17th century Wittelsbach (Bavarian royal family) hunting lodge in beautiful, non-touristed Altmuhl Valley (Danube and Altmuhl rivers between Nuremberg and Regensburg, Bavarian Franconia.

Accessible only by car (and then use a good map and directions from the hotel). Equidistant between Nuremberg-Munich autobahn and Nuremberg-Passau autobahn, across country. High over the banks of the river in long, Juraissic valley that looks like the Shenandoah, perhaps. Glorious views, great local lamb, pork and fish and Thurn und Taxis beer.

Restored by a gentleman from Munich and run by the Family Schwartz.

Multiple rooms in eclectic furnishing (some Biedemeier, family pictures, antlers and stuffed birds) of a country house. Has a small but interesting museum with an archeopteryx, pictures of Dark Age finds from digs, etc.), stables if you want to bring your horses up for the weekend (!).

Went with two Germans from the north and an American cousin, all... more