Hotel Schloss Gabelhofen

A castle built by the Pfanngauers and administered by the Gabelhofners, must, almost inescapably, have some kind of culinary aspect to it.
Fans of old knightly castles will experience a sense of true joy on seeing this renaissance castle near Judenberg. It is actually quite amazing, when one considers how those ancient “knights of yore” managed to pass down to us so much of the original building and the romance that accompanies it.
Still standing are those defiant curtain walls with their massive, semicircular corner towers and embedded loopholes. At the old arched gateway, it is still possible to espy the chain spools of the former drawbridge. And arcades, open stairways, walkways and an onion tower convey the elegant attitude towards life so characteristic of the renaissance.
The property, which had since been remodelled into a “water castle”, was first chronicled in 1443 and given its current form by the Pfanngauers. In 1596, ownership passed into the hands of the noble-minded Gabelhofner who, through cunning and bravery, was able to free his people from the tyranny of the region’s robber knights, while he even supposedly received help from upon high in extinguishing fires which were set to his castle by those in search of revenge.
Since then, however, things have taken a far more peaceful turn, with guests able to enjoy an array of stately activities, such as golf, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. In spite of its deep traditional roots, since 2001 Gabelhofen now presents itself as a highly modern 4-star hotel which, thanks to state-of-the-art conference amenities, also enjoys a top-notch reputation as a seminar venue.
The individually designed rooms and suites offer rest and relaxation of the very highest order.
Equally as prized by all guests is the hotel’s multiple-award-winning cuisine. Beneath the impressive vaulted ceilings of the gothic pillared hall, its stylishly exclusive restaurant cooks on a consistently high gourmet level, serving up meals that are unfailingly first-rate. And for those very special occasions, there is perhaps nowhere more suitable than the Vinothèque, boasting a superb atmosphere and fine selection of wines.