Why you should make this stylish castle hotel towering at the edge of one of the most famous vineyards in Germany your base for a wine-themed stay in the beautiful city of Würzburg
There is nothing quite like a hotel surrounded by endless rows of vines. Unless said rows of vines are part of one of the most famous German vineyards and the hotel is a stylish ‘castle’ promising a fantastic wine-themed long weekend.
When I was looking for a hotel for my recent trip to Würzburg, Steinburg Castle Hotel immediately drew my attention. Firstly, because how can a hotel perched within one of the best German vineyard locations offering stunning views over the Franconian wine capital not draw your attention?
Taking a closer look at the hotel’s accommodation and restaurant options, I was pretty sure Steinburg Castle would be the perfect base for a long wine weekend in Würzburg; and this beautiful hotel sure lived up to my expectations.
In fact, nestled on the steep slopes of Steinberg, overlooking the beautiful baroque town centre and the Main River meandering through the city and surrounding vineyards, Schlosshotel Steinburg is outright one of the most amazing castle hotels in Germany.
Built at the end of the 19th century on the remains of a 13th century fortress which was constructed to be an ‘invincible fortress’ but was destroyed after a mere 10 years in a civil upspring, Steinburg is only a stones’ threw away from one of the most famous vineyards in Germany, Würzburger Stein (Würzburger Stone), of which the hotel owns a tiny part.
The hotel is made up of 69 rooms distributed over three different sections of the compound. At the centre, Castle Manor is the most historic part and home to the hotels fine dining restaurant, the small Castle Bar and the pool and sauna area. Below Castle Manor, there’s also a historic wine cellar digging deep under the surrounding vineyards.
Country Manor is a later but still historic addition while the Refugium is a more recent and modern addition.
While staying in a castle, one might prefer the real deal, which means a castle room with all the historic fairytale feeling, and I am typically on this page too. That said, this time around I opted for the modern as I was looking for a little bit more space. Plus, the Castle Manor rooms are not only much smaller but being in the historic part of Steinburg Castle, they do not have air conditioning. Which by the way is not so unusual in the German countryside and in the past might not have been a big deal. However, with summers now much hotter (and during our stay the thermometer was forecast to hit 34°C, and indeed did so) rooms without air-condition can now quickly become an issue.
Opting for the junior suite in the Refugium turned out just perfect. Spacious and modern, the room also came with a large bathroom, separate toilet and a little storage area offering plenty of room where to keep a large suitcase. Which often can be the pain point in hotel rooms. But thankfully, not this time!
The stunning views over Würzburg and the Main River might be reason enough already to settle down on the large terrace, but the main reason to come here for most is actually Steinburg Restaurant.
Steinburg Restaurant enjoys high popularity in the Würzburg area thanks to the excellent food, with the kitchen focusing on local, seasonal ingredients.
Like many restaurants around the world, Steinburg was hit by severe restrictions during the heights of the pandemic and in response changed their meal concept. You will now be offered a daily changing set four course menu. Yet, if you do not like a course there is still flexibility, and off course vegetarian options are available too.
Served in the Knights Hall or weather permitting on the sunny terrace, the breakfast buffet too will not leave anything to desire, from fresh croissants, bread, and pastries to a selection of cured meats, ham, and cheeses while egg dishes are made by order.
While at the hotel, make sure you venture out into the surrounding vineyards. There are various hiking trails and one of the region’s most renowned wineries, Weingut am Stein, is located only 10 minutes walking distance away.
How to get to Steinburg Castle Hotel
The hotel is located about 15 minutes from Würzburg old town by car, which makes it a great base for a long weekend in the city.
However, the reach the hotel you will need a car (or taxi) as there is no public transport nearby. In addition, the approach to the hotel by car is a bit tricky as you have to pass through a narrow country road with only few options to let oncoming traffic pass.
Once you are settled at the hotel however, the historic city centre can be also reached in about 20 to 30 minutes walking through the vineyards and following the Main River.
Carrots and Tigers 