Hakuna Matata Centre

Nestled in the idyllic heart of Thüringen, often referred to as the ‘Green Heart of Germany, our 230-year-old historical protected Monumental building has almost 1,000 square meters of living and usable space and was once a well-known excursion hotel. It, therefore, offers the very best conditions for the accommodation of traumatized war-torn victims. Though its origins are centuries old, our intention is to make it shine as a sanctuary of hope, compassion, and human resilience. Hakuna Matata Centre is more than just a building; it will be a sanctuary of hope, community, and boundless possibilities – this is only possible with your kind contributions and generous donations.

After meticulous renovations, we are proud to share the exciting features of Hakuna Matata Centre:

  • 12 En-Suite Rooms: Each thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, privacy, and a sense of home.
  • Dining Area: With seating for 60, this is where our residents and guests will gather to share meals, stories, and moments of joy.
  • Two Expansive Kitchens: Equipped to cater for up to 100 people, complete with a unique dumbwaiter lift connecting the outside kitchen to the theater upstairs.
  • Wellness Center: We also plan to adapt the downstairs section as a small wellness center that will have a massage room, sauna and steam bath, and a fully operational Himalayan Salt Cabin (exceptional healing qualities!).

Beyond providing shelter for up to 50 residents, we also have envisioned a space that enriches lives and serves a greater purpose:

  • The Theatre & Stage: A vibrant hub for social and cultural events, training programs, seminars, and vital trauma and healing sessions.
  • Central Offices: Serving as the main organizational center for Friesio NGO Taxi during emergencies and relief operations, particularly in times of disaster.
  • The Attic: A tranquil sanctuary, nestled in the expansive attic space, designed to host up to 20 Friesio ‘family’ members, ambassadors, team leaders, and volunteers. Accessible from both the main building and the rear entrance, it offers a place of retreat and reflection.

Ripple Effect of Renewals/Renovations

There are rare places that seem to radiate light from within – not just through physical beauty but an essence felt deep in the spirit. The Friesio Foundation’s historic estate is such a place. Though its origins are centuries old, today it shines as a sanctuary of hope, compassion, and human resilience.

Here, people from all walks of life find a community unlike any other. Those weighted by hardship or tragedy come seeking refuge. Others arrive offering gentle guidance, empathy, and practical support. This gracious estate provides physical nourishment and comfort in abundance. In simple acts of kindness, shoulders to lean on, the non-judgmental atmosphere of personal breakthroughs and setbacks – here, spirits grow stronger. Darkness fades as compassion illuminates the way forward.

The ripples of this special place spread outward in far-reaching ways. Though some wounds may never fully heal, their light shines brighter. Understanding, wisdom, and hope instead grow in their place.

The true purpose of this historic estate is to uncover the light within us all. Through compassion and community, we uplift one another. We rediscover our shared essence of love, courage, and the will to thrive.

The sparks within ignite a flame that passes from hand to hand, heart to heart across the land. Where darkness lingers, kindness brings new light. And in that light, hope is reborn.

Speaking of planning, we invite you to reserve your holiday with us! Hakuna Matata is the perfect place for some well-deserved rest, but also the area is packed with fun and adventure activities!

Nearby, there’s a private flying club with camping and caravan facilities. Additionally, we’ve negotiated favorable rates with several hotels in the area, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for our guests.

For those seeking adventure, our region offers a wealth of activities to satisfy your spirit of exploration. From thrilling mountain biking and scenic hiking trails to the excitement of paragliding, there’s something for everyone. In the winter months, Oberhof, just 15 kilometers away, hosts the National and World Biathlon championships and boasts the world’s largest indoor ski hall.

As our way of expressing gratitude, we are pleased to offer our ‘family’ members, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors an annual gift: seven days of stay with us, complete with food and accommodation. It’s an opportunity to become an integral part of our close-knit community and actively participate in a myriad of social, cultural, and adventure activities. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for your support!

Expect to stay informed through regular updates and newsletters that will keep you in the loop about our progress and upcoming activities at “Hakuna Matata Residence.” Our overarching goal is to foster a profound sense of belonging, where everyone is cherished, welcomed, and valued.

In essence, “Hakuna Matata Residence” is not just a place; it’s a refuge for those in need, a vibrant center for cultural and adventure experiences, and a steadfast base for Friesio NGO Taxi’s essential work, especially during emergencies. We eagerly anticipate the privilege of welcoming you with open arms to our warm and inviting haven.

Together, we will create a brighter, more hopeful future for all who step through our doors. 

External Pictures

Old Pictures

Internal Pictures