If you follow the delicious aroma of Greek dishes, you will automatically end up in Friedrichsthal. The hosts Dimitri and Ioannis Gianikis warmly welcome their guests here, just as other hosts have done since the 18th century. But it wasn't just gastronomy that defined this location over the centuries.

It all began with Joachim Meyer from Langen Bütz. He opened the first establishment at exactly this spot in 1738, at what is now Lärchenallee 3. On his leased land in the outer Lankow field, the "Hellkrug" stood at that time. People from the old farming village would now drift into the new establishment when they longed for nice company and good food. A blacksmith next door made the tavern even more popular with Schwerin residents eight years later. They could visit the establishment by horse-drawn carriage and confidently have their horses taken care of at the neighboring house. In the following years, Johann Christian Schultz and his descendants then ran the inn from 1798 to 1885, until the Dreyer family took over the management.

This changed the old "Hellkrug": In the new "Gasthaus Dreyer," the family added a dining room, and the actual tavern was converted into a hotel. In the new garden, guests could sit together nicely and exchange stories about the day's events. Those who wanted a quick cool-off in the summer or wished to go for a short hike probably headed towards Lake Neumühler and the bathing area. With four changing cabins, a diving board, rowboats, and a non-swimmer area, the bathing spot offered something for everyone. For families, Friedrichsthal thus became a popular destination.

During World War II, the hotel restaurant underwent a transformation. First, a nurses' home moved into the inn, then an auxiliary hospital was opened, and finally, emergency accommodation was set up.
A new industry followed in 1961. The "Waldblick" consumer cooperative was then located in the premises on Lärchenallee.

Dimitri Gianikis turned the house back into a restaurant and has been living Greek hospitality at "Hermes" with his family since 1994. The Greek messenger of the gods is the namesake for the restaurant. And fittingly for the messenger, the menu comes in the form of a newspaper.

The restaurant in Friedrichsthal is known for its excellent cuisine, delicious drinks, and relaxed atmosphere. Guests feel like they're on vacation. This is partly due to the decor: A large aquarium, Greek busts, and reliefs transport visitors directly to the coasts of the Aegean. Idyllic water splashing, rustic coziness, or simply enjoying the sun – all of this is possible at Dimi's, because in good weather, "Hermes" also opens the covered summer terrace for its visitors. A small bridge leads over a stream, the seating areas are framed by the lush green of the larches. Here, small dishes like fried zucchini or stuffed vine leaves can be enjoyed just as well as large grill platters with souvlaki skewers, gyros, and lamb chops. A house specialty is the stifado – tender lamb meat, braised with shallots, and served with bread. There's also something for the little ones – both on the menu and near the tables: A small playground with climbing frames and a swing ensure that parents can relax with a glass of Marodaphne or Amethystos.

For special occasions, Dimi offers historic hospitality in the vault: Closed parties can almost feel the 300-year history here. In this atmosphere, guests can choose whether they want to eat à la carte or order a buffet in advance.

Finally, a small extra treat rounds off the restaurant visit. The Adonis plate with yogurt, ice cream, and fig honey is something special, and of course, you can drink an ouzo. Yamas!
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