Photos courtesy of Schloss Kapfenstein
Similar to other hilltop castles in the region, Kapfenstein was built to withstand onslaughts of invading Huns and Turks. A mention in the 15th century of a certain Martin of Kapfenstein exists in connection with a battle against the Turks, but by 1510 ownership of the castle passed on to a new name. New names and new sieges by the Turks seemed to rule Kapfenstein’s history through the centuries. At the end of World War II, Russian armies plundered the castle and laid waste to its surrounding fields.
Pamela’s Perspective
Kapfenstein is one of those wonderful castle hotels which has remained in the same family for generations. The reception, kitchen, and surrounding vineyards are lovingly tended by the Winkler-Hermaden family. You’ll find no shortage of genuine Austrian hospitality here.
Schloss Kapfenstein
An 11th-century castle
Contact
A-8353 Kapfenstein
Styria (Steiermark)
Tel: ++43 (0) 30 0300
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
14 rooms
Single rooms: 97–133 euros
Double rooms: 134–206 euros
Rates include breakfast, taxes, and service.
Weekends require a 2-night stay, and holiday weekends require a 3-night stay.
Open: March to mid-December
Getting there
In Austria’s southeast corner, Kapfenstein is next to the border with Hungary to the east and Slovenia to the south. Look for Radkersburg on the map and go a little north. Although buses serve Kapfenstein, you really need a car to travel around the area.
What to do
On site: tour of wine cellar
Nearby: touring area wineries;
riding; golf
Weddings
Yes. There’s a wedding chapel on the grounds near the wine garden.
At the southern end of Austria’s Schlösserstrasse, or Castle Road, stands a charming example of a family-run castle hotel. Schloss Kapfenstein has been in the Winkler-Hermaden family since 1918.
Approaching the castle as you drive up the hill (once the slope of an extinct volcano), you’ll pass by the estate’s own vineyards. Georg and Margot Winkler-Hermaden oversee the family’s wine business and are a good resource to learn more about Styrian wines.
Another brother of the family, Martin, a chef of growing reputation, carefully prepares the perfect dinner while you enjoy the castle’s wine.
Each guest room bears a special name—such as the Prince’s Room, the Poet’s Room—and is comfortably furnished with antiques in a traditional, rural style.
An outdoor terrace—with views of the village below, and on clear days, views of Slovenia and Hungary—is a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine produced on Schloss Kapfenstein’s estate.
Something special
Special culinary weekends; jazz brunches