Most Friday nights, my husband and I enjoy a small meal and big glasses of beer (0.5l) -brewed after the German Reinheitsgebot – at the guesthouse “Zum Adler” in downtown Oberursel.
Less than 10 years ago, the guesthouse was taken over by the current owners: a couple who decided to keep its original interior along with its present day charm. At times, the decorations are unconventional, e.g., Halloween pumpkin lights still hanging on the walls in summer time. This eclectic decoration is as interesting as its other noteworthy furnishing.
One of the unusual pieces of furniture is the Stammtisch (regulars’ table) in the middle of the single-roomed guesthouse. A big oval table, donated by the architect Witteman, forms the centerpiece of the room. Unfortunately, it has been glazed over a bit too much, seemingly to protect its surface from rough customers and cigarette burns (no longer applicable as pub smoking has been banned since 1 Oct 2007). Nevertheless, at this table the infamous Red Baron would sit, accompanied by the airplane engineers of the local Motorenwerke Oberursel, and enjoy his Dämmerschoppen (sundowner).
Another interesting feature is the overhanging lamp built by the same airplane engineers for their favorite guesthouse’s Stammtisch. Please note the sharp pointers hanging from it – those are metal bolts dropped from airplanes over enemy territory.
The airplane propeller, attached to the ceiling above the Stammtisch, used to belong to a revolving cylinder engine, often used when constructing the famous Fokker Dr.I Triplane
This is a very interesting guesthouse to visit. Prices are fair, service has always been great, and the Wirt (innkeeper) named Werner sometimes takes a couple of minutes to pay his guests a special visit at the table. Luckily the food is postwar German, whereas most other things remind one of prewar Germany.
I’ve lived very close to Oberursel for the last 16-17 years, and never realised that the Red Baron used to drink just down the road and that the engines for his planes were made here too.
Now I must check out Zum Adler and take a look at that lamp! 🙂
Just make sure you stay away on the long Fasching weekend (Thu/Feb 19 – Tue/24, 09).
It gets a bit wild in there with lots of Hellau calls!