Hofgut Sternen sits at the mouth of the Ravenna Gorge, where the Höllental valley funnels deep into the Black Forest. The St. Oswald Chapel, built in 1148, stands on the estate grounds, the oldest chapel in the Upper Black Forest. Oak and stag motifs mark the guest rooms, echoing the surrounding forest under sloped attic ceilings. Nearby, the SteigenHaus rises with 360 glass roof elements, its architecture blending Black Forest tradition with modern clarity.Once called "Wirtshaus unter der Steig," Hofgut Sternen has welcomed travelers since the Falkensteige mule track carved through the valley in the 12th century. Marie-Antoinette, Goethe, and Napoleon III all stopped here. The estate preserves that continuity, glass artisans work in the GlassManufactory, cuckoo clocks tick in the halls, and old Black Forest recipes anchor the kitchen with a modern twist.
Hofgut Sternen sits at the foot of Ravenna Gorge, where trails wind past cascades, old mills, and a historic rope-making workshop. The Black Forest offers over 1,000 kilometres of hiking through Höllental valley, deep gorges, and dense forest. The Jägersteig trail rewards with views of Schluchsee. Feldberg, the region's highest peak, challenges serious hikers and connects to cross-country ski trails between Weisstannenhöhe and Kandel in winter. After dark, winter guests join a torch-lit hike through misty forest, finishing with fondue and mulled wine. On-site, the GlassManufactory hosts workshops where artisans shape molten glass at 1,200°C. The EnergieWerk offers guided tours of Hofgut Sternen's natural power systems. Mountain bikers ride directly into Ravenna Gorge or tackle the 450-kilometre Bike Crossing Black Forest route.
Explore additional experiences in the surrounding area.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 5 km directNaturpark Südschwarzwald is a designated Naturpark protected area established on February 1, 1999, with protection class 5. It spans a large boundary dedicated to conservation and sustainable use of natural landscapes.
Area sceneryRoute length: 1km routeDifficulty: EasyVerbindung zur Haldenspur is an easy nordic skiing route connecting Haldenspur and Schauinsland. The piste is groomed for both classic and skating styles, ensuring good conditions for different skiing techniques.
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Area sceneryRoute length: 17.2km routeDifficulty: MediumSchauinslandspur is a nordic skiing route of 17.2 km distance featuring six different variants. It supports classic and skating grooming at an intermediate difficulty.
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Area sceneryRoute length: 1.2km loopEstimated time: 16minLoop routeBotanischer Garten is a park and tourist attraction operated by Albert-Ludwigs-Universität. It is wheelchair accessible and open daily from 08:00 to 18:00.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: Year-roundA glass manufactory at Hofgut Sternen where visitors can watch glass-making demonstrations. Outdooractive and Tripadvisor both list it as a notable nearby attraction at the same site as the hotel complex.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: Year-roundA stone-arch railway viaduct above the Ravenna Gorge and one of the area’s signature sights. Tripadvisor lists it as a separate attraction near Hofgut Sternen, and Outdooractive highlights a viewpoint for seeing the bridge from the gorge trails.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directSeason: Year-roundTripadvisor lists Saint Oswald Kapella as a nearby attraction at Höllsteig 79 in Breitnau. It is a small chapel close to Hofgut Sternen and is part of the local historic landscape.
Straight-line distance from hotel: 50 m directGreat Value Vacations says guests can shop for souvenirs at the on-site Black Forest cuckoo clock and glassblowers shop. This is described as part of the hotel’s surrounding activities and experience.
Route length: 13.1km loopEstimated time: 3hLoop routeThe Arboretum Freiburg-Günterstal is a protected area dedicated to the conservation of various tree species. It serves as a natural space ideal for observing diverse flora and enjoying peaceful walks. The site's focus on plant biodiversity makes it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.
