Hotel Erbprinz in Ettlingen: Wellness vacation & enjoyment on the edge of the Black Forest

Sometimes the best things are right on our doorstep. If someone had suggested a vacation close to home earlier, we wouldn't have believed how relaxing a break in our own country could be. Nestled in the charming town of Ettlingen, surrounded by mature trees, roses, and Mediterranean plants, lies the historic 5-star superior Hotel Erbprinz . Even upon arrival, it felt like stepping into another world, leaving the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind. From the very beginning, we felt a special atmosphere that immediately captivated us. We were fortunate enough to spend an unforgettable wellness weekend in this enchanting place and explore the surrounding area. We'd love to share our experiences and the highlights of our trip with you.

This article was created in cooperation with the Hotel Erbprinz. Thanks a lot for this!

The hereditary prince in Ettlingen - history of hospitality and valuable lifetime

The romantic, privately run Hotel Erbprinz in Ettlingen boasts a tradition spanning over 200 years and received its coveted liquor license from the generous Margrave of Baden as early as 1788. As you know, hotels with history have long been our great passion. Accommodations with their own story are like little journeys through time, where we can experience a touch of nostalgia while simultaneously enjoying modern comforts . And the history of this hotel is truly palpable. After a series of changes in ownership, the hotel achieved impressive renown from 1948 onwards, extending throughout Europe.

Among the illustrious guests were almost all Federal Chancellors and Presidents, as well as well-known personalities of the European aristocracy. Even international greats like Maria Callas and Sophia Loren have already checked into the Erbprinz. It is a place that harmoniously combines past and present. Here, well-preserved historical details meet modern comfort and traditional hospitality. The owner of the private hotel, Bernhard Zepf, also has a very special vision for the hereditary prince. It's not just about providing guests with accommodation and a meal. Much more he would like to make the stay of his guests a valuable lifetime that will be remembered.

Restaurants in the Erbprinz – reach for the stars

Enjoyment is definitely the focus at Erbprinz, and this is particularly reflected in the outstanding cuisine. The gastronomic tradition began in the 60s when the Erbprinz restaurant, under the direction of chef Günther Wanka, was awarded one of Germany's first Michelin stars in 1967. The second Michelin star followed between 1974 and 1978.

Gourmet Restaurant Erbprinz – culinary highlights

Michelin stars are a tradition at Restaurant Erbprinz , as the restaurant continues to offer excellent cuisine of the highest caliber. Under the direction of head chef Ralph Knebel, one of Germany's top 100 chefs, the restaurant has consistently earned its coveted Michelin star since 2012. Furthermore, the restaurant has been awarded 17 points in the renowned Gault Millau guide. His wife, Jasmina Knebel, as head of the pastry chef, creates imaginative desserts, tarts, and cakes for Restaurant Erbprinz and its in-house café.

Weinstube Sibylla - Lots of wood, cosiness & a wonderful terrace

The elegant parquet flooring, the ornate wooden columns, and the paneled walls adorned with majolica tiles evoke a bygone era. With tasteful table decorations, the rooms exude a unique, rustic charm even in the present day. The menu at Weinstube Sybilla is a tribute to regional cuisine, offering a variety of exquisite dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

From delectable appetizers to tantalizing main courses and tempting desserts, there's something for everyone's taste buds. Vegan and gluten-free dishes can also be prepared on request. The culinary creations are accompanied by a fine selection of wines from renowned wine regions. When the weather is nice, you can linger on the elegant terrace, where we felt like we were in a little piece of Italy in the middle of Ettlingen.

Café Erbprinz – tarts, cakes & chocolates from our own production

Filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, Café Erbprinz invites you to indulge in a sweet treat: The hotel's own café offers a huge selection of homemade cakes, lovingly decorated tarts, delicate pastries, and handmade chocolates. And those who have so many choices will certainly find something to enjoy. We sampled a few things and were simply delighted by every single temptation. The coffee, by the way, comes from their own roastery, Herzogkaffee, in Waldbronn. Tea lovers, too, can look forward to a wide selection of high-quality teas.

Our tip: When the weather is nice, you can also sit outside at the café and enjoy the sun surrounded by roses.

Green Horse Bar & Davidoff-Lounge - Great Gatsby ambience on the edge of the Black Forest

And action! The Green Horse Bar & Davidoff Lounge is truly cinematic and incredibly photogenic . Subdued lighting, an imposing bar, dark wood, and understated decor – this bar and certified Davidoff Lounge in Old English style, with all its artistic details, immediately evokes the novel and film "The Great Gatsby." Amidst this stylish ambiance, guests can relax and unwind with delicious cocktails, spirits, or even an exquisite cigar.

Wellness area in the Erbprinz Beauty SPA

A true highlight at the Erbprinz is the spacious yet cozy wellness area . In the stylish, large indoor pool, you can swim laps in complete relaxation, far removed from the typical "swimming pool atmosphere." The entire wellness area was recently redesigned with great attention to detail.

In addition to the modern pool, there is also a feel-good sauna area with a classic Finnish sauna, a bio sauna and infrared cabins. Cozy corners and cozy relaxation rooms invite you to forget the time with a cup of tea and a good book. And speaking of tea, the tea corner right in front of the sauna area is great for tea lovers like us, with a large selection of delicious organic teas.

Cooling down after the sauna: would you like a snow shower?

Do you want to build a snowman? Yes we do! And the best thing about it: You can even build your little snowman in the snow cabin in the Hotel Erbprinz in summer. After our sauna session, the snow shower was a perfect way to cool off, which was also a lot of fun. There is something magical about a bit of snow in summer.

Erbprinz Beauty SPA & massages

In addition to its wellness area and exclusive sauna, the hotel offers a variety of soothing massages and beauty treatments . Erbprinz Beauty Spa owner Jaqueline Frank-Zepf has even created her own cosmetics line, JAQZ Cosmeceuticals: free of parabens, silicones, and mineral oils; vegan, cruelty-free, and allergen-free. We had the opportunity to try a back and neck massage including cupping for the first time in Germany. Until now, we had only known cupping from Asia.

What is back cupping?

Back cupping is a massage technique that specifically targets the back area and has a soothing and relaxing effect. Special cupping heads are placed on the skin of the back and gently sucked in using a vacuum technique. The resulting negative pressure creates a suction effect that stimulates the tissue and stimulates blood circulation. This relieves tension and relaxes the muscles. Cupping can also help improve circulation and boost metabolism. During the cupping massage, the cupping heads are gently moved over the back, creating a pleasant massage. This technique can help with various complaints in the back area, such as tension, muscular pain or stress and tension. Our backs were definitely well supplied with blood and revitalized afterwards.

Romantic gift idea: Day Spa in the Erbprinz

Did you know? Even without a hotel stay, you can use the entire spa area and the gym with the Day Spa Pass . We think a wellness day together is a wonderful gift idea. After all, what could be better than giving the gift of time together? If you're from the Ettlingen, Karlsruhe, or Black Forest region, you'll save yourself a long journey and get even more out of your day. The packages include bathrobes, slippers, towels, water & tea, and fresh fruit from the pool bar. Start with a leisurely, fresh breakfast at the Erbprinz and immerse yourself in a magical day of relaxation and indulgence. Click here for the packages.

Arrangement "Heart's Desire & Homeland Feeling" - discover Ettlingen & the region

Our wellness package, "Heart's Desire & Homesickness," gave us ample time to explore both the Hereditary Prince's residence and Ettlingen and the surrounding region. After a soothing massage and a few sauna sessions, we embarked on a short hike and discovery tour through Ettlingen.

Ettlingen enchants with many beautiful corners that reflect the charm of the historic town. We especially like the old town with the well-preserved half-timbered houses, small boutiques, art galleries and cozy cafes. The enchanting Alb river meanders in the heart of Ettlingen and, with its small bridge and hundreds of colorful love locks, provides that extra portion of romance and idyll. The most famous sight is undoubtedly the impressive Ettlingen Castle.

Above the roofs of Ettlingen: on the panorama trail to the Bismarck Tower

For us, however, it went up to a small hike to the Bismarck Tower. Surrounded by rolling hills, lots of forest and a pleasant woody scent, the panoramic path to the Bismarck Tower led us again and again through shady forest paths, which were accompanied by the chirping of birds. With every step we could feel the energy of nature around us. Arriving at the tower, we first took a little snack break and inspected our backpacks, which were lovingly packed by the Erbprinz and kindly made available to us.

Nestled in the forest, the Bismarck Tower offers a wonderful view of Ettlingen and the Rhine Valley. However, the tower itself is closed, but there is the possibility to pick up the key at the Ettlinger Museum. If you have more time, you can also visit the Bismarck Tower as part of the 7 km long hiking route Stadt, Wald, Fluss Weg.

The hotel rooms in the Erbprinz

The Erbprinz Hotel in Ettlingen offers a total of 122 rooms for overnight guests. The guest rooms are individually and very stylishly furnished, and depending on the category, there's something to suit every taste. We stayed in the beautiful Living Double Room, which can also be booked as part of the "Heart's Desire & Homesickness" package . The double rooms offer a generous 26 square meters of space, providing ample room to feel completely at ease. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered and designed for maximum comfort.

The spacious floor-to-ceiling windows make the room look wonderfully large and flooded with light. The warm wooden floor gives the room a noble but at the same time cozy atmosphere. A chic floor-to-ceiling shower awaits you in the modern bathroom. Our favorite corner is definitely the elegant secretary style desk in front of the stylish patterned wallpaper. Ideal for writing a few lines to your favorite person :-).

Our arrangement includes:

• 2x overnight stays with breakfast in a single or double room
• 1x dinner to your heart's content* with an aperitif in the Sibylla wine bar
• 1x welcome drink at the reception
• 1x full body massage with around 50 minutes of pampering time
• Use of the Erbprinz Beauty SPA with large indoor pool, gym and relaxation rooms

Our time out at the Erbprinz

We had a fantastic wellness weekend in the romantic Erbprinz. We are particularly impressed by the attention to detail that is reflected in the hotel's meticulous decor and warm service. From the moment you are greeted at reception to the first class room service and restaurants, the level of service is consistently exceptional. This harmonious atmosphere, which can be felt in every area of ​​the Erbprinz, is unfortunately no longer a matter of course, even in hotels of this category. But in the Erbprinz house, everything is wonderfully coordinated. Hospitality is important here.

In our next article we will introduce you to the Erbprinz as a wedding location. You can expect details about the romantic rooms, the idyllic surroundings and the extensive possibilities for a wedding celebration in the district of Ettlingen and Karlsruhe. Look forward to exciting insights and valuable tips to make your big day a truly magical experience.

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