Tenant's landlady expresses her inability to bear the burden alone.
Märchental in Bad Grund, Harz, Moves Towards Revival
The beloved fairy-tale landscape park, Märchental in Bad Grund, Harz, has faced financial challenges leading to its closure and decline. Originally a cultural and tourist attraction, the park's maintenance, restoration, and operational costs have steadily increased over time.
Without adequate funding, the park has fallen into a state of disrepair, with overgrown paths, dirty signs, and dilapidated miniature houses. However, efforts to restore the Märchental are underway, focusing on rallying community support, securing new funding sources, and involving local authorities and heritage organisations.
The first step in the restoration process has been the acquisition of new windows for the miniature houses, including the famous mine, and the creation of a new small forest stage, thanks to the support of the "Citizens help citizens e.V." association. Funding through the EU program LEADER is expected to help with the implementation of the remaining technical work. An E-check has been carried out, financed by a private donation, for the remaining technical work.
To reopen the Märchental, three specific requirements must be met: tree work, overhaul and renewal of technology and electrical equipment, and drainage of the waterfall and water guidance (terrace and floor are sinking). Some necessary tree work has already been carried out with the first grant.
The owner of the land has provided an explanation for the current state of the Märchental, and the owner of the park founded a support association with seven members in December 2024, although the registration in the association register is still pending.
Visitors have been wondering why the Märchental is no longer open, with some expressing disappointment and nostalgia about its past glory. A hotelier in the Harz region has expressed frustration about the situation, stating that they have to "live with it."
In the future, fairy tale readings, lectures, theater, and music are planned for the Märchental. The association is seeking more offers, expanding further, and organizing events to attract more supporters for the park.
As the restoration efforts continue, the hope is that the Märchental will once again become a vibrant cultural and tourist destination that honours its historical significance while ensuring financial sustainability.
- The restoration of Märchental in Bad Grund, Harz, aiming to revive its glory, involves focusing on enhancing its lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and education-and-self-development aspects through organizing fairy tale readings, lectures, theater, and music.
- The park's anticipated revival will see the fusion of its traditional charm with modern trends in food-and-drink and home-and-garden, as efforts are being made to reopen and renovate the miniature houses and stages.
- Travel enthusiasts and supporters of the park are eagerly awaiting news of its reopening, as they reminisce about its past glory and express their yearning for revisiting the enchanting landscape park.
- The ongoing restoration project of Märchental, Harz, is a prime example of community collaboration, as local authorities, heritage organizations, and citizens are working together to secure funding and ensure the park's financial sustainability in the long run.
