Deep in the heart of the Käfertaler Wald, a captivating tale unfolds. This is the story of the Karlstern. The year is 1745. A hunting lodge rises amidst the trees, complete with a game preserve. This was the vision of Elector Karl Theodor of Pfalz-Bayern.
Karlstern. The name itself whispers of history. “Karl” honors the Elector, while “stern” refers to the star-shaped layout of the avenues he commissioned around the lodge and preserve. Karl Theodor frequently hosted his courtly hunting parties here. The Karlstern became the vibrant center of the Käfertaler Wald, a place where nature’s tranquility met aristocratic pursuits.
But the story of the Karlstern stretches back even further, to the turn of the 14th century. Long before the hunting lodge, there was a small, swampy settlement known as “Keverndal.” Its inhabitants led a meager existence, their livestock constantly threatened by wolves and bears. A shepherd named Philipp, a newcomer with a mysterious past, suggested digging a large pond for the animals. The village leader, Sibito, dismissed the idea, only to later present it to the Elector as his own, cunningly suggesting it would keep the game within the forest, making hunting easier.
Thus, the Karlsternweiher, the Karlstern pond, was born, dug by the villagers in the winter so it would fill with the melting snow. Paths were carved through the forest, radiating outwards from the pond like a star. These paths ensured easy access for the nobility to the surrounding hunting grounds. The name “Karlstern” was bestowed upon this central point during a subsequent autumn hunt.
Over time, the Karlsternweiher evolved, becoming a lasting testament to both nature’s resilience and human ingenuity. Today, the Karlstern remains a cherished destination. It’s a place where people come to wander the well-maintained trails. They explore the wildlife enclosure that now houses red deer, wild boar, fallow deer, and even bison. They pause at the rustic wooden shelter, taking in the panoramic views. The echoes of history mingle with the rustling leaves, inviting visitors to step into a story that began centuries ago.