Heritage monument on the outside, versatile space on the inside: Between the Westerwald and Taunus, at the center of the postcard view of Runkel, the Alte Färberei (Old Dyehouse) mirrors in the tranquil Lahn River. As part of the monument ensemble of the castle town, the building was transformed into a self-catering house for larger groups.
Where today families, friends and companies gather to celebrate, brainstorm or work, in the early Middle Ages the Merovingians washed their laundry in the river. Until the 19th century, when the “Alte Farb” was built on the same spot as Runkel’s first dye house. The preserved building, however, dates back to 1928 and was restored 90 years later in close consultation with the monument preservation authorities, largely gutted inside and rebuilt. Since then, the Alte Färberei has combined its historic exterior with a modern interior that offers space for up to 30 people.
Whether for family reunion, a party with friends or workshops – the guest house is rented only as a whole and has five bedrooms with double beds, two triple rooms and 14 more mattresses that can be distributed on the floor in a large room in the attic. The heart of the house is a 70 m2 multifunctional room on the first floor, which can function as a dining room, living room, reading room, playroom, study, home theater, seminar room and party zone – depending on your mood and needs. Furnished with three large solid wood tables and casual stools and beanbags. For more privacy, the room can also be divided with the help of shelves. To make cooking a communal experience, there is a well-equipped kitchen with a large cooking island. If the attic is not used as a bed space, there is additional room for yoga sessions, play sessions or playful kids.
While preserving the old building fabric, the house was thoroughly renovated with time and patience and, using particularly high-quality materials, in accordance with the requirements of a listed building. The entire interior design as well as the furnishings are minimalist, clear, bright and of refined craftsmanship – with bright color accents. Very much a dyer’s house.




What to do
Swimming in or canoeing on the Lahn, various water sports activities such as stand-up paddling or rafting, hiking and biking along the Lahn hiking trail, in the Kerkerbachtal valley or on the planetary nature trail, visiting Runkel Castle or the 300-year-old Hofen mill, cooking together, sightseeing in Limburg or pilgrimage along the Lahn (Lahncamino).
Why we like this house
Hidden behind a historic façade - plenty of space for all those who finally want to get together again or learn to know each other
This house is great for
For meetings with family or friends, workshops, seminars, corporate events or as a workation.
Sustainability
Public transport: Runkel train station is a few minutes walk away, with direct connections to Limburg or Fulda, the ICE train station Limburg-Süd is 10 minutes away by car and 50 meters from the house there is a bus stop with local connections.









Details
Region | DE – Germany, Hesse, Runkel |
Name | Alte Färberei Runkel |
Scenery | Directly on the Lahn in the Mittelahn Valley |
Number of guests | Max. 30 (5 bedrooms with double beds, two bedrooms with triple beds and a large attic with many mattresses). |
Completed | 1928, 2022 (renovation) |
Design | Nicole Lieber (architect) Baugilde Architekten, Diez |
Architecture | Listed building - old, Old & new |
Accomodation | House |
Criteria | 8+ (house/apartment), Dog-friendly, Family, Hiking, Lake/river, Meeting, Workation, No car needed |
Availability calendar
The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with white background the accommodation is still available. On days with dark gray background the accommodation is not available.
Write a comment