The story
In the small village of St. Märgen, surrounded by the forests and clear mountain air of the Hochschwarzwald, the Gasthaus zum Kreuz has been a fixture since 1683. Today, the Schwer family runs the inn in its third generation, continuing a tradition of warm hospitality and “echte badische Genüsse” – genuine Baden cuisine.
The kitchen here is guided by a philosophy of authenticity and creativity. Classic regional dishes are reimagined with modern techniques, always prepared fresh and with care. The result is a style of country cooking that feels both rooted and surprising, earning the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking.
The restaurant’s “Genussmenu MS” showcases the chef’s most inventive work, a multi-course tasting experience that changes with the seasons. Alongside this, the regular menu offers a choice of three main courses for groups of seven or more, and a single set menu for parties of eleven – a practical nod to the kitchen’s focus on quality over volume.
A carefully curated wine list, described by the family as a “highlight,” complements the food. For those staying overnight, the “Hochschwarzwald Intensiv” package includes a five-course Genussmenu with wine pairing, alongside regional breakfasts and access to the in-house WaldRaum Spa.
Zum Kreuz is more than a restaurant: its 15 individually styled rooms and suites, plus a dedicated wellness area with saunas and a relaxation room, make it a destination for a true Black Forest escape. Whether as a base for hiking and winter sports or simply a place to unwind, the inn embodies the quiet, genuine character of its surroundings.
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