Hotel Hessenhof
A time-out including an adrenaline rush and regional game specialties
It only takes a few moments and the journey is forgotten - two days away from everyday life in the Ruhrgebiet and into the heart of the Sauerland in Winterberg. The unique atmosphere of the extensively renovated Hotel Hessenhof with its new "Stadtkern" restaurant in the center of Winterberg makes up for the two-hour drive as soon as you enter. Modernity and tradition form a perfect symbiosis in this family-run hotel run by the Braun family, which is located directly on Winterberg's market square. And this not only applies to the tasteful furnishings of the hotel. Excellent quality is also served. Just the sight of a freshly tapped Veltins Pilsener makes you want more. So your short break can begin and your first day in the Sauerland can come to an enjoyable end.
After a good night's sleep, the breakfast buffet at the Hotel Hessenhof leaves nothing to be desired. After this hearty start to the day, the decision is quickly made to get the adrenaline pumping. It's time for the Astenkick - Europe's second longest zip wire in the Winterberg village of Altastenberg. At over 70 km/h, you can descend almost 1,000 meters from the starting tower into the valley, either alone or in parallel flight - heart pounding and adrenaline rush included. An unforgettable experience in the Sauerland countryside. Whether you're a sky-diving enthusiast or not, your pulse starts racing at the thought of the rapid descent. But you can't afford to chicken out - a cool head and optimum preparation are required.
Click, click - half an hour later, the carabiners for the safety ropes click into place. Now there really is no turning back. Close your eyes briefly, take a deep breath and off you go. Wow, flying is really no understatement, freedom is the perfect description for this extraordinary adventure. The ride on the Astenkick is a real experience. Despite or perhaps because of those wobbly pudding knees after the successful landing in the valley.
Back at the three-star hotel with its 42 rooms and spacious wellness area, the path leads directly to the "Stadtkern" restaurant, one of the three themed restaurants. Immediately followed by a pleasantly cold Veltins V+ and a Veltins Pilsener. And a good beer simply has to go with good food. The decision is easy: game. And not just any game dish. After all, Daniel Braun is a chef in the kitchen who likes to combine regional products in unusual ways. And so the game is given a unique touch with bacon, mango and pineapple. The game comes from our own hunt. Daniel Braun, together with his parents Dirk and Birgit Braun and his sister Ina Haas, has been running the hotel, which opened in 1792 as the last post station before the Hessian border, very successfully for years. Before returning to the Sauerland, the passionate chef gained experience all over the world, including on the former ZDF dream ship "MS Deutschland".
We, for one, are delighted, as the hearty yet slightly exotic game dish goes perfectly with the sparkling character of the drinks. Simply the perfect end to a successful break. And even before the journey home, they are both looking forward to their next visit to the Sauerland.
Text: Rita Maurer
Photos: Steffi Rost
Video: Jannik Fischbach