Hotel
From a modern design hotel to an award-winning conference hotel in Karlsruhe
The history of the Hotel Der Blaue Reiter began in 2001 in Karlsruhe-Durlach. With a clear vision, a great deal of personal dedication, and a deep passion for art and hospitality, Iris and Wolfgang Fränkle opened a modern, art-inspired hotel that initially had 39 rooms.
From the very beginning, Der Blaue Reiter was intended to be more than just a traditional city hotel. Unique design, vibrant colors, personalized service, and a special connection to art defined the hotel even in its early years. This is how a hotel concept emerged in Durlach that, to this day, stands for originality, quality, and continuous improvement.
A Family-Run Hotel Is Growing
Marcus Fränkle played a key role in the hotel’s expansion as early as 2007. After learning the hotel business from the ground up at renowned hotels, he later took over the management of the family business.
The expansion into a professional conference hotel marked the beginning of another important chapter in the hotel’s history. In 2009, the KunstWerk conference center opened; today, operating under the name EventFabrik, it offers modern facilities for meetings, seminars, conferences, and corporate events.
In 2011, another major hotel expansion took place with the opening of the KUBUS. The name stands for the combination of art (KUnst) and business (BUSiness)—two areas that continue to shape the Hotel Der Blaue Reiter to this day. This expansion significantly increased the hotel’s offerings of high-quality rooms, suites, and meeting and event spaces.
Continuous Improvement
Standing still is not part of the philosophy of the Hotel Der Blaue Reiter. In 2018, seven additional rooms and a light-filled sunroom were added. Further renovations and upgrades followed to ensure that guests continue to enjoy a high level of comfort and a contemporary hotel experience.
In 2019, The Curtain Bar opened, adding another unique feature to the hotel. The multi-award-winning hotel bar has become a popular gathering place for hotel guests, businesses, and visitors from Karlsruhe. The focus is on high-quality ingredients, professional craftsmanship, and the passion of the bar team.
Over the years, the hotel has evolved into a multi-award-winning 4-star superior hotel and one of Germany’s most renowned conference hotels. Despite its steady growth, Der Blaue Reiter has remained a family-run business to this day.
Hospitality with a Rich History and a Bright Future
Since 2001, the Hotel Der Blaue Reiter in Karlsruhe-Durlach has combined personal hospitality with modern design, professional conference services, and high standards of quality. Business travelers, conference attendees, vacationers, and visitors to the region will find a unique retreat with character here.
The history of our hotel is marked by continuous growth, new ideas, and a commitment to consistently offering our guests unique experiences. To this day, our family roots and our close personal relationships with guests, employees, and partners remain the foundation of Hotel Der Blaue Reiter.
A special milestone was our 25th anniversary on August 12, 2026, which we were able to celebrate together with guests, friends, partners, and colleagues. It was a special occasion to look back on many successful years and, at the same time, look toward the future with a wealth of ideas and passion.
You can find photos and highlights from our anniversary in the gallery.
