Can you visit the Schwedenschanze freely?

No, the site lies within the Wildflecken military training area and is normally closed to the public.

When can you see the Schwedenschanze?

Mainly during the Volksmarsch held on the last weekend of July, when that year's route passes through the site.

Why is it called Schwedenschanze?

The name dates from after the Thirty Years' War, though the earthwork was likely built by imperial troops rather than Swedish ones.

What was this fortification used for?

It was used to monitor the road between Bischofsheim and Gersfeld and as a retreat point during raids in the surrounding area.

Schwedenschanze

Gersfeld (Rhön)

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Gersfeld (Rhön)

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Schwedenschanze stands in Gersfeld (Rhön) (Landkreis Fulda), in Hesse, Germany. No visits are on record for this building.

The Schwedenschanze is a star-shaped earthwork, the remains of a late medieval or early modern fortification, on the edge of Gersfeld (Rhön) in the Landkreis Fulda, Hesse. It lies on the eastern slope of the Reesberg at 715 metres above sea level, along the old pass road to the Hohe Hölle. Its name recalls the Thirty Years' War, though the rampart is thought to have been built by imperial troops rather than Swedish forces. It now stands within the Wildflecken military training area, which greatly restricts public access.

What to know

The site lies within the Wildflecken military training area and is not freely accessible throughout the year.
Visits are generally only possible during the public walking event held on the last weekend of July, along designated paths.
The route of this annual walk changes each year, so the Schwedenschanze is not always included.
The earthwork sits in forested, elevated terrain along the Hesse-Bavaria border, marked by old Prussian and Bavarian boundary stones.
There are no set opening hours, admission fees, or visitor facilities, as the site is not set up as a conventional tourist destination.

Where this château is

Gersfeld (Rhön) · Landkreis Fulda · Hessen

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

36129 Gersfeld (Rhön)

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Protection status unknown

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can you visit the Schwedenschanze freely?: No, the site lies within the Wildflecken military training area and is normally closed to the public.
When can you see the Schwedenschanze?: Mainly during the Volksmarsch held on the last weekend of July, when that year's route passes through the site.
Why is it called Schwedenschanze?: The name dates from after the Thirty Years' War, though the earthwork was likely built by imperial troops rather than Swedish ones.
What was this fortification used for?: It was used to monitor the road between Bischofsheim and Gersfeld and as a retreat point during raids in the surrounding area.