In this part of the “Pioneers of Sustainability” series we present Stephan Bode from SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. He has been managing the hotel in Bad Herrenalb since 2013 and has been implementing sustainable projects in the hotel with enthusiasm, creativity and pioneering spirit ever since.

From own rethinking to 4* hotel owner

Stephan fortunately already knew how to persuade regional suppliers and farmers over to more ecological practices as well as how to organise climate-neutral events even before he took over the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Previously, he had transformed the Bio-Seehotel in Zeulenroda into an environmentally friendly conference hotel. He not only made changes to the hotels he worked with, but also to his own way of living. He stopped smoking, started to exercise and became interested in organic food. But Stephan could not have imagined that all this would lead to him running a 4-star hotel with its own sustainability officer.

Green Black Forest

His enthusiasm for good food has remained to this day – and you can taste it at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Slow food, regional and organic food, base fasting and zero waste buffets are the hallmarks of the kitchen. Of course, sustainability not only plays a role in the cuisine, but also in all areas of Stephan’s hotel. He pays special attention to the suppliers he works with to ensure short transport routes and little packaging, and his own garden is kept as natural as possible in order to promote local species conservation. His guests can opt out of daily room cleaning, and then Stephan offers a step further with an option for a completely climate-neutral journey and overnight stay.

Sustainability from head to toe

Of course, one of the key focal points at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is the beautiful natural surrounding, but above all the hotel focusses on their guests. Their health and well-being are essential for Stephan and his team, which is why their Selfness and Wellness concept with its adjacent health campus offers a wide range of experiences and treatments for body, mind and soul. All offers are accompanied by experts from the health campus and ensure a sustainable new awareness, which continues to benefit beyond the guests’ stay at the hotel. Relaxation even after your vacation!

Meaningful action as the key to success

Stephan’s motto “Economic growth through ecologically meaningful action” drives him – and his success has proved him right. He has not only doubled the capacity utilisation and turnover in recent years, but also the number of employees. Stephan is sure that the future of tourism is sustainable. He hopes for even more hoteliers to implement this and he has one wish: “I hope that the ‘hospitality’ that is often quoted in our industry will be understood at the same time as ‘being a guest oneself’ on Mother Earth”.

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