Reinhardswald

The Reinhardswald (German pronunciationⓘ) is a range of hills up to 472.2 m above sea level (NN) and covering an area of over 200 km²[1] in the Weser Uplands in the district of Kassel, Hesse (Germany).

The area is known for its myths and legends, such as Grimms' Fairy Tales, and the "Sleeping Beauty" castle of Sababurg is internationally known.

In the north and east this woodland area runs up against the Weser and, in the southeast and south against the Fulda; both rivers form locally the border with Lower Saxony.

For instance, to cross the hills in a north-south direction from Helmarshausen via Gottsbüren [de] to Immenhausen-Holzhausen by bicycle or car, requires a drive of about 38 km on mostly empty, small and often very narrow roads that, especially in the south of the forest, are often arrow straight.

The northern end between the Weser and the Diemel was gifted by the Emperor, Henry II, to Helmarshausen Abbey; the southern portion went to the Bishopric of Paderborn.

Extensive wood pastures and old farmyards and farms bear witness to the agricultural tradition of the Reinhardswald.

Version 2: Count Reinhard ruled the mighty forest, densely occupied by villages, but was sentenced to death for extortion and robbery.

Promoters claim to be placing the turbines in spots where the forest is already cleared due to damage by storms, summer droughts, and the bark beetle.

The plan is opposed by citizen's groups, partly on grounds that the turbines would endanger birds and bats and would harm tourism.