Hotel Gastinger | Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig

Where the sun shines

The facade with the small gables and the large panoramic windows is bathed in glorious sunshine. Red parasols provide shade on the patio, which is framed by colourful flower beds.

Through the trees, you can see green meadows; you can hear the birds sing and can listen to the low murmur of the wind. The Gastinger family opened its hotel in this quiet spot on the edge of Schmiedefeld 30 years ago. Right from the start, the focus was on authentic, expertly home-made, regional food with a nod to the world outside of Thuringia.

Herr Gastinger mit Wildkräutern von der Wiese

Own harvest: The wild herbs for the hotel kitchen are picked in the meadow right outside the hotel. ©Carlo Bansini, Thüringer Tourismus GmbH

Once a week, Mr Gastinger (on the right in the picture) drives to the vegetable farmer in Erfurt; they bake their own bread, game is supplied by the neighbouring carefully managed forest, and fish comes from their own trout pond. Of course, the food is also inspired by the respective season. It is served on dainty, elegant pottery pieces thrown by none other than the lady of the house, Tina Gastinger. All of the 20 rooms have been lovingly and colourfully furnished with the help of local companies and tradesmen.

Tanja Gastinger, Töpferei

Hotel owner Tina Gastinger has thrown pottery for the past 30 years, and has made all of the hotel's crockery. ©Carlo Bansini, Thüringer Tourismus GmbH