derWaldfrieden

The story

derWaldfrieden – Country Cooking with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in Schönau im Schwarzwald

A Family Affair in the Black Forest

On a sunny high plateau at 1,020 metres, in the heart of the UNESCO Black Forest Biosphere Reserve, derWaldfrieden has been a family-run hotel since 1954. Now in its third generation, the Hupfer family – led by chef Volker Hupfer – runs the place with warmth and a deep connection to the land. Volker grew up in the kitchen, and his passion for creative, team-driven cooking still defines the restaurant today. The atmosphere is personal and unhurried: a space where guests can truly arrive, rest, and feel at home.

Country Cooking with Integrity

The kitchen’s style is rooted in the region – honest, seasonal country cooking that draws directly from the surrounding landscape. Game comes from four local hunting grounds where animals live in freedom. Over 85 percent of the wine list hails from Baden or Württemberg, earning the hotel the “Haus der Baden-Württemberger Weine” certification. Vegetables, meats, and dairy are sourced from nearby producers, and the cooking itself is done on induction hobs for maximum energy efficiency. This is farm-to-table in the truest sense: no fuss, just careful sourcing and respect for the ingredient.

Awards and Recognition

derWaldfrieden’s commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand – a mark of good value, high-quality cooking – as well as a Michelin Green Star for its environmental practices. The hotel uses 100 percent wood-chip heating from local forests, runs on green electricity, and is EMAS-certified, one of the most rigorous environmental management systems in the world. For guests who arrive by public transport, the hotel offers a discount; for those driving electric, there are eight charging points. It’s a quiet, consistent approach to hospitality that lets the landscape and the cooking speak for themselves.