Freudenstadt

Conservation and Revitalisation of the Historic Waldlust
Park Landscape

The Waldlust Hotel in Freudenstadt,
founded in 1899, is a representative
example of late 19th-century hospitality
architecture in the northern Black Forest
and reflects the development of spa
culture and health tourism that shaped
the town’s growth. Conceived as a grand resort, it became one of Freudenstadt’s leading establishments, closely associated with the Luz family, a hotelier dynasty that operated renowned hotels in Freudenstadt, Baden-Baden, and Austria. After a renewed period of use following the Second World War, the hotel gradually lost its original function and today stands as an important testimony to this phase of social and cultural history. The building is currently cared for by the Friends of Waldlust Association, which is committed to safeguarding the structure and exploring future cultural uses. Surrounding the hotel is a historic park with promenades, terraced paths, stairways, and sandstone retaining walls that once formed part of the guest experience. Although partially overgrown, the landscape preserves the spatial framework of its original design and illustrates the connection between spa architecture and leisure landscapes in the Black Forest.

Project description

The European Heritage Volunteers Project at the Waldlust Hotel in 2026 continues earlier engagements at the site and concentrates on the care, management, and gradual recovery of the historic hotel park. Participants will engage in practical landscape conservation aimed at restoring the readability and safe use of the designed woodland environment that once formed part of the spa experience.

Work will focus on the selective clearing of invasive and self-seeded vegetation that obscures historic paths, terraces, and sightlines, as well as on the maintenance of pathways and the stabilisation of stone-built elements such as steps, edging, and retaining walls. These measures are intended to secure existing structures, reveal characteristic spatial features, and support the park’s continued use while respecting its historically evolved character.

Particular attention will be given to understanding the interaction between natural growth and designed landscape features, allowing participants to engage with conservation challenges specific to historic parks. Through this work, the project highlights approaches to maintaining culturally shaped landscapes as living environments that require ongoing care rather than reconstruction.

REQUIREMENTS: CV, Motivation Letter and interview ACCOMMODATION: basic facilities, shared rooms with beds, warm showers and toilets.

LOCATION: Freudenstadt, Baden-Württemberg