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History

Family business with tradition.

Nothing is more permanent than change.

The charming location, surrounded by mixed forest, bizarre porphyry rocks and the unique view of the blue band of the Mulde, invites hiking enthusiasts to linger. The landscape has lost none of its romantic flair to this day.

Our Erlebnishotel "Zur Schiffsmühle" blends harmoniously into the backdrop of the old trees at the foot of the Jutta Park. The combination of nature, comfort and tradition characterizes the special atmosphere, which guarantees recovery and relaxation in an individual way. (Photos: private)

Unsere Geschichte
1871 – The beginnings

1871
The beginnings

A popular tourist destination was created. The name goes back to the "Schiffmühle" that operated here on the Mulde until 1871.
1952 – The Sörnitz family takes over

1952
The Sörnitz family takes over

In 1952 the grandfather Gerhard Sörnitz bought this restaurant including the Juttapark with its tower and the Kastanienallee.
1977 – Handover to Steffen Sörnitz

1977
Handover to Steffen Sörnitz

In 1977 Steffen Sörnitz took over and continued the restaurant with its 42 seats and the beer garden. Construction activity began with the end of the GDR,
1992 – 1997 – The hotel is under construction

1992 – 1997
The hotel is under construction

Steffen Sörnitz built the hotel with 63 beds in 1992, followed a year later by the new, large beer garden with its naturally designed garden. In 1996 the former grandparents' house became a holiday home with 2 apartments. Before that, in 1995 a seminar room emerged from the old customs house, the Batzenhaus. The highlight was the construction of the conservatory with its 150 seats in 1997.

2000 – Handover to the third generation

2000
Handover to the third generation

Thomas and Mario Sörnitz took over the Erlebnishotel "Zur Schiffsmühle" from their father in 2000. They also continued construction with the mini golf course, a three-lane bowling alley and the tavern.
2002 – The flood of the century

2002
The flood of the century

The most drastic event in 2002 was the flood of the century. The hotel with its restaurant could be restarted after 10 weeks, despite a damage amount of 2 million euros.
2013 – Destruction again

2013
Destruction again

In June 2013, another large flood destroyed almost the entire company and endangered the existence of the family business as well.
2013 - 2016 – The new beginning

2013 - 2016
The new beginning

A lot has happened since the 2013 flood. The guest rooms are furnished in a modern country house style and the large winter garden has been transformed into a stylish event and meeting room. The already planned renovation of the hotel area was also successfully implemented during this time. From the reception you can reach the hotel area with the newly built elevator. The rooms in light pine wood and large pictures from the area, some with balconies, match the overall impression of the house perfectly.
The beer garden and mini golf course also shine in new splendor. In order to protect the investments from further flooding of the trough, a flood protection wall, which fits harmoniously into the buildings, was planned and already implemented.

2017 – Changes with foresight

2017
Changes with foresight

After several strokes of fate, Thomas Sörnitz continued the Erlebnishotel "Zur Schiffsmühle" in the interests of the family. The newly designed, if necessary - closed terrace with its panoramic view became the highlight of the "Mühlenstube" restaurant.
2019 – Flood protection completed

2019
Flood protection completed

All construction measures for flood protection were completed. At the same time, a modern delivery and storage area was created directly on the complex.
2020 – New sauna area opened

2020
New sauna area opened

At the beginning of the year, the new sauna area consisting of steam sauna, infrared sauna, Finnish sauna, ice fountain, Kneipp pool, showers, indoor relaxation area and an outdoor relaxation area with a direct view of the hollow was opened.

2020-2022 – Takeover & Reopening of the Gasthaus

2020-2022
Takeover & Reopening of the Gasthaus "Zur Wassermühle"

The historic restaurant "Zur Wassermühle" in the center of Höfgen, the "Village of the Senses", has been part of the millfamily since 2020. It was reopened on March 10, 2022 after extensive renovation. The restaurant is characterized by a mixture of tradition and modernity as well as excellent, home-style cooking.