Grubegg Castle

Grubegg Castle is a historic building in Bad Mitterndorf, a village in the Salzkammergut region of Styria, Austria. It was built in 1591 as a small castle for a wealthy merchant, but it suffered two major fires in the 17th century that changed its original architecture. It was restored in the last few years and turned into a boutique hotel that offers a cozy and charming atmosphere with modern comfort.

Grubegg Castle was built in 1591 by a wealthy wood merchant, who wanted to have a prestigious residence on a small hill overlooking the valley. The castle had three storeys and small towers with bay windows at its corners, giving it a typical Renaissance style. It also had a chapel, a courtyard, and a garden.

However, the castle’s glory did not last long. In the 17th century, it was hit by two devastating fires that destroyed most of its original structure. The walls were rebuilt, but not in the same height, and a new, steeper roof was added. The castle lost its original appearance and looked more like a large country house or manor. Nevertheless, it kept its name of Schloss Grubegg, which means Grubegg Castle.

The castle changed owners several times over the centuries, until it was bought by Gabi and Michael Floymayr in 2000. They decided to restore the castle with care and respect for its history, and to turn it into a small boutique hotel. They preserved the old vaults, the majolica stoves, and the antique furniture, and added some modern elements to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. They also renovated the garden and the surroundings, making them more attractive and inviting.

Grubegg Castle has eight spacious and cozy rooms, each with its own style and character. The rooms are named after famous people who have visited or stayed in the castle, such as Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven, and Goethe. The rooms have en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and minibars. Some rooms also have balconies or terraces with stunning views of the mountains or the fields.

The castle also has a common lounge area, where guests can relax, read, or enjoy a drink. There is also a breakfast room, where a rich and delicious buffet is served every morning, featuring local products and specialties. The castle does not have a restaurant, but there are several options nearby, ranging from traditional Austrian cuisine to international dishes.

Grubegg Castle is an ideal base for exploring the Salzkammergut region, which is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. The region has many lakes, mountains, forests, and meadows, offering scenic landscapes and opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, boating, and more. The region also has many historic and cultural attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt, the spa town of Bad Ischl, the salt mines of Altaussee, and the Dachstein Ice Caves.

The castle itself is surrounded by nature, and guests can enjoy the tranquility and the views from the garden or the terrace. The castle also has a small wellness area, where guests can use the sauna, the steam bath, or the infrared cabin. The castle also offers massages and other treatments upon request.