The best MTB trails in Unteres Schondratal

Few abandoned places in Bavaria have been so artistically transformed as the former paper mill in Gräfendorf, in the Lower Franconian district of Main-Spessart. The Gräfendorf paper mill was founded over 200 years ago by Johann Schleicher – in 1804, as Agnes Hörter writes in her book "Lost Places in Bavaria." It changed hands several times since then, and in 2007 it filed for bankruptcy. After an unsuccessful rescue attempt in 2008, its final closure was announced a year later. Since then, the factory has stood idle, the machinery has been dismantled and sold, and the imposing buildings have been left to decay. Among fans of abandoned places, the Gräfendorf paper mill enjoys a special reputation: this is primarily due to the size of the building complex and the eerie graffiti that once adorned its interiors. A few years ago, the British street artist JPS discovered the abandoned site and used it for his – often gruesome – art. His motifs are usually dark, depicting figures from horror films or gigantic spiders sitting on the walls. Gruesome graffiti are a thing of the past – owners have cordoned off the abandoned site. Today, the graffiti can only be found on the street artist's Instagram profile and in various videos uploaded to social media by those exploring abandoned places. As Hörter reports in her book, the graffiti at the paper mill has been painted over with brown paint. The reason is simple: The owners of the site are responsible for its security and were not pleased with the commotion surrounding the old paper mill. They cordoned off the area, painted over the graffiti, and made it clear that trespassers were unwelcome. However, the paper mill has not been completely forgotten by politicians either. As reported by mainpost.de in 2024, the district building committee awarded two contracts: one to dispose of the hazardous materials still on the site and the other to dismantle the wastewater treatment plant. It likely won't be long before the entire building is demolished, potentially making way for something new. (fhz) Source: https://www.merkur.de/bayern/papierfabrik-dem-verfall-ueberlassen-lost-place-in-bayern-mit-gruselfaktor-200-jahre-alte-93725399.html

Beautiful mill in the Schondra valley

A truly beautiful mill in the Schondra Valley. Absolutely worth a visit.

You HAVE to drive here! Simply amazing and pure nature.

One of many beautiful Saale pieces.

Beautifully landscaped grounds with a shelter. Amazing views. Definitely not the last time I'll be here.

A beautiful pond at the village entrance from Wartmannsroth. Rest benches are located right next to the pond.

Just check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNi3jTOspcv/?igsh=MTUxdDZxcXZobHFkbg==