Discover, enjoy, sustain

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Discover, enjoy, sustain
The nature resort and four-star superior wellness hotel Schindelbruch in Germany’s Harz mountain region takes its principles seriously, offering supreme relaxation without leaving a carbon footprint.
ural that his spa hotel would follow strict
green guidelines.
Embracing sustainability
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: HOTEL SCHINDELBRUCH
In the southern part of the Harz, in the
heart of central Germany, nestles the wellness hotel Schindelbruch. This beautiful
spot was first used in 1928, when Earl zu
Stolberg-Stolberg built his lavish hunting
lodge right upon it. Today this historically
significant building has been carefully renovated and turned into a lovely garden café
and grill restaurant, which form part of the
hotel.
From meadows to forests, lakes and highlands, the Harz is known for its natural diversity. Looking at the scenic environment
it should come as no surprise that the hotel’s philosophy is based on sustainability. It
54 | Issue 18 | September 2014
is the management’s mission to show that
tourism and ecology can go hand in hand.
Owner and CEO Dr. Clemens Ritter von
Kempski, has been interested in sustainable
forestry and the questions raised by climate
change since the 1990s, so it was only nat-
Earning the title climate-neutral did not
happen overnight. After an 18.5 million
Euro investment, the hotel now uses 100%
green electricity, works with local producers, has its very own water treatment system and pellet heating as well as water and
energy saving features in each of their 98
rooms and suites. And those are just a few
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Discover Germany | Culture & Lifestyle | Great Short Trip Destinations this Autumn in Germany
state’s tourism award ”Vorreiter”(pioneer)
and is often held up as a shining example
since it is also the first climate-neutral hotel in Central Germany.
A green spa is possible
It is remarkable how efficiently the hotel
has embedded this fantastic approach, even
incorporating it into their new spacious
wellness world.Yet what looks effortless is
in fact the result of hard work and commitment to the cause, something that is
increasingly appreciated by today’s sophisticated and nature-conscious traveller.
Culture & Lifestyle
Great Short Trip
Destinations this
Autumn
Germany
of the ever-optimised methods, which
make the hotel unique in its comprehensive
approach.The staff are well trained not only
in hospitality but also in sustainability and
can advise on green travel arrangements.
“What makes our wellness hotel quite special is our careful handling of natural resources, which is incredibly complex, consistent and based on achieving long-term
results,”says hotel manager Susanne Kiefer.
In 2009 the hotel was presented with the
At Schindelbruch guests can enjoy luxury
with a clear conscience. The excellent spa
area measures 2,500 square metres and includes a large family-friendly swimming
pool as well as a newly built bathhouse
with a second larger pool for guests over 14
years. “Natural materials promote a cosy
atmosphere and invite one into a kingdom
of rest. Lights, acoustics, colours and fabrics
are harmoniously aligned and allow guests
to immerse themselves in our sensual water world. In various relaxation rooms,
guests can unwind on heated waterbeds
or vibration loungers whilst looking at the
beautiful landscape outside. And on our
roof terrace we have comfy sun loungers,”
SPA manager Tanja Peters says enthusiastically. Various treatments and training sessions can be booked individually.
Also worth mentioning is the hotel’s sauna
village, which is comprised of four different
types of saunas, such as the steam or fragrant sauna. All the saunas are connected
through the rustic village square, which
transforms into a romantic outdoor backdrop as the fireplace and candles are lit in
the evening, making it in a firm favourite
with guests.
Three restaurants, the bar and the garden
café make sure food and wine lovers are
well cared for. Chef Markus Koindek spoils
guests with local culinary delights and finds
his inspiration in the surrounding nature.
Dishes of wild game and freshly caught
trout come highly recommended. “The
membership in the Slow Food Association
stands for the thoughtful handling of food,
for freshness, liveliness and health,”Kiefer
adds.
A lot to discover
With its forests and cliffs, the Harz area is
perfect for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and climbing. The famous
Brocken is the highest mountain in northern Germany and can also be reached by a
charming steam engine. On guided tours
nature enthusiasts can visit the moors, hidden orchid meadows and caves.
Nearby lies the picturesque first historic
European town of Stolberg with its historical half-timbered houses. Monuments and
castles throughout the Harz remember a
forgotten time of kings and emperors, who
left their mark more than a thousand years
ago. The staff are happy to point out many
more attractive destinations for culture and
art fans, for sporty guests or history buffs.
But you can also just stroll around the hotel’s own forest and enjoy the comforts of
nature while keeping the accommodation
and spa in close proximity.
The fabulous facilities at Schindelbruch allow guests to regain their natural balance.
Indulging in luxury without harming our
planet is more than just a holiday; it is a
lifestyle to take home with you.
www.schindelbruch.de
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