If you’re one of the lucky travelers making their way along the German Framework Road, you’ll be even luckier if you’re trekking along the Orange Route of it because it’ll bring you right to Treffurt.
There are over 250 half-timbered buildings in Treffurt, but I think the Rathaus (Town Hall) is an outstanding example of half-timbered construction.
This fantastic scenic route, that highlights some of Germany’s best timber-framed architecture, isn’t the only one you’ll find in town.
The Barbarossaweg (a 326 km hiking route) follows along towns and sites that existed during Barbarossa’s day (the 12th century, if you’re curious). You’ll know you’re going the right way because literally “X” marks the spot.
Then there’s the Werratal-Radweg (Werra Valley Cycle Route) for us cyclists, with 290 km along the Werra River.
One of the places that existed more than eight centuries ago is Burg Normannstein. Actually, this medieval castle ruin has been around for more than a thousand years.
Treffurt’s Stadtkirche St. Boniface is also a long-standing “resident,” built as a place of worship in the 13th century. Another oldie, but goodie, is the St. Mary Church — this one from the 19th century.
While all these places are a lesson in Treffurt’s history, more can be learned by visiting the Heritage Museum in Großburschla (one of Treffurt’s four villages).
As if its history isn’t enough to entice you to be here, it’s a really fun-loving town with all sorts of festivals. Every year in December the town host its Christmas Market right at the castle; and in April it’s all about the music at the MusicFest der Kleinen Werraspatzen.
August is great to come, that’s the time of year for the annual Pferdefest — and October is the month for the town’s Kirchweihfest, or Church Fair.
Then again, if all you’re interested in seeing is wonderful landscape — Treffurt obliges with mountainous scenery — and the Eichfeld-Hainich Werratal Nature Park and/or the Hainich National Park.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you’re lucky enough to come to Treffurt for any reason — not just to travel the Framework Road — but that’s reason enough, right?
