After living in Germany for a half-dozen years I will never forget the dramatic castles rising on mountain tops, presiding over riverbends and tucked between majestic mountains. Many of these castles have been restored and turned into luxury hotels that can fill any medieval or royal fantasy.
These luxury castle hotel resorts allow visitors to experience pure luxury and enjoy fantastic spas, great cuisine, preserved nature, spectacular views and, at some noble residences, first class golf courses. The German National Tourist Office provided this list of a handful of castle resorts than can get any wannabe king or queen started on a regal vacation. There are more spread throughout the country waiting to be discovered.
Situated in the beautiful Alps, 3300 feet above sea level in a secluded alpine hideaway of magical beauty lies Castle Elmau. A stay here is a sensuous experience combining nature, luxurious spas, high culture and modern architecture for spa aficionados, gourmets, families and global nomads. Relax in spacious rooms, suites, lounges offering the luxury of diversity, space and privacy. Revitalize in four luxury spas and enjoy sophisticated cultural soirees. Some of the Alps’ best skiing slopes and a challenging golf course are just minutes away from the castle.
In the middle of Germany close to Frankfurt, luxury, royal tradition and history is combined at the Castle Kronberg. The Castle Hotel Kronberg was built in the year 1889 by Empress Victoria, Queen Victoria’s daughter and wife of Friedrich II. Empress Victoria lived in the castle until 1901 and made this place a center of hospitality with her charm and her liberal attitude. This magnificent spirit is preserved until today and gives the Castle Hotel Kronberg its unusual atmosphere. No matter if you want to have a unique meeting, wedding or just enjoy your leisure time, this castle hotel is an appropriate location for any occasion.
Another historic villa provides a luxurious and interesting overnight. The historical Villa Rothschild, also near Frankfurt, was built for the financier Wilhelm Carl von Rothschild. Since 1949 it has been called the “birth place of the Federal Republic” because of the meetings held that led to the foundation of the GFR after World War II. Villa Rothschild continues to be a popular meeting place in the 21st century. With 22 rooms, three function rooms and one Michelin star decorated gourmet restaurant, this castle is one of the most fascinating places in the Taunus region with a breathtaking view of the River Main.
Far north on the Baltic Sea, not far from Berlin, at Castle Hotel Teschow you can enjoy a game of golf, spa treatments, cuisine and an unrivaled way of life at one of the most beautiful golf-and wellness hotels in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. On an area of 288 acres including a castle park and a golf course, this hotel offers you an extraordinary ensemble of adventure and recreation of golf and pleasure. Enjoy the gorgeous landscape at the Lake District right next to Lake Teterow. With four restaurants Teschow is also a culinary highlight offering high class Mediterranean, French and Thai cuisine.
Also in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania just one hour away from Berlin, the luxurious Castle Fleesensee is surrounded by the charming landscape of the Lake District and the Mueritz National Park. Today’s Radisson SAS Resort Schloss Fleesensee was built in 1842 and known as the “Bluecher Castle,” after the Prussian general who beat Napoleon. This outstanding castle combines traditional and historic style with modern classiness. Fleesensee’s 184 rooms and suites within both the historic part and the elegant newly built side wings offer guests the perfect surroundings for a wonderful vacation. After playing one of the three 18-hole or two 9-hole golf courses in “Land Fleesensee,” horse riding or cycling, you can relax at the “Golden Spa.”
These are only the tip of Germany’s castle hotel and resort iceberg. A simple search on the Internet will provide scores of other castle hotels throughout the country. Some nestled along riverbanks and others in spreading park lands. And as long as the royal inclination is intact, head out to other castle hotels across Europe. Britain and Ireland are replete with castles and palaces. Portugal has a series of Pousadas and Spain has a complete collection of restored castles in their acclaimed Parador system.
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
