Schmallenberg, GermanyOhlenbach
Hotel Waldhaus Ohlenbach
Sauerland forest lodge
Ohlenbach Schmallenberg, Germany
Opened
1962
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Luxe LocalOutside the door
Sauerland forest lodge
The family-run lodge sits 700 meters up Kahler Asten, where stays revolve around quiet woods and open-air baths.
What it’s good at
Notable
A heated outdoor infinity pool and log cabin sauna ceremonies overlooking the valley.
Listed
Bedrooms fitted with Treca mattresses and private balconies overlooking the mountain valley.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The hotel is situated in a wonderfully quiet and sun-exposed location at an altitude of 700m – great views!
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Forest hiking trails lead directly into the Ohlenbach valley, and the ski runs of Winterberg are a short drive away.
1 of 4
The rooms
Sliding partitions open the bathrooms to the bedrooms, and balconies look straight out across the wooded slopes.
The outdoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor infinity pool is heated to 32 degrees and looks out across the stone sun terrace toward the forest.
The spa
Ayurvedic massages take place in quiet treatment rooms, and cushioned daybeds in the lounge look straight across the valley.
The sauna
Slatted wood benches wrap around the heater in the rustic log sauna, joined by indoor steam and Turkish baths.
At the table
Wood-paneled dining rooms serve Ohlenbach quail and house-baked sourdough, and draft beer pours at the timber bar.
How it began
The hotel began in 1962 as a lone forest house, expanded over decades by the Schneider family.
Schmallenberg
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.