Revealing itself to castle aficionados in the southern section of Salzburg is an almost untouched paradise. The married couple who own the castle, the Gernerth-Mautner Markhofs, reside here amid their large family of guests.
Of course, there is also a castle ghost here as well. A white lady, to be precise, who wanders through the house by the full moon. But – and this is something the castle’s owners place emphasis on – it is by no means a scary spirit, but rather a thoroughly kindly apparition who, rather than frightening the guests, exudes a rather warm and friendly atmosphere.
But when it comes down to it, the two truly good spirits of this house are very much of this world. Erika-Therese and Georg von Gernerth see themselves, not as austere hotel managers, but far more as hosts of a very traditional ilk, not treating their guests as customers, but rather as members of their extended family.
Anyone who has ever spent time at this quaint little renaissance castle, dating back to a watch tower from Roman times, is certain to return time and again. And in doing so, they find themselves in outstanding company. The ivories of the magnificent concert grand in the music room have been “tickled” by the likes of Clemens Krauss, Bruno Walter, Wilhelm Backhaus and Pierre Boulez. And it is anything other than chance that the text to the “Blue Danube” waltz was penned right here in this inspirational atmosphere.
It is hard to put your finger precisely on the “secret” behind the success of this place. Many feel it has to do with the numerous antiques and curiosities, the Nippes figures, the lockets and pipe bowls which are shown off in display cases around the house. Others fall in love with the charm of the quaint castle garden, or with the beautiful chapel. Yet everyone, including those who travel here from far afield with the sole purpose of spending a few days or weeks here, is in agreement about one thing: Barely any other establishment has such a personal touch.
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