Pipe organ of Stadtkirche Waltershausen

The Trost organ in Stadtkirche Waltershausen is a Baroque instrument with three manual keyboards, a pedal board, and 53 stops made from wooden and metal pipes. It extends across multiple levels of the west gallery and occupies a large area with its substantial case.

Master organ builder Tobias Heinrich Gottfried Trost created this instrument between 1724 and 1730, with modifications continuing until 1755. After the Baroque period, the organ underwent several modernizations before restoration in the mid-1990s returned it to its original state.

This instrument represents the peak of Thuringian organ building tradition and shows the sound qualities that German Baroque composers preferred. Organists performed works that were written specifically for such instruments.

The organ is located on the west gallery of the church and is best viewed and heard from there. Visitors should check ahead whether concerts or services are taking place, as these offer the best chance to hear the instrument in action.

About 70 percent of the original pipes remain intact, making this the largest preserved Baroque organ in the region. This high proportion of original pipes allows the instrument to maintain its authentic sound.

Location: Waltershausen

Inception: 1724

Part of: Stadtkirche Waltershausen

GPS coordinates: 50.89806,10.55583

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03