Klosterschänke

The story

Klosterschänke Bad Herrenalb: Historic Inn Awarded by Schlemmer Atlas

A living inn since 1148

The Klosterschänke in Bad Herrenalb anchors a long tradition of regional cuisine in the Black Forest foothills. Originally established as an outer monastery guesthouse and later known as the Red Ox Inn, the building carries initials over its doorway from the Benckiser couple who named it in 1739. After standing empty following the long tenure of the Mönch family, the property reopened in 2023 under the Villa Lina group with carefully preserved stonework and restored timber ceilings. Guests settle into historically layered dining rooms that balance old craftsmanship with modern comfort, making it a steady gathering point for locals and visitors alike.

Regional ingredients and seasonal focus

Chef Marcel Kroenlein builds his kitchen around suppliers within a short radius of the Black Forest region. Beef and game come from Metzgerei Glasstetter in Völkersbach, while trout arrives fresh from Fischzucht Zordel in the Eyachtal. Vegetable and fruit selections are coordinated with Better & Fresh in Rheinstetten to keep every plate aligned with local harvest cycles. This commitment to traceable sourcing shapes a straightforward approach to Southern German cooking, where technique supports the quality of the raw produce rather than overshadowing it.

Signature plates and culinary validation

The Schlemmer Atlas awarded the venue two and a half spoons for consistently delivering refined regional dishes like venison and veal maultaschen or a classic onion roast beef. Seasonal tasting formats highlight these standards further, with recent menus featuring grilled asparagus alongside rosy roasted calf knuckle and elderflower panna cotta finished with rhubarb and strawberries. Membership in the Chaine des Rotisseurs underscores the kitchen's dedication to traditional preparation methods executed with precision. Visitors return for meals that feel rooted in the area's agricultural calendar yet presented with clear, modern discipline.