Hotel Seegarten, Sauerland: A Lakeside Retreat Where Design and Nature Flow Together
Olaf Baumeister’s Sauerland sanctuary redefines boutique hospitality
From Family Inn to Design Destination
What began as a traditional country inn has, under the creative vision of TV chef Olaf Baumeister, evolved into one of Germany’s most compelling boutique retreats. Since taking over the family property in 1992, Baumeister has fused his passion for gastronomy, sustainability, and contemporary aesthetics into a hospitality concept that feels both rooted in tradition and boldly forward-looking. Today, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Sorpesee lake, Hotel Seegarten is not just a hotel—it’s an immersive nature-inspired experience.
Werner Aisslinger’s “Nature-Loving” Concept
To realize this transformation, Baumeister enlisted the acclaimed Berlin designer Werner Aisslinger, known for his thoughtful, future-facing approach. Aisslinger’s interiors lean into natural materials and local craftsmanship: grey terrazzo made from stones quarried nearby, textured wood panelling, and rattan screens that soften the modernist lines. The design isn’t just decorative—it’s tactile, sensory, and deeply connected to the landscape. Every detail, from custom towel rails that mimic swimming pool ladders to shelving units that double as herb planters, emphasizes playfulness and purpose in equal measure.
Gastronomy Grown on Site
At the Seegarten restaurant, Baumeister’s culinary philosophy takes center stage. Hydroponic shelves line the dining area, growing fresh herbs and vegetables just meters from the kitchen. It’s a living farm-to-table showcase, where guests can taste the difference in dishes that are as seasonal as they are sustainable. Whether it’s a light lakeside lunch or a refined multi-course dinner, the experience blurs the line between gastronomy and nature, making every meal feel like part of the Sauerland landscape itself.
Rooms That Breathe with the Lake
Guest rooms are designed as modern sanctuaries, where earthy tones and bespoke furniture pieces invite rest and reflection. Shelving units come stocked with herbs for brewing tea, while large windows open onto views of the Sorpesee, seamlessly extending the design ethos of “bringing the outside in.” Bathrooms are a highlight too, where terrazzo stone and playful detailing create spaces that feel handcrafted yet sophisticated. The result? Rooms that encourage guests to slow down, engage their senses, and live in tune with their surroundings.
Where Hospitality Meets Habitat
Hotel Seegarten extends beyond the guest rooms and restaurant to create an entire ecosystem of hospitality. Lounges layered with soft textiles, leafy courtyards, and lake-facing terraces offer endless possibilities for connection or solitude. Outdoor activities on the Sorpesee—swimming, sailing, or simply strolling its tranquil shores—make the location not just a backdrop, but an essential part of the experience. This is sustainability with soul, where design, cuisine, and community are all aligned with the rhythms of the natural world.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Hotel Seegarten is a blueprint for modern rural hospitality: rooted in local materials, animated by sustainable design, and elevated through culinary innovation. It’s a hotel that doesn’t just sit beside the Sorpesee—it belongs to it, echoing its calm beauty and restorative energy. For travelers seeking a retreat that is as thoughtful as it is stylish, Seegarten offers a refreshing immersion into Sauerland’s landscape, flavors, and spirit.
