Sun Temple Theresienstein

The Theresienstein is one of the oldest parks in Bavaria created by citizens. In 1816, the first plans were drawn up to make the municipally owned Fröhlichenstein – a double rock formation on the Ahrleite River – more accessible and to plant it. The Fröhlichenstein was a popular vantage point with unobstructed views of the Saale and the city, which the poet Jean Paul had already appreciated and described in his "Siebenkäs" (Seven Cheeses). Winding paths and staircases provided access to the ascent. A wooden circular structure, the so-called Sun Temple, was erected on the highest point, the double rock itself, in 1818. It was demolished in 1848 due to dilapidation. The current structure was created based on old drawings for the 1993/94 State Garden Show.

Even the famous poet Jean Paul had his heroine, Siebenkäs, rave about the wonderful view of Hof from this very spot in 1797 — and that means something: because he had ambivalent feelings about his hometown. Back then, however, “walking up” was something of a thing on a pathless slope. That was the birth of the Theresienstein Citizens' Park! Paths, benches and viewing platforms were created. The people of Hof thank the builders: you can still enjoy the fabulous view and the sun to this day...By the way: Exactly the place of the sun temple was called "Stein" "because of a striking twin rock that stands on the leaning of this mountain". Place the whole city, not only the new one but also the old one, with the greatest pleasure.” And the stones stand out here at the sun temple because they are made of hard diabase rock and therefore weathered less badly than the surrounding slates.The construction of a wooden sun temple is reported in the chronicle of the city of Hof as early as 1819. A plan has survived to this day that reflects the appearance of this building, which was demolished in 1848. Johann Winterling drew the temple in 1839 because the damaged roof had to be repaired. A stroke of luck — this is how the current sun temple could be reconstructed and rebuilt for the 1994 State Horticultural Show.

Beautiful pavilions all over the park with flowers