A Hidden Retreat in the Bavarian Hills
Let’s start with a bit of geography: we’re in the Allgäu region of southern Germany, not far from the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. And yet, in Remnatsried, it feels like time has slowed down. It’s quiet here. Rural in the best sense. Which brings us to a fitting segue: Jasmin and Stefan, who once lived in Berlin, San Francisco (and Munich, too), were dreaming of a life in the countryside. Not just a place to escape to, but a place to truly call their own – one they could share with others.
So they built Ebenrieder: a retreat made up of two sustainably constructed farmhouse-style buildings, surrounded by nothing but open nature. It’s a working farm, a guesthouse, a kind of rural haven – and full of surprises. Most of all, it’s been done with great attention to detail.
A lot of credit here goes to Stefanie Thatenhorst, a well-known interior designer based in Munich. She managed to transform the apartments and rooms into real design pieces – vibrant, bold, but never over the top. In Germany, that’s no small feat. The result? A place that feels warm and welcoming the moment you walk in – a far cry from the sometimes rigid aesthetic of the Bavarian countryside.
What is Ebenrieder?
It’s not a hotel. And it’s not quite a holiday home either. Guests can choose from five fully equipped apartments, each with space for 3 to 4 people, plus four additional “Bauernzimmer” – charming farmhouse-style rooms with private bathrooms. These rooms aren’t rented separately, only in combination with an apartment. The idea is that every guest has access to a full kitchen and can self-cater if they want to. This is intentional: the Ebenrieder doesn’t offer hotel service or breakfast buffets – and that’s part of its charm.
Retreats anyone?
What’s striking at Ebenrieder is the abundance of large communal spaces. These are ideal for all kinds of group gatherings, from yoga retreats to leadership workshops. In addition to the kitchens inside each apartment, there are three extra ones on the property. One is specifically designed for cooking classes, with space to demonstrate and gather around. The entire property can be rented by groups – yoga instructors, chefs, nutritionists, pottery lovers, or even corporate teams looking for a retreat. In total, there’s space for up to 24 guests, with separate beds for 13 (some guests may share a bathroom).
Ebenrieder also hosts its own workshops throughout the year. You’ll find the full calendar on their website.
Facts & Figures
Five apartments, ranging from 40 to 100 square meters. Each designed for 3 to 4 people. We visited them all on a spring day – and honestly, they’re all worth staying in. Cosy, thoughtfully furnished, and high quality throughout. Beds are from Coco-Mat, toiletries from Saint Charles, and the artwork is by Nina Lang, framed under museum-quality glass. Bonus points for the Japanese-style bathrobes.
Four extra farmhouse rooms – all beautifully decorated, full of charm. One yellow wardrobe in particular caught our eye.
Three additional kitchens, including a show kitchen in the main house – also used for the Ebenrieder Kochschule cooking school. There’s a full catering-grade kitchen for bigger events and even an outdoor kitchen with a grill and large prep counter. The long table in the loft has seen dinners and the wrap-up meals of multi-day board workshops.
Wellness
Two yoga studios – a converted stable (55 m²) and a larger barn (90 m²), both of which double as seminar spaces. There’s also a spa area with a sauna and a swimming pool, located on the ground floor. Outside, you’ll find a large garden filled with herbs and vegetables.
The region
Remnatsried isn’t quite in the heart of the Allgäu Alps – it sits a little higher up, in the rolling hills. It’s peaceful here, and unlike nearby tourist hotspots such as Füssen or Oberstdorf, the area remains largely untouched. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails, and the Königssee – Bodensee cycle path is close by. Forggensee Lake is 20 minutes away, Neuschwanstein Castle just 30. And if you’re after the best Wiener Schnitzel in Bavaria, locals will point you to the Klosterwirt in Polling – 33 minutes by car.
Prices
Apartment from 210 euros. Minimum stay is three nights.
Kids
12 years and older.
Booking & Contacts
Ebenrieder
Jasmin & Stefan Hahn
Remnatsried 2
87675 Stötten am Auerberg
Germany
