Our History
"Welcome to Naturfreundehaus Elmstein, arguably one of the most historic houses in all of Rhineland-Palatinate!"
An eventful history from 1910 to today1910 – 1921
Pioneer Spirit & DedicationOur story begins in 1910 with the founding of the Ludwigshafen am Rhein local group, the first in the Palatinate. In 1912, efforts began to establish a retreat home. However, it took 7 years to find the perfect location: Elmstein.
The then-called "Riesbeck House" was purchased and converted by members with their own hands. On May 15, 1921, the Elmstein house was officially dedicated. It became not only the first Naturfreundehaus in the Palatinate but also the largest in Germany! That same year, the house fulfilled its social mission by taking in children affected by the devastating explosion catastrophe in Oppau.
1922 – 1932
Growth & SetbacksIn the following years, the estate grew continuously. In 1922, the "Villa Sanssouci" was built as a single-story structure atop an existing coach house. In 1925, a devastating fire struck the house, but the Friends of Nature were not deterred and rebuilt it immediately.
Between 1926 and 1929, the "Falk Building" was acquired, which today houses our Youth Hostel. Generous garden areas were laid out, and large dormitories were partitioned to offer guests more comfort.
1933 – 1945
Expropriation & WarIn March 1933, all workers' associations were banned under National Socialism. Shortly after, a brutal raid by SA men occurred; they looted the Naturfreundehaus and forcibly expelled everyone present.
Official expropriation followed on November 16, 1933. Until the end of the war, the site was run under the name "Gauheim Mutter und Kind" as a home for children and infants, while a shell building erected in 1938 temporarily served as quarters for soldiers.
1945 – 1991
The Return & Golden EraIn 1945, the first Friends of Nature returned to the house. That year, the house also made political history: the Palatinate SPD (Social Democratic Party) was re-founded in today's Naturfreundehaus. In 1950, ownership was finally officially returned to the Naturfreunde.
A true golden era followed: with up to 21,000 overnight stays annually, the house was bursting at the seams. Guests traveled from all over Germany and abroad, and the grounds were steadily expanded—including the construction of the children's playroom and the large BBQ area.
1992 – 2023
Crisis & ClosureIn the 1990s, austerity measures and suspended retreats led to financial difficulties. Urgently needed major investments were absent for decades, and the infrastructure was increasingly neglected.
The sad low point of this development was reached in the second half of 2023: The Naturfreundehaus had to be completely closed for six months due to a defective and non-functional heating system.
2024 – Today
Phoenix from the AshesAs if the closure wasn't enough, a fire broke out in the house in January 2024. But that was precisely the starting signal for a new era: in April 2024, a completely new, highly motivated team took the helm!
With a lot of passion, a vastly improved kitchen, and an extra portion of hospitality, life returned to the Naturfreundehaus. The house is being restored piece by piece to its former (and new!) glory. A huge milestone: In early 2026, the Youth Hostel was completely modernized and renovated. We are ready for the next 100 years!
Become Part of Our History
We put all our heart and labor into the renovation and preservation of this historic place. If you would like to support us financially or with your manpower on this journey, we would be incredibly grateful for your contribution.