Brückenau

Brückenau grew near a ford across the Sinn in the Rhön hills. Originally called Sinn-Au, it was granted privileges by Fulda Abbey in 1249 and town rights by King Henry VII in 1310. These allowed its inhabitants to maintain walls, hold markets and elect a council. In 1337 the council enlarged the fortifications and strengthened the gates; the town acquired the name Brückenau after a bridge was built across the Sinn in 1597.

A sour spring down the valley was already known in the fifteenth century. In 1747 the prince-bishop of Fulda had a fountain built there, and under his successor lodging houses followed as other springs were discovered. Brückenau passed to Bavaria in 1816, and its waters became a favourite resort of King Ludwig I.