Former Castle Hotels in Germany

The former fortress stood in 13th century. Hotel Burg Wernberg rises above the beautiful town of Wernberg-Köblitz and was converted into a hotel back in 1953. Guests have been able to enjoy the Gothic charm of the building along with the more contemporary appeal of the cuisine, much of which is reliant on regional produce. Rooms are elegantly furnished with age-old artistry with modern comforts.

The Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg has a rich and varied past, steeped in historical significance. It began its journey in the late 17th century when Prince-Elector Johann Wilhelm II commissioned its construction as a "Maison de Rétraite". Influenced by the grandeur of Versailles and Winchester Castle, this breathtaking location atop the Bensberg mountain terrace overlooks the cathedral city of Cologne, embodying a blend of majesty and tranquility. Initially intended as a hunting lodge for Johann Wilhelm's second wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, the plan was revised to create an impressive castle after the prince-elector's visit to Versailles. The scale of the castle astounded visitors of the era, among whom was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

However, the castle bore witness to an unfortunate twist of fate. After the prince-elector's death in 1716, without ever having graced his "Rhenish Versailles", his widow returned to Italy, taking along all the artists, plasterers, and painters who were contributing to the castle's completion. As a result, the building remained unfinished, subsequently serving as a military hospital, cadet school, boarding school, and refugee center across different periods. In 1997, a significant turn of events transpired when the Aachener & Münchener life insurance company purchased the dilapidated building. With an investment of 75 million Euros, they transformed the historical edifice into an internationally renowned luxury hotel. In 2000, the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg opened its doors, thus, inaugurating a new chapter in its illustrious history.

The castle of Hugenpoet was first mentioned as far back as the 8th century, when it used to be Charlemagne's manor house. The castle was completely destroyed during feuds in the 15th century and it was rebuilt close to its ruins. It took the shape it has today in the 17th century and it was used as a private residence first and as a temporary hosting ground for a museum later on. In the 1950s, the castle was turned into a hotel.

SCHLOSS Fleesensee was initially built in 1842 by Ludwig Graf von Blücher, but it was soon destroyed in a fire that broke out in 1912. During WWII, the castle was used as a military hospital by the Soviet Army, while it has also been used as a family home, a nursery school, a shop and even an egg collecting point. As soon as communism collapsed, the castle was turned into a luxurious hotel and has been welcoming guests and providing them with the most magical experience ever since.

Schloss Tangermünde boasts a history that dates as far back as the 11th century, when the first mention of the castle was noted. Having been the residence of various emperors, kings, counts and princes, and being located behind a strong fortification in a historic city, the castle manages to retain some of its original charm and period atmosphere even today. A museum is also available where interested guests can learn more about the exciting history of the castle and the area which spans centuries.

At the end of the 16th century, the main building, the moat and the gardens of what would much later be Schlosshotel Münchhausen started to be constructed. Throughout the centuries, the castle has attracted many visitors mainly due to its wonderful location and its lush natural surroundings. It was turned into a hotel in 2002 after extensive renovations, but its original splendour and historic atmosphere were kept intact.

Although it was built in 1997, Göbels Schlosshotel "Prinz von Hessen" is a unique and luxurious castle hotel like no other. The hotel is built on the premises of the moated Friedewald Castle, aiming to provide a place where guests can relax and feel like royalty while enjoying the idyllic natural surroundings and delving more into the deep history of the castle.

The castle was initially constructed in the late 1550s by a rich minter. After his death, various barons and counts resided in the castle, and in the 20th century it came under the possession of the German government that turned it into a recovery house for girls. In the 1990s, the castle was renovated and opened as the castle hotel that it is today.