Frauenwald

Frauenwald (www.frauenwald.de), the oldest village on the Rennsteig, is situated on a long, 800 m high ridge in the Thuringian Forest. Wildly romantic, nestled between spruce and beech forests, our village lies at the center of the famous Rennsteig hiking trail.

Nature, hiking, UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve, relaxation - these words weave themselves into a harmonious poem of nature in Frauenwald. Your soul breathes a sigh of relief and the hectic pace of everyday life fades in the gentle light of the sun. Clean and refreshing air that provides refreshment even on the hottest days.

Whether in summer or winter, there is plenty to discover around Frauenwald. Whether hiking, mountain biking, forest bathing, carriage rides, tobogganing and cross-country skiing, the incredible nature of Frauenwald invites you to explore. The Luther Trail and Ilm Valley Cycle Trail cross the legendary Rennsteig trail here.

From exhibitions and hikes with rangers to traditional festivals such as the maypole planting and the funfair, there is always something to experience.
Special highlights include wildlife watching, the bunker museum, the NaturKunstBlicke and the nearby Schönbrunn dam. In summer, its clear, azure waters sparkle and when autumn arrives, the Indian summer shows itself in all its glory.

So lace up your hiking boots, breathe in the fresh air and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of this region!

If you want more, Frauenwald in the middle of the Rennsteig is the ideal starting point for tours through Thuringia or northern Franconia. The region offers a wealth of attractions, ranging from castles and museums to monasteries, leisure parks, outdoor pools, adventure pools, reservoirs, spas and world championship sports venues.

The history of Frauenwald is rich and fascinating.
The legend of Frauenwald's origins takes us back to the year 1177. Count Poppo von Henneberg lost his way while hunting in the Thuringian Forest and was found by a charcoal burner. The count gratefully granted the poor charcoal burner a wish. He wished for a small chapel at this spot so that he could say a prayer at least once. The wish was granted and the chapel was named Nikolauskapelle, after the patron saint of carters.

The origins of Frauenwald lie in one of the most important roads in the eastern Thuringian Forest: the Erfurt-Nuremberg escort road. This led from Ilmenau over the crest of the Sonneberg to Nuremberg. The donated chapel, which Count Poppo von Henneberg transferred to the Veßra monastery in 1218, stood on the Sonneberg. This was probably the first mention of the place. The chapel already existed in 1218 and was expanded by Veßra Monastery into a provostry with a nunnery.

The name Frauenwald has an interesting origin. It does not refer to the forest itself, but to the nuns who lived here. The Frauenstift was therefore not called "zum Frauenwald", but "zu den Frauen". This later developed into the name "Frauenwald". The original convent and church probably stood on the same site as the church and rectory today.

Over the centuries, an 800-year history has been woven around this idyllic place, which today is characterized by nature, tranquillity and cultural heritage.