The Story

- A history rich in tradition and change

At the end of the 19th century, a new need emerged among the German population: a longing for relaxation in the fresh air. With the groundbreaking construction of railroad lines from Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, and Offenburg, many people were given the opportunity to travel for the first time?a privilege that had previously been reserved only for wealthy travelers by carriage.

During this era of industrial development, when the city air was thick with factory fumes and coal smoke, the far-sighted Mayor Hartranft and his spa director Weidenbach recognized a unique opportunity. They developed an innovative vacation concept for the so-called ?Luftschnapper??people who wanted to escape the polluted city air.

The entrepreneurial Lutz, Bässler, and Lechler families responded promptly to this vision. With the city?s support, they built several hotels that, within a very short time, provided thousands of guest beds. The success was overwhelming: by the beginning of the last century, Freudenstadt was already recording over 1.4 million overnight stays.

Inspired by this boom, Freudenstadt master pastry chef Hermann Stokinger created a special retreat at one of the most beautiful vantage points. After a leisurely stroll along the Palmenwald-Allee, lined with holly bushes, guests could enjoy coffee and homemade cake in his initially modest log cabin?goods he personally transported there by handcart.

In 1896, Stokinger?s entrepreneurial spirit led to the construction of a stately hotel in the style of the grand hotels of Freudenstadt?the ?Residence,? which still stands today next to the current FRITZ. A specially laid wooden water pipe (Teuchel) supplied the building with water. Its success even made it possible to build an annex, which unfortunately fell victim to a devastating fire in 1956.

The flourishing era of tourism was abruptly interrupted by the two world wars. During World War II, many hotels served as military hospitals; the Stokinger housed generals from the Western Front. The postwar period brought new challenges: While renowned establishments such as the Traube, Bareiss, and Engel established themselves in the Murg Valley, the traditional grand hotels in Freudenstadt lost their prominence. Subsequent generations relied too heavily on past successes, and necessary modernizations were neglected.

A new chapter began with the sale to the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES). Under the leadership of Alfred Braun and Wolfgang Kraft, the hotel was expanded into an educational center. In 1984, Ingeborg Heinzelmann-Schillinger and Herbert Schillinger took over the hotel as tenants, and it was renamed the ?Waldhotel Zollernblick.? They led the hotel to renewed success.

Following a period of closure (2001?2003) and a change in ownership to the University of Tübingen, the property underwent a gradual modernization in compliance with historic preservation regulations. The hotel established itself as a particularly popular wedding venue.

In 2012, Steffen Schillinger took over as managing director and injected new energy into the business with the construction of the mountain lodge (2014) and the acquisition of the property (2016). The renaming to FRITZ in 2017 marked the beginning of a new era.

The name FRITZ combines several layers of meaning: It honors both Steffen?s grandfather and his own middle name, Friedrich; it is internationally recognizable; and, as a traditional name that has regained its modern appeal, it perfectly embodies the hotel?s transformation. On a clear day, the view extends all the way to Hohenzollern Castle – the residence of "Old Fritz" – thus building yet another historical bridge."

THE EVOLUTION OF THE FRITZ

– FROM LEAN LUXURY TO URBAN BLACK FOREST

When the FRITZ opened its doors, it launched with an innovative ?Lean Luxury? concept?inspired by modern big-city hotels. The vision: spacious, high-end rooms combined with streamlined services. Guests enjoyed first-class comfort, while meals were served via buffets and a snack bar.

However, winning the "German Design Award 2020" and the "Iconic Award 2021" led to higher guest expectations. The unexpected COVID-19 lockdown, just six months after opening, proved in retrospect to be a creative break: This time was used to fundamentally rethink the concept.

Upon reopening, FRITZ presented itself in a completely new light. Today, the new "Urban Black Forest" and "Black Wälder" philosophies combine the highest culinary standards with international flair. This vision, which we consistently pursue, has already built up a loyal base of regular guests. Our "Black Wälder" philosophy is characterized by a spirit of experimentation and unconventionality – free from rigid traditions, always open to new ideas, and always in step with the times.

The next visionary step will come in 2025 with the "Purpose Rooms" in the historic residence – a milestone for sustainable travel in the Black Forest.