Recently, I took advantage of the long Pentecost weekend to revisit some of my favourite childhood spots along Germany’s famous Romantic Road and staying at Hotel Eisenhut in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a hotel I had on my list for a while now.
It’s safe to say, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most fairytale towns across Germany. Once you have entered the historic walled town, don’t be surprised to have one wow-effect after the other. If you want to know more about Rothenburg, then check out my post on this magnificent small medieval town here.
If you truly want to enjoy the town, your best option is indeed to check in to one of the many hotels within the walled town. That way, you will stay close to the many attractions well after (and before in case you dare to get up early) all the day visitors are gone.
Herrngasse, just steps away from the large market square, once was the centre of Rothenburg. The magnificent Patrician mansions lining the street were built during the 15th and 16th century and inhabited by the wealthiest and most influential families in town.
One of the most prominent families, the Winterbach family (just having a flash of Game of Thrones) lived in house number three since the late 1750s. This family played an important role in the administration of the city-state, with several family members being mayor, and other high-ranking positions.
Then in 1890, Andreas Eisenhut opened a wine tavern in the building where he sold the wines he produced in the Tauber Valley. His son in-law later turned the tavern into a hotel and by the mid 1920s it had become one of the most renown hotels in Germany.
Over time, Hotel Eisenhut has attracted a fair number of famous guests. Included in the long list of celebrities and important states people are Winston Churchill and the current King and Queen of Sweden, Carl XVI . Gustav and Silvia of Sweden.
Overall, the hotel is a very typical example for traditional classy German countryside accommodation featuring an elaborate yet slightly old-fashioned look and feel; which really is part of the charm.
Stepping through the huge iron door into the lobby with its antique furnishes, oil paintings and a huge wooden staircase really feels like stepping back right into the middle ages.
The same style continues throughout the various floors which are full of historic artwork and decorations.
The 78 hotel rooms are located either in the main building or the ‘guesthouse’ which is right on the other side of the road.
All rooms are individually designed, featuring different colour schemes and most will have antique furniture.
Our spacious superior room located in the main hotel had a wonderful view over the Tauber Valley.
And a pink toilet! If you are following me, you will know am not often including picture of bathrooms in my posts. But I really had to capture this one. Apart from the colour, I loved how spacious it was.
Constantly ranked amongst the best restaurants in the Taubertal, Restaurant Eisenhut offers a traditional seasonal menu, and the focus is on locally sourced ingredients.
Though I had never stayed at the hotel before, I’ve actually been to the restaurant a few times in the past and just as I remembered, it filled up quickly. As in the past, this did not stop service effortlessly attending each table, making you feel looked after in a lovely way.
Loving asparagus as much as the average German does (read: we are getting crazy for asparagus as soon as the first stems appear at the end of March), I did not bother to read any further than the special asparagus selection included in the larger a-la-carte menu.
The lovely small piano bar was the perfect place to snuggle up after a day walking the small winding alleys of Rothenburg.
During the summer months when the weather is warm enough you might enjoy your lunch or even dinner on the outside terrace offering a lovely view over the nearby Tauber Valley.
Or you just hit the Biergarten (beer garden), following the famous German concept of outdoor restaurants serving simple traditional local food. Nestled in the small garden area behind the hotel, it is considered the most beautiful beer garden of Rothenburg.
Hotel Eisenhut is the perfect location if you want to explore the historic town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber or as stopover during a road trip along the famous German Romantic Road. Simple yet elegant with impeccable service and friendly staff it is the perfect example of the classy traditional German rural retreat.
Carrots and Tigers 
Great post 🙂
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