Dankmarshausen: Rhäden, Village Church and Local History

Dankmarshausen combines local history with a natural area nearby. If you are planning a stay, you can focus on these different highlights: In the village, a Late Gothic sandstone church and the local history room are points of interest; the parish well recalls a meeting place from the 16th century. The Rhäden is known for its wetlands and birdlife. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Dankmarshausen, you can decide during your trip planning whether to focus on local history or nature. These attractions should be distinguished geographically: the Rhäden lies between Dankmarshausen and Obersuhl, while the architectural and historical features mentioned are located in the village itself.

Nature Around Dankmarshausen

Between Dankmarshausen and Obersuhl lies the Rhäden, a wetland of regional significance for many breeding birds. For migratory birds on the western route, it is one of the most important resting areas in Hesse and Thuringia. The Rhäden nature reserve covers 240 hectares of floodplain and is of statewide importance as a breeding and resting area and as a habitat for numerous bird species. The area figure describes its spatial extent, while its importance to breeding and resting birds describes the area’s ecological role. The Rhäden’s size and function are two different measures.

A cycle route runs around the Rhäden, with several birdwatching hides and informative signs for all ages. The route is therefore a specific option for a trip featuring birdwatching hides and information boards. The area around Dankmarshausen also has numerous well-maintained, signposted hiking trails that you can explore on foot or by bike. These trails provide a wider range of options for walks and bike rides in the surrounding area.

One specifically named bike tour is “Werratal – Sallmannshausen – Rhäden”; it passes through Dankmarshausen. If you are planning this tour, check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Village Church and Local History

Built in 1431, the Late Gothic sandstone church defines Dankmarshausen’s skyline and is considered a gem among the village churches of the region. Its year of construction, style and material describe its architectural features; its defining presence can be seen in the village’s appearance.

The Dankmarshausen local history room features a living room, a kitchen and a bedroom, as well as displays on shoemaking, tailoring, baking, saddlery, agriculture and sheep farming. The subjects thus range from domestic spaces to crafts and other areas of work in village life.

Next to the local history room, a bakery has been set up in a vacant half-timbered house. The parish well in front of the rectory recalls the meeting place where villagers fetching water gathered in the 16th century. Alongside the church, Dankmarshausen thus has other local links to its architectural and everyday history.

Discover more destinations: Wiesenthal, Klings, Urnshausen, Neidhartshausen, Unterbreizbach, Ettenhausen An Der Suhl, Diedorf, Buttlar

See the main travel overview: Wartburg.