Explore the Rich History and Historic Castles of Germany

Germany is blessed with countless, historic castles. Glucksburg Castle is a holiday home in a fairytale castle. Located in Germany, Glucksburg Castle is actually a moated castle. At times, a residence of the Danish royal family. In addition, it it is one of the most important Renaissance castles anywhere in northern Europe.

Upon seeing Glucksburg Castle for the first time, many visitors have the same first impression. It is a magnificent historical building, perfectly reflected in the water. Plus it is one of the most famous sights in Schleswig-Holstein. Holidaymakers can stay in apartments directly on the castle island in the former carriage house. Be welcomed by the surrounding lake, park and vast castle courtyard.

Glücksburg Castle, built between 1583 and 1587 belongs to the most significant complex of castles in Northern Europe. Under the Duke John the Younger (1545-1622), Castle Glucksburg is an architectural marvel and must be seen in person. In addition, the property is the ancestral home of of the Dukes of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glucksburg,

But, you don’t need to have noble blood glowing through your veins. Across Germany, there are a wide range of castle and palace accommodations in stay in. Anyone can dine and sleep in these historic dwellings, that were once the exclusive preserve of famous Knights, Princes and Kings. Visitors can choose between a youth hostel or even a luxury hotel.

Holiday home in a fairytale castle

There are numerous, historic castle hotels in the Saarland area. Each offers visitors a chance to get away from it all in a fairytale setting. One example is the amazing Berg Castle. Interestingly, it is now a five-star hotel nestled in a picturesque landscape of rolling vineyards.

Situated at the heart of the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park, you will find the Baroque-style Münchweiler Castle. This castle has been owned by the same family for eight generations. It is now a hotel and café. The beautiful Ziegelberg Castle near Mettlach offers visitors a regal, holiday accommodation. Enjoy your stay in the heart of an ancient wooded park.

Historical accommodation by the Rhine and Elbe

A total of 35 historic castles and palaces in Germany offer budget youth hostel accommodations. Hence, they are ideal for children, young people, families and groups. For example, one of these historic castles is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz. Is is situated high above the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. As a result, visitors will enjoy impressive views over the city. In addition, explore this picturesque river landscape and its many hilltop castles on hiking trips or boat tours.

A river trip on the Elbe is the ideal start to a visit to Pillnitz Castle in Saxony. Steamboats are operated by Sächsische Dampfschifffahrt. Definitely, they are the most scenic way to arrive. Once leaving Dresden’s Old Town, the steamboat passes the historical Elbe castles of Albrechtsberg Palace, Lingnerschloss and Schloss Eckberg. Continuing, are the famous Loschwitz Bridge (the “Blue Wonder”). For a peaceful night’s rest, stay at the former summer residence of the Saxon Kings. Next, you will explore the extensive parklands around Pillnitz Castle. Plus, visitors can find exclusive holiday apartments in small, cozy buildings. Examples are the “Small Guard House” and the “Trumpeter’s House”.

Secret passageway to castle kitchens

Among Germany’s many historic castles is Wörlitz Castle in Saxony-Anhalt. This castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and regarded as the founding construction of German Classicism. In addition to the castle, the area includes the surrounding Wörlitz Park. Next, take guided tours and an opportunity to admire the very well preserved interior of the castle. It includes furniture and ceramics, as well as progressive features such as dumb waiters and concealed doors. Finally, the tour takes visitors through an underground passageway. Enjoy viewing the former kitchen building of the castle.

Nearby, visitors can also dine in regal style in Anholt Castle. It is one of the largest moated castles in all of the Münsterland region. Continuing, visitors will quickly notice the massive 12th-century tower. Now, Anholt Castle is a prestigious residential castle. Foodies will love a gourmet cuisine, accompanied by a view of the castle and park. Wasserpavillon restaurant is found in the middle of the palace pond.

The Life of Luxury can help you plan and book your next luxury vacation. We make your next getaway anywhere in the world, a memorable one.  In addition, we are a wide variety of VIP experiences.  From Red Carpet award shows, sporting events and fashion shows. Plus, enjoy private parties, celebrity “meet and greets”, concerts and theater shows.

We hope you enjoy reading about Germany’s many historic castles. Please return soon to follow the latest luxury travel news and top destination updates.



Cliveden House – Luxury Estate in the English Countryside

Enjoy an amazing travel getaway at the Cliveden House, a luxury estate hotel in the gorgeous English countryside. The Cliveden House offers incomparable hospitality. Plus, the 350-year-old castle offers 48 rooms, impeccable spa facilities, award-winning dining and five-star service.

The Hotel

Experience incomparable hospitality at one of the world’s finest luxury hotels. Cliveden House was built over 350 years ago for the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress. Cliveden House is a destination enriched by both its illicit history and antique furnishings, In addition, the hotel features Edwardian elegance and first-class service.

Housing 48 individually styled rooms, the sprawling 376-acre estate also features an outdoor pool, sauna and tennis court. Enjoy award-winning cuisine at the Andrew Garrett Restaurant or Astor Grill. Then, you can leisurely explore the meticulously tended grounds and nearby woodlands.

Rooms
Cliveden’s 48 rooms vary in size and exude distinctive styles reminiscent of the history of the house. Find classic ambience that echoes throughout with timeless furnishings, period bathrooms and original works of art. The luxurious Deluxe Suites boast generous space and high ceilings. Therefore, the Classic Rooms are perfect for shorter stays, coming well-appointed with a private hot tub and antique furniture.

Food & Drink
Boasting 3 AA Rosettes, The André Garrett restaurant and its menus of innovative dishes showcase the best of English ingredients and seasonal flavours. For relaxed dining, head to The Astor Grill located in the old stable block. Full of character both in style and menu, the food, a mixture of classic American and British dishes, reflects the diversity of the hotel’s past owners and residents.

In addition, an Afternoon Tea of freshly baked scones, pint-sized cakes and Taittinger Champagne is available. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the quintessential British pastime. But, it also offers utter exclusivity and an intimate affair. Lastly, dining is also available in your own private room.

Location
Perfectly situated only 20 minutes drive from London Heathrow Airport. Plus, Cliveden House is just 45 minutes from the capital’s city centre. Cliveden Hotel is set on an idyllic location in the Berkshire countryside with panoramic views over the stunning River Thames.

Are you ready take that luxury vacation you’ve always dreamed of? The Life of Luxury can assist your vacation plans every step of the way. What are you waiting for?

We hope you enjoyed reading about the amazing Cliveden House. Please stop by again soon and learn about more luxury vacation getaways from around the world.

Photo: Cliveden House




Vikingsholm – Mystical Castle in Lake Tahoe

Vikingsholm Emerald Bay Lake Tahoe

At the head of Emerald Bay where Eagle Creek wanders into the bay you will find a flat area of land surrounded by waterfalls, cliffs, steep slopes and the emerald waters of the bay.

Here, set among the magnificent pines and cedars you will find Vikingsholm. The vision of wealthy heiress, Lora J. Knight, Vikingsholm is fashioned after the castles found in the fiords of Norway (that must be a beautiful place, too).

Construction of Vikingsholm was begun in 1928 and completed before the winter of 1929. The castle can be accessed via a 1 mile trail starting at the Vikingsholm parking lot.

This is a relatively steep trail and does get a lot of sun in the summer. The castle can also be accessed by private boat or by longer hikes starting at D.L. Bliss, or Eagle Point Campground.

Vikingsholm also includes a small island in Emerald Bay known as Fannette Island.




On the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle – Scotland

Edinburgh Castle is the most famous, most frequently visited castle in Scotland, and really worth the steep entrance fee.

Edinburgh Castle was built in the 7th century and sits high on Castle rock, which is a 437 feet high chunk of black, basalt rock. Years past this rock was once a volcano.

Three sides of mighty Edinburgh Castle  are surrounded by sheer volcanic cliffs.  To the east, is a long, cobbled road named the “Royal Mile”.

The first record of the Edinburgh Castle being used as an actual royal residence, occurred sometime in the 11th century when Margaret, the wife of Malcolm III died there, after hearing about her husband’s death at Alnwick in 1093.

In the past, Edinburgh Castle was used for keeping valuable royal treasures and records. Kings frequently lived in it. But when William the Lion was captured at Alnwick in 1174, Edinburgh was one of a number of castles handed over to Henry II of England.

Today, dominating the inner city of Edinburgh is the most popular national monument in Scotland. A trip to Edinburgh Castle affords visitors a magnificent view of the city.

A classic drawbridge lowers over a dried-out moat from the broad Esplanade where the famous Military Tattoo is held every August.

As you approach the main entrance to the Edinburgh Castle, it is flanked by bronze statues of famous people. Legendary William Wallace. Wallace, the main character in the 1995 movie “Braveheart” starring Mel Gibson, led the Scottish resistance against Edward I. William Wallace was later executed in London. The other bronze statue is of Robert the Bruce. Bruce is Scotland’s national hero, and is fame arose from defeat of the English under Edward II at Bannockburn.

Some of the major sites to see at Edinburgh Castle are: Argyll’s Tower, Crown Square Scottish National War Memorial, French Prisons, Great Hall, Mons Meg Cannon, National War Museum of Scotland, One O’Clock Salute, Royal Palace, and St Margaret’s Chapel.

CLICK HERE for more information about the Edinburgh Castle.