Church history, gemstone craftsmanship and two hiking trails offer different reasons to visit Schauren. Its cultural heritage ranges from an old bell to a Stumm organ, while the trails have their own focus on organs or landscapes.
The church and the village’s early history
The large bell in Schauren’s church was cast in 1480; the church building was constructed in 1767 to plans by Schauren carpenter Johann Nicolaus Wenz. The dates therefore refer to different parts of the church’s history. All roof surfaces are covered with slate sourced locally. Inside is a Stumm organ dating from 1780, housed in a Rococo case. Ceiling paintings adorn the two western bays above the organ. The German Foundation for Monument Protection provided €10,000 for their restoration. Among the characteristic churches of the Hunsrück, Schauren’s is considered the only example to have been preserved completely in its original form.
The village’s early history is also reflected in its surroundings: several prehistoric graves within the municipality point to settlement beginnings in the early Celtic Iron Age.
Gemstones and trails
Schauren is associated with a tradition of gemstone cutting. Of the many gemstone businesses that once operated here, only a few have survived changes in the craft. Visitors are welcome to explore the gemstone studios and exhibition rooms. This connects the history of the craft with a hands-on opportunity to learn about it locally.
Schauren is a stop on the STUMM Organ Trail. The route combines woodland and meadow landscapes with historic Stumm organs. An audio library lets you listen to the organs even when the churches are closed.
The Stumm Ironworks Trail is 15.5 kilometers long and is considered a premium hiking trail in the HunsrĂĽck. One access point from Schauren is at TalstraĂźe 2; the trail is about 500 meters away. The route passes through the Upper Nahe FFH conservation area and combines views from the plateau with forest and stream valleys. The trail is also accessible by public transport. Check connections before your trip.
The difference in theme can help you choose between the trails: if historic instruments are the deciding factor, the STUMM Organ Trail is a good choice. For planning around a specific distance, the Stumm Ironworks Trail offers a clear benchmark at 15.5 kilometers.
The Birkenfelder Land Tourism Office provides an overview of bus and train connections to hiking trails. Check the information before travelling, as connections may change.
The Schauren Local History and Cultural Association offers the village walk “Around Schauren,” followed by a social gathering on May 1. If you would like to include the walk in your trip, check the date for your chosen year in advance.
Places to stay in Schauren
Two inns and a campsite offer accommodation and food in Schauren. There are different types of places to stay, so check which options are available for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Bundenbach, Mackenrodt, Fischbach, Sonnschied, Herrstein, Horbruch, Birkenfeld, BrĂĽcken.
Go to the main travel overview: Birkenfeld.
