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former residence, the Schloss Friedrichshof (now the Kronberg Schlosshotel), and the trails in the area are said to have been favorites of hers. From the Waldschwimmbad parking lot (if facing toward the pool), head to the left around the pool and up ( and up!). Keep an eye out for a left turn-off, and pass another cool big boulder, before you reach what at first looks like a bit like a gazebo (at least to me it did from a distance). Heading inside you will find very nice woodwork friezes depicting scenes from local Stadtteils (neighboring communities). If you stay a while you might see local mountain bikers zooming down the adjacent trail, which is much appreciated by downhill cycling enthusiasts (often outfitted in full protective gear); do take care to look out for these bikers when you are on the trail!
Area hiking temples provide an open place for reflection and enhance the enjoyment of the peaceful setting and natural beauty of our local trails.
The easiest tempel to reach – with a walk that also includes a Burg (castle) ruin, no less – is the Dettweiler Tempel, located on the rock outcropping known as the “Teufelskanzel” (devil’s pulpit), adjacent to the Falkenstein
The Gilboa Tempel is located on the Hühnerberg peak
Burgruine. The Dettweiler Tempel was built in 1896, in honor of Dr. Peter Dettweiler, director of the Lungenheilanstalt Falkenstein – a tuberculosis sanitarium, housed in what is now the Hotel Kempinski. The Dettweiler Tempel is perched along a small rock outcropping, and a visit to this, as well as the Burg ruin, will likely give you a nice appreciation of Burg fortification (and outlook positions) on hilltops and hillsides.
The Lips Tempel is also located in Falkenstein and is named for an active member of the Taunusklub (a local hiking/trail organization). According to the the Taunusklub’s website the tempel was originally built in 1895; it was restored in 1970. The Lips Tempel is accessible from a parking area in Falkenstein, which can be found off of Scharderhohlweg (driving up through Falkenstein, until reaching a dirt road with a parking area to the left). I would characterize the Lips Tempel as a cross between a tempel and a tower, as one climbs up a number of steps to access it and the wonderful views it provides. A nice hiking idea is to combine a visit to the Lips Tempel with a visit to Fuchstanz, located farther up the hill. Fuchstanz is a popular place for hikers and mountain bikers to stop off for food and refreshments while out in the woods – there are two trailside Gaststätten (restaurants) located there.
Happy Trails!
Karen Claire-Zimmet, FIS Parent
October 2015 FIS World 17