The oldest record mentions Altenhain as Aldenhagen between 1204 and 1220. Altenhain is older than that though. Neighboring Neuenhain is documented since 1191. The name’s “-hain” ending suggests a settlement after 1000. It was built on cleared forest land. A protective ditch surrounded it.
Welcome to Altenhain a district of Bad Soden am Taunus. This charming place boasts a rich history. It was once a Reichsdorf a royal village. Royal peasants farmed the king’s land. Other peasants worked the monastery’s land. This monastery was in Sulzbach near Limburg. The king’s land and rights gradually passed to the Vogtei the overlordship. The Falkenstein Eppstein Sulzbach and Königstein families held the Vogtei over the Sulzbach area in turns. In 1581 Altenhain became part of the Palatinate. Then in 1650 it went to the Electorate of Mainz. Finally in 1803 it fell under Nassau-Usingen. During the time of the Duchy of Nassau it belonged to the Königstein office.
Religious life in Altenhain was dynamic. Lutheran services started around 1535. The Palatinate’s rule brought Calvinism in 1581. After Mainz took over in 1650 Reformed faith remained. Catholic services were equally important. Many families converted to Catholicism under the new rulers.
Altenhain changed in two stages during the Hessian territorial reform. On August 1 1972 Johanniswald a settlement of Altenhain joined Königstein. It became part of Schneidhain. On January 1 1977 the remaining Altenhain became a district of Bad Soden am Taunus. Its independence is limited to a local court and arbitration office. No local districts were created according to the Hessian Municipal Code.
Altenhain’s old town hall likely dates back to the 16th century. It was renovated in 1652. A clock and bell turret were added in 1695. The Catholic church Maria Geburt was built of timber framing between 1706 and 1710. It was replaced in 1931 by a stone structure. The new church was built of fieldstones ashlars and brickwork. Bavarian church architect Albert Bosslet designed it. A model of the church was even shown at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago.
Today Altenhain thrives. The indie pop band Morning Boy formed here in 2008. The Altenhainer Theater a registered association since 2009 performs plays at the Zum Grünen Baum inn since 1991. The Altenhainer Geschichtsverein a history society explores and presents the area’s history. It holds popular monthly talks. The Altenhainer Kerbeburschen a group of local young men celebrate the Alehaaner Wuzzekerb. This is a traditional fall festival. It almost died out but was revived in 2016.
The TSG Altenhain is Altenhain’s largest sports club. In 1996 its handball team merged with Neuenhain’s forming HSG Neuenhain/Altenhain. In 2018 they rose to the Wiesbaden/Frankfurt District League. Altenhain’s tennis club ATC was founded in 1974. It has about 120 members. They got their own courts in 1984.
Altenhain’s history is fascinating. It’s a place of faith change and community spirit. Take a moment to absorb the rich history surrounding you. Enjoy the charm of Altenhain.