Aristocratic Bavaria
Aristocratic Bavaria
Bavaria
17.05.2019
On the trail of nobility

Fairy-tale holiday residences, elegant craftsmanship and relaxed moments in royal surroundings.

The blue and white diamonds on the coat of arms of the State of Bavaria are famous the world over. But not everyone knows that this pattern harks back to the Counts of Bogen, and was later taken over by the House of Wittelsbach. The latter is one of the oldest aristocratic families in Germany. Their simple coat of arms from the 13th century is just one of many relics of the region’s historical heyday. The heritage of nobility runs like a thread throughout the State. The BAVARIA TOURISM initiative “Aristocratic Bavaria” takes visitors on a special journey through the region’s aristocratic present, while offering glimpses of its magnificent past. Guests can dine like knights and damsels in festive halls or stay in fine feudal accommodation. Encounters with the heirs of well-known aristocratic families who still run breweries or craft enterprises make “Aristocratic Bavaria” especially vibrant, and provide a unique holiday experience.

Magnificent backdrops and holiday homes

In the seats of the Bavarian nobility, guests can marvel at the timeless brilliance of valuable works of art, while the spacious palace gardens invite visitors to stroll in the footsteps of princes and counts. On holiday, or when visiting the grand state spas or attending conferences in hotels steeped in history, guests get the sense of travelling back in time: Guteneck Castle in the Upper Palatinate is now a cultural and business centre, which charms all who visit with its medieval street and knights’ cellar, the estate and garden, and the castle itself. Events such as the historic, romantic Christmas Market allow visitors to immerse themselves in a bygone age. Spring is also a wonderful time to visit Castle Dennenlohe in Unterschwaningen in Franconia, where Robert Freiherr von Süsskind personally guides his guests through his fairy-tale park, the largest rhododendron garden in Southern Germany. Guests of the Baron and Baroness von Süsskind can also enjoy a sumptuous night’s sleep, as the historic charm of the castle was lovingly preserved during the renovation of its hotel rooms. A millennium of history is also waiting to be told at Gut Ising near Lake Chiemsee. It evolved from a simple farm to an imposing castle, which now serves as a hotel, accommodating guests from all over the world without losing any of its royal charm. With views over the marshes of the Old Danube, the splendid Rococo-style Leitheim Castle dates back to the 18th century. Visitors to Leitheim Castle can stay overnight and take in a relaxed visit to one of the Leitheim Castle concerts. Eichbichl Castle south of Munich, Hotel Prinz-Luitpoldbad in Bad Hindelang in the Allgäu, or the historic Geldernhaus, the former villa of Count Geldern-Egmont, also offer excellent accommodation. In the Passau region, the castles of Neuburg, Wernstein and Ortenburg are yet more impressive jewels of the Renaissance. Here, art and nature come together in wonderful locations, and the museums and exhibitions in the castles provide a glimpse behind the scenes of courtly life.

Craftsmanship and royal shopping experiences

King Ludwig II was one of the most important patrons of arts and crafts in the whole history of Bavaria. Today, as you enter the workshops you are immediately entranced by the special charm of these traditional enterprises. Feeling pampered in a courtly environment and taking delight in hand-made items – a shopping trip here becomes an exceptional experience reminiscent of the days of King Ludwig himself. One of these workshops is that of the Freiherr von Poschinger glassmakers in Frauenau in the Bavarian Forest: In the oldest glass workshop in Germany with the longest family tradition in the world, the Poschinger glasses that were once commissioned by Bavarian and French kings are still being made today. A hand-blown and hand-crafted gem from this small but high class workshop adds a regal glint to any dining table, whatever the occasion. The very finest craftsmanship is also promised by the tradition-rich ROECKL company, which has been making top quality gloves since 1839. In those days, the Austrian Empress Sisi and the Bavarian King Ludwig II were highly taken by the tailor-made ROECKL pieces. Now, 178 years later, ROECKL Manufaktur still produces these highly popular gloves in outstanding quality.

Travelling back in time to glamorous worlds: gardens, parks and estates

A long time ago, noble and aristocratic families resided in Bad Kissingen, a town that adapted to meet the demands of a prominent public over many centuries. The arcade and Europe’s largest promenade as well as the magnificent parkland all bear witness to the royal holiday atmosphere that is still tangible today. The guided city tour with the Grand Portier tour guide is a treat not to be missed. Once upon a time he looked after the aristocratic spa guests – and nowadays he has been known to reveal the occasional entertaining secret. Impressive, spacious gardens are also a key feature of Bayreuth, a town which clearly fell under the expansive and lasting influence of Margravine Wilhelmine in the 18th century. The Margravial Opera House was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Pomp, charm and the Rococo style are also on display in Ansbach, especially during the Rococo festival that attracts many visitors to this former royal seat. The park of the Castle Hotel Fürstenhof in Bad Brückenau invites visitors to stroll through its splendid monumental structure, romantic garden pavilion and past gently splashing water. Individual themed tours such as “On the royal trail” or “A gardener’s view” as well as wonderful places to linger and relax all encourage you to immerse yourself in the world of aristocratic times, when King Ludwig I ruled Bavaria from the Fürstenhof at Bad Brückenau. Garden parties as well as classical and open-air concerts are staged in the gardens of Eyrichshof Castle in the district of Hassberge in Franconia. The noble atmosphere soon causes visitors to forget the present and imagine themselves back in the life of former nobility.

For more information go to www.bavaria.by/aristocratic-bavaria.

Text und Bild: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH


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