Pottenstein, Bavaria

Infobox German Location
type = Stadt
Name = Pottenstein
Wappen = Stadtwappen_Pottenstein.jpg
lat_deg = 49 |lat_min = 46 | lat_sec = 20
lon_deg = 11 |lon_min = 24 | lon_sec = 41
Lageplan = Pottenstein.pngBundesland = Bayern
Regierungsbezirk = Oberfranken
Landkreis = Bayreuth
Höhe = 368
Fläche = 73.24
Einwohner = 5476
Stand = 2006-12-31
PLZ = 91278
Vorwahl = 09243
Kfz = BT
Gemeindeschlüssel = 09 4 72 179
Gliederung = 32 Ortsteile
Straße = Forchheimer Straße 1
Website = [http://www.pottenstein.de/ www.pottenstein.de]
Bürgermeister = Stefan Frühbeißer

Pottenstein is a town in the district of Bayreuth, in Bavaria, Germany. It is situated 23 km southwest of Bayreuth, and 26 km east of Forchheim.

History

During World War II, a subcamp of Flossenburg concentration camp was located here. [Christine O'Keefe."Concentration Camps."www.tartanplace.com/tartanhistory/concentrationcamps.html]

Geography

The city of Pottenstein, altitude 350 - 614 m ü.NN, with its nearly 1,500 inhabitants, is a nationally acclaimed climatic health-resort in Franconian Switzerland. It nestles at the joining point of the Püttlach, Weihersbach and Haselbrunn valleys surrounded by high cliffs and at the foot of the 1000 year old castle that has played an important role throughout the city's history. The scenic landscape and nature offer a wide spectrum along with one of a kind features such as the Devil's cave with its fascinating stalactite and stalagmite caverns.

Tourist attractions

Saint Elisabeth, widow of Ludwig IV, Landgrave of Thuringia, was held hostage within its walls from 1228 to 1229. Many buildings carry, with honor, her name even today. It's legend that, while being threatened, the eggs and lard in her carrying basket were transformed into beautiful roses--a local adaptation of the famous Miracle of the Roses. Since 2004 you can follow a very nice hiking-route through the town, which is called "Elisabeth Route".

The market square, with its statue of Saint Elisabeth, the Catholic church, many stores, restaurants and hotels from the central area of the city. The guestrooms are mostly in the residential areas, found in the valleys leading out of the centre of town, and in and above the cliffs overlooking the city. The health center with its message department /Medical Swim Therapy Department (approved by all health insurance companies), the Therapy Station for Respiratory Illnesses located in Devils Cave, the Kneipp facility, the Tourist Information Center, the park, Putt Putt Golf, Tennis courts, Schöngrund Lake with its row and pedalboat facility, the "summer bob slide roule". the "Felsenbad" (between the rocks), Golf - place, kangaroos and many more, are among the recreationalfacilities that are easily reached from all the residential areas. Approximately 450 kilometers of well marked paths offer excellent hiking possibilities.

Image gallery

References

External links

* [http://www.pottenstein.de Municipality website]