Gerstungen was first mentioned in 744 and later became known as a border town. Today, the up-and-coming unified municipality has almost 7,000 inhabitants (districts of Gerstungen, Lauchröden, Oberellen, Unterellen, Neustädt and Sallmannshausen) and is an important business location in the region. The well-known Werratal cycle path also meanders through the municipal area and impresses with its varied flora and fauna. Canoeists find their challenge on the Werra with numerous landing stages and hikers can explore the wooded hills around Gerstungen on solid soles or hike to the Rennsteig via the Sallmannshäuser Rennsteig and enjoy the view of the Werra and Elte valleys. The most important sights in the municipality are Gerstungen Castle with its Werra Valley Museum and the Brandenburg Ruins with its castle museum.