Photos courtesy of Burg Wernberg
The first mention of Burg Wernberg dates to 1280 when Konrad of Paulsdorfer bought the castle. By the following year, Burg Wernberg was the family seat of the noble Notthafft family under the Landgrave of Leuchtenberg. By 1647 Wernberg came into the possession of the Electorate of Bavaria. During the Austrian War of Succession, the castle was used as a military camp.
In the 19th century, the castle was used for not-so-glamorous purposes. In 1804, it served as a prison, in 1861 as a rescue institution for fallen women and neglected girls. By 1873, serious consideration was given into just demolishing the building, but that idea never went anywhere.
The town of Wernberg acquired the castle in 1992 and rented it to the Conrad family for a term of 99 years. By 1998, the castle opened its doors as a hotel, becoming one of the top 100 best hotels in Germany in the same year.
Pamela’s Perspective
Even though there’s a train station not too far away, you really need a car to best appreciate the area. You’re not all that far away from the border of the Czech Republic, so Burg Wernberg would make an excellent stopover.
The castle doesn’t have air-conditioning, but you really don’t need it for 99% of the year.
Burg Wernberg
A 13th-century castle
Contact
Schlossberg 10
92533 Wernberg-Köblitz
Tel: ++49 (0) 9604 939 0
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
24 rooms and 5 suites
Double rooms: from 116–184 euros
Suites: from 234–269 euros
Open: all year except for the first two weeks of January
Getting there
Burg Wernberg is on the way from Nuremberg to Prague. From A-93 and A-6, take the Wernberg-Köblitz exit toward the center. After the yellow church turn right (from the A-6 take the next exit on the left), and after 100 meters turn left uphill towards the castle.
The Wernberg-Köblitz train station is only 1.5 km away.
What to do
On site: sauna
Nearby: golf; hiking; horseback riding; fishing; sailing; canoeing; kayaking
Weddings
Yes. The castle offers a registry office and chapel.
Cross over the moat to this remarkable Bavarian castle hotel and you’ll be welcomed with first-class service and professionalism at every turn.
Cozy and warm interiors have a contemporary look, but plenty of medieval castle architectural features and an antique here and there will remind you of where you are.
Guest rooms are spotlessly clean and equipped with fine linen. Individually decorated, some of the rooms feature canopied beds and beamed ceilings. Of special note is the Princess Suite, which has an ornate hand-painted ceiling from artist Günther Wasmeier. Bathrooms vary in size from small to spacious. Different room views look out over the countryside.
There are two restaurants here. The “Kastell” restaurant holds the 2-star Michelin rating. Be sure to make a reservation, as it’s very popular. A second restaurant also offers outstanding cuisine.
Be sure to make time for the small sauna down in the basement. The arched ceiling and stone walls make for a great medieval atmosphere.
Something special
2-star Michelin-rated restaurant
cooking classes