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Hotel Burg Wernberg – an exclusive weekend tip – My love of exquisite food, my interest in perfectly paired wines, and my ever-present wanderlust recently brought me to Wernberg. Perhaps that name rings a bell for some of you. In Wernberg, in the town of the same name, lies the renowned Relais & Châteaux luxury hotel "Burg Wernberg," known for its unparalleled indulgence and relaxation. After my two-day stay, I now know that a visit is worthwhile, not only for the hotel itself, but also for its excellent cuisine and the events it offers. In three parts, I'd like to tell you about the hotel, the gourmet restaurant Kastell with Grand Chef Thomas Kellermann, and the Bacchinale, which takes place annually in November (2018 marked its sixth year). Let's begin with a look at the Hotel Burg Wernberg, which I had the pleasure of experiencing during my stay.

The entrance to the castle

Hotel Burg Wernberg – a five-star Relais & Châteaux property, situated on the castle hill since 1280. In 2018, it celebrated its 20th anniversary as a hotel, and every year it attracts new regular guests and discerning diners. One reason for this is the gourmet restaurant Kastell, integrated into the castle, with the multiple Michelin-starred Grand Chef Thomas Kellermann at the helm. There, exquisite menus are offered, accompanied by superb wines. My two-day stay included a tour of Hotel Burg Wernberg, a visit to the gourmet restaurant („Kastell“), and participation in the annual Bacchinale the following evening. During those two days, I also had the opportunity to visit the fish farm that supplies Kastell with char and to interview Thomas Kellermann privately.

The entrance area of the castle

What can you expect at Hotel Burg Wernberg?

„"Fairy-tale modern" are the first words you read when you open the small booklet about the hotel. These words are immediately confirmed upon arrival and entry. A small footbridge, spanning the former castle moat, leads into the courtyard of the impressive property. From the outside, I couldn't really tell what awaited me behind the doors. The surprise was all the greater: a skillful blend of modernity and tradition, antique design elements combined with modern technology. For example, the Sonos speaker sits next to the antique telephone, and a bowl of polished red apples and homemade mini-snails sits directly behind the medieval chain curtain that separates the lobby and staircase. Feeling at ease? – Instantly! While waiting in the lounge furnished with red furniture, your gaze is naturally drawn to the cozy bar, complete with a fireplace seating area and lounge space. A place where I would later treat myself to a refreshing rooibos tea in front of the fire.

A glimpse into the bridal suite

A guided tour of the castle
Upon entering the stylish rooms, the same impression prevails: tradition blends seamlessly with modernity. Massive wooden beams, a sleeping nook separated by curtains on iron rods, plenty of wood, small windows with curtains that also seem to belong to a bygone era, functional yet appropriate furniture, and a modern bathroom. The room, small and cozy, perfectly suited to the castle and the atmosphere one hopes to maintain throughout one's stay. During my visit, I caught glimpses of other rooms – all cozy and inviting, and varying in size.

Afterwards, I went through the castle. First, I had to figure out where I was – not so easy in a castle. What fascinated me most was the almost labyrinthine architecture of the castle – we're talking about the year 1280! – and the resulting perfect use of every room, corridor, and area for the hotel, which has now been operating for almost 20 years. For example, breakfast is served in a cozy and light-filled area, now the hotel's conservatory, which once merely served as a passageway. So it wasn't surprising that I found the cozy, English-style library (with books, records, a chess set, etc.) the first time, but ended up somewhere completely different on my second attempt. 🙂

This is where you spend the night – a room in the castle

As you explore the castle grounds, you quickly realize that there isn't just one entrance and exit. For example, the cozy tavern (where part of the Bacchinale (part 3 of the article trilogy) took place) can be reached via the inner courtyard, but also through the back entrance of the kitchen. The gourmet restaurant Kastell, on the other hand, can be reached via a maze of paths within the castle walls, as well as through the inner courtyard. Phew, for me personally – unfortunately, completely lacking a sense of direction – it was a real challenge. However, this is more than compensated for by the fact that you can relax anywhere you happen to end up during your own exploration of the hotel.

