At the end of November 2025, the Lokalhelden Hanau team visited the Birkenhof hotel and restaurant in Hanau-Steinheim. Britta and René Fichtner sat down for a personal interview in front of the camera and provided authentic insights into the history, development, and philosophy of the Birkenhof.
Family atmosphere and genuine hospitality
During conversation, it quickly becomes clear what many guests particularly appreciate about the Birkenhof: the personal, family-like, and down-to-earth atmosphere. For many regular guests, it feels “like coming home a little bit.” This closeness to guests has characterized the Birkenhof for decades.
From a seven-room hotel to a modern four-star superior establishment
René Fichtner recounts the beginnings:
The Birkenhof originated from the former Dunlop villa, which was overgrown with birch trees, hence its current name. In 1973, the family business started with seven rooms. Over the years, the hotel gradually grew to over 40 rooms with a restaurant, bar, conference room, and large terrace.
Cuisine with tradition and a new twist
The interview also focuses on the cuisine and chef Cezary Przybylski, who trained at Birkenhof and has been a permanent member of the team for several years.
He regularly surprises guests with seasonal dishes and creative ideas: from classic Wiener schnitzel to the highly acclaimed vegetarian “goose.”
Team spirit, passion, and a place to feel at home
Britta and René talk about how important their team is to them, how much joy events and happy guests bring, and how much evenings spent together after work bring them closer together. The two also offer some personal insights: from the carnival cellar to their favorite restaurants in Steinheim to their daughter, who is “the most important thing in the world” to both of them.
An interview full of personality
The feature impressively showcases what Birkenhof stands for: authenticity, a passion for hospitality, a well-coordinated team, and a hotel that is constantly evolving.
The LokalTermin video is a warm, humorous, and personal look at what has defined Birkenhof for decades.
You can find the full interview here on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-zMLE1fMcI
