The history of the Tannenmühle

1832
In the beginning there was a small, dreamy mill in the Schlücht valley in the Upper Black Forest. Up until 1832, the mill stood below the Mettenberg in the valley. Due to a water shortage, the mill had to be moved to its current location, as it was operated by hydropower and diesel. The confluence of the Schlücht, Rötenbach and Rippoldsbach meant that there was enough water here to operate the mill.

1914
The Tannenmühle burned down during the First World War. Josef, the first son of Anna and Friedrich Baschnagel, was therefore born in Birkendorf during this time. He later joined the Order of Saint Benedict and became a priest. He spent 50 years working as a missionary in Tanzania where he built a large missionary station in Ndada. On 31 January 2005, Father Richard (Josef) Baschnagel died in St. Ottilien, where he spent his retirement.

1954
Siegfried Baschnagel operated the mill as a master miller up until 1954. The mill could generate its own power. The mill business was later closed for profitability reasons. Fritz Baschnagel took over the Tannenmühle together with his wife Hildegard, who he married in 1956. The couple gave birth to daughter Conny and sons Guido and Georg.

To secure their livelihood, Fritz and Hildegard started running a small restaurant with four tables. They had to comply with many conditions and initiate many renovation measures to meet the standards required for running a restaurant.

1961
In 1961, the first ponds for the trout farm were built and they have been continually extended ever since.

1962
The guest rooms at the Tannenmühle were renovated in 1962. Siegfried Baschnagel took care of lovingly updating the showers.

1963
The first trout eggs were hatched and collected in 1963. Ever since, trout has been farmed in the fish ponds at the Tannenmühle. The trout habitats were divided into different sizes based on biological criteria.

The oxygen-rich water, which only warns up slightly in summer, is the best requirement for successful trout farming. Our trout specialities, which are prepared in a variety of ways, have given the Tannenmühle a very good reputation that goes beyond the Swiss border. The freshness of the trout and the unrivalled range of preparation methods are unique in the region.

The modern kitchen in the Tannenmühle is a feast for the eyes and equipped with all conceivable equipment. This is one of the reasons why the IHK Hochrhein Bodensee (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) held its examinations for master chefs at the Tannenmühle for 10 years.

1972
The requirements in the hospitality industry increased constantly and more major renovation measures became necessary in 1972. The former farm building was torn down. A large kitchen was created and the first chef was appointed. The guest rooms were also expanded and modernised. Cool rooms and storerooms were built in the place where cows, pigs and chickens used to roam. A modern hotel and restaurant was created.

1982
Fritz Baschnagel’s desire to build continued for many years. In 1982/83, the St. Laurentius chapel was built on the Anhöhe, opposite the Tannenmühle, and inaugurated in front of many guests. Many cooks from the region were present, as Laurentius is the patron saint of cooks.

1986
In 1986, the mill and machinery museum was rebuilt using the old plans for the former mill. Today, it is a wonderful excursion destination that takes the numerous visitors back to the olden days. The mill was built only from wood and without any metal nails and all the features are the same as those from over 100 years ago.

1990
The Haus Laurentius with modern holiday apartments was built between 1990 and 1993. In 1995, Guido handed over the Tannenmühle to his wife Erika. They married in November 1983 after Guido completed his examination to become a master chef at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Hochrhein Bodensee that spring. They have three children: Linda, Lorenz and Lukas.

2001
Fritz Baschnagel turned 70 on 28 October 2001. On behalf of state premier Erwin Teufel, he was awarded the Staufer Medal of the state of Baden Württemberg by Manfred König. He also received the honorary medal of the municipality of Grafenhausen by the mayor, Erich Kiefer.

2004/5
Our journey into the world of food started with our “Gute Stube”, which was converted into an office with a reception. At the same time, the toilets were modernised, the utility room was expanded and the guest room was extended.

2005
Our restaurant was extended and our “Mühlenstube” was built. The highlight of the new room is the new tiled stove with an integrated cuckoo clock. The extension also made it possible to expand the rooms above. Two double rooms and two large comfort rooms were built.

2006
Back in family ownership: the Schlüchtmühle was bought by the Baschnagel family.

2011
Fritz Baschnagel died.

2012
We got a new bar. It was given new cooling technology and a new look.

2013
The large guest room was completely renovated in winter 2013. The Friedrich-Anton-Stube was renamed in memory of our founder, Fritz Baschnagel.

2014
The new reception was built. There was often unwanted commotion in the reception area by the bar. The reception was therefore moved to the 1st floor. The mill trail was opened in November. It has eight display boards and connects the Schlüchtmühle with the Tannenmühle.

2016
There was no longer place for the old cooker. The kitchen was fully renovated and expanded. A new power line was introduced and the kitchen was fully converted to induction. The kitchen is now not just brighter and more spacious, but also fitted with the latest appliances.

2017
Two standard double rooms were transformed into one large comfort room with a bath.

2020
Ground-breaking ceremony in the Schlüchtmühle.

2021
The room next to the reception was converted into a play room (only for hotel guests). A door was added to the playroom to give guests direct access to the terrace.

2022
Our Gästehaus Schlüchtmühle was converted to a children’s hotel and opened. The oil heating system was replaced with a sustainable wood chip system for the Tannenmühle and Schlüchtmühle.

2023
All sofa beds were replaced with ones that offer a higher degree of sleeping comfort. We also got new mattresses, duvets and pillows that are, of course, all suitable for allergy sufferers.

2024
New furniture was added to two of the rooms. Rooms 22 and 23 were completely renovated and equipped with a children’s room and sauna. New showers were installed in the Alpaca family suites. The old electrical distribution cabinets were updated. Three new diggers were added to our children’s playground. Two night spotlights turn night into day. Since 2004, guests can let off steam on the playground when it’s dark.