This created a tourism project of supra-regional importance, directly on the Rennsteig and the Drachenschlucht, between the Wartburg/Eisenach World Heritage Site and the Hainich National Park.
The characteristic building known as "Hohe Sonne“ on the Rennsteig is the successor to a Baroque hunting lodge from the 18th century. In 2018, regional investor Dirk Bodes, together with rebo consult ingenieurgesellschaft mbH, acquired the 1.2-hectare site in order to return it to hotel use. The remaining building ruins were allowed to be demolished in May 2025 following several expert reports.
LEG-Thüringen has accompanied the project since 2019, and the investor was able to draw on the expertise of the departments of Economic Development, Urban and Regional Development, and Property Management. Only through this orientation of LEG Thüringen as a one-stop agency – unique in its form in Germany – is it often possible at all to advance tourism projects.
The challenges for the investor were immense, and LEG provided support, among other things, in finding solutions for complex development measures, organizing scoping meetings with the relevant authorities, coordinating necessary interministerial and municipal consultations, and searching for funding.
A second construction phase is planned, and on the site of the former hunting lodge, additional rooms, an event and wellness area are to be built.
