Once upon a time there was an unfinished castle, a moody mountain spirit and magical turnips. You don't know this fairy tale yet? It doesn't matter, I'll tell you, because in Schwangau you can just make your own fairy tale come true.
press trip
Schwangau: With a view of Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle
When fairytale hours turn into entire fairytale days that you wish would never end, then you're probably in one of Germany's most magical and beautiful places: Schwangau . Where else can you gaze upon such a beautiful and unique castle, one that even served as inspiration for Disney's animated films and logo? It's no wonder, then, that streams of tourists have been flocking to this tranquil community for decades. Neuschwanstein Castle is n't the only castle in Schwangau, even if it does steal the show from its neighbor, Hohenschwangau Castle . Schwangau is worth a visit all year round, but it becomes a truly special spectacle in winter when the landscape transforms into a white winter wonderland.
The romantic Wellness Hotel Rübezahl
For the best views of both castles, look no further than the enchanting Hotel "Das Rübezahl ." This romantic hotel is located in the Horn district of Schwangau. Even before my arrival, the fairytale-like hotel name, "Das Rübezahl," piqued my curiosity. There's also an interesting story behind it: Rübezahl is the name of the mountain spirit in the Giant Mountains. One day, he falls in love with Princess Emma and abducts her to his underground realm. The princess longs for home, so the mountain spirit gives her magical turnips that can take on any shape she desires. However, as soon as the turnips wither, the magic disappears. The princess promises the mountain spirit her hand in marriage if he can tell her the number of turnips he has planted especially for her in the field. However, the princess only intends to deceive him, for while he begins counting and repeatedly miscounts, the princess seizes the opportunity to fly on a turnip transformed into a Pegasus to her beloved Prince Ratibor and mock the mountain spirit known as "Rübezahl." Since then, it is said that the mountain spirit's wrath can be felt throughout his realm, the Giant Mountains, whenever his name is mentioned.
After reading the story, I somehow felt sorry for the mountain spirit. After all, while he is described as moody and odd, he is also good-natured and the warmest of friends. A man with rough edges. The rock star of the fairytale world. And yet the princess decides on a rather anonymous and slippery prince. But Rübezahl is a really likeable and interesting fairy tale character. So it doesn't surprise me that the hotel bears his name. But there is another explanation for how the name Rübezahl came to be in the Allgäu: Since the parents of the hotel owner Mr. Thurm come from an area in the Giant Mountains, they decided to christen the house "Rübezahl" as a tribute to their old homeland. And the name says it all in the hotel: magical, warm and comfortable.
The rooms: Cozy and romantic atmosphere
From the first moment I felt in the hotel very well cared for and at ease. On the one hand, this is due to the dream setting with a view of both Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau Castle, but on the other hand, it is also due to the extremely friendly, cordial and attentive staff. As soon as you enter the lobby with its cozy fireplace lounge, you feel at home as a guest. The attention to detail can be felt throughout the hotel: whether at the reception, in the room or in the restaurants. Everything is lovingly furnished and tastefully designed, which creates a very cozy and romantic atmosphere. The hotel is also extremely well maintained and clean. My room was extremely large and comfortable with a fireplace and lots of wood details. I felt like I was in a beautiful, luxurious and cozy forest cabin. I particularly liked the combination of alpine and modern elements.
Room view on the terrace
The Wellness SPA: pure relaxation between alpine comfort and elegance
The spa area is really beautiful and is reminiscent of a Roman bath. There are several saunas, a tepidarium (40°C), a parlor sauna (80° - 90°C) and a herbal steam bath (55°C). There are enough towels and delicious teas for the perfect relaxation. Above all, the panorama sauna with a direct view of both castles simply has to be experienced. A special highlight is the heated outdoor pool and the rock whirlpool. After a swim you can make yourself comfortable in the fireplace room.
Hotel Rübezahl: A romantic hotel for connoisseurs
The Hotel Rübezahl is a romantic hotel for connoisseurs, where you can unwind and really relax. From the elegant restaurant you can also enjoy a view of the Alps and the two castles. The breakfast leaves nothing to be desired: from pancakes, various omelette variations and fresh fruit to homemade jam, everything your heart desires is there! But dinner is also a real treat. The most delicious dishes are conjured up in the kitchen. Both Mediterranean and typical regional dishes are offered, all of which are very fresh and of high quality. The whole thing is rounded off with an ideal service. The service is attentive, professional and cordial. You can tell that the employees love their jobs. And this good mood is passed on to the guests.
On my travels I have already visited many luxurious hotels and had to realize that a family atmosphere is unfortunately not always a matter of course. In the Hotel Rübezahl, however, both luxury and Bavarian warmth are successfully combined. The hotel really pampers its guests in every respect. I used to prefer to vacation abroad. Germany was not necessarily a desirable travel destination for me. In the meantime, however, I have fundamentally changed my opinion. There are incredibly beautiful places in Germany and Schwangau is definitely one of them. I didn't want to leave at all. Because where else can you greet two castles in the morning, run into young deer on a walk and really feel like you are in a fairy tale that you can write yourself. I have also found that in a magical place like Schwangau it is impossible to get lost, because whichever way you choose, the castle is enthroned like a magical white compass, pointing the way to the most beautiful views.
That looks really fantastically beautiful there, I could use that now.
Sandy GOLDEN SHIMMER