C ASTL E HOTEL OF THE MON TH
Welcome to the fairy-tale castle Nestled in an English park and surrounded by a water moat, Schlosshotel Münchhausen looks like an enchanted fairy-tale castle from the first glimpse from afar. Once owned by the family of legendary ‘Baron of Lies’ Hieronymus CarlFriedrich Freiherr von Münchhausen, it’s an oasis for wellness, rest and culinary delights. The Michelin-awarded gourmet kitchen, the luxurious facilities and two 18-hole golf courses ensure a stellar trip. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: SCHLOSSHOTEL MÜNCHHAUSEN
The moated Schwöbber Castle dates back to 1570 and was built in the style of the Weser Renaissance by Hilmar von Münchhausen, an ancestor of the infamous ‘Baron of Lies’. Today, the castle belongs to the Popken family, who turned the historic building into a successful fivestar superior private hotel in 2004. The castle is located right in the terrific Weserbergland nature park, just a stonethrow away from the well-known pied piper town of Hameln. Thanks to two adjacent 18-hole golf courses, this is a true haven for golfers, on top of everything else it already offers. Culture enthusiasts are also in the right place at Schlosshotel Münchhausen, as culture and print media representative 86 | Issue 80 | November 2019
Andrea Gerstenberger confirms: “Behind the almost 450-year old castle walls, guests can look forward to a sophisticated atmosphere featuring modern luxury – but most importantly, with a lot of character and charm. All rooms and suites are individually furnished with interiors from all over the world. Our hotel lounge is the knight’s hall with historic murals and an impressive fireplace. The cultural programme includes castle matinees and classic open-air concerts in the illuminated courtyard.” In 1716, the big garden hosted Europe’s most comprehensive plant collection, including pineapple cultivation, and it was even admired by Tsar Peter the Great. In 1840, it became an English garden, perfect for a stroll. The new spa offers deep relax-
ation across 800 square metres, with an 18-metre-long indoor pool, various saunas and steam baths, a micro-salt-lounge, an ice fountain and more. Schlosshotel Münchhausen is also a place for culinary highlights. “Our gourmet restaurant, with the corresponding restaurant ‘1570’ – Petit Gourmet led by head chef Achim Schwekendiek, holds one Michelin star amongst various other awards,” Gerstenberger adds. Guests are encouraged to go visit ‘1570’ for a taste of real gourmet food. Every dish is served as an intermediate course for 15,70 euros and is prepared with the same ingredients and by the same chefs as in the gourmet restaurant. The castle’s stylish bar is a great place to unwind afterwards. But this wouldn’t be a true fairy-tale castle without chapel and registry. Weddings taking place before a stunning backdrop – and even with the option of a helicopter entrance – are more than welcome at Schlosshotel Münchhausen. www.schlosshotel-muenchhausen.com