One room you typically only see for a single, special occasion in your life is the included bridal suite. Absolutely fantastic! And the best part? The local registry office is located within the hotel, meaning a room in the building is used for couples to tie the knot. Combined with the following castle-themed menu, the option of having your wedding cake made in the castle itself, the hotel's own chapel (!), and the overall festive atmosphere, the hotel provides the perfect setting for the perfect wedding.

Hotel Burg Wernberg exudes an unparalleled atmosphere throughout. This is due not only to the castle itself, but also to the romantically designed courtyard, the harmonious surroundings, the meticulous attention to detail in every corner, and the location itself. Depending on the season – during my stay, as expected in November, it was unfortunately wet and cold – guests can also dine in the beautiful courtyard and enjoy Thomas Kellermann's exquisite cuisine.

Antique style elements are found throughout the Hotel Burg Wernberg.

Thought buildings, wellness, excursions and more.

If your focus is more on enjoying nature, you'll be perfectly catered for in that regard as well. Exciting city tours and leisure excursions are easy to organize from the castle, and the Upper Palatinate landscape offers a wealth of highlights for nature lovers, hikers, and culture enthusiasts (individual tips are, of course, gladly provided at reception). For example, the Schwanhof Golf Club is just a stone's throw away for golfers, as are museums, hiking trails, and much more. Those who prefer to relax "in-house" can enjoy the vaulted sauna or wellness treatments, such as a cocoa butter massage. By the way, as you approach the castle, you'll find the entrance to the "GedankenGebäude" (Thought Building) on your left. This modern conference center with individually configurable rooms is perfect for meetings, conferences, and seminars. Naturally, catering is also provided – including creative finger food served before the evening gala dinner. The castle is therefore also ideally suited for business purposes.

For example, meals are served in the castle hall during private events.

The next morning: Breakfast at Hotel Burg Wernberg

The nights were wonderful; I slept in a soft, warm bed in absolute peace and quiet. I didn't use room service but instead went to breakfast in the castle. This takes place in the cozy conservatory with its fully glazed windows and set tables. After you're seated, you're offered coffee or tea, as well as various egg dishes (scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, fried eggs, omelets – with shrimp, bacon, ham, tomato, onions, cheese, mushrooms, herbs, or vegetables) and fresh waffles.

The attractively presented buffet offers everything your heart desires: bread, rolls, croissants, and sweet pastries; tomato and mozzarella, vegetable sticks, cheese, sausage (local!), Parma ham, salmon, smoked trout (mmmmh!) with creamed horseradish, olives, cottage cheese, herb quark, and fruit with natural yogurt, vanilla and berry syrup, as well as various cereals and muesli. Homemade fitness muesli (try it!), various jams (also homemade!), and a real honeycomb are also available, along with fresh fruit. Still and sparkling mineral water, freshly squeezed orange juice, and various juices (from the Nagler cider mill) are also offered. I also particularly enjoyed the extensive tea selection with nearly 15 varieties.

During breakfast, you can either enjoy the view of nature or read the "Castle Messenger," a double-sided printed DIN A4 sheet with program information, leisure tips, events at the castle, and staff introductions, which I personally find very nice and "guest-friendly." Here are some impressions of my breakfast:

Hard facts and personal opinion

Hotel Burg Wernberg dates back to 1280 and has been a renowned 5-star hotel for the past 20 years, offering the highest level of indulgence, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Those who enjoy short breaks and are looking for a unique experience at the highest level will feel right at home at Hotel Burg Wernberg. The drive from Munich to Wernberg takes two hours, and the scenery along the way is already a delightful anticipation. Wernberg itself is a small and very peaceful town, well worth a visit.

In Part 2, I'll soon be reporting on my visit to the Kastell gourmet restaurant located within the Hotel Burg Wernberg, as well as on my visit to the fish farm and the interview with Thomas Kellermann. Part 3 will then give you insights into the Bacchinale 2017 and a preview of 2018.

+++ This article was created in cooperation with Hotel Burg Wernberg. Thank you! +++

Contact for inquiries

Hotel Burg Wernberg | Schloßberg 10, 92533 Wernberg-Köblitz
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Contact via telephone: 09604 9390

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