Route length: 0.6km loopEstimated time: 7minLoop routeLorettobad is a water park and recreation ground centered on swimming activities. Operated by Regio Bäder GmbH, it is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
Hofgut Sternen's kitchen draws from old Black Forest recipes, reshaping tradition with a modern hand. The SchwarzwaldStube serves regional dishes built around ingredients sourced entirely from the surrounding Black Forest, smoked trout from nearby waters, Black Forest ham, organic eggs, and freshly baked bread. Fondue nights bring cheese refined with Black Forest kirsch or Hofgut Sternen Gin to the table beside a glowing hearth. Seared salmon arrives with white asparagus; steaks rest alongside sautéed mushrooms and rosemary potatoes. The neighbouring RavennaStube offers chalet warmth around a Swedish stove. Every morning, a country breakfast spreads jams, local cheeses, and salmon across the buffet, a daily taste of the Ravenna Gorge.
Hofgut Sternen has operated its own energy plant at the entrance of Ravenna Gorge since 2016. The decision to achieve complete energy autonomy reflects centuries of Black Forest self-reliance. An estate that hosted Marie-Antoinette and Goethe now channels that same independence into powering itself entirely from local, renewable sources.The Hofgut Sternen energy plant produces 100% of the estate's energy on-site. Guests can visit the plant and see the system firsthand. The Hofgut kitchen sources ingredients from neighboring Black Forest farms, favoring native produce. Electric vehicle charging stations sit on the premises. Every operational choice ties back to the gorge and the forest surrounding it.
hofgut-sternen offers 11 accommodation types.
Standard Double Room
A practical, comfortably furnished room suited to short stays and couples. It includes the standard in-room comforts listed for the property, such as blackout facilities, a seating area, a safe, flat-screen satellite TV, free WLAN, and tea and coffee-making facilities.…
Standard Twin Room
This room is a simple twin-bedded option for two guests, offering the same core comforts found across the hotel’s room inventory. It is designed for travelers who prefer separate beds and a functional layout rather than additional space or premium…
Comfort Double Room
A step above the standard room, the Comfort Double Room is aimed at guests who want a little more ease and a more relaxed stay while keeping the same overall two-person format. Source listings describe the hotel’s rooms as comfortable…
Comfort Twin Room
The Comfort Twin Room is the twin-bedded version of the comfort category and is suitable for two guests who prefer separate beds with a bit more room and refinement than the basic tier. It combines the hotel’s standard essentials—such as…
Superior Double Room
The Superior Double Room is one of the hotel’s higher-category doubles and is intended for guests who want a more elevated stay without moving to a suite. Listings note that some rooms at the property include balconies, and the superior…
Superior Twin Room
This is the superior category with twin beds, offering the same upgraded positioning as the Superior Double Room but with separate bedding. It suits two travelers who want a more refined room type and do not want to share a…
Deluxe Double Room
The Deluxe Double Room is a premium two-person option and is one of the hotel’s more upscale accommodation choices. Third-party room listings identify deluxe doubles as a distinct category, typically paired with a queen-bed arrangement at this property. It is…
Deluxe Twin Room
The Deluxe Twin Room offers the same premium positioning as the deluxe double, but with twin beds instead of a shared bed. It is a strong fit for travelers who want an upgraded room category while keeping separate sleeping arrangements.…
Single Room
A compact option for solo travelers, the Single Room provides the same core essentials as the larger categories while being tailored to one guest. Booking sources list single rooms among the property’s room options, and the hotel describes all rooms…
Family Room
The Family Room is designed for guests traveling with children or in a group, and booking sources identify it as one of the hotel’s core room options. The property is known to be popular with family stays, which suggests this…
Suite
The Suite is the property’s highest listed room category in the booking data and is suitable for guests looking for a more spacious or more upscale stay. The available sources do not provide a bed layout or square footage, but…
Hofgut Sternen has welcomed travelers to the Black Forest since the days of Goethe and Marie-Antoinette. The door remains open.
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