A devastating fire has completely destroyed a 19th-century hunting lodge in the Bavarian town of Donaustauf, located east of Regensburg.
The blaze broke out late on Sunday night, October 6, and spread rapidly through the historic Aschenbrennermarter hunting lodge, leaving only smoldering debris behind by the early hours of Monday morning.
Firefighters battle through the night
According to police and eyewitness reports, multiple fire brigades from surrounding districts were deployed in a large-scale overnight operation.
Fire crews fought the flames for hours, but despite their efforts, the entire structure was consumed. Even on Monday morning, emergency teams remained on site, tackling hotspots and securing the area.
Complicated firefighting in remote location
The firefighting operation proved particularly challenging because of the lodge’s isolated setting.
As reported by the news agency News5, a hose line stretching roughly one kilometre had to be laid to transport sufficient water to the scene.
A police spokesperson said it was still unclear how long the operation would last and when investigators could safely enter the ruins.
Cultural loss and financial impact
The Aschenbrennermarter lodge, built in 1893, once housed club rooms and a restaurant on the grounds of a local golf club.
Police said the damage could run into the millions of euros, though an exact figure has not yet been confirmed.
The cause of the fire remains unknown; investigators will begin examining the site once it has cooled down and been declared safe.
