Revitalization Efforts at Fellberg Building in South Thuringia: A Couple from Bavaria and Austria Take the Reins
New Owners Transform Fellbergbaude into Nature-Friendly Camping and Event Location
In the heart of Thuringia, a new venture is underway at the Fellbergbaude in Steinach. Stella and Andreas Baumgartner, a media designer and experiential educator respectively, have purchased the former restaurant and camping ground on August 2025. The couple, who hail from Austria and Bavaria, are fulfilling a lifelong dream by developing the Fellbergbaude into a nature-friendly camping and event location.
The Baumgartners' plans involve creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious space that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. They aim to offer visitors an immersive nature experience while hosting various events. The development will be gradual, with the initial phase focusing on renovating existing facilities and establishing basic camping infrastructure.
The holiday houses, which are two semi-detached houses, will be redesigned by Stella Baumgartner, who is responsible for the interior design. Each house will have a terrace door facing the back, providing a protected spot in nature. From 2026, these holiday houses will be rented out, and a kiosk will open, serving campers and hikers with Austrian-Bavarian fusion cuisine with a Thuringian influence on weekends.
The Baumgartners also plan to provide campers with "islands" or plots at the edge of the clearing for their own space. For those who don't have their own camping equipment, self-built caravans and "glamping modules" will be available.
Future additions to the Fellbergbaude include a fitness room, a sauna, and an outdoor pool. The Baumgartners also plan to host events like weddings from 2027.
The Baumgartners had to overcome several hurdles, including finding a bank to support their purchase, before they could buy the Fellbergbaude. They found it almost by chance during a camper trip last summer. The couple currently live on the campsite in their caravan "Knut" and have plans to redesign the campsite and the baude.
In the new season of "Raus aufs Land" on ARD media library from February 2026, the Baumgartners plan to give a glimpse behind the facade of the Fellbergbaude. For now, there are still some free spots for spontaneous campers in Thuringia's camping sites around Easter. Keep an eye on the Fellbergbaude's progress as it transforms into a unique camping and event location.
- The Baumgartners, with their passion for sustainable living, envision transforming the Fellbergbaude into a home-and-garden paradise, blending the charm of their Austrian-Bavarian heritage with the natural beauty of Thuringia.
- As part of their extensive travel and exploration, the couple discovered the Fellbergbaude and saw it as the perfect location for their dream lifestyle, aiming to share this unique experience with others through camping and cultural events.
