LAGO hotel & restaurant am see
Bauhaus-adjacent modernism with a lakeside nature escape feel. Not stuffy — the family ownership keeps it grounded. Think Nordic boathouse meets German design rigour.
The HfG design exhibition is on the 5th floor — most guests walk past it without noticing
Why It Matters
One of the rare urban hotels where you can swim in a natural lake, eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and catch a tram to the city centre — all within the same property. The HfG design heritage is woven into the fabric of the place: Ulmer chairs, TC100 tableware, even a small design exhibition on the 5th floor.
A family-run 4-star design hotel sitting directly on a natural lake in Ulm's Friedrichsau city park. The modernist building draws on the legacy of the Ulm School of Design (HfG Ulm) — the influential institution shuttered in 1968 whose students had a hand in the fifth-floor plans. Inside you'll find clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and 60 rooms that face either the lake or the park. The on-site Seestern holds a Michelin star, and the casual Treibgut next door runs on produce from the hotel's own in-house manufactory.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Double Room Comfort
The entry-level category. North-facing rooms across floors 1-5. Compact and well-designed — the 22 sqm footprint is honest but the quality of materials and natural light keep it from feeling tight. Good for guests who spend most of their time at the lake or restaurants.
22 sqm
Double Room Deluxe
The most practical upgrade — 28 sqm, north-facing, with the added benefit that this is the only category offering a barrier-free bathroom option. Also where the dog-friendly rooms live (mention at booking). Spacious enough that you won't feel crowded.
28 sqmDouble Room Exclusive
The showpiece room. 25.2 sqm but the panoramic outlook across the lake, Friedrichsau park, and the Danube simultaneously makes it feel much bigger. Corner position on floors 1–5. The view at dawn is genuinely special.
25.2 sqmDouble Room Seeblick (Lake View)
Same size as the Comfort rooms but the lake view changes everything. Floors 1–5, south-facing side. Worth the upgrade if you're staying more than one night.
22 sqmFamily Room
The largest standard category at 26 sqm. Sleeps 2 adults and up to 2 children (max age 12) on a sofa bed, plus one baby in a crib. One of the few rooms with a bathtub rather than a shower. The sofa bed is described as tight for kids over 12 — the hotel recommends booking an extra room for older children.
26 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Monthly balance board fitness course. Check hotel schedule for upcoming dates.
Hot air balloon rides available — launch from close to the hotel. Arranged through the hotel.
Free bicycles available on request at reception, subject to availability. No helmets available. Great for cycling through Friedrichsau or along the Danube into the city centre.
A 9-hole golf course near Neu-Ulm, described as one of the most beautiful in southern Germany. Hotel can arrange beginner lessons or book a full round. Playing/proficiency license required for a full round.
A small exhibition on the 5th floor dedicated to the Ulm School of Design (HfG Ulm), one of the most internationally significant design schools after the Bauhaus. The hotel itself features HfG-designed objects: the Ulmer chair, the Ulmer door handle, TC100 tableware.
Guests can swim directly in the natural lake from the hotel jetty. A ladder at the end of the jetty provides access. Note: this is a natural lake — plants and wildlife are part of it. An outdoor shower is available in the hotel garden.
Guided Segway tours of Ulm and Friedrichsau via external partner. Book directly through www.segtours-ulm.de.
Every Sunday, yoga classes run in room E61 on the 6th floor. Free for hotel guests — borrow a mat from reception if needed.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Rooms with hardwood (parquet) flooring designated as allergy-friendly.
One barrier-free bathroom available in the Double Room Deluxe category. Request when booking.
Three individually designed conference rooms in the hotel, plus direct connection to the Ulm Messe (exhibition centre) with additional event space.
Stocked with water and craft beer from the hotel's own brewery. Included in all room rates.
Rooms are cooled and heated using the thermal energy of the lake. Operates via in-room ventilation controls.
Free garden loungers and a shaded pavilion area. Available in summer.
Terrace and beach chairs on the hotel jetty. Not reservable — first-come-first-served.
Dogs welcome in the Double Room Deluxe category. €20 per pet per night. Bowl provided.
Strictly non-smoking throughout. Designated outdoor smoking area available. Violation incurs a 2-night penalty charge.
Food and drink delivered to your room during restaurant opening hours. €8.50 fee per order.
Gold-certified Green Care Hotel for environmental engagement. Includes opt-in green housekeeping (skip daily cleaning for a small gift).
Free outdoor parking directly at the hotel. Public lot — don't leave valuables in the car.
Multiple EV charging points in front of the hotel. Ask reception for location details.
'Donauhalle' stop for Tram Line 1. Ulm Hauptbahnhof in 9 minutes. Tickets purchasable at the station counter.
6th floor panorama sauna, steam bath, and saunarium. Included in all room rates.
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