Searching for German-German traces on the former inner-German border Formerly, the Green Belt was called the death strip (Todesstreifen) and separated the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). The things that were unbearable for people then meant recovery for flora and fauna and is a stroke of luck for lovers of nature today.
Between Mitwitz and Mödlareuth: the Green Belt in the Franconian Forest
Proximity to the former inner-German border means largely untouched natural surroundings north of the Bavarian state bath for tourism in Bad Steben. About 50 km west of Bad Steben is Mitwitz, the birthplace of the Green Belt, which today meanders as a nature reserve totalling 1,393 km from the Frankenwald to the Baltic Sea. From August 1961 to November 1989, nature had time to find itself. Only 25 km east of Bad Steben, visitors to the German-German Museum of Mödlareuth can once again sympathise with the shortcomings of the German division in a painfully vivid way.
Blossoming landscapes near Bad Steben
Where once barbed wire, metal fences and concrete walls separated both German states, hiking enthusiasts today can experience a plant and animal world that has become a rarity. Once almost untouched, deep forests and valleys, ponds and heathlands, as well as sporadic former watchtowers, can be experienced along the Green Belt between Bavaria and Thuringia - silent witnesses of history within the peaceful landscape of the Franconian forest near Bad Steben.
Walking, morning gymnastics or just enjoying the tranquillity - the spa park is pure relaxation for everyone.
The Klenze building in the spa gardens - built in 1837 as a bathhouse to designs by Leo von Klenze.
The Frankenweg, Rennsteig, Franconian mountain and Kammweg trails meet near Bad Steben - a true paradise for hikers. The towns Blankenstein (Thuringia) and Untereichenstein (Bavaria) form a hiking hub here only 6 km from Bad Steben, something unique in Germany.
