Day of ›Sommerfrische‹

Schwarzatal was a popular destination for a long time. Already in the 19th century, during the summer months, guests regularly visited the so-called "Sommerfrische" to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Testaments to this tradition are the typical Sommerfrische architectures—ornate and often colorful half-timbered houses, characterized by the regional slate material—that today often stand empty and in decay. In the former hotels or guesthouses, which were highly sought after during the GDR era due to state-organized company holidays, guests would relax in the typical loggias and on balconies. 

 

Although the population in Schwarzatal has significantly declined, leading to the closure of many hotels and eateries, the uniqueness of this cultural landscape and architecture remains. In an effort to revive the Sommerfrische for both locals and visitors, the Zukunftswerkstatt Schwarzatal, in collaboration with the LEADER Aktionsgruppe Saalfeld-Rudolstadt and IBA Thuringia, organized the first Tag der Sommerfrische in 2015. The aim was to reopen the region's special houses, evoke memories, and initiate discussions about the future of this landscape and its places. The idea was developed in workshops conducted on-site as part of the federal program "baukultur konkret." 

 

Every year, more and more stakeholders participate in organizing the Day of the Sommerfrische, opening up vacant houses, conducting markets and guided tours in the cultural landscape, hosting concerts, readings, and festivals, thereby sustainably revitalizing the valley. An estimated 15,000 visitors attended from 2015 to 2022. Through the IBA Thuringia network, students and staff from various universities also conducted research in the valley, developing conceptual studies for vacant houses or landscapes. Many continue to be involved in Schwarzatal even after their academic work, contributing to associations like Haus Bräutigam and Haus Döschnitz.

Sommerfrische is now recognized as a fundamental component for the sustainable development of Schwarzatal. The contemporary revival of touristic traditions unites regional actors who vigorously renew their homeland. This includes local associations, the Oberweißbacher Mountain and Schwarzatal Railway, the administrative community Schwarzatal, numerous restaurants and hotels, and many others.