Mega suspension bridges in the Franconian Forest: Rising costs and a lot of criticism!

Mega suspension bridges in the Franconian Forest: Rising costs and a lot of criticism!

Two spectacular suspension bridges are currently being planned in the Franconian Forest Nature Park, which will not only impress with their length, but will also function as tourist attractions. At 1,030 meters, the Höllental Bridge will be the longest of the two bridges and leads from the Kesselfels over the Selbitztal to the Höllental terrace in Eichenstein. The smaller Lohbachtal Bridge, on the other hand, runs from Schwedenstein over the Lohbachtal back to Lichtenberg and will be 389 meters long. Both bridges promise breathtaking views and should be accessible from the visitor center at the swimming lake.

However, according to a report by Merkur, the cost development of the project has been heavily criticized. The costs were originally estimated at 12 million euros, but have now increased to 42.1 million euros, which is more than tripling. The Taxpayers' Association cites the project in the Black Book as an example of tax waste. Despite these critical voices, the Hof district is sticking to the plans and points out the great benefits for the region.

Criticism and supporters

The increased costs are due to various factors, including changes in planning due to nature conservation and monument protection requirements as well as price increases in the construction sector. However, the district is hoping for state funding of 70 percent of the eligible costs from the RÖFE pot of the Free State of Bavaria. The plan is for the bridges to open in 2029, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 – assuming the appropriate permits are granted.

After years of discussions, the Hof district council recently approved the construction of the bridges after two communities had already approved the development plan. However, the Federal Nature Conservation Association is not remaining idle; it has initiated regulatory review proceedings against the development plan, which could lead to further delays. Critics from the ranks of the SPD, Greens and AfD warn of a “grave of millions” and fear negative effects on nature, since the Höllental is designated as a nature reserve.

Experiences from Willingen

To gain further insight into similar projects, one can use the example of the “Skywalk” in Willingen, which recently opened. This skywalk is 665 meters long and was built in Tibetan style at a height of 100 meters. The investment amount was over 4.5 million euros and was financed by several local banks and private investors. The operators expect around 100,000 visitors per year and have set up high security standards that allow a maximum number of 750 simultaneous visitors.

Completion of the skywalk was originally scheduled for December, but was delayed by an early onset of winter. In contrast to the Frankenwald plans, this example shows how an attraction-expanding infrastructure can attract tourism, even if financial investments and safety precautions play an important role.

Summary

In summary, it can be said that, on the one hand, the planned suspension bridges in the Franconian Forest are viewed as a promising project to promote tourism, but on the other hand they have to address significant financial concerns as well as economic and ecological challenges. The discussions surrounding the project reflect the tragic tensions between economic growth and nature conservation requirements that can be observed in many regions of Germany.