Idyllic Retreats
5 Spring Hideaways
Where silence resides.
Here, where nature embraces the castle. Where silence resides. Where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fades into the background if but for a moment, and the springtime quietly makes its arrival.
Whether at Burg Bernstein, nestled in the gentle hills of Southern Burgenland, at Schlossmühle Glottertal, deep in the heart of the Black Forest, at Landhaus Koller, at the foot of the Dachstein, at Schloss Kapfenstein, majestically overlooking the Styrian Vulkanland, or at Schloss Englar, a late-Gothic jewel amidst the picturesque vineyards of South Tyrol – these five hideaways are more than just retreats. They are silent observers of spring. Places that invite you to slow down. To consciously take in the silence. And to experience spring in its purest form.
Burg Bernstein: Amidst hills and stories
“Every piece of wood, every stone, every brick tells a story, aged and matured over centuries. And this exudes a tranquillity that is difficult to put into words.” – Erasmus Almásy, host of Bernstein Castle.
High above the rolling hills of southern Burgenland lies Burg Bernstein – in a secluded spot, surrounded by woods and gardens, with sweeping views across the countryside. All around the castle, little havens keep appearing: hidden spots amongst ancient trees, a wicker chair in the branches of a chestnut tree that has grown over centuries, quiet corners with views stretching into the distance. In the revitalised greenhouse, what will later end up on the table is growing. It is harvested, stirred, tasted. You eat outdoors, pick your own produce, and take your time.
800 Jahre Geschichte. Und tausende Geschichten.
The house itself tells a long story and now comprises nine lovingly restored guest rooms. You won’t find a television here – that’s by design. Instead, there are creaking floors, ancient walls and candlelight. Yet it is above all the countless stories that make Burg Bernstein so special. Here, people have loved, negotiated, celebrated and argued. Decisions were made, celebrations reached their climax, and farewells found their quiet moment. You wander through the rooms, discover, linger a while – and realise how naturally you become part of it all. A sense of calm settles in as you escape your everyday life for a while.
Schlossmühle Glottertal: Black Forest Idyll with Character
Deep in the heart of the Black Forest, on the banks of a small river, lies Schlossmühle Glottertal – a boutique hotel with 900 years of history. Once a mill, now a haven for stylish relaxation, this property charmingly combines its historical heritage with contemporary design. Host Hansjörg Gutmann, the fourth generation of his family to run the Schlossmühle, does so with a keen sense of tradition, aesthetics, and meticulous attention to detail.
Experience Nature in the Glottertal
Spring in the Glottertal is a feast for the senses. Practically right at your doorstep, the hiking paradise that is the Southern Black Forest begins, with trails winding through sun-dappled forests and over sunny hilltops. The first buds begin to open, and the scent of fresh earth mingles with the delicate green of the vineyards awakening from their own winter slumber. A walk along the banks of the Glotter or through the surrounding vineyards brings the beauty of the season even more vividly to life. And for those eager to explore slightly farther afield, Freiburg, Alsace, or even the Swiss Alps can all be reached in the course of a day trip.
The morning sets the tone: Breakfast at the Schlossmühle
Every bit as delightful as actively exploring, is taking a moment simply to pause. Breakfast at Schlossmühle Glottertal is not merely served – it is celebrated. Until 11 a.m., guests enjoy select delicacies in a stylish atmosphere: in the Blue Parlor, in the cozy Stube beneath fabric installation, or in the legendary dining room with its Red Table. And when the morning sun bathes the idyllic garden in golden light, enjoying breakfast outdoors becomes the most beautiful start to the day imaginable – a moment of perfect tranquility and enjoyment, in harmony with the rhythm of spring.
Landhaus Koller: A blend of Wilhelminian-style villa and alpine hut
Off the beaten track, nestled in a green high plateau in the Gosau Valley, lies Landhaus Koller. A Wilhelminian-style villa dating from 1850, once a summer retreat for a brewer, today a sanctuary for anyone who wants to rediscover the feeling of ‘enough’ rather than ‘more’. Surrounded by parkland, woodland and meadows, the view stretches in every direction: from the Gosaukamm to the Kalmberg, from the Dachstein massif to the Plassen. Even Hallstatt, the picturesque salt-mining town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is very close by.
