Schwarzenau

Schwarzenau is a village in the municipality of Frankenstein in the district of Marburg-Biedenkopf, Hesse, Germany. It is situated in the Lahn-Dill mountain range. The village is known for its historical significance, particularly as the birthplace of the Schwarzenau Brethren, a Christian religious group founded in 1708 by Alexander Mack and other like-minded individuals seeking religious freedom.

The Brethren were a radical Pietist movement that emphasized adult baptism, communal living, and pacifism. Facing persecution, they eventually emigrated to North America. The original meetinghouse, a significant historical landmark, still stands in Schwarzenau. The village itself has a rural character with agricultural land surrounding it. Its location offers natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities.

Schwarzenau's history is deeply intertwined with the development of religious dissent and emigration from Germany. Today, the village maintains its historical connection to the Brethren movement, attracting visitors interested in religious history and the origins of the denomination. The local community is small and closely knit.