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Germany is famous not only for Oktoberfest and bratwurst, but also for its baroque palaces ( schloss ) and medieval castles that dot picturesque regions like the Rhine Valley and stretch along routes like the Romantic Road from Würzburg to Füssen. Of course, not all castles are created equal: some offer more than others when it comes to a romantic vacation or a vacation with the little ones. We’ve rounded up just some of the best castle stays in the country, whether you’re looking for beautiful scenery to walk on, world-class restaurants, or just a lovely place to relax with your significant other. Read on for our top picks below.
Best Overall: Castlehotel Schönburg
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Widely known as one of Germany’s finest castles, Castlehotel Schönburg is a beautifully preserved property dating back to somewhere between 911 and 1166. While the date of its construction is up in the air, one thing is certain: Schönburg is It has run as a hotel since 1957, courtesy of the Hüttl family. Today, Castlehotel Schönburg overlooks the romantic town of Oberwesel, as well as its lush surroundings, and offers 25 uniquely decorated rooms, as well as a library, fireplace lounge, prison tower and courtyard offering stunning Unbeatable views of the Rhine Valley. Dinner, which is included with your stay, is delicious and comes in four courses, often involving local game and duck. While the restaurant isn’t always open for lunch, given the castle ‘
Best budget: Burg Colmberg
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If you’re looking for value, you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal than Burg Colmberg. Rooms start at just over $ 150 a night, but that doesn’t mean the 1,000-plus-year-old castle skimps on charm, service, or modern amenities. Sitting atop a nearly 1,700-foot peak, Burg Colmberg serves up some serious castle walls, charming courtyards, and roaring fireplaces for a stay that feels authentically medieval. The rooms are fascinating, with classic castle features like half-timbered walls and wooden four-poster beds. Breakfast is included each morning and the restaurant really makes things up for dinner with their Franconian menu. Lovers of outdoor recreation will appreciate the castle’s location, in the middle of a nature reserve, making it a convenient starting point for hikers and cyclists. Meanwhile, those who prefer to snuggle up with a good book will find plenty of places on the castle grounds. Do you have a car and are looking to explore the region? Guests will love the castle’s location on the 200-mile Romantic Road that winds through picturesque villages and stunning scenery.
Best for families: Schlosshotel Harburg
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Located along Germany’s romantic Romantic Road, the over 1000-year-old Schlosshotel Harburg immediately recalls fairytale illustrations with stone buildings and red roofs. Rooms here are traditionally furnished and a bit basic, but larger options offer a king-size bed and a sleeper sofa in the adjacent living room that sleeps little ones comfortably. Our advice: request a west-facing room for beautiful sunset views. Continental and a la carte breakfasts are offered on-site, so you can embark on a day of family activities, whether it’s hiking, biking, or sightseeing in the city below, with full bellies. At the end of a full day, return home for a rustic Bavarian dinner and for adults: a few restorative beers in the hotel tavern.
Best Boutique: Hotel Burg Wernburg
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The first known history of the Burg Wernburg hotel was in 1280 when it was bought by the King of Paulsdorf, but now, more than 700 years later, the castle functions as a charming boutique hotel, with a drawbridge, a courtyard and medieval rooms. Although much of the castle retains its old-world charm, the immaculate rooms combine rustic and modern elements. For an especially indulgent stay, enjoy a night or two in one of the royal-level suites, which are hidden from other rooms and decorated with Regency-era furniture, stone walls, and tapestries. The hotel’s spa is also quite charming, with hot chocolate massages and local chalk poultice treatments offered in arched stone vaults. The hotel’s restaurant, Kastell, offers locally sourced Bavarian haute cuisine, and guests who want to take their gastronomic passions one step further can enroll in cooking classes at the castle’s chef Robert Morgan’s on-site. Golfers take note: there is a course attached to the castle, so bring your clubs for a scenic round.
Best for luxury: Schloss Hugenpoet
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Located near the town of Kettwig, this charming property dates back to the 17th century (or the 8th, if you consider earlier incarnations), and ticks all the boxes for a great castle stay. Here you will find excellent food, luxurious rooms, a picturesque setting and a moat of tales. If you are tempted to stay on site to eat, which you should definitely do, there are two restaurants, one with a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide and the other with Germany’s first Louis Roederer wine bar. The castle’s 36 modern rooms are spread across the fortress, as well as a carriage and guardhouse. Accommodations are cozy and well-maintained, with modern updates and jewel-toned touches. For a true luxury experience, we suggest a stay at the beautiful Villa Tuermchen, located in the outer courtyard of the castle.
Best for romance: Schlosshotel Steinburg
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With grounds and architecture that seem like a succinct combination of castle, palace and manor house, a stay at the Schlosshotel Steinburg is guaranteed romantic. Perched high on a hill amidst the picturesque Würzburger Stein vineyards overlooking the baroque city of Wurzburg, the castle hall stretches across both ‘Castle Manor’ and ‘Country Manor’. Guests will find that both are luxurious, with brightly colored textiles and styles. ranging from baroque to modern. We suggest at least one dinner on the spot – locally sourced Franconian meals are delicious, and guests should make sure to enjoy at least one glass of wine, said to be Goethe’s favorite. If you come in summer, the outdoor terrace is a lovely place to dine, thanks to its views of the surrounding countryside. the hotel offers a “love dinner” with a cheesy (but delicious) theme; Couples can also book food in a larger getaway package that includes goodies like champagne and a specially decorated room.
Best view: Castle Hotel Liebenstein
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Naturally, the Castle Hotel Liebenstein, the tallest fortress in the Rhine River Valley, boasts some of the best views in the country. Perched on the river, you look out over forested hills to take in the romantic scenery below, all of which are listed on UNESCO world heritage sites. Hikers love the positioning, too: the hotel is located on the remarkably scenic Rheinsteig trail (so close, in fact, that the path runs through the castle courtyard). After a busy day of hiking, guests can retreat to comfortable and clean rooms, each of which is located within the castle and furnished in a medieval style. Although Wi-Fi is available in all common areas of the castle, the property is relatively disconnected, so don’t expect a TV with access to Netflix or anything like that. For a special meal The hotel offers candlelight dinners with five traditional courses. Please note that the hotel closes at the end of winter between the beginning of January and the middle of April.
Best Hostel: Castle Hostel Stahleck
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If you’ve ever wanted to vacation like a prince but have a poor man’s budget, check into the Castle Hostel Stahleck (also advertised as Bacharach Hostel). It is housed in a 12th century castle in Germany’s incredible Rhine Valley, with a tower overlooking the dreamy romantic town of Stahleck. Inside, 170 beds are distributed in rooms with configurations of one, two and multiple beds. The Middle Rhine region is known for its picturesque vineyards, in fact they surround the village itself, and hiking, so there is plenty to do in the surrounding area, and the hostel is open to travelers of all kinds, from solo tourists to large groups of friends. If you are cycling in the area, the hotel is a suitable place for bicycles. Just don’t be late for your check-in – an additional 20 euros are charged for every hour travelers are late.
Best for nature lovers: Hotel Burg Trendelburg
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It should come as no surprise that one of Germany’s best castle hotels is situated in the Weser Highlands, the setting for the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales. Trendelburg Castle dates from the 13th century and is the jewel of the surrounding village. Much of the property’s original architecture remains and enchants guests today. Stay behind the thick castle walls in one of the building’s 22 individually decorated rooms and take a stroll through the cobbled courtyard. From there, you can take a look at the Rapunzel-like tower or, for something a little more kinky, head to the castle’s old torture chamber. Guests love how well the hotel is located for a walking or cycling holiday through the picturesque German countryside. Those interested in exploring Kassel will find that the city is only a 40-minute drive away.
