Redesign of the youth campsite: Farnsberg huts on the move!

Redesign of the youth campsite: Farnsberg huts on the move!

The future of the Farnsberg-Hütten youth campsite near Riedenberg is taking shape. Initiated by damage caused during the two-year closure due to the corona pandemic, the renovation of the aging accommodation is now being pushed forward. The Bad Kissingen district, owner of the area with 96 beds, has decided to tackle the urgently needed renovations and modernizations.

The decisive meeting in the district committee took place on October 14, 2024, in which the measures were unanimously decided, but on the condition that the necessary funding was provided. This is an important step in making the facilities usable for youth groups again.

Bad conditions and visions of the future

The current condition of the youth campsite is anything but inviting. District Administrator Thomas Bold recently had the opportunity to personally see the conditions on site. “It cannot and will not continue like this,” he stated. The place has been closed since September 2024 because use is no longer possible due to humidity and the presence of small animals. Melanie Schäfer, the department head responsible for municipal youth work, emphasized the urgency of the renovation.

The architect Franziska Müller presented the plans for the redesign: Instead of the previous eight residential huts, four larger, modern huts will now offer space again and thus still maintain the capacity of 96 beds. In addition, the existing utility house will be redesigned and, among other things, will have a larger lounge and a new laundry and shower building. In order to enable use in the off-season, two of the new huts are planned to be winter-proof. According to Müller, the total costs for the renovation are estimated at around two million euros and the buildings will be constructed using timber frame construction.

Financing for the renovation work is also secured. The Bad Kissingen district plans to invest around 839,000 euros from its own resources in the project. In addition, funding of around 545,000 euros is expected from the Bavarian Youth Ring and around 625,000 euros from the LEADER program, which supports the development of rural regions. Applications for this funding should be initiated after approval by the district committee.

District Administrator Bold expressed the hope that this investment will be fruitful in the long term. However, the previous price structures, which allowed overnight stays for four to five euros, could be reconsidered due to the improved standards. Despite possible price adjustments, the main concern remains clear: the space should primarily serve youth work, even if finances cannot be ignored.

There is currently no fixed plan regarding the time frame for the renovations. The district office has stated that construction is not expected to begin until mid-2025 at the earliest, depending on the funding being approved. The aim is to ensure rapid implementation, as demand for the huts is high and the space is urgently needed for youth work. An expected opening is planned for 2026.

For detailed information on these developments, see the article on www.mainpost.de.