This marks the creation of a tourism project of regional and national significance, located directly on the Rennsteig and the legendary Dragon’s Gorge, between the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wartburg/Eisenach and Hainich National Park.
The iconic building known as “Hohe Sonne” on the Rennsteig succeeds a baroque hunting lodge dating back to the 18th century. In 2018, regional investor Dirk Bodes with rebo consult ingenieurgesellschaft mbH acquired the 1.2-hectare property with the vision of restoring its use as a hotel. Following several expert assessments, the remaining building structures were cleared for demolition in May 2025.
LEG Thüringen has supported the project since 2019, providing the investor with access to the expertise of its Economic Development, Urban and Regional Development, and Real Estate Management divisions. Thanks to LEG Thüringen’s unique positioning as a one-stop agency—unmatched in Germany—tourism projects like this can often be successfully realized.
The challenges for the investor were considerable, and LEG played a key role in finding solutions for complex infrastructure requirements, organizing scoping meetings with relevant authorities, coordinating essential interministerial and municipal consultations, and assisting in the search for funding opportunities.
A second construction phase is already planned: additional rooms, an event space, and a wellness area will be built on the site of the former hunting lodge.
