Photos courtesy of Hotel Schloss Spyker
The first documented appearance of this castle appeared in the early 14th century. At that time, the noble family of Stralsund Külpe married a daughter to a son of the Jasmund family, and their descendants presided over the estate until 1648 when no heirs could continue the line.
Sweden acquired Pomerania as a result of the Thirty Years War. Queen Christina of Sweden awarded field marshall Carl Gustav Wrangel the region as his fief in gratitude for his military exploits. Spyker castle at this time was vacant, and he remodeled it into the Renaissance castle we see today. Wrangel died at the castle in 1676.
In 1806-7, Spyker was occupied by Napoleon’s troops and became the temporary seat of the French governor.
After World War II, the castle was neglected, and until 1989, it was used as a rest home under the GDR. Since 1990, the castle has operated as a hotel, undergoing a historical restoration in 1995.
Pamela’s Perspective
Spyker makes a good choice if you’re looking for peace and quiet away from the tourist areas. Unless you’re into walking or bicycling (a good way to explore the area, and a bike path passes right by the castle), you really need a car to get the most out of your stay.
The castle has no elevator.
Hotel Schloss Spyker
A 15th-century castle
Contact
Schlossalle 1
18551 Spyker
Tel: ++49 (0) 3830 2770
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
32 rooms
Double rooms: from 90–140 euros
Tower rooms: from 130 euros
Rates include tax and breakfast
Open: all year
Getting there
Spyker is located on Rügen Island. From Stralsund by car, take B96 north. Exit at Sagard and continue through Bobbin. After 500 meters, turn left. By train: there is a regional service to Sagard from Stralsund. From the station, the hotel can arrange for a taxi to pick you up.
What to do
Nearby: hiking; bicycling; golf; horseback riding
Weddings
Yes. Inquire hotel for details
Rügen Island’s oldest castle offers a tranquil atmosphere far from the touristed areas. Nature abounds in all directions; you’re just a short walk away from Spyker Lake and Jasmund National Park. In the fall, migrating cranes and geese settle on the castle grounds.
Overall, the castle is comfy and does the job. Staff is friendly and helpful. If you wish to spend the day exploring, the hotel will be happy to pack a picnic for you.
Reasonably priced double rooms feature small sitting areas. Duplex rooms are more open with the living room and bathroom on the lower level and an open bedroom upstairs. This could be suitable for small families.
The tower rooms are the best choice. They are spacious with 6-meter high ceilings and bay windows with views of the lake. One room has a whirlpool and sauna. And among the tower rooms, the most romantic one (called the honeymoon room) has a lovely stucco ceiling above pastel peach walls.
A large breakfast buffet is served in the Four Seasons salon, which features another fine plaster ceiling.
Other meals are served in a historic, vaulted cellar restaurant.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas.
Something special
Unique, 17th-century, three-dimensional stucco ceilings
Occasional concerts and exhibitions