A hospitable and interesting place. The operators' description states: "The holiday complex was established in 1952 with volunteer efforts from the local community, primarily as a holiday camp for children and young people. First, the large group house with a kitchen and dining room was built. Gradually, the wooden cabins and other houses were also erected. Many people from the surrounding area or other former East German states spent their holidays at the complex as children or young people.
After German reunification, the complex was temporarily used as accommodation for asylum seekers. Then it stood empty for five years and threatened to fall into disrepair.
In 2002, a new chapter began. Hundreds of helpers from near and far, young and old, selflessly and voluntarily helped to save this gem as a recreational facility for young people and families. A new sanitary block was built, guest rooms and log cabins were renovated, the open-air stage was awakened from its slumber, and a vibrant life returned to the forest grounds."
We stayed there overnight with 20 cyclists on our pilgrimage to Assisi and were greeted and entertained in a very hospitable and uncomplicated manner. Even a spontaneous dinner booking was quickly arranged.
The atmosphere exudes a spirit of the past, something rather foreign to us as Christian pilgrims. But as one of our fellow pilgrims put it: "I can't keep up with my prejudices as quickly as they're being torn down."