The village of Berkach is located in a gently sloping high hollow approx. 20 km from Meiningen, directly on the border between Thuringia and Bavaria. Its immediate location on the former German-German border has had a decisive influence on the village. Berkach was first mentioned in a document in 783 under the name "Percuhis" and was subject to a number of lordships throughout its history. The estates were finally divided into three parts in 1680. Around 1807, the tripartite division was abolished and Würzburg assumed sovereignty over the whole of Berkach.

The size of the village has remained constant since 1810 with 400 to 500 inhabitants. Berkach is characterized by its almost entirely rural farmsteads. The Evangelical Lutheran church is located in the center of the village and is visible from all directions. It surprises visitors with its imposing dimensions and the beauty of the paintings in the interior as well as the generous design. The oldest date, 1584, became visible during restoration work in the chancel. The rectory belongs to Berkach and Schwickershausen and was built in 1719. Berkach has several reminders of Jewish life, such as the unique ensemble in Thuringia consisting of a synagogue, bathhouse, school and cemetery. The synagogue and the Jewish school on Mühlfelder Straße were built between 1852 and 1854. The synagogue was restored as such in 1990/91 and ceremoniously rededicated on November 3, 1991 in the presence of the then President of the Bundestag, Rita Süssmuth.

The bathhouse, the mikvah, is located in the rear village in Poststraße. It was built in 1838 and restored in 1990. The well-preserved Jewish cemetery is located on the old Behrunger Straße, outside the village in accordance with Jewish custom. Many of the inscriptions on the gravestones are still clearly legible. The Jewish cultural sites can be visited at any time. Berkach has a beautiful community center (former manor house) with an adjoining cultural hall, which the four currently active associations use for their events.

Today, 363 inhabitants live in the district of Berkach. The district of Berkach covers 755 hectares.