Frankenwald Bridges: A Contentious Infrastructure Project in the Höllental Valley
Introduction:
The construction of the Frankenwald Bridges in the Höllental Valley of Upper Franconia has sparked a legal battle between conservationists and proponents of the project. The Bund Naturschutz (BN) and the Höllental Initiative have filed a lawsuit against the zoning plan, citing concerns about the environmental impact on the sensitive ecosystem.
The Frankenwald Bridges:
The Frankenwald Bridges, if constructed, would become the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. One bridge is planned to be approximately one kilometer long, while the other will measure close to 400 meters. They aim to span the scenic Höllental Valley between the town of Lichtenberg and the municipality of Issigau in the Hof district, attracting a significant number of tourists to the Frankenwald region.
Environmental Concerns:
Conservationists are apprehensive about the potential impact of the bridges on the Höllental Valley’s fragile ecosystem, which is home to numerous rare plant species. The BN and the Bavarian Ornithological Society (LBV) argue that hikers crossing the bridges could unintentionally damage the sensitive plant and animal life in the surrounding forests.
Predicted Visitor Numbers:
The Hof district authority estimates that the pedestrian bridges could attract up to 300,000 visitors annually. However, the BN anticipates that the majority of visitors will concentrate on a few weekends during the warmer months. On favorable days, they estimate between 6,000 and 10,000 visitors per day.
Financial Considerations:
The total cost of constructing the two bridges is estimated to be slightly over 42 million euros, significantly higher than the initial estimate of 22 million euros. The Bavarian State Government has pledged financial support, considering the Frankenwald Bridges as a valuable project for tourism development.
Funding Sources:
The project is funded through the "RÖFE" funding guidelines, which support the development of public tourism infrastructure. The funding covers 70% of the eligible costs. The Hof district authorities expect the project to become cost-effective in the long run due to revenue generated from visitors.
Legal Action:
In November 2024, the Hof County Council voted in favor of advancing the planning of the Frankenwald Bridges with 38 votes to 20. Following the decision, the BN announced its intention to challenge the project once the zoning plan was finalized. The legal proceedings are now underway at the Bavarian Administrative Court in Munich.
Conclusion:
The construction of the Frankenwald Bridges has become a polarizing issue, pitting conservationists against proponents of economic development. The lawsuit filed by the BN and the Höllental Initiative highlights the need to balance tourism interests with the protection of environmentally sensitive areas. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the fate of this ambitious infrastructure project.
