1280 Die Krone, Geisingen, Germany
Seven Centuries of History, Redefined for Today
A Storied Past with a Modern Pulse
Steeped in over 700 years of history, 1280 Die Krone is a design-forward hotel that masterfully fuses its medieval origins with contemporary sophistication. Located in the charming town of Geisingen in southwest Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state, it occupies a prime position between Stuttgart and Zürich, with easy access to Lake Constance, the Danube Valley, and the Black Forest. As the town’s oldest inn, 1280 Die Krone has evolved from a medieval hostelry into a striking boutique hotel spanning four interconnected buildings—including a former barn—each brimming with character and narrative. It’s a place where the spirit of centuries past lingers, even as the spaces hum with a distinctly modern rhythm.
Rustic Bones, Contemporary Soul
The hotel’s cheerful façade, adorned with vibrant red shutters, sets the tone for what lies within. Inside, old and new intertwine in delightful contrast: original stone walls and wide-plank timber floors meet clean-lined glass accents; stripped-back staircases and exposed wooden beams sit alongside open red brickwork and soft, warm lighting. The 29 individually styled guest rooms are love letters to the building’s layered history. Expect low ceilings, creaking beams, and quirky architectural nooks softened by plush curtains, luxurious linens, and tactile textures. No two rooms are alike, yet all share a thread of understated elegance. Urban touches—egg-shaped soaking tubs, freestanding stone sinks, blackened steel fixtures—add a sleek edge without erasing the rustic soul.
Cellar Spirits and Culinary Flair
Dining and socializing at 1280 Die Krone are as memorable as the surroundings. Evenings often begin by descending through a gleaming golden tunnel into the atmospheric cellar bar, where regional wines and handcrafted cocktails flow beneath vaulted stone ceilings. The ambiance is intimate, moody, and unmistakably cool. Next door, the acclaimed restaurant Zum Hecht brings a lighter touch to the region’s culinary traditions. Mediterranean-inspired yet rooted in local produce, the menu dances between rustic and refined—think delicate fish, handmade pastas, seasonal vegetables, and artful plating that still feels welcoming.
The DNA Hotels Verdict
1280 Die Krone is more than a hotel—it’s a living, breathing piece of history infused with modern elegance. For travelers who crave authenticity wrapped in style, this is a stay that balances reverence for the past with a confident eye on the present. It’s where medieval bones meet contemporary design, and where every corner whispers a story—while inviting you to write your own.
