An organic castle on the Swabian Sea
We are in Switzerland, to be precise between the Appenzeller Vorderland and Lake Constance under the foothills of the Alpstein massif. Here we leave the traffic noise far behind. We approach it on crunching gravel and in the shade of mighty trees Wartegg Castle, where we enter a different period at the latest when entering the idyllic garden restaurant.
We admire the "Swabian Sea" with its green and blue tones
First take a deep breath and slowly arrive in peace. We let our gaze wander over Lake Constance, which shimmers in a rich color spectrum of green and blue tones and is not called the Swabian Sea for nothing. Then we examine the neat three-part construction of the small castle, which is surrounded by the listed and publicly accessible English Park.
The Bio-Schlosshotel Wartegg is a nearly 500 year old historical building, rich in history with an eventful past between refuge, aristocratic residence and residence of many prominent residents, such as the last Austrian Empress Zita or Fidel von Thurn. In 1998 it was finally opened as one of the first four organic hotels in Switzerland and is owned by the Mijnssen family.
The historical cultural and natural heritage is kept alive in Schloss Wartegg
Today the hotel and the English Garden are kept alive as a synthesis of historical cultural and natural heritage. During the renovation, only high-quality natural materials were used, in some cases even wood from the castle park was used. The total of 25 rooms offer views of the park or Lake Constance, which can be reached on foot in ten minutes. The rooms are bright and modern, reduced to the essentials and equipped with high-quality Hüsler natural beds.
Throughout the house we enjoy the wonderful arrangements with fresh flowers from the castle garden. There is also a 100 square meter music hall with a concert grand piano, which is also used for a lively and varied concert program. There is also a cozy reading room with a library stocked with the most important regional newspapers and a quiet room. Children, in turn, feel at home in the spacious play area, which also offers direct access to the playground and park.
The idea of sustainability is omnipresent at Schloss Wartegg
Sustainability is omnipresent at Schloss Wartegg. Above all to guarantee a healthy earth and a future for the descendants. You can feel it: From the biodynamic castle garden to the natural materials used to the kitchen, where only selected ingredients are processed in the best organic quality.
The castle kitchen is one of the few restaurants that have been certified with the "Bio-Bud" label. This is the strictest organic label in Switzerland. In addition, Schloss Wartegg is a member of Slow-Food. In summer, guests can enjoy meals based on the ProSpecieRara variety garden. Besides, everything is handmade. Even the pasta. You should definitely try the agnolotti and salad 14, which is served with 14 herbs from the garden.
The historic turquoise bath from 1928 is the heart of the castle
The heart of the castle is, after all, the five and a half meter large bath oval, which bears the title of “Switzerland's most beautiful bathtub”. The historic turquoise bath from 1928 with a bubble lounger and sauna is free to use in the morning for hotel guests and can be booked in the afternoon for private sessions (e.g. for families). This includes a cozy balcony from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the green of the castle park.
The organic castle hotel offers space for families and recreational guests alike. It's quiet here and at the same time not too quiet. In Schloss Wartegg we have found a truly inspiring retreat to take a deep breath. Ideal for a break.
You can find more information here
Photo credits: Claudia Jucker, Schloss Wartegg
Lisa Klakow
Lisa helped set up the Good Travel Blog and will write for us as a freelance author in the future. She is passionate about traveling and dancing around the world with a small ecological footprint.
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