Fancy a short trip? In the middle of Franconian wine country, surrounded by forests, vineyards and famous castles, lies a very special gem: the Hotel “Zum Riesen”. It is the oldest continuously operated hotel in Germany and looks back on an eventful history. Even celebrities have chosen the Bavarian province of Miltenberg am Main for their overnight stay. We’ll tell you why the Hotel Riese is so special.
Of witches and knights: the long history of Hotel Riese
The Hotel Riese is a must for architecture and history fans: it has existed since 1158. No hotel in Germany is older! The first surviving document even dates back to 1411, when “Trestam der Riese” was the landlord, which gave the inn its name.
The stone base of the “giant” shows Romanesque gates. It may even have once been an inn on an ancient Celtic trade route. However, the picturesque Renaissance façade of the half-timbered building dates back to 1590 and consists of 100 oak trunks that were donated especially for this purpose. The house remains almost unchanged to this day – a unique find straight out of bygone times.
A plaque on the gate reads the centuries-old motto: “It is known to princes and lords, it stands by the citizens and farmers.” The house already had its own brewing rights in the 19th century. The so-called “brewer’s star” on the pub sign bears witness to this today. The specialty is the home-brewed strong, malty “Riesen-Spezial” beer.
Famous guests and rumors
The Hotel Riese not only brewed beer and hosted guests, it was also the scene of several scandals. Several innkeepers were put on trial for witchcraft due to envy and resentment. In the 17th century, the owner of the “Riesen” and his wife were accused of being witches and burned at the stake. The square in front of the “Riesen” was considered a witches’ dance floor in trial records.
Over the centuries, however, the “Zum Riesen” has also hosted numerous famous guests: since the Middle Ages, princes, Roman emperors and military leaders from both sides of the Thirty Years’ War have stayed here. The King of Bavaria is also said to have stayed at the Hotel Riese. Even Elvis Presley is said to have stayed at the hotel! What is true about the rumor remains unclear to this day. However, the anecdote is still popular.
The famous inn not only attracts guests with its special history and its own beer, but also makes the customer king – both literally and figuratively. Loyal guests receive a regular guest mug and an honorary regular guest diploma: a specially engraved mug with a pewter lid is stored in the house and a personal key is created. No wonder that kings and celebrities appreciate the hotel’s privileges beyond all measure…