Hoffnungsträger Stiftung takes over the historic estate between Rudolstadt and Bad Blankenburg / Plans include a retreat centre, Bible school and conference facilities / Operations scheduled to begin in autumn 2026
Rudolstadt/Bad Blankenburg, 26 May 2026.
Plans are underway to establish a combined operation consisting of a retreat centre, conference venue and Bible school. In future, the site is to be operated by “Jugend mit einer Mission” Germany, known as JMEM. Hoffnungsträger and JMEM are united by a shared foundation of values and a common desire to make Schwarzenshof once again a place of encounter, education and spiritual orientation.
“Schwarzenshof has been a place of spiritual belonging for many generations. We want to preserve this spirit while carrying it into the future,” says Oliver Konanz, General Representative of Hoffnungsträger Stiftung. “Our goal is to establish a calm, educationally shaped retreat and learning centre that fits well into the region, is organised in close coordination with local stakeholders and makes responsible use of the existing buildings.”
The Schwarzenshof site is located outside the town, between Rudolstadt and Bad Blankenburg, surrounded by meadows and trees. It comprises several buildings as well as a chapel that originated from a former bakehouse. For decades, the site was used as a place of encounter and education by the United Methodist Church and most recently offered space for up to 110 guests. The previous centre was closed at the end of 2024.
In future, Schwarzenshof is to be preserved and further developed as a place for retreats, conferences, educational programmes and spiritual orientation. Programmes are planned for children’s and youth groups, families, school classes, associations, congregations, as well as church-based and social organisations. In addition, a Bible school for adult participants is planned. In the long term, the site is expected to offer up to 175 beds.
The planning and renovation phase is now being prepared. Operations are scheduled to begin in autumn 2026.
The United Methodist Church is supporting the transition towards the future use of Schwarzenshof. Speaking on its behalf, Superintendent Thomas Roscher says:
“For us as the United Methodist Church, Schwarzenshof is connected with a long tradition. The closure of the centre was a painful process for us. We are all the more grateful that its blessed story can now continue.”
Schwarzenshof looks back on a long history. What began in 1856 as a bird-catching site near the village of Schaala developed into a farm with a restaurant and was later named Schwarzenshof after its first owner. Following a fire in the farm buildings in 1906, the Methodist Church Berlin acquired the residential and guest house in 1923 in order to establish a retirement home there. It was inaugurated in 1925. Later, a youth hostel and a holiday home were added, developing the estate into a place of encounter and education.
“Many generations have experienced spiritual formation, community and encouragement at Schwarzenshof,” says Marcus Witzke, CEO of Hoffnungsträger Stiftung. “In the spirit of its founders, we want to preserve this place – with its chapel, its buildings and its special location in the heart of Thuringia.”
About “Jugend mit einer Mission” Germany
“Jugend mit einer Mission” Germany, known as JMEM, is part of the international movement Youth With A Mission. JMEM is active in mission-oriented education, discipleship, social projects and international outreach. Further information: jmem.de
About Hoffnungsträger
The Hoffnungsträger Foundation was founded in 2013 by Tobias Merckle and has set itself the goal of turning many people into bearers of hope. Since its foundation, under the leadership of Marcus Witzke, integrative housing projects such as the Hoffnungshaus® as well as international programmes for the rehabilitation of offenders and their children have been established. The group now comprises Hoffnungsträger Projektentwickler GmbH, Hoffnungsträger Global Impact and Rosskopf + Partner (since 2021). Furthermore, the subsidiary Sinngeber, operating under the umbrella of the Hoffnungsträger Group, facilitates values-based philanthropy for high-net-worth individuals who wish to support social transformation through their commitment.
Through its diverse programmes, Hoffnungsträger demonstrates how systemic thinking, helping people to help themselves, and action for the common good, in conjunction with social innovation, can bring about sustainable change. At the heart of its work lie charity, active and sustainable integration, and the gift of hope and prospects – these form the foundation for a sustainable and solidarity-based society.
For further information, please visit our website:
hoffnungsträger.de
ht-projektentwickler.de
sinngeber.eu
rosskopf-partner.de
