Inn Zur Krone” in Wendershausen closes due to contaminated gasoline!

Inn Zur Krone” in Wendershausen closes due to contaminated gasoline!

In Wendershausen, the traditional inn “Zur Krone” will soon close its doors. Wina Diekhof, who only took over the inn from Reiner Apel during its ongoing operations in 2024, is forced to give up due to serious environmental problems and financial hurdles. Although reservations were fully booked through the end of the year and operations were going well, legacy issues from a gas station that has been closed for 50 years pose a serious problem that cannot be ignored. HNA reports that Diekhof commissioned a report that confirmed that the soil was contaminated with old gasoline. The removal of these contaminated sites would entail costs of at least 100,000 euros - an amount that Diekhof simply cannot afford.

Wina Diekhof has already invested a high five-figure sum in the renovation of the inn in order to revitalize both the guest rooms and the beer garden. Their entire business plan also included building a farm shop on the site of the old gas station in order to expand the offerings for guests and secure EU funding. But despite these efforts, the lack of a report on the absence of contaminated sites and the subsequent discovery of contamination ultimately thwarted their plans.

An unfortunate end

After a vacation in Sweden, during which Diekhof learned about the results of the report, the decision was made to give up the inn. First she informed her 15 employees, who will work in Wendershausen until the end of December. “I doubt that someone will be able to take over the inn,” said Diekhof concerned, while at the same time she plans to concentrate more on her gardening business and the “Knofi & so” factory.

The “Zur Krone” inn was not only a place for good food and get-togethers, but also a retreat for many locals and travelers. Inns, as they are known in the region, often offer a mix of restaurant, bar and overnight accommodation, often family-run and deeply rooted in the small communities. Many such establishments can point to generations of traditions that shape the culture of hospitality in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. These types of establishments, like the Gasthaus “Zur Krone”, are usually equipped with loving facilities and family warmth.

With the impending end of the inn in Wendershausen, a piece of local history will be lost. Many will miss the warm atmosphere and good food that the “Krone” has offered over the years. Wikipedia added that the concept of the inn is widespread in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and often plays a central role in the social life of the community.