Kühndorf: Johanniterburg, local history and landscape

Historic buildings, local places of remembrance and the surrounding landscape give Kühndorf a variety of points of interest. The Johanniterburg combines medieval architectural history with views of the Rhön and Thuringian Forest; the castle barn, churches and cemetery museum add to the historic picture. Nearby, the Dolmar offers a distinct connection to the landscape and archaeology. These themes help you get your bearings in Kühndorf as a travel destination before choosing a hotel for your stay.

Johanniterburg and the Castle Barn

The Johanniterburg in Kühndorf was built between 1291 and 1315 by knights of the Order of St. John. The largely preserved upper castle consists of two residential buildings joined at right angles, a keep that has since been considerably reduced in height, and a kitchen building. The upper floors of the Johanniterburg offer views of the Rhön and the Thuringian Forest.

The historic castle barn in Kühndorf was completed in 1538 by the Counts of Henneberg-Römhild. Every year, a traditional flea market is held in and around the barn on Open Monument Day. If you are planning a visit for a future event, check the local events calendar.

Churches, Local History Room and the Town's Past

St. Dionysius Church in Kühndorf is considered worth seeing. The cemetery, with its cemetery chapel dating from 1617 and the cemetery museum located there, is also considered worth a visit. The museum includes a funeral bier, numerous cast-iron crosses, distinctive gravestones and other historically significant exhibits.

The church in Kühndorf was rebuilt around 1520; its octagonal baptismal font dates from 1576. This places an approximate construction date alongside a precisely dated furnishing.

The Kühndorf local history rooms are next to the castle barn. The local history room gives visitors a vivid impression of the hard and demanding lives of earlier generations. Ask about current access arrangements before visiting. Local residents operate a well-preserved bakehouse specifically for bakehouse festivals.

Landscape and Things to Do

Near Kühndorf lies the 739.5-metre-high Dolmar, which is designated a natural monument. Traces of a ring-wall structure covering approximately eight hectares are visible on its ridge; it probably dates from the Celtic period.

Ultralight sightseeing flights take off and land at Dolmar airfield in Kühndorf; flights are arranged by appointment. A cycling tour through neighbouring communities and to the Dolmar can take you back through Kühndorf, past the Johanniterburg, and through Schwarza.

More to Explore in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen Destination

The wider Schmalkalden-Meiningen destination offers more attractions in Schmalkalden. At the Viba Nougat World, visitors can watch nougat being made in a glass-fronted workshop; hands-on confectionery courses include pouring chocolate, decorating nougat and creating pralines. The “Neue Hütte” blast furnace museum adds industrial history to the mix: the blast furnace complex dates from 1835; local iron ores were smelted there using charcoal to produce pig iron until 1924. The museum also presents exhibitions on the region’s almost 1,300-year history of iron and steel goods production, including the well-known “Schmalkalder Artikel.” A 45-minute guided tour covers the history and function of blast furnace operations.

Discover more destinations: Ellingshausen, Meiningen, Springstille, Unterschönau, Roßdorf, Oberhof, Zella-Mehlis, Birx

Return to the destination overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.