Friedrich Fröbel’s last years of life were spent in Marienthal, today affiliated with the town of Bad Liebenstein. The touristic region, with its townships of Bad Liebenstein, Schweina, Steinbach, Meimers and Beiroda, is known for its health and bathing facilities, and lies in the natural preserve of the Thuringia Forest. The oldest health spa in the state, which is located in Bad Liebenstein, is famous for its curative waters, which were discovered in the time of Lord Hermann von Stein in 1560.

In 1850 in the small Marienthal Mansion, Friedrich Fröbel founded the world’s first training school for kindergarten teachers. He described the school as a “facility for a holistic way of life (created) by a developing (and) nurturing education”.  After the Prussian ban on kindergarten in 1851, the women who had trained at the school helped to spread Fröbel’s ideas throughout Germany and the world. The kindergarten concept, which caught on victoriously throughout the world, was established to a large part in Marienthal.

Fröbel organised early childhood education meetings in Marienthal, Bad Salzungen and other towns in the region, founded a number of kindergartens and published a newspaper.

Friedrich Fröbel died in Marienthal in 1852 and was buried in Schweina.

Even today, Bad Liebenstein and the region is characterised by its former citizen. For those who wish to follow in Fröbel’s footsteps, a visit to the Marienthal Mansion (now a hotel) is recommended, as well as a trip to his burial site. The 11-km Friedrich Fröbel Circular Route leads past all the important places connected to the life of Fröbel. The trail enchants with its beautiful views and culturally important sites.  A kindergarten and a school following Fröbel’s example can also be found in Schweina and the association, Friends of Friedrich Fröbel, is responsible for the preservation and distribution of his philosophical legacy. 

Further information about Bad Liebenstein can be found on the town's website.