Kaltennordheim (German: [ˌkaltn̩ˈnɔʁthaɪm] ) is a town in the Schmalkalden-Meiningen district, in Thuringia, Germany. It is situated in the Rhön Mountains, 22 km southwest of Bad Salzungen, and 35 km east of Fulda. The former municipalities Aschenhausen, Kaltensundheim, Kaltenwestheim, Melpers, Oberkatz und Unterweid were merged into Kaltennordheim in January 2019. At the same time, Kaltennordheim passed from the Wartburgkreis to Schmalkalden-Meiningen.

Origin of the Name

The location was named "Nordheim im Tullifeld" in the middle ages. The prefix "Kalten-" first appeared in the 14th century, likely in reference to the relatively harsh weather in the region which can be attributed to its position south of the Neuberg Dermbach mountain range. Three other nearby towns bear the same prefix: Kaltensundheim, Kaltenlengsfeld and Kaltenwestheim. The prefix also differentiates Kaltennordheim from other towns like Nordheim vor der Rhön.

History

Within the German Empire (1871-1918), Kaltennordheim was part of the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.