Photos courtesy of Schloss Auel
The first documented evidence of a castle on the site dates back to 1391, when the castle was the property of the Auel family. At that time a moat surrounded the castle.
In 1763, the current baroque residence was erected on the former castle foundation and the moats were filled up.
For 200 years, the castle was the property of the lords von La Valette St. George. Marquis Philippe de la Valette St. George, admiral and grandmaster of the Knights of St. John, was the most famous member of the family. He was known for his support of independence for the island of Malta (the capital of Malta, Valletta, was named for him) and for his contribution in stopping the expansion of the Ottoman empire under Suleiman II.
Pamela’s Perspective
Napoleon Bonaparte seems to have slept in as many beds in Europe as George Washington did in America. If you’re traveling on your own and wish to sleep in Napoleon’s bed and in Napoleon’s room, here is your chance! Room 22 is the room. Alas, there’s only a narrow single bed, so a romantic romp would be a little difficult. Napoleon was physically challenged in the height department, and the bed has since been lengthened to accommodate taller guests. The mattress has since been changed, too.
Schloss Auel
An 18th-century castle
Contact
D-53797 Lohmar-Wahlscheid
Tel: ++49 (0) 2206 60030
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
21 rooms
Single rooms: 80–115 euros
Double rooms: 110–150 euros
Junior Suites: 170–200 euros
Napoleon’s Room: from 110 euros
Rates include tax,
and service.
Special packages available.
Open: all year
Getting there
Lohmar is southeast of Cologne. Take the A-3 autobahn south, exit at Lohmar-Nord, go north on highway B-484. A car is the best way to get around the area.
What to do
On site: golf; swimming;
tennis; horseback riding
Nearby: excursions to
Cologne and Bonn
Weddings
A popular wedding venue, the schloss has a lovely chapel with a rococo altarpiece.
Schloss Auel isn’t a castle in the grand monolithic fortress sense, rather it’s a lovely baroque baronial manor with some fortification features.
Never short on visiting heads of state, former house guests have included Napoleon Bonaparte, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Tsar Alexander I.
The impressive entry hall is filled with Renaissance furniture, and a fine oak staircase leads to the guest rooms.
Guest rooms are configured around the castle’s architecture: ceilings can slant, and bathrooms can be tucked around the corner. All are individually decorated, with fine antiques featured throughout.
Dining is an elegant affair in the Prince’s Room, as well as a dining area with a wonderful Gobelin tapestry. The schloss also has a casual bar and beer garden.
Not located on the popular tourist track, Schloss Auel presents a quiet, unaffected atmosphere.
Something special
Sleep in Napoleon Bonaparte’s bedroom!.