When the Nazis took over power at Germany in 1933 they immediately prepared for war. Ammunition production was restricted by the treaty of Versailles and therefor they requested the German industry to create factories in rural areas that should be ready to be activated in case of war. One of these was the Sprengstofffabrik Hirschhagen (explosives factory) or Munitionsfabrik Hirschhagen (ammunition factory) of Hessisch Lichtenau.
Continue reading “Endless ferroconcrete”Burgruine Reichenbach
A steep ascent from Retterode (Hessisch Lichtenau), a lengthy line of steps in the forest, a gap in a circular rampart and then you see it: the castle keep of the Burgruine Reichenbach. It was built in the middle of the 11th century CE and was important in the past as it is close to the border between the states of Hesse and Thuringia.
Continue reading “Burgruine Reichenbach”Lenoir-Mausoleum
When you’re driving on Bundesstraße 7 between Kassel and Eschwege, Germany you might spot a sepulchral chapel in the forest. Finding the path to this place close to Hessisch Lichtenau isn’t easy but worth a try. You will not only find a mausoleum at a lake and a closed giant orphanage – but also a sad story about life and death. And about a man without a family who gave all his wealth to support children – and with that created himself a memorial.
Continue reading “Lenoir-Mausoleum”