The story of Forellen-Franz
“This private hut is considered something of an institution along the Rothaarsteig. Back when its builder, Franz, was still alive, hikers were offered free drinks there every day. Today, Franz’s son and his friends meet every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to grill and have beers—continuing the tradition started by his father.”
That’s how it was told to us by „Wandermaus“, a thru-hiker from the Class of 2021, who experienced the hospitality and warm-heartedness of this group. You’ll also find this story in our Resources Map – a truly beautiful and heartwarming tale.
As part of the NST signage project, our trail coordinator Peter “Hobble”—who also commissioned the signs for the 1000 km markers and the trailhead in Sylt—came up with the idea to present the Forellen-Franz with his very own sign for his forest guesthouse.
Our trail steward Olli “Olli über alle Berge“, who maintains the section starting from Hilchenbach, had the honor and pleasure of presenting the freshly made sign. Here’s his short report, along with a few photos:
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, I accepted an invitation from Forellen Franz to attend the Christmas celebration at his hut.
The “Waldhaus zum Forellen Franz” lies directly on the Rothaarsteig and is well-known to many hikers—a true institution. Christoph’s father, Klemens Franz, had cared for the pond systems for over 30 years. During that time, the hut became a beloved resting place for hikers.
Twelve years ago, Christoph Franz took over the site from his father. He, too, gladly welcomes guests and invites them to unpack their own food and drinks for a cozy break and a friendly chat.
I used the occasion of the Christmas gathering to present, on behalf of the Nord Süd Trail community, an official sign to dear Christoph. It marks the location of “Forellen Franz”—at kilometer 1580 on the Nord Süd Trail. Many long-distance hikers on the NST have already enjoyed Christoph’s warm hospitality and paused here for a break or a night in their tent at the hut.
Christoph was very pleased with the sign and asked me to pass along a heartfelt thank-you to the entire NST community. The guests present also thought the sign was a wonderful idea.
I would like to thank Christoph and everyone there for a lovely, sociable evening and the delicious food.
We at the Nord-Süd-Trail Initiative would like to sincerely thank Christoph and his friends on behalf of all hikers. Hospitality like this can truly make all the difference when you’re spending months on a long-distance hike across the country.
We wish him and his guests all the very best. Happy trails!
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