Photos courtesy of Schlosshotel Althörnitz
Never a defensive castle, this graceful schloss was built between 1651-1654 for the Zittau Bürgermeister, Dr. Christian von Hartig.
One of the more illustrious personages to be associated with the castle was Walter von Tschirnhaus, a physicist whose research contributed to the discovery of making true porcelain, a secret always kept by the Chinese. Unfortunately, he died before he saw the fruits of his work. Meissen porcelain was the first to appear in Europe.
Pamela’s Perspective
Schlosshotel Althörnitz suffered extensive flood damage in 2010, but you wouldn’t know it today. Reconstruction of the spa should be finished by now.
Schlosshotel Althörnitz
A 17th-century palace
Contact
Zittauer Strasse 9
02763 Bertsdorf-Hörnitz
Tel: ++49 (0) 3583 5500
Fax: ++49 (0) 3583 5502 00
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
74 rooms
Inside castle:
Single rooms: 85–120 euros
Double rooms: 120–145 euros
Suites: 135–160 euros
Annex:
Single rooms: 67–77 euros
Double rooms: 95–105 euros
Open: all year
Getting there
The schloss is just west of Zittau. Follow S137 west.
What to do
Nearby: bicycling; hiking; Zittau Mountains National Park
Weddings
Yes. Inquire hotel for details
Schlosshotel Althörnitz is an easy-going castle hotel with an exceptionally friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere.
Located in a small park, adjacent to a village, the castle grounds are quiet with only the occasional duck from the pond breaking the tranquility.
Guest rooms inside the historical castle are, of course, the best ones, while a modern annex holds additional rooms. All rooms vary in size and configuration with either a shower or bath in the en suite bathrooms.
Rooms are brightly decorated with a combination of restored period pieces—reflecting the castle’s origins—and contemporary design. Some rooms, but not all, have balconies.
A multi-course, candlelight dinner is presented at the Hörnitz Schlossstube restaurant, or for more informal fare, you can try the Winter Garden bistro, which overlooks the park. On weather-friendly days, meals are served outdoors on the terrace.
You’re not isolated at this property, and there are additional restaurants nearby.
Wind the day up at a cozy bar called the “Havana Club,” with Mr. Rico pouring your drink.
Something special
Location on German, Polish, and Czech border makes excursions into all three easy.