To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur: suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
*Total price provided for information only, based on accommodation for two people in a double room for the number of nights per property as indicated on this page, exclusive of recommended activities, properties that cannot be reserved online and restaurants.
Hotel and restaurant in a vineyard. Burg Schwarzenstein is tucked away in Mediterranean-style parkland surrounded by vineyards overlooking the Rheingau wine-growing region with stunning vistas of the Rhine Valley. This magnificently restored castle, which dates back more than 150 years, with its thick walls, is a haven of hospitality and the epitome of sophisticated authenticity. Rooms and suites alike are appointed with luxurious furnishing fabrics and silks in delicate hues of cream and beige which create a warm contrast with the dark tones of the wenge wood panelling. Food lovers will delight in the exquisite cuisine served in the elegant gourmet restaurant and the supremely romantic Burgrestaurant. ... Learn moreless
Created by monks who once lived in the monasteries of the region, the Rheingau vineyards today span nearly 3000 ha. Even if they are best known for their superb Rieslings (sweet and fruity), different areas have opened up to new varieties: pinot noir, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and merlot. Today there are about 1,000 Rheingau winegrowers participating in numerous wine festivals throughout the year.
The Rhine Valley is one of the most beautiful and romantic "roads" in all of Germany. Traditional villages and fortresses follow the length of the water. In this part of the Reinthal, the river crosses Stolzenfels, an impressive castle built for King Frederick William IV. Then further south on the opposite bank, you can see the beautiful Marksburg castle, founded in 1173, overlooking the fortified village of Braubach. Later, you’ll come across the amazing Pfalzgrafenstein, a former toll booth located in the middle of the river.
Renowned for its Rieslings, this area’s wines are less renowned than the Rhine Valley, but instead more sparkling and lively. The celebrated Neumagen wine boat is a testament to the work of the Romans who cultivated vines along its steep slopes. Some say that being a winemaker in these romantic landscapes is sometimes similar to priesthood. Yet it is here that you can taste Elbling, one of the oldest grape varieties in Germany, which makes white wines that are tart and sometimes sparkling.
Restaurant in a park. In the middle of the magnificent Palmengarten a white building hosts the Restaurant Lafleur, which is designed in Bauhaus style and whose name pays homage to the Pomerol wine estate, Château Lafleur. Chef Andeas Krolik creates a contemporary cuisine, which combines regional products with Mediterranean influences. He excels in the preparation of fish dishes. His elegantly presented plates feature a dialogue of sweetness and acidity and an occasional use of more intensive spices and essences. A Breton mackerel meets a Dashi stock and aubergine cream, whilst a carabinero is accompanied by a vermouth froth, spicy carrots and lemon confit. ... Learn moreless
Hotel and restaurant in the country. Nestled in the Rothaar Mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this oasis of hospitality and culinary delights suddenly appears from nowhere. Jagdhof Glashütte, one of Germany’s most beautiful countryside hotels, is situated in the heart of a densely wooded region, at the end of the spectacular Lahn Valley. Relaxation, fine dining and romanticism are part of the lifestyle in the forests and former hunting grounds of the Counts of Wittgenstein. The luxurious, rural atmosphere is already evident on entering the magnificent hall with its fireplace for a welcome cocktail. This hotel is ever faithful to its motto: back to nature, but with style. ... Learn moreless
Created in 1987 by Dr. Markus Hallermeier, this mushroom museum houses some 700 different species harvested mainly around Bad Laasphe and surrounding areas. Belly, Ascomycetes, agarics, russulas, mushrooms, and ceps are found in one of Europe's finest collections of fungi to the delight of fans of undergrowth.
Former properties of the princes of Wittgenstein, these vast eponymous forests are among the most game-rich in the country. Hunting is permitted most of the year - with a license and outside breeding season. Accompanied by experienced guides, you can go on the lookout for deer, mouflon and other wild boar in hilly and wild landscapes.
Hotel and restaurant in town. This hotel is part of a romantic collection of ancient half-timbered dwellings, and is tucked away in a picturesque square in the town of Frankenberg, in the region which inspired the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. Soak up the elegant atmosphere of its common areas, rooms and suites with their vibrant, sun-drenched colours. Relax in the ‘Sonne’ Oriental spa. Then enjoy superb Mediterranean and gourmet star cuisine. The cellar, more than 500 years old, is a treasure trove with its more than 700 labels from all over the world. Die Sonne is known for its warm hospitality and you, as guests, will feel as though you are amongst old friends. ... Learn moreless
What is rare is expensive: organized only once every five years, Documenta is the meeting place of modern and contemporary art lovers who flock to Germany from all over the world. For 100 days, the event is held throughout the city. In 2012, the works of 155 selected artists attracted nearly 700,000 spectators!
