Faisterame-away Fairytale castle on the moat is one of Europe’s best-preserved renaissance monuments
Although originally built as an ornamental castle surrounded by a moat in 1427, Melpelbrun Castle has been lovingly transformed into a beautiful, fairytale-like palace by Peter Echsheln and his wife Gertraud von Adelshenn. The Renaissance style renovation took about 20 years and was completed in 1569. It is located an hour east of Frankfurt (which is often called “the manhatten of Europe” is full of sneaky thieves when they are in their power to be robbed.
Today, Spesswart is a well-known place in the German region of Bavaria, as ancient oak and beech trees welcome hikers and cyclists from all over the world. Off the beaten path, Mespelbrun Calle is still owned and occupied by descendants of the original owners. Constant renovations ensure the preservation of Fairytale Vibes, making it one of the best-preserved treasures in Europe. Onsite, visitors are welcome to tour the property with a guide. A visit to Mespelbrunn Castle costs less than $10 as of this writing (cash only) and includes a guided tour. Children are welcome (and they get free entrance if they are under 6 years old), but they should be watched carefully, as there is still a moat around the castle.
After taking a guided tour of the grounds and the castle inside, head to the café Pferdestall opposite the “Water Castle,” where you can relax over coffee, tea, homemade cakes, and homemade cakes, with a view of the Castle and MOAT. It also has a few special dishes, including wild sausage if you’re feeling up to it. Although not as beautiful as the famous Bavarian castle inspired by Walt Disney, Mespelbrunn Castle has a unique appeal, as it is smaller in size and offers more of a personal touch with its family ambiance and homemade food.
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What to do at MEPELBRUNN castle
The cafe and mill house at Mespelbrunn castle, sitting next to the Moat – Harald Lueder / Shutterstock
For something different, spend the night at Mespelbrunn castle by booking a solid stay in the local mill house, located in the spring between the castle and the cafe Pferdestall. Imagine what it would be like to wake up in the castle grounds, overlooking the moat of years past. While there is a TV and a gas stove in the Mill House Kitchen, you will have to bring your own bath towels and give up Wi-Fi, which makes it feel more like a trip. The cheapest stay at the house (under $150 for four people, at the time of writing) also comes with a guided tour of the castle.
Besides visiting the castle, if you can base yourself in this area for a few days, there are several mountains to take advantage of in Spessart Nature Park. Starting with a moderate hike, Dörrmorsbach – Pfaffenberg Mountain – Hohe-Wart-Has-Has Hut is more than 5 miles from the back. The Idyllic path weaves through the forest to the Pfaffenberg Mountain, taking two to three hours. If you are willing to drive a bit, trettstein waterfall is less than an hour’s drive away. A popular choice for Alltrails, the waterfall hike is an equally challenging loop spanning 6 miles. With mossy forest, wildflowers, and a waterfall, it’s a magical hike worth the distance.
Once you’ve finished the castle and forest, continue your Bavarian road trip to Nuremberg (two hours away by car). If you’ve planned your trip in winter, you’ll be able to experience one of Germany’s best Christmas markets, guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
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