100 years of Haus Hainstein: A treasure of the churches in Eisenach!

100 years of Haus Hainstein: A treasure of the churches in Eisenach!

An impressive anniversary is celebrated in Eisenach: 100 years ago, the Haus Hainstein was founded, a place full of history and meaning! The Eisenach superintendent Ralf-Peter Fuchs remembers how proud the young people used to be that the mountains around the city were "stocked" with church facilities. During this time, shaped by the GDR, this was more than just a point of contact for many; It had a deeper, symbolic meaning.

This important house was not only important for the church, but also a place of education. Here a youth college was set up according to Swedish model, where young men from all over Germany were able to study and live together. Many later became pastors or church musicians. But the climb was not without obstacles: the courses were hired with the advent of National Socialism in 1933 and the site later confiscated for the Hitler Youth. After the Second World War, however, the house turned back to a training center and brought out almost 500 church musicians until 1997 - a true talent center for the Thuringian regional church!

a place of encounter and joy

Haus Hainstein was more than just a training center; It also served as an important recreation home and conference location for the church leadership. In the GDR it was the only overnight stay for church employees who did not want to access government resources. "This was very popular in GDR times," says Oberkirchenrat Stefan Große, who underlines the importance of the grove for the region. The Swedish church even granted special privileges before 1990 so that the house could support in difficult times.

Despite the loss of some functions in recent history, the Haus Hainstein remains important. It currently offers 65 rooms for guests as a hotel, and the small chapel is still used for weddings and baptisms today. The future of the house is shaped by visions: Superintendent Fuchs plans the development of an ecumenical center, which is to be borne by both the Evangelical and by the Catholic Church. Peaceful place of encounter - that is the goal!

The festival week for the 100th anniversary opens on October 27 with a festive service in the Georgenkirche, accompanied by a series of events that celebrate the rich history and the connection to the Swedish church. A special highlight will be the appearance of a Swedish choir on Reformation Day. This anniversary heralds a new era for the Hainstein house - become part of it!