Close to Our Heart
Rooted in Tradition
A family tradition for five generations.
Sometimes a picture says more than a thousand words – like the historic photo of our Öhlers inn, taken in the 1950s.
Cobblestones, a bicycle leaning against the wall, typical post-war cars parked out front, and the ornate façade with the sign “Gastwirtschaft Öhlers” – all of it tells the story of life and work in another era.
Back then, Öhlers was not only a place to eat and drink, but a meeting point for neighbors, craftsmen, travelers, and regulars. The “Kaiser Export” sign above the entrance announced freshly tapped beer, and anyone stepping through the door was welcomed with genuine hospitality – just as they are today.
Much has changed since then – and yet what defines us has remained: a passion for good food, the joy of welcoming guests, and a family spirit carried on through generations.
Our Promise to Future Generations
Today, the 5th generation runs our hotel-restaurant. Julian and Patrick Berndt, great-grandsons of the founders, continue with passion and fresh ideas right where their family once began: living hospitality, serving quality, and bringing people together. They combine the best of tradition and modernity – in the kitchen, in service, and in the atmosphere of the house.
Whether it’s a festive menu, a cozy dinner, or a relaxing stay at the hotel – you can feel it immediately: there is personality in everything we do. And that is exactly what has always defined Öhlers.
What matters to us for the future: In a world that turns ever faster, we want to remain a place where you can slow down – with honest cuisine, warm service, and an atmosphere that invites you to return. We believe in the power of meaningful encounters, in true craftsmanship, and in the unique spirit that arises when history and the present inspire each other.
Julian and Patrick Berndt (from left) are the ones leading Hotel-Restaurant Öhlers today.
Julian oversees management and organization, always being the first contact for both guests and team members.
Patrick’s passion lies in the kitchen. After training at the Maritim Airport Hotel in Hanover, he honed his skills at the legendary Hotel Adlon in Berlin, where he cooked for Hollywood greats like Will Smith.
In motion
Siince 1802
From Coaching Inn to Hotel-Restaurant Öhlers OHG
A house with history – and with stories.
What began in 1802 as a simple roadside station has, over the generations, grown into a place where people meet, celebrate, linger, and feel at home.
The story of our house is closely tied to the Öhlers family – and to the region once echoed by the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and later the rumble of the electric tram.
From tavern rights to bowling alleys, concerts, and cinema – and now to today’s Hotel-Restaurant Öhlers OHG – every chapter shows how the house has continuously reinvented itself, without ever losing its soul.
Join us on a little journey through three centuries of lived hospitality.
The beginnings – Rest stop, tavern, and event hall
As early as 1802, the house was used as a rest station. The new connection between Hanover and Nenndorf made the location attractive – first for horse-drawn carriages, later for the electric interurban tram (from 1898). During this time, the house was granted tavern rights, giving it the official permission to serve drinks.
In 1866, Heinrich Öhlers built the residential house (No. 42). Around 1903, the large hall was added, which for decades served as a bowling alley, gym, cinema, and event venue – a popular meeting place for many local clubs.
The second generation – Expansion and extension
In the 1930s, Heinrich Öhlers (b. 1887) and his wife Else took over the business.
After the birth of their only child, Elisabeth Berndt (b. 1932), the house was extended to create an apartment for the young family. In 1934, the striking lettering was painted on the façade – a hallmark that remains to this day.
Following health setbacks in the 1950s, the business was temporarily leased out. The hall remained unused for many years but was never forgotten.
In 1954, Elisabeth Öhlers married Ulrich Berndt. However, Ulrich pursued a successful career with the traffic police, so the restaurant continued to be run by tenants. The couple had two sons; their younger son, Rainer Berndt (b. 1960), eventually followed in his grandfather’s gastronomic footsteps.
The third generation – Renovation and new beginnings
In 1987, Rainer Berndt and his wife Regina brought fresh energy to the traditional house. They began a fundamental renovation – from the kitchen to cooling rooms, sanitary facilities, the bar area, and of course the dining room with its “Jägerzimmer.” Everything was modernized with great care.
The grand reopening took place on August 8, 1987. The concept: regular guests!
The path to becoming a hotel
Between 1994 and 1996, the large hall was transformed into a hotel wing. This was followed by numerous renovations:
• 2001: Restaurant and Jägerzimmer redesigned
• 2004–2015: Construction of the buffet area, conversion of the attic, new rooms
• 2021: Latest major renovation of the hotel rooms
Today: The fifth generation takes over
Since 2025, Julian and Patrick Berndt, sons of Regina and Rainer Berndt, have been running Hotel-Restaurant Öhlers OHG. Both are not only deeply rooted in the family business – they also bring fresh ideas, digital know-how, and a modern approach to hospitality.
With respect for history and an eye on the future, they ensure that Haus Öhlers will remain a place where people love to come together – to dine, celebrate, meet, or simply relax.
“Tradition obliges. Hospitality connects.” – This is what the name Öhlers stands for – yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
1802–1950
1951–1995
1996–2025
In the Early Days
1802–1845
Expansion of the connection Hanover – Bornum – Empelde – Ditterke – Nenndorf.
The house already held tavern rights (concession for serving drinks).
1898
Connection to the electric interurban tram Bad Nenndorf – Empelde – Barsinghausen.
The house became a rest stop for wagons.
c. 1866
Construction of the house by Heinrich Öhlers, listed as No. 42.
1903
Extension with the addition of the hall building.
1930
The son, also named Heinrich Öhlers, took over – the hall became a bowling alley, gymnasium, cinema, and event venue.
1933
Extension and elevation of the house.
Transition and Growth
1951
Tram lines 9 and 19 stop at the house.
1952–1965
For health reasons, the house was leased to Karl Griesecke for 20 years.
1965
The hall was closed, leaving only the tavern room in operation. The hall remained unused and fell into disrepair.
1972
Renovation of the tavern room and new lease to Härke Brewery.
1986
Renovation and fundamental modernization of the restaurant and the club room.
1994–1996
Conversion of the dilapidated hall into a hotel.
From Hotel to Öhlers OHG
Reopening under Regina and Rainer Berndt (son of Elisabeth Berndt, née Öhlers) with an opening celebration on August 6, 1996.
2001
Renovation of the restaurant.
2004–2013
Construction of the buffet area in the foyer, six new hotel rooms in the attic, new color schemes, and conversion of the “Jägerzimmer” into the Hannover Room.
2014
Renovation of rooms 20–28.
2015
Further attic expansion.
2021
Renovation of rooms 1–6.
2025
Reorganization into Hotel-Restaurant Öhlers OHG
Managing Directors: Julian Berndt & Patrick Berndt