Inside the house and beyond
As soon as you step inside, you’ll sense that life moves at a different pace here. There’s no lift – but there are 19 rooms steeped in history, lovingly restored and full of authentic details. Large windows bring the landscape indoors, whilst the house’s south-facing orientation ensures light all day long. Outside, the heated pool catches the first rays of sunshine, whilst inside, the sauna, steam room and infrared cabin provide moments of tranquillity. Old mule tracks, hiking trails and forest roads start right on the doorstep and lead through dense forests up into the alpine landscape of the Dachstein massif.
A little further out: a break at the Rinnbergalm
If that’s not secluded enough for you, head up to the Rinnbergalm: a rustic hut at an altitude of 1,350 metres, accessible only via a winding gravel road. No Wi-Fi, but a wood-burning stove, solar power and a sky full of stars. Especially in spring, when the landscape slowly awakens, a special kind of tranquillity emerges here – stripped back to the essentials and far removed from everyday life.
Schloss Kapfenstein: Above the Rooftops of the Styrian Vulkanland Region
Enthroned atop an extinct volcano high above the vineyards of Styria, Schloss Kapfenstein has countless stories to tell whilst affording breathtaking views of the surrounding region.
For generations, the castle has been run by the Winkler-Hermaden family, acclaimed not only for their warm hospitality but also for their outstanding winery Here, wines are crafted that are more than an expression of the landscape. They tell of a centuries-old tradition, the winemaker’s meticulous care, and a profound respect for nature. Through organic farming and a fine sensitivity for the unique characteristics of the terroir, noble wines are cultivated that capture the spirit of Schloss Kapfenstein in every nuance.
Picnic between Grape Vines and Magical Panoramas
When spring awakens the Vulkanland region, it is the vineyards that first display their delicate green. One true highlight is a picnic in the midst of those vineyards, offered from mid-April to the end of October. With a basket full of regional delicacies and a bottle of estate-grown wine, guests can relax at picturesque vantage points on the Kapfensteiner Kogel, observing as spring unfurls itself across the landscape.
Active in Springtime
The countryside surrounding Schloss Kapfenstein reveals its unique charm to the fullest in springtime. Whether hiking through blooming vineyards, cycling along picturesque wine routes, or exploring historic castles and idyllic villages – it is the awakening nature itself which provides the perfect backdrop for discoveries that are certain to delight.
Schloss Englar: Gothic Charm between Vineyards and Gardens
Enthroned high above the valley, nestled amidst gentle vineyards and blossoming orchards, Schloss Englar is a jewel of South Tyrolean Late-Gothic owned by the Khuen-Belasi family for nearly 400 years. Here, where history and nature merge in perfect harmony, guests are greeted by a sanctuary of authenticity and timeless elegance.
Spring in the Vineyards – When the Vines Awaken
As spring spreads across the Überetsch, a new chapter begins in the vineyards of Schloss Englar. The vines awaken from their winter slumber, laying the groundwork for the new vintage. First buds sprout, and the rolling vineyards radiate in a fresh green. Guests can experience the vineyards during their most vibrant phase, watch the winemakers at work, participate in tastings, and learn about the organic production techniques employed by the estate’s own winery. The wines of Schloss Englar, themselves cultivated according to organic principles, reflect the character of the region – whether a fresh Sauvignon Blanc or an elegant Blauburgunder, each sip tells of the power of nature and the unique terroir of South Tyrol.
Between Culture and Nature
It isn’t only the vines that are coming to life; the surrounding nature awakens as well: Apple trees bloom in their full splendor, wildflowers paint colorful accents across the meadows, and warm sunlight bathes the castle in golden light. Schloss Englar is the ideal starting point for spring hikes through the gently rolling wine-growing region or excursions to the nearby Montiggler Lakes, their waters sparkling in the spring sunshine. Those who prefer to linger can relax in the shaded courtyard under the ancient cedars or immerse themselves in the castle’s rich history within the historic Knights’ Hall.
Between ancient walls and blooming gardens, gentle hills and broad vineyards: Five hideaways, five places – and countless ways to enjoy spring in its purest form.
