Germany’s Tucked-Away Fairytale Castle On A Moat Is One Of Europe’s Best-Preserved Renaissance Gems

Although it was originally built as an eerie moated castle in 1427, Mespelbrunn Palace was later lovingly transformed into a charming, fairytale-like palace by Peter Echter von Mespelbrunn and his wife Gertraud von Adelsheim. The Renaissance-style transformation took almost 20 years and was completed in 1569. Located an hour east of Frankfurt (often called the “Manhattan of Europe” thanks to its skyscrapers), Mespelbrunn Palace is nestled in the heart of the Spessart Forest, an area once populated by thieves who hid during their pillaging.

Today, Spessart is an idyllic destination in the German state of Bavaria, as its century-old oaks and beeches welcome hikers and cyclists from all over the world. Off the beaten track, Mespelbrunn Castle is still owned and inhabited by descendants of the original owners. Constant renovations ensure that the magical atmosphere is preserved, making it one of the best-kept gems in Europe. On site, visitors are invited to tour the property with a guide. Touring Mespelbrunn Palace costs less than $10 at the time of this writing (cash only) and includes a guided tour. Children are welcome (and have free entry if under 6), but they must be carefully supervised as a moat still surrounds the castle.

After taking a guided tour of the grounds and interior of the castle, head to Café Pferdestall just opposite the ‘water tower’, where you can relax over coffee, tea, homemade cakes and pies, with views of the castle and moat. It also offers a few specialty dishes, including local wild boar sausages if you’re feeling adventurous. Although not as grand as the more famous Bavarian castle that inspired Walt Disney, Mespelbrunn Palace has a unique appeal, as it is smaller and offers a more personal touch with its family atmosphere and home-cooked food.

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What to do at Mespelbrunn Palace and the surrounding area

For something unique, spend the night at Mespelbrunn Palace by booking a rustic stay in the property’s mill, located on the moat between the castle and Café Pferdestall. Imagine what it might have been like to wake up in the castle gardens, overlooking the moat, hundreds of years ago. Although there is a TV