Das Vermächtnis des letzten Ritters

Christian Truchseß von Wetzhausen zu Bettenburg was born in 1755 at Schloss Bundorf. Even during his lifetime, the baron (Freiherr) was known beyond the Haßberge as a figure that was difficult to grasp but all the more attractive in the "cultured society" of Franconia-Germany. But let's take it step by step. Initially, the life of the baron proceeded exactly as expected for a man of nobility at that time. After a "cavalier tour" through Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Hungary, he joined the military, in the baron's case in Hessian service, and gained a high position in the local landgräfliche guard. Unlike his military colleagues, however, he showed great humanistic interest early on. In 1789, he finally quit after twelve years of service and retreated to "his" Bettenburg, of which he had become owner in 1786 through inheritance division. From that point on, he focused on helping himself as well as his friends and subjects toward a better way of life, following his humanistic vision. Thus he entered the history books as a master gardener, art patron, and "king" of his own round table, cherry baron, and esteemed pomologist, and not least due to his virtue as the "last knight of Franconia", leaving the inhabitants of Haßberge a diverse legacy that still shapes the land and people today. Tour The circular route begins at the market square of the town of Hofheim right at the former governor's house of the baron, which is now a pharmacy and one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the district. Through the "Gossmannsdorfer Gate" of the old city wall, the route then heads toward the distinctive landmark of Haßberge and the beloved home of the baron: the Bettenburg. Passing through the "Manauer Sink", as the shallowest cut of the Haßberg ridge is called, it goes past the Bettenburg to the high plain and into the gently hilly heart of Haßberge. The path leads through some small villages to the picturesque Bundorf, where the castle of Bundorf, the birthplace of our cherry baron, is also located. It is still inhabited by his descendants, the Truchseß von Wetzhausen. From the next village Kimmelsbach, the tour then leads into the deep forests toward the Haßberg ridge. Through the idyllic places of Rottenstein, Friesenhausen, and Reckertshausen, it returns to Hofheim. A tour in the north of Hofheim land that includes just about everything that characterizes the Haßberge: gentle hills, deep forests, and plenty of history. Tips and Further Information Start The recommended starting point for this route is Hofheim i. UFr. Since it is a circular route, one can join the tour anywhere along the path. Refreshments There are options for refreshments along the way in Schweinshaupten and Friesenhausen. Back in Hofheim, there are various dining options available. Please check the current opening hours on site in advance. Explorer Guide In our digital Explorer Guide, you will find plenty of exciting background stories, curious facts, and interesting information about the last knight of Franconia.