Schwarzatal, Tag der Sommerfrische

Schwarzatal was a popular destination for a long time. Already in the 19th century, guests regularly came to the so-called ›Sommerfrische‹ during the summer months to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Witnesses to this tradition are the typical Sommerfrische architectures, ornate and often colorful half-timbered houses, characterized by the regional building material slate, which today often stand empty and dilapidated. In the former hotels or guesthouses, which were very popular in the GDR thanks to state-organized company holidays, guests relaxed in the typical loggias and on balconies.

Although the population in Schwarzatal has declined above average, resulting in many hotels and restaurants having to close, the uniqueness of this cultural landscape and architecture remains. In order to revive the Sommerfrische for the population and guests, the Zukunftswerkstatt Schwarzatal, together with the LEADER Aktionsgruppe Saalfeld-Rudolstadt and the IBA Thuringia, organized the first ›Tag der Sommerfrische‹ in 2015 with the aim of reopening the special houses of the region, evoking memories and initiating reflection on the future of this landscape and its places. The idea was developed in workshops on site as part of the federal program ›baukultur konkret‹.

The ›Tag der Sommerfrische‹ is part of the IBA project family in the Schwarzatal.