A renowned South Tyrolean architecture firm has completed its first project north of the Alps, bringing their signature blend of architectural excellence and culinary hospitality to Germany's Bavarian Forest. The Höllensteinhaus restaurant near Viechtach represents a groundbreaking collaboration between bergmeisterwolf architects and local investors, creating a unique dining destination that seamlessly integrates contemporary design with the rugged natural landscape.
South Tyrol has long been recognized for successfully combining architecture and gastronomy, with bergmeisterwolf from Brixen emerging as one of the most innovative firms in this specialized field. Led by architects Gerd Bergmeister and Michaela Wolf, the studio has now extended their expertise beyond their traditional Alpine territory to complete this ambitious project in Bavaria's remote wilderness.
Viechtach, a small town in the Bavarian Forest, sits closer to Budweis in the Czech Republic than to major German cities like Munich or Nuremberg. The town has benefited from a significant landscape attraction for nearly a century: the Höllenstein Lake, created by damming the Black Regen River in the northwest of the municipal area. The dark, mirror-like water surface winds through dense forests, while the historic power plant continues to generate electricity today.
The facility was originally constructed by the city of Straubing, whose municipal utilities still operate the installation. A recreational restaurant had existed at this location previously, but it has now been replaced by the new structure that offers both culinary hospitality and meets demanding architectural standards.
The Höllensteinhaus sits slightly elevated above the dam, positioned opposite the power plant. A picturesque rock formation gives the location its distinctive character, and from the elevated position, visitors can follow the lake's course until the first bend. The single-story dining space opens to the landscape through a large terrace, while the wooden structure's characteristic features include a folded roof landscape with a shield-like projection, a dark exterior shell, and striking red accents on selected building components.
The interior design continues the bold aesthetic that corresponds beautifully with the rugged surrounding landscape. Dark-painted wood wall cladding contrasts with gray concrete and reduced furnishing elements. Despite the overall restraint, the interior finish displays numerous detailed elements that create visual variety throughout the space. A funnel-shaped skylight brings natural light into the building's rear section, enhancing the dining experience.
Beyond the architectural achievement, the project's development story proves equally compelling. The investor couple, Klaus and Patricia Ingerl from Landshut, who maintain a second residence in the area, discovered the vacant predecessor building and ultimately initiated this new project. They will now permanently operate the Höllensteinhaus alongside the historic boat rental service on the lake and a neighboring country hotel, creating a comprehensive hospitality destination.
The restaurant represents a significant expansion of South Tyrolean architectural influence into German territory, demonstrating how regional expertise in combining gastronomy and design can successfully translate to new geographic contexts. The project showcases bergmeisterwolf's ability to adapt their distinctive approach to different landscapes while maintaining their commitment to creating spaces where architectural excellence enhances the dining experience.
