The NaturResort Steinwald is located directly on a natural bathing lake in the Steinwald forest in the Upper Palatinate, on the southern edge of the Fichtel Mountains in Bavaria.
Barely five meters separate the terrace from the water. Upon waking, the view through the large panoramic window overlooks the tranquil lake, while the morning sun makes the water sparkle. Through the glazed entrance door, the living space opens onto the wooden terrace and the garden, which seamlessly becomes an extension of the home. A private bathing jetty and the option of a private sauna or whirlpool transform this small house into a retreat offering exceptional comfort.
The concept is the brainchild of Steffi and Philipp, both in their early 30s and co-founders of the tiny house movement in Germany. They opened Germany's first legal tiny house village back in 2017. The Cabins am See are their latest project and have been open since June 2025 – the result of years of experience and a first prototype from 2019. Their goal was to use all their knowledge to develop the perfect tiny house: intelligently planned, ecologically built, and consistently reduced to the essentials.
A former, closed-off campsite has been transformed into a small, nature-oriented tiny house resort. A haven of tranquility with a focus on minimalism, mindfulness, and wellness. The architecture is clean and understated, featuring warm wood, black accents, and plenty of light. All the cabins are intentionally similar in design: small, yet open and thoughtfully furnished. Two of them are also suitable for families. Nestled in the pristine natural surroundings of the Steinwald forest, with its woods, rocks, and water, and far removed from mass tourism, the NatureResort offers a quiet counterpoint to everyday life.
Rooms + Rates
per night| Tiny House | from119 € |
Characteristics
- Beautiful nature resort with luxurious tiny houses
- Located directly on a natural bathing lake with its own bathing jetty in the Steinwald forest in the Upper Palatinate
- Focus on minimalism, mindfulness and wellness
- Handcrafted Finnish sauna or hot tub overlooking the natural bathing lake
- Regional breakfast basket and homemade specialties in the tapas restaurant
- Hiking, climbing, cycling tours in the surrounding area
Sustainable
The cabins are built using a fully ecological timber frame construction method and consist almost entirely of a single material: spruce. Inside, exposed wooden walls and large wooden windows define the space, bringing in plenty of light and making the compact living area of just 25 m² feel surprisingly spacious. High-quality furnishings, clean lines, and natural materials create a warm, tranquil atmosphere. The concept continues outdoors: the terrace and jetty are built of wood, and a hedgerow in the garden provides food for birds and a connection to nature. The cabins were developed in close collaboration with regional companies: the timber construction was done by Holzbau Schraml, and the furniture and interior fittings by the Kreuzer carpentry workshop, both from Erbendorf. The excavation work was carried out by a company from nearby Altenparkstein. Most of the materials come from southern Germany, and the tableware and glassware are from regional manufacturers.
At NaturResort Steinwald, everything revolves around fresh, home-cooked food made with regional ingredients whenever possible. In the beach bar and tapas restaurant, the hosts strive to use local and organic produce, with the aim of expanding this practice in the future. Particularly popular are the hand-rolled Manchego croquettes with aioli, the fried mushrooms, and the Kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings) with sauerkraut.
The Steinwald Nature Resort is run by a small, well-coordinated team: twelve employees from the immediate vicinity, all living within a two- to ten-kilometer radius. Appreciation is shown not only in everyday interactions but also through a performance bonus system: the higher the resort's occupancy rate, the greater the retroactive increase in hourly wages for the entire year. In this way, everyone benefits from the resort's success. Employees also enjoy discounted access to the sauna and whirlpool and can book cabins at special rates. Furthermore, the hosts support local community events and the fire department.
Energy is supplied via rooftop photovoltaic systems combined with a small, on-site district heating network and heat pumps. Waste separation is a matter of course in everyday life, as is the use of recycled toilet paper. Cleaning is done exclusively with eco-friendly products; the soaps are from Sonett, and the mattresses and bedding are from Dormiente. Sustainability is also a priority when it comes to transportation: Arrival by train is facilitated by a free shuttle from Reuth bei Erbendorf station. Additional small projects are currently underway, such as an e-bike rental service with charging stations and a charging point for cars, planned for summer 2026.
Every cabin at the NaturResort (except Cabin 8) offers wellness right outside your door: a private sauna or whirlpool, a yoga mat for relaxation, and a SUP board for exploring the natural bathing lake. Guests can even take a dip in the water, which can be quite refreshing in winter. The surrounding area is perfect for active days: hiking and climbing in the Steinwald or Waldnaab valleys, and cycling tours through the idyllic Upper Palatinate and the southern Fichtel Mountains.
Features
- 8 designer tiny houses with 25 m² of living space
- All houses feature a well-equipped kitchen and a private terrace.
- One of the cabins is partially accessible (not completely barrier-free).
- Private sauna or whirlpool in every cabin (except cabin 8)
- SUP board and yoga mat in every house
- Breakfast basket available to order
- Beach bar and tapas restaurant
- E-bike rental
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