Schlatt offers different perspectives on cultural history and nature: the monastery complex, church and Iron Library shape the picture at Klostergut Paradies, while the Schaaren area is characterised by forests, old river channels and ponds. To decide whether Schlatt is right for your stay, it is worth exploring both sides.
Schaaren: Landscape and Trails
The largely natural landscape of Schaaren includes floodplain forests, old river channels and ponds. It provides suitable habitats for rare animals and plants. The area is part of a cantonal protected area, with 13 hectares of nature forest reserve and 221 hectares of special forest reserve; it belongs to the municipalities of Diessenhofen and Schlatt. The Schaarenwald nature trail is also mentioned as an attraction for visitors.
The Gschichtli Trail in Schaaren is designed for children and adults. At ten stations, numbered QR codes each tell part of the story. For 2026, the municipality describes a trail that starts at the Petri car park and is about 2.5 kilometres long. In general, it can also be walked with a pushchair; however, roots and a narrow, raised footbridge are part of the route. As its location may change, it is advisable to check the route description before visiting.
Klostergut Paradies: Architectural History and Culture
The former convent building at Paradies Monastery has a core dating from the second half of the 13th century and was rebuilt after a fire in 1587. Because of its history, design, urban-planning qualities, rarity and artistic features, the complex is one of the most significant buildings in the area. The Monastery Church of St Michael is a cultural monument of national importance. Between 1726 and 1728, its interior was almost completely remodelled in the Baroque style and decorated with valuable grisaille paintings.
The Iron Library is located at Klostergut Paradies in Schlatt. It was established in the former monastery buildings in 1952; its historic rooms house a unique collection of books on the history of science and technology. Visitors can see exhibitions in the Iron Library and Paradies Monastery on a guided tour. Since 2003, Kultur-Paradies has held six concerts each winter season in the restored Paradies Monastery Church. The collection, architecture and music thus offer different ways to explore the history of the place.
The arboretum at Klostergut also offers something distinctive: it is home to 60 tree species from across the Northern Hemisphere, from America to Japan. Together with the historic rooms, it provides another perspective on the estate that goes beyond its architectural history.
Churches and the TĂĽrmli in Schlatt
The site of today’s Reformed Church was first mentioned in a document in 1162. At the time, a Chapel of St Margaret belonging to Ittingen Monastery stood there. Schlatt’s Reformed Church was built in 1714 on the site of the demolished chapel. During renovations in 1922, it received its organ and stained-glass windows, designed by an artist from Diessenhofen.
Another testament to local history is the TĂĽrmli in Mettschlatt: it is a legally protected bell tower and is considered particularly valuable. Two of its bells came from the demolished Chapel of St Nicholas; one was cast in 1505. The tower thus links a surviving structure with evidence of a former chapel.
Getting to Klostergut Paradies
The S8 suburban train runs from Schaffhausen towards Stein am Rhein to Langwiesen or Schlatt, from where Klostergut Paradies is a ten-minute walk. Check train connections and directions before setting off.
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