1280 Die Krone

The façade with its crimson shutters and gold lettering looks so inviting—why not go in and treat yourself to a generous helping of warm hospitality! Anyone who sees the pictures of the historic inn before its extensive renovation will find it hard to believe that it’s one and the same building. Situated in Geisingen between the Black Forest, Lake Constance and the Danube valley, it had stood empty for a long time and was on the verge of collapse. It took almost four years to restore the listed walls, the oldest of which date back to 1280, and the outbuildings. Since reopening in 2023, the boutique hotel offers 29 rooms and suites spread across the entire ensemble, all with different layouts and individually furnished. Round arches, exposed stone walls, half-timber work and historic floorboards harmonize with urban and purist design: Blackened steel, home textiles in natural tones, glass and light wood. The heart of this place is still the cozy dining room with open-plan kitchen, where people also meet for breakfast. The two restaurants are open alternately, serving creative dishes made from fresh ingredients from the market or the hotel’s own farm garden. The menu at “Agatha”, which changes regularly, includes roasted brioche with mushroom ceviche, braised char with buttermilk red cabbage and caramelized steamed dumplings. The à la carte restaurant “Zum Hecht” serves Italian-Baden cuisine. If you feel like a nightcap, you’ll find a bar in the historic vaulted cellar that would be just as at home in a trendy metropolis. It offers a great selection of drinks from Negroni and gin fizz to beers from the local brewery. A good time to raise a glass to the oldest pub in the entire region—and to the sheer good fortune of just being able to flop into bed later.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• How carefully the identity of this historic building was preserved during the renovation. In combination with the simple and straightforward design, the centuries-old walls really come into their own.  
• The passion for design that’s in every detail, like the black steel spiral staircase that leads almost to the top of the roof or the vaulted cellars connected by a brass-clad tunnel
• The barn terrace, which is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset and has plenty of potential to be a favorite spot
• The three suites featuring the exposed roof truss of the buildings, a bathtub on the gallery, a crackling open fire or a sauna. They’re perfect if you feel like treating yourself to something special.
• The farm garden with old trees, berry bushes and herb beds
• The fascinating hotel ensemble consisting of four buildings: The inn, the former residential and commercial buildings “Der Oberböhler” and the “Frommern Haus” and the new steel-framed extension. This can be reached through a small inner courtyard and is reminiscent of the former crown barn with its suspended gates and stable doors.
• The beautiful surroundings of the Donaubergland with its rocky landscapes and valleys, juniper heaths and plateaus. There are numerous castles, palaces, chapels and cultural monuments to discover.
• The hosts are always coming up with ideas for events—from summer BBQs to Christmas aperitifs in the barnyard—with culinary delights straight from grandma’s age-old stove.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The boutique hotel has 29 individual rooms ranging from 20 to 45 square meters in size—from “cozy rooms” with low ceilings and nooks and crannies to spacious studios with kitchenettes through to suites with a free-standing bathtub, small sauna or fireplace. There are also family rooms available.
• A served breakfast including hot drinks and sparkling wine can also be booked. Non-hotel guests are very welcome, too.
• The hotel restaurant “Agatha” offers a small variable menu on Mondays and Tuesdays. All dishes are designed to be shared. True to the motto sharing is caring, you can feast with your travel companions on a variety of flavors. The à la carte restaurant “Zum Hecht” is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
• Guests who want to actively relax can work out in the gym or slow down with yoga. Retreats are also offered, from Power Pilates to bike and hike workshops. Those looking for inspiration in the kitchen can take part in a cooking course.
• The conference room with its wood-paneled ceiling, raw walls and mullioned windows offers 40 people an inspiring space for creative work, workshops and seminars.
• Be it a business dinner, wine or gin tasting, team building or Christmas party, the Krone is a wonderful location for a wide variety of occasions. There’s also the rather tempting option of celebrating a wedding there for up to 50 people.
• If you want to get moving, you can hike in the Unterhölzer Wald forest or through the gorge along the Wutach river. The Donaubergland is also ideal for two-wheelers. E-bike pleasure tours such as the “Knöpfle-Tour” or “Spätzle-Tour” take you past historic old towns and nice places to stop for refreshments. On warm days, you can jump into Steißlingen’s natural swimming lake or head for Lake Constance. In the cold season, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snow hikes are the order of the day.
• Beautiful excursion destinations are within easy reach: The Schaffhausen Rhine Falls, the Triberg waterfalls, Freiburg or Constance with its historic city center.