Barchfeld-Immelborn – Discover lakes, nature and culture

Barchfeld-Immelborn combines nature, time by the water, cycling and traces of local history.

Lakes and protected areas

The “Kiesgrube Immelborn” recreational area consists of two separate lakes, divided by a road. Their shores have sunbathing lawns dotted with trees that provide shade. The division into two lakes is therefore useful for finding your way around. A triathlon is held at the site every year. The Kiesseeschwimmen (lake swim) is also held there annually, and anyone can take part. Check the current event dates before your trip.

The protected areas also each have their own distinctive character. The “Erlensee-Salzwiesen” natural monument lies on the boundary between the districts of Immelborn and Dorf Allendorf. It is protected for its abundance of salt-tolerant plants and specialized insects, both rare in the region. A total of 192 bird species have been recorded in the Forstloch-Riedwiesen nature reserve, making it one of the most species-rich areas in southern Thuringia. Visitors will find several information boards and a designated circular trail there. The trail’s length is not specified, so without further information, you cannot estimate how much time to allow for it.

Cycling route and train

The Werratal Cycle Route passes directly through Barchfeld. In Immelborn, the stork’s nest is right beside the cycle route, perched on a former brickworks chimney that is a listed monument. This gives you two specific local points of interest for a cycling trip: the route through Barchfeld and the nest beside the trail in Immelborn.

Immelborn railway station is a useful landmark if you are arriving by train. The Südthüringer Bahn stops there several times a day on its route between Eisenach and Meiningen. Check the timetable before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Local history and planning your visit

The Amalienkirche in Immelborn was built in 1473 and dedicated to Saint Amalie. In Barchfeld, the Jewish cemetery on Nürnberger Straße has been in existence since 1853. Around 80 simple sandstone gravestones remain there today. The church and cemetery offer different points of contact with history: the early construction and dedication of a church, and the surviving gravestones of a cemetery.

Relief scenes depicting religious and secular subjects have been preserved in the dungeon of Steinsches Schloss in Barchfeld. They include scenes of the Crucifixion, a view of Jerusalem, and depictions of knights, hunting and animals. Visits can be arranged by prior appointment. The Malsch & Volkert industrial monument also offers insight into local history: its machines are still operational and can be demonstrated during visits. If you would like to plan a visit, make arrangements in advance.

The local history museum in Immelborn is intended to show how residents lived in the past and what local customs and trades there were, using household objects, tools, clothing, traditional costumes and work utensils. It is currently closed to visitors while it is being relocated. Bear this current visitor information in mind when putting together cultural stops for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Stadtlengsfeld, Wiesenthal, Diedorf, Dankmarshausen, Geisa, Neidhartshausen, Vacha, Buttlar.

Return to the main travel guide: Wartburg.