Die Sonne Frankenberg

First Class

The modern hotel Die Sonne Frankenberg is surrounded by historic half-timbered houses in the heart of Frankenberg’s old town, right on the market square. It brings together tradition and modernity, nature and spa experiences, and fine dining. Alongside moments of wellbeing at the welcoming Boutique SonneSpa, Die Sonne is also an ideal base for walking and cycling trips in northern Hesse, for example to Kellerwald National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the picturesque Edersee. Just a few minutes’ walk away, the Thonet Museum and local cafés invite you to linger.

The homeland of the Brothers Grimm has plenty to offer in the way of scenery. The Ederbergland is ideal for exploring by car, bicycle or on foot. The surrounding area has walking routes to suit every ability, whether through the Kellerwald-Edersee UNESCO World Heritage Site, around Lake Edersee or to the Hohenäcker quarry, the site of a former brickworks. There are also plenty of leisure activities nearby for all ages. From golf, sailing and diving to the Waldecker Bergbahn railway, Frankenberg offers a varied travel experience. Marburg is around 35 km away, and Frankfurt around 138 km.

The hotel’s two restaurants showcase the region’s culinary diversity. The newly redesigned SonneStuben, with its outdoor terrace, offers an exceptional dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere. Once a week, usually on Mondays, the hotel hosts a tapas evening (at an additional charge). Until 10:30am, enjoy a varied and generous breakfast buffet of fresh, regional produce in the renovated breakfast room. Half board is served in the evening at SonneStuben as a three-course set menu, with vegetarian options among the choices (other dietary requirements can be accommodated on request, with advance notice). At the Gourmetrestaurant Philipp Soldan (open Thursday–Sunday, at an additional charge, payable on site), awarded a Michelin star and 17 points in the Gault&Millau guide for the past 10 years, you can enjoy creative cuisine inspired by nature, combining traditional ingredients with modern dishes. The hotel uses predominantly regional produce, including freshly baked bread from an organic bakery each day, eggs from an organic farm and organic-quality meat from a local butcher. Enjoy freshly made drinks in the inviting Philippo Lounge (exclusively for hotel guests).

Enjoy complete relaxation at the recently refurbished Boutique SonneSpa (for guests aged 16 and over; Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am–8 pm; longer opening hours available on request, subject to occupancy). Spanning around 1,000 sq m, it features a Finnish sauna (approx. 90°C), a bio-clay sauna (approx. 60°C), a steam room (approx. 45°C), a plunge pool, an ice fountain, a wellness pool (approx. 33°C), a hammam room, a relaxation area with suspended loungers and waterbeds, and a small outdoor area. In fine weather, the rooftop terrace is an inviting place to unwind. Naturopathic therapies with a holistic approach and spa treatments (Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am–6 pm), provided by trained wellness specialists, engage all the senses and promote deep relaxation. The massages, body scrubs, baths and wraps are based largely on high-quality, natural products such as honey, oils and herbs. Products from premium brands eponé and BIODROGA are used predominantly.

For a workout, there is a small, well-equipped fitness room (daily, 5 am–8 pm).

The hotel’s ideal location makes it a great base for longer walks and cycling trips around Frankenberg. On the outskirts of Frankenberg, about 1.5 km from the hotel, a wildlife park offers the chance to see and feed animals such as roe deer, red deer and wild boar. Hiking rucksacks filled with local treats, a choice of beer or wine, and an activity map with helpful tips are available to hire from the hotel for around £42 per person (€49). The hotel also offers e-bikes for hire, subject to availability, for around £34 per day (€39). Hiking and cycling maps are available at the hotel. The MeineCardPlus is another great way to explore northern Hesse, giving you access to up to 140 leisure activities, including public transport.

Kellerwald

The Kellerwald range in northern Hesse is home to one of Germany’s largest beech forest areas and is known for the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Park, which covers around 600 km² and is Hesse’s only national park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, its vast beech forests, remnants of ancient woodland, rocky slopes and countless streams invite you to walk, explore and unwind. Since 2024, the hotel has been an official partner of Kellerwald-Edersee National Park.