ゼーレヴァルトの山小屋＆キャビン・トップ20

You are in the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park, the legendary home of Frau Holle. Here, you can expect extraordinary nature, surprising culture, and diverse geology. Large parts of the park are part of one of Germany's most important biodiversity hotspots and the second-largest FFH area in the country. Between the Kaufunger Forest, the Hoher Meißner, and the Werra Valley, you'll experience a truly spectacular landscape. Over 120 geosites ensure the region's diversity. Frau Holle, the well-known fairytale figure, gives the park its name – numerous legends and myths surround the Hoher Meißner. The choice is yours: Explore the geological, natural, and cultural highlights on 25 certified premium hiking trails, the Werra-Burgen-Steig Hessen, the Werra Valley Cycle Path, or numerous cycling tours. Discover the legendary sites of Mother Holle, the Green Belt, valuable nature reserves, the famous opium poppy blossom, the Witzenhausen cherry country, castles, palaces, and mining history. Over 35 percent of the area in the Werra-Meißner district is designated as a nature reserve. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, canoeing, or exploring nature and adventure with your family – you'll find your perfect vacation week here. Be inspired and tailor your stay to your wishes.

To the right of the Carl Braun Hut, near the bench, a steep trail winds through the forest, amidst leaves and branches. If you don't stray from the trail (like I did 🙈), you'll emerge above the ICE bridge near Adelshausen.

This shelter was built in 1905

The hut, built around 1905, was the first shelter in the Melsungen city forest. Its name is derived from the snake-shaped branches that the builder, the Melsungen local history and beautification association, placed above the entrance. The plaque above it reads: "In this cool valley, where the snakes lived, take a rest from the haste of everyday life." Between the two world wars, the snake house offered a beautiful view of the northern Fulda valley. On old maps you can still read that the place was described as "Hercules' view." The residents of the lung sanatorium therefore often walked there and left many "entries" on the interior walls of the hut; the oldest plaque dates from 1924. The structure (oak wood) of the hut dates back to the time it was built. Source: https://www.lauftreff-melsungen.de/2014-05-01_bericht_historische_Wanderung_1.Mai_2014.pdf

Like everything in this world, the works of art at Ars Natura are fleeting. The tree trunk as well as the sculpture in front of the Carl Braun Hut go the way of things....

The signs and other trail markings are very good.

This place used to be called Herkulesblick and was a beautiful vantage point. You can still find that on old hiking maps. Hard to imagine today, because the snake house is now in the middle of the forest. You can see how nature has changed over the decades...

A small but cozy shelter in the city forest above Melsungen. Even the small paths leading up or down to the hut have their own special charm. In the hut you can find small plaques of spa guests (including from the 1920s), soldiers, etc. If you look carefully you will also find the snake figures at the hut entrance or on the bench in front of the hut. In the hut there is a stamp box (unfortunately currently without stamps) and stamp cards.