The history of our Black Forest Resort
Learn more about the exciting history of the Hotel Rößle! Immerse yourself in the tradition of our hotel, which has evolved over generations. We’ll take you on a journey through time and show you how a simple inn evolved into today’s hotel resort, full of heart and history.
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355 years of hospitality and tradition
In the following section, we would like to share with you the fascinating history of our hotel. For over 350 years, our now called Hotel Resort Rößle has been an important part of the Todtmoos region. During this time, the former inn has continually evolved, while always preserving its tradition and values of hospitality and quality. We invite you to discover the milestones and important events in our history that have made our Hotel Resort what it is today – a place of encounter, well-being, and tradition.
Traditional Black Forest inn
The brothers Andreas and Daniel Schmidt were the ancestors of today’s Rößle tradition. In 1670, they founded the “Rößle” as an inn and horse-changing station on the old pass road to Wiesental. Their work laid the foundation for the company’s centuries-long success story.
1670
1811
The beginning of the “Rößle” under Konrad Schmidt
In 1811, Konrad Schmidt acquired the inn “Rößle” in Todtmoos, thus laying the foundation for a long tradition. As a pioneering figure in Todtmoos’ gastronomy, his influence grew steadily. This close family bond with the “Rößle” would continue for generations to come.
Death of Konrad Schmidt and continuation of the family tradition
Konrad Schmidt died in 1884. Despite his death, his family maintained close ties to the inn. His children, in particular, who continued to achieve success in the region as educators and in other professions, maintained their relationship with the inn. The “Rößle” was not just an inn, but an important part of the family heritage and social life in Todtmoos.
1884
1950s
Demolition, new construction and renovation work
In the 1950s, after the death of Otto and Oktavine Maier, the “Rößle” experienced a period of upheaval. Two houses located above the “Rößle” were demolished. One of them was later rebuilt as a guesthouse and is still under known as the “Gutshof” (estate). The Rößle itself was continually modernized during this time and remodeled to meet growing demand. The area containing the
stables was demolished, and the current entrance and reception area was created there. The historic area, which houses the restaurant’s parlor, as well as the rooms above, were preserved and extensively renovated.
Return of Helmut Schmidt and the family bond
In the 1960s, Helmut Schmidt, a son of Wilhelm Schmidt, returned regularly to Todtmoos. Helmut had pursued a career as a lawyer and was also a prisoner of war in the USA during World War II. Despite his success and his life in the big city, his connection to Todtmoos and the “Rößle” always remained strong. The former lawyer visited the inn regularly to maintain his connection to his hometown and often reminisced about his childhood experiences.
1960s
1970s
Albert Maier takes over the “Rößle” and drives forward the modernization
In the 1970s, Albert Maier took over the “Rößle” inn from the family that had previously run it. Albert and his wife Maria, née Erhart, led the inn to new heights. After completing a culinary training and an apprenticeship with a master carpenter in Todtmoos, Albert Maier both craftsmanship and gastronomic knowledge. The “Rößle” was gradually expanded and modernized, always taking care to preserve the building’s agricultural character. This expansion contributed to its renown far beyond the region.
Handover of the inn to the next generation
In the 1990s, Albert Maier handed over the business to his son, Thomas Maier. Despite this handover, Albert remained active in the inn and, together with his wife, supported the business in all areas. The family business remained under Thomas’s leadership, the hotel remained an important part of the community and continued its path of modernization and traditional hospitality.
1993
2000
Expansion of the wellness area
The expansion of the wellness area is being realized. An ecological wooden house with apartments and a spa area will be introduced to offer guests even more comfort and relaxation.
South wing extension
From 2012 to 2013, the south wing of the Hotel Rößle was expanded. This included the creation of a modern swimming pool, which offers our guests a unique bathing experience, as well as exclusive superior rooms, which guarantee the highest level of comfort with high-quality furnishings and a stylish ambiance.
2012 - 2013
2021
Opening of the Black Forest Village
In 2020, the Black Forest village was built with four unique wooden chalets, made entirely from our own wood. The chalets are designed in the traditional Black Forest style and built by local craftsmen. A charming special feature are the names of the chalets, which refer to the tradition of the region: Schneflerhüsle, Säge, Milchhüsle and Schmiede invite you to stay with character.
Expansion of the estate
In 2023, our estate was expanded by a spacious entrance area and an elevator. Several rooms were also extensively renovated and modernized. With great attention to detail, redesigned to offer our guests even more comfort and a stylish ambience.
2023
2025
Handover to the 10th generation
Alexander and Narnia Maier take over in the tenth generation of the family business. They continue the tradition and at the same time focus on new innovations to take the Hotel Schwarzwald-Resort Rößle further into the future with fresh energy and new ideas, they will continue to develop the hotel in keeping with the family’s values, while always maintaining the hospitality and quality that make the hotel so special.
to be continued
Family crest
The family crest of the Schmidt brothers from Treblitz-Schönau reflects the family’s roots and values. It depicts a great bustard, a majestic bird from their homeland that symbolizes strength and endurance.
The crest is complemented by two important symbols: a sword, representing the art of blacksmithing and the craft of the weaponsmith, and a horseshoe, symbolizing the first “Rößle-Wirt” (innkeeper) and his work as a farrier.
This piece of art is not only a symbol of family tradition, but also a piece of history that documents the connection to the homeland and the importance of craftsmanship and hospitality across generations.
Where tradition and future meet
At the Hotel Resort Rößle, family history meets modern hospitality. Here, your stay is more than just a visit—it’s part of a living history that we continue to write together.
In a changing world, our values and the warm family tradition remain constant. Since 1670, our current Hotel Resort Rößle in Todtmoos has been a center of hospitality and a significant piece of history in the southern Black Forest. With a history spanning over 350 years, the Rößle has evolved from a simple inn to a modern hotel that combines tradition and comfort. From its early days under the management of the Schmidt family to the current generation of the Maier family, the inn has always been run with love and dedication, ensuring guests have an unforgettable experience.
Continuous development and modernization have ensured that the Schwarzwaldresort Rößle is now a popular destination for travelers seeking to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Black Forest. Despite all the changes, the inn remains true to its roots, offering authentic Black Forest hospitality and an atmosphere that perfectly blends tradition and modernity.