Hesse's rural kings compete for top hospitality honors in 2026
A new competition celebrating rural hospitality has begun in Hesse. The Hesse's Best Country Inns 2026 award will recognise outstanding rural kings, guesthouses, and taverns across the region. Winners will be honoured next summer by top officials, including Minister-President Boris Rhein.
The competition is open to rural kings, country guesthouses, and taverns in Hesse's rural areas. To qualify, businesses must operate with regular opening hours and be located outside cities with more than 50,000 residents. Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 20, 2026.
An independent jury will judge entries based on social value, service quality, and dedication to culinary traditions. The winners will receive a plaque, a certificate, and a feature in a DEHOGA Hesse brochure.
Rhein has emphasised the importance of rural kings in bringing people together and strengthening community bonds. The award aims to highlight their role in preserving local culture and fostering rural life.
The winning establishments will be announced in summer 2026. Minister-President Boris Rhein and DEHOGA President Robert Mangold will present the honours at a special ceremony. The competition seeks to promote and sustain rural hospitality across Hesse.
