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

The good is sometimes so close. If someone had suggested to us earlier to go on vacation around the corner, we would not have believed how relaxing a break in our own homeland can be. In the middle of the charming town of Ettlingen, surrounded by old trees, roses and Mediterranean plants, you will find the historic 5* Superior Hotel Erbprinz. As soon as we arrived, it was as if we had entered another world and left the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind us. Right from the start we felt a very special atmosphere that immediately enchanted us. We were lucky enough to spend an unforgettable wellness weekend in this charming place and to explore the surrounding area. We would like to share with you what we experienced and our highlights of the trip.

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 can be found on an over 200 year tradition look back and received the 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 history are small journeys through time, where we can feel a touch of nostalgia and at the same time enjoy the comforts of the present. And you can literally feel the history of this house. After a series of changes of ownership, from 1948 the hotel gained an impressive reputation that spread 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

Im Restaurant Erbprinz the stars have a long tradition, because the Erbprinz continues to offer excellent cuisine at the highest level. Under the direction of head chef Ralph Knebel, who is one of the top 100 chefs in Germany, the restaurant has consistently won the coveted Michelin star since 2012. And not only that, the restaurant has been awarded 17 points in the renowned Gault Millau. As head of the patisserie, his wife Jasmina Knebel conjures up creative desserts, tartlets and cakes for the Erbprinz restaurant and the in-house café.

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

The elegant parquet floor, the artistic wooden columns and the paneled walls with majolica wall decorations bring days long gone before our time to life again. Equipped with a tasteful table decoration, the rooms radiate a unique, rustic charm even in the present. The menu of Wine bar Sybilla is a homage to regional cuisine and offers 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 scent of freshly brewed coffee, it invites you Cafe Erbprinz Prepare for a sweet temptation: A huge selection of homemade cakes, lovingly decorated tarts, fine cakes and handmade chocolates awaits you in the in-house hotel café. And if you have the choice, you will definitely have fun here. We tried it out a bit and were simply enthusiastic about every little temptation. Incidentally, the coffee comes from our own coffee roasting facility, the Herzog coffee roasting plant in Waldbronn. But tea lovers can also look forward to a large selection of high-quality teas.

Our advice: When the weather is nice, you can also sit outside in 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! It's really cinematic and extremely photogenic Green Horse Bar & Davidoff Lounge. Soft lighting, an imposing bar, dark wood and understated decor - this bar & certified Davidoff Lounge in the Old English style, with all its artistic details, makes us think directly of the novel and film "Great Gatsby". In the midst of the stylish ambience, guests can end the evening in a relaxed manner with delicious cocktails, spirits or even an exquisite cigar.

Wellness area in the Erbprinz Beauty SPA

An absolute highlight in the Erbprinz is the spacious and at the same time cozy Wellness area. In the stylish, large indoor pool you can swim laps in a relaxed manner, away 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 the wellness area and the exclusive sauna area, the hotel also offers a variety of options soothing massages and various beauty treatments. Erbprinz Beauty Spa owner Jaqueline Frank-Zepf has even created her own cosmetics line JAQZ Cosmeceuticals: free of parabens, silicones, mineral oils, vegan, animal testing-free and allergen-free. For the first time in Germany we were able to try a back and neck massage including cupping. So far we only knew 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

Already knew? Even without staying in a hotel you can use the Day spa pass use the entire spa area and the gym. We think a wellness day together is a wonderful gift idea. Because what could be nicer than giving away time together? If you come from the Ettlingen, Karlsruhe and Black Forest region, you save yourself a long journey and get even more out of your day. The offers include bathrobes, slippers, towels, water & tea and fresh fruit from the pool bar. Start with a hearty, fresh breakfast in the Erbprinz and immerse yourself in a magical day full of relaxation and enjoyment. Here are the packages.

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

In our wellness arrangement "Heart's Desire & Homeland Feeling" we had enough time to explore both the Erbprinz and Ettlingen and the region. After a soothing massage and a few sauna sessions later, we went on a little hike and tour of discovery 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 in Ettlingen offers a total of 122 rooms for overnight guests. The Guest room are individually and very stylishly furnished and, depending on the category, there is something for every taste. We stayed in the beautiful living double room, which is also part of the package "Heart's Desire & Homeland Feeling" can be booked. The double rooms offer enough space on a generous 26m² to feel really comfortable. Every detail is well thought out 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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