Schlosshotel Thannegg

In a region of lush farmland dominated by the magnificent peaks of the Dachstein into a meadow valley grazed by cattle and dotted with wooden sheds, you will discover the Schloss Thannegg-Moosheim. Dating from 1150, outside it is a lovely three-story white stucco building topped by dormer windows that peak through the roof. Once inside a more medieval ambiance prevails with a man in armor standing at attention across from the reception. Circular stairs lead down to the dining room, where knights’ meals were staged under the old stone arches. One more floor down is the dungeon, where history claims that witches (many who reputedly still haunt the schloss) were imprisoned and forced to their deaths onto the tips of swords. Back upstairs (and to a more civilized era) is a very charming breakfast room and adjoining bar with a terrace on each side. One side benefits from the morning sun and the other the late afternoon setting sun. Up the circular stairs is a handsome restaurant, the Rittersaal, where regional specialties are prepared by one of the best chefs in Syria. Guestrooms are located both in the main schloss and in a side wing–all different and decorated in country pines with many family knick-knacks. This was once home to Dukes who ruled over the people who farmed their surrounding lands. Ernst and Gerlinde, whose heritage goes back to those hard-working bergers (farmers), offer fun and interesting programs year round.

Thannegg-Moosheim, an idyllically situated and romantically white dream castle in then midst of the Alps, with a spirit that is both family-friendly and sporting in nature.

This idyllic castle was seemingly plucked from the pages of a picture book. Boasting an 850-year-old history, it acquired its name both in 1224 from the Knight of Thann, and in 1495 from the Counts of Moosheim.  The bishops of Chiemsee, Admont Abbey, the Counts Bardeau and Prince Colloredo-Mansfeld are also firmly anchored in the castle’s chronicles.

When Ernst and Gerlinde Schrempf acquired their ancestors’ seigniorial castle in 1984, hundreds of years of this healthily fresh mountain climate had already inflicted severe harm on a number of parts of the castle. It demanded many years of work in order to reawaken this “Sleeping Beauty”. But its slumbering walls, protected as a historic landmark, now meet and exceed the needs and expectations of today’s guests, with the castle hotel providing a warm, cozy refuge even in the depths of winter.

There is no end to the acknowledgement they receive for the loving way they have gone about the renovations. Excited guests are more than happy to share word about “their castle”  with others. They value the authenticity, the honesty and the genuineness of this place.  They appreciate the casual, family-friendly atmosphere of a castle, where you can enjoy a relaxing stay and leave your tie and that little black dinner dress back at home.

Pure castle romance, in the rooms, the quiet retreats and bowers, over candlelight dinner in the Knights’ Hall, or dining in the Castle Tavern. The many sporting opportunities, the healthy and exceptional cuisine, and the magnificent wines carefully stored away in the over 850-year-old cellars by “the lady of the castle” herself, are all certain to enliven you during this much longed-for moment’s pause in an otherwise so hectic lifestyle.