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Where history
comes alive.

A place that endures.

Some buildings tell stories. The Palmenwald Schwarzwaldhof lives them. For over 100 years, this historic Art Nouveau building has shaped the face of Freudenstadt, combining tradition, hospitality, and the distinctive character of the Black Forest into a unique boutique hotel experience.

More than 130 years history

1895

Stuttgart entrepreneur Paul Lechler built the main building of the Palmenwald spa hotel and a small house as private accommodation following a restorative vacation with his family in the health resort of Freudenstadt. He founded a charitable stock company with other Stuttgart entrepreneurs, and under the direction of missionary preacher David Huppenbauer, the spa guesthouse was opened under Christian house rules.

1900 – 1909

Through his influence and commitment, Lechler achieved improved expansion of the railway connection between Stuttgart and Freudenstadt. He brought the winter spa season to Freudenstadt to keep the house open year-round and introduced three-month "household and cooking courses for educated young ladies." This led to the creation of the "Palmenwald Cookbook" in 1909, featuring 1,300 recipes compiled by cooking instructors Anna Diewald Helene Zeller.

1909 – 1919

From 1909 onward, the cooking courses became secondary as more and more physicians became interested in the winter spa. The outbreak of World War I led to the Palmenwald serving as a reserve military hospital in 1914. Within just a few days, 400 wounded soldiers were being cared for here. In March 1919, the hotel was released again as a spa hotel.

1920 – 1945

After extensive renovation, spa operations resumed in August 1920. The rooms were gradually equipped with running water. With the outbreak of World War II, the spa hotel was once again converted into a military hospital. The Palmenwald survived the destruction of Freudenstadt in April 1945 unscathed and, after occupation by French officers, was released for families who had become homeless.

1950 – 2005

After another major renovation in March 1950, the spa hotel reopened and operated under changing owners until 2005.

2010 – 2021

On April 17, 2010, "Das Palmenwald Schwarzwaldhof" reopened under new owner Stefan Sharlopov, shining in new splendor, entirely in the style of its founding era. The hotel has also served multiple times as a filming location for the TV series "Der Schwarzwaldhof."

Today

In September 2021, the Schreiber and Lutzenberger families from Ulm took over the hotel. In April 2022, the Palmenwald joined the BW Signature Collection by Best Western soft brand.

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