Photos courtesy of Schloss Hugenpoet
This area around Schloss Hugenpoet once belonged in the manorial domain of Charlemagne in 778. History really began though in 1308 when the barons von Nesselrode—robber barons who preyed upon passing traders—built a castle to protect their nefarious interests. A 150 years later most of this castle was burned. A new castle was built, but during the Thirty Years War, Swedish, French, Spanish, Hessian, and royal troops attacked it. Today’s present castle dates from 1650.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the von Fürstenbergs acquired the castle and enlarged it. After World War II, upkeep became an expensive proposition, and the family leased the property to hotelier Kurt Neumann, who turned Hugenpoet into a brilliant establishment.
Pamela’s Perspective
You have to laugh when you hear that the word Hugenpoet in German means “pool of toads.” Nothing could be further from that image! This top-class hotel excels in service, dining, and the only wildlife you might see swimming around in the moat are some carp.
The atmosphere here is refined and elegant. This isn’t a kids-run-with-wild-abandon country-style hotel.
Schloss Hugenpoet
A 17th-century castle
Contact
August-Thyssen-Strasse 51
D-45219 Essen-Kettwig
Tel: ++49 (0) 2054 12040
Fax: ++49 (0) 2054 120450
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
20 rooms; 5 suites
Double rooms: 240–265 euros
Suites: from 400 euros
Rates include breakfast, tax,
and service.
Special packages available.
Open: all year; restaurant closed Tuesdays and 2 weeks in February and August.
Getting there
Kettwig is 15 km south of Essen; You’ll need a car or taxi to reach the hotel, and explicit directions. Nearest railway station is in Essen.
What to do
On site: tennis
Nearby: golf; hiking;
horseback riding
Weddings
Yes. Inquire hotel for details.
A striking moated castle in northern German style, Schloss Hugenpoet belongs to the von Fürstenberg family. The schloss attracts businessmen from the nearby industrialized Ruhr Valley and various celebrities who come here to indulge in its highly rated cuisine.
A handsome black marble staircase greets you in the entry hall, and a splendid collection of antiques and fine art adorns the public rooms. Take time to examine the unusual Renaissance fireplaces, sculpted with Biblical and Greek themes.
Many of the spacious guest rooms are accented by special antique pieces. A four-poster bed in one guest room is 400 years old.
Dining is quite an event. The “Nesselrode” restaurant is French in presentation and inspiration; the “Hugenpottchen” serves more German fare.
Something special
Excellent cuisine