Pottenstein | |
Pottenstein Castle | |
Pottenstein
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Location of the town of Pottenstein within Bayreuth district
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Coordinates | |
Administration | |
Country | Germany |
State | Bavaria |
Admin. region | Upper Franconia |
District | Bayreuth |
Town subdivisions | 32 Ortsteile |
Mayor | Stefan Frühbeißer |
Basic statistics | |
Area | 73.24 km2 (28.28 sq mi) |
Elevation | 368 m (1207 ft) |
Population | 5,317 (31 December 2010)[1] |
- Density | 73 /km2 (188 /sq mi) |
Other information | |
Time zone | CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) |
Licence plate | BT |
Postal code | 91278 |
Area code | 09243 |
Website | www.pottenstein.de |
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.
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During World War II, a subcamp of Flossenbürg concentration camp was located here.[2]
The city of Pottenstein, altitude 350–614 m AMSL, with its nearly 1,500 inhabitants, is a nationally acclaimed climatic health-resort in Franconian Switzerland. It nestles at the convergence of the Püttlach, Weihersbach and Haselbrunn valleys surrounded by high cliffs and at the foot of the 1000-year-old castle, which has played an important role throughout the city's history. The scenic landscape and nature offer a wide spectrum along with unique features such as the Devil's cave with its fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.
Saint Elisabeth, widow of Ludwig IV, Landgrave of Thuringia, was held hostage within its walls from 1228 to 1229. Many buildings bear her name even today. According to legend, while she was being threatened, the eggs and lard in her basket were transformed into beautiful roses — a local adaptation of the famous Miracle of the roses. Since 2004 there has been a very nice marked walking route through the town, known as the "Elisabeth Route".
The market square, with its statue of Saint Elisabeth, the Catholic Church, many shops, restaurants and hotels form the central area of the city. The guestrooms are mostly in the residential areas, in the valleys leading out of the centre of town and in and above the cliffs overlooking the town. The health centre with its message department /Medical Swim Therapy Department (approved by all health insurance companies), the Therapy Station for Respiratory Illnesses in Devil's Cave, the Kneipp facility, the Tourist Information Centre, the park, putting green, tennis courts, Schöngrund Lake with its rowing boats and pedalos, the "summer bobsleigh route". the "Felsenbad" (between the rocks), golfcourse, kangaroos and many more, are among the recreational facilities that are easily reached from all the residential areas. Approximately 450 kilometres of well marked paths offer excellent possibilities for walking.
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