Sommerau

The story

Sommerau Restaurant Bonndorf – Bib Gourmand Seasonal Dining in the Black Forest

A clearing in the forest

Where a narrow forest path emerges from the dark firs onto a bright clearing, there stands Sommerau. Sheltered by the woods yet open to wide views, this family-run hotel and restaurant in Bonndorf, Germany, cultivates what it calls "protected freedom" – a place without exaggeration, with a powerful stillness that sets everyday life at a distance. In a nebula-free altitude, with no through traffic, no mobile reception, and no televisions, Sommerau feels somewhere in the middle of nowhere – and yet right in the middle of experiencing nature: discovering it up close, feeling relaxation in the sauna house with its natural swimming pond, and savoring enjoyment with excellent food.

Honest cooking, seasonal roots

The kitchen at Sommerau is guided by a clear philosophy: less is more. But the simple is given creative room. The team interprets Baden classics anew, combines aromas with sophistication, and refines products into exceptional dishes. Their commitment to seasonal cuisine is grounded in regional diversity – wild game from their own hunt, fish from the nearby trout pond, herbs from their garden. What they do not produce themselves, they source from suppliers who value and practice sustainable cultivation. "Our conscience always cooks along," they say, feeling responsible for the products, the environment, and their guests. This dedication has earned them recognition from leading guides, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for good quality, good value cooking, as well as praise from Feinschmecker and Gault Millau.

Welcome, without pretense

The Hegar family, who run the house personally, live in harmony with the Sommerau landscape. They speak to guests who desire quality and at the same time appreciate the simple. Their concept lives sustainability and aims to sharpen the view for the essential. The people at Sommerau, the fitting architecture, and above all the nature form the framework. The team cultivates a personal approach with committed service, unobtrusive but attentive. Here, honest food is given the highest priority – prepared with the best ingredients, professional skill, and a lot of heart.