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Prinz im Holztal: Farewell to the wedding paradise and new building plans!
The “Prinz im Holztal” restaurant in Hilkerode is closing after 23 years. Demolition will begin on December 8, 2023, new building sites are planned.
Prinz im Holztal: Farewell to the wedding paradise and new building plans!
In Hilkerode, in picturesque Eichsfeld, an era is coming to an end. The “Prinz im Holztal” restaurant will be demolished by the end of the year, which is a painful farewell for many former guests and wedding celebrants. The owner Ivonne Prinz-Henkel announced two years ago that this chapter would be closed. On October 26, 2023, at her own birthday party, she announced the final break. Demolition of the historic building will begin on December 8, 2023, with initial dismantling work already underway. The place where many said their vows will soon make way for new building sites. Prinz-Henkel plans to create up to three building sites on the 3,000 square meter site to ensure that the site will remain in use even after the restaurant is closed and will not fall into disrepair.
The “Prinz im Holztal” has shone as a popular event venue for over 23 years, during which it prepared the couple for the most beautiful day of their lives with around 1,000 weddings. From planning to execution, it was known for its great food and friendly service. The weddings were particularly praised - regardless of whether it was the tasteful buffets or the beautiful decorations in the outdoor area. The restaurant ensured that many couples took home numerous positive memories, even if there were some points of criticism: the dance floor was often not optimally usable in the evenings and the accommodation was occasionally disappointing. This mix of ups and downs reflects the eventful history, as the restaurant was originally built in 1995 by Bernhard and Irmgard Prinz and Ivonne's uncle Vinzenz Ballhausen and later passed into their hands.
From event catering to living space
After the closure, the location was offered for self-catering for a year, but was recently empty. Ivonne Prinz-Henkel invested 1.3 million euros in the restaurant in the mid-2000s and opened it in 2003, which caused a stir in the region. Her decision to close the restaurant came two years ago because no suitable successor could be found. From January 1, 2025, she would like to redesign her life and has already found a new job in a conference hotel in Göttingen. This also means that she finally has time on the weekends for the small, often forgotten joys of everyday life that she was previously unable to enjoy as a restaurant manager.
The “Prinz im Holztal” has specialized in event catering over the years and has made an important contribution to regional cuisine through its weddings. And it wasn't just the bride and groom who appreciated the beauty of this place. It is an example of how gastronomy can delight not only the stomach but also the heart. This development from traditional restaurants to modern event locations reflects the general history of gastronomy: from the old tabernae in ancient Rome to the first restaurants in the 18th century in Paris to today's concepts. What place the “Prince of the Wood Valley” will occupy in people’s memories remains to be seen, but his story is certainly one that many will not forget.