstübchen restaurants in Birx are associated with home-style cooking and homemade cakes. Before visiting, check whether the restaurants are currently open.

More highlights in the wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen destination

The wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen destination also offers other highlights. In Schmalkalden, visitors can experience the production of smooth-melting nougat at the Viba Nougat World, in a glass-fronted workshop. Hands-on confectionery courses include moulding chocolate, decorating nougat and creating pralines. Course times and booking conditions may change; check them in advance if you are planning to take a course.

The “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum in Schmalkalden focuses on industrial history. The blast furnace complex dates back to 1835; until 1924, locally mined iron ore was smelted there using charcoal to produce pig iron. The exhibitions cover the nearly 1,300-year history of iron and steel goods production in the Schmalkalden region, including the well-known “Schmalkalder Artikel” (Schmalkalden products). A 45-minute guided tour focuses on the history and operation of the blast furnace. Alongside the natural area near Birx, nougat production and regional industrial history are therefore among the different themes to explore across the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Schwarza, Springstille, Wallbach, Roßdorf, Christes, Oberschönau, Kühndorf, Unterkatz

Back to the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.