A historic hotel on Lake Constance
The The Hotel St. Elisabeth in Hegne on Lake Constance is more than just a modern conference and vacation hotel. It is a place steeped in history that has stood for hospitality, fellowship, and humanity for over 200 years. The hotel’s roots date back to the early 19th century and are closely tied to the It is associated with the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross and the Hegne Convent.
Today, the hotel combines tradition and modernity—shaped by Christian values, contemporary hospitality, and a unique atmosphere on Lake Constance.
From the “Zum Hirschen” Inn to the Hotel St. Elisabeth
The history of today’s hotel began long before it opened. In the early 19th century, the“Zum Hirschen” inn stood on this site; it was granted a liquor license in 1815. After the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross acquired the property in After they acquired it in 1892, a new chapter began in the history of the house.
In order to keep the inn—now run by a tenant—in operation, 1902: what is now Haus Franziskus was built across the street. The previous building was converted into the St. Elisabeth Sisters’ Hospital was redesigned. It initially served as a home for sick and ailing sisters and continued to evolve over the decades.
After World War I, children went there to recuperate, and during World War II, the guesthouse housed mothers and children who had been evacuated from the industrial regions of northwestern Germany. Later, St. Elisabeth became a retreat and guesthouse, offering a space for reflection, fellowship, and spiritual formation. From In 1973, the annual retreat for the Sisters of the Cross was also held here.
The History of Today’s Hotel
The new building was preceded in the years 2003 and In 2004, comprehensive analyses and planning were carried out. The goal was to create a building that would meet the requirements of a modern conference and vacation hotel while preserving the history of the site.
Among other things, the An addition built in the year In 1965, it was integrated into the new master plan along with the chapel. The original historic building had to be demolished. In its place stands the Konrada Bilger House today, named after the first provincial superior of what is now the Baden-Württemberg Province, founded in 1895.
In 2006, when the worldwide Congregation of the Sisters of the Cross celebrated its 150th anniversary, the new Hotel St. Elisabeth was officially opened.
A Place to Meet
The hotel sees itself as a place for people seeking relaxation, inspiration, and connection.
Guided by the motto “Hospitality for Body and Soul,” the hotel welcomes guests seeking relaxation, inspiration, and connection. It aims not only to offer outstanding service, but above all to create an atmosphere that nourishes both body and soul—a place to linger, reflect, relax, and engage in creative, intellectual work.
Following the expansion in As of 2016, the hotel now has 84 rooms with 144 beds, as well as modern conference and group rooms. The event rooms, which are superbly equipped with state-of-the-art technology, provide the ideal setting for seminars, conferences, and gatherings of all kinds.
The newly redesigned house chapel serves as the spiritual center of the facility. As a place of tranquility, it invites guests to reflect, pray, and celebrate the Eucharist.
Creativity, Education, and Culture
Another important component is the Creative Workshop. The idea came about In 2009, once suitable workshop space became available. After extensive renovation work, the workshop Opened in 2012.
Today, the KreativWerkstatt is run by the Theodosius Academy . It offers a diverse program of seminars, creative activities, and personal development courses.