The Gerbermühle Frankfurt is a place with history – and with attitude. Since the 16th century, it has stood by the banks of the Main River, embodying what makes Frankfurt special: openness, change, and the joy of life. Over the centuries, the old mill has transformed into a house that has reinvented itself time and again – while never losing its character.
1815
Marianne & Johann
However, the building only received its historical significance through the Frankfurt banker Johann Jakob von Willemer, who leased and remodeled the Gerbermühle in 1785 as his private summer residence. Willemer, who was friends with Goethe, first invited him for a visit in 1814, during which Goethe made the acquaintance of Marianne, Willemer's foster daughter.
Between the two, a close relationship developed, which encouraged Goethe to make further and more extensive visits to the Gerbermühle. In 1815, he stayed almost an entire month in the Gerbermühle, where he also celebrated his 66th birthday. Both Marianne and the picturesque landscape inspired him to write his poem "Ginkgo biloba," which he embellished with Ginkgo leaves and sent to Marianne, who had meanwhile married her foster father Johann Jakob von Willemer. Three songs from Goethe's work "West-Eastern Divan" come from Marianne's pen, which the poet silently included in his publication.
1900
The path to the gastronomy business
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Gerbermühle was renovated by the city of Frankfurt and used as a recreation spot. Unfortunately, the second World War also spared this remote inn. Destroyed down to the foundation, the Gerbermühle was only rebuilt in the 1970s. In 2001, Werner Kindermann acquired the dilapidated Gerbermühle. This cleared the way for thorough renovations and numerous modifications and expansions, the results of which are more than impressive. The small but elegant hotel has transformed the former summer residence back into a place to linger.
2000
The conversion
The popularity of the Gerbermühle among the people of Frankfurt is demonstrated by the long list of different uses of this idyllic patch of earth. Originally built as a manor, the house was converted into a grain mill and later used as a tannery. The Frankfurt banker Jakob von Willemer was so taken with this place that he had the house remodeled into his private summer residence, which even inspired Goethe to dream and write poetry. The reconstruction after World War II was rather plain and functional. The Gerbermühle became a simple yet cozy excursion restaurant.
Owner Werner Kindermann decided to undertake a fundamental refurbishment and renovation of the venerable house. Old values were to be combined with contemporary demands without destroying the historical value of the Gerbermühle.
The architects Müller & Jourdan brilliantly solved the difficult task. Existing construction styles from different epochs were creatively continued and imaginatively integrated with the new hotel section.
2025
The Gerbermühle today
A private dining room provides the most intimate atmosphere. The light-flooded conservatory complements the harmonious picture and offers a generous view of the outdoors. On the adjacent terraces, one can indulge in the warm months with an impressive view of Frankfurt's skyline.
The team around Jörg Ludwig impresses with sophisticated menus as well as with all-time popular German and Frankfurt specialties. The concept of traditional values and contemporary standards is also reflected here.
Now it's your turn