One of the most fun things to do driving on the Autobahn (besides pretending to be a speed racer) is keeping one eye out on the countryside on the lookout for castles. I have a German friend who once told me that if you see a hill you will likely see a castle. Schloss’ meaning castle (your welcome for your new favorite German word) will undoubtedly be on your itinerary if you are traveling through Germany and thankfully there is no shortage of them and each one is unique and outstandingly beautiful in its own way. But why not take your visit to the next level with a stay in a few of these castles? Just outside of Frankfurt the Prince of Hessen has renovated and opened up 2 of his family’s castles into some of the best castle hotels in Germany. Having stayed at both Hotel Jagdschloss Kranichstein and Schlosshotel Kronberg, I don’t think I have ever had such enchanting stays that really made me feel like royalty. Having nearly fulfilled my younger self’s lifelong dream of becoming a princess, I can say it is an experience that should not be missed. Find out what staying in 2 of the best castle hotels in Germany was like and uplevel your stay at these can’t be missed fairytale accommodations.
Hotel Jagdschloss Kranichstein
When they say to do something to make your younger self proud, no matter what I accomplish I don’t think anything will ever top staying in this pink castle. Hotel Jagdschloss Kranichstein, located in Darmstadt is less than an hour outside of Frankfurt and has been graced by lots of royalty in its history, including honoring Queen Victoria of England on her visits to Germany. What was once the hunting castle of the royal family of Hessen, now offers luxurious stays and miles of trails of the once hunting grounds to guests at this historic site. Incredibly preserved but also updated with all modern luxuries, this enchanting castle really feels like you are escaping the modern world to be whisked off on a royal retreat.
Walking along the pond with great trees towering and draping themselves over the water and seeing the beautiful, pink castle peak above in the background feels like something taken out of a fairytale book. It’s moments like that I am astounded by the beauty that is available for us to experience and helps make Hotel Jagdschloss one of the best castle hotels in Germany. From the fine dining at their restaurant to admiring the stunning building and luxurious decor, your senses are indulged, and taking pleasure in all this estate has to offer is far too easy (I’ll admit I could never make it anywhere on time during this stay due to enjoying myself a little too long anywhere we found ourselves on property) I don’t think I would have minded too much to have been a princess locked away on this forest estate and am looking forward to another enchanting visit again.
Schlosshotel Kronberg
Grand. Splendor. Prestige. Those were the feelings that came as I drove through the giant iron gates onto the estate and walked into the awe-inspiring grand hall and sitting room of the entrance. I believe I had just entered a whole new level, there was luxury and then there was royalty and this was definitely the latter. I found myself quite intimidated questioning who I was to feel like I had the authority to walk into the home of such royalty. But then I reminded myself, oh wait, this is mine for my stay. I get to be the royalty.
Ever been to some historical exhibit and said something like “Can you imagine what it must have been like to live like this?” Staying at Schloss Kronberg will help paint the picture. From the bottle of Reisling from the royal family’s own vineyard that was waiting for us in our room, to the turndown service, to each plate of food in the 5 course dinner, to the perfectly groomed landscaping of the maze garden, grounds, and stable, every little detail was perfectly exquisite. And each morning waking up and walking down the grand staircase and peering into the impressive, grandiose decor of the sitting room, you could believe you were on the set of a period piece movie or living among furniture that they usually have taped off at a museum that says “do not touch.” How could any of this be real life or allowed in the “normal” world? Unless you come from such royalty and this is daily life for you, staying at this castle will without a doubt be one of the most memorable experiences you can have. Schloss Kronberg tops the list of the best castle hotels in Germany because they really make you feel like royalty throughout your entire stay.
Just like everyone else who visits Germany, you will visit the sites and see the things and do the tour and have the few hour visits and walkthroughs but to actually have such an immersive experience as getting the chance to stay in some of these grand castles, is just so incredibly special and unique. Suddenly it makes it personal, it makes it yours. You’re not just peering into the window and being a visitor but now you get to leave your mark and make memories in such a setting. Besides just being able to admire and take in all the lovely things about Germany, these experiences ended up being some of the highlights of my time there. To take your visit to a whole other level, having the experience of staying in the two best castle hotels in Germany will make it a trip of a lifetime. I am so grateful to the royal family of Hessen for opening up their beautiful castles and giving us the experience of the fairytale life. Can’t wait to do it again!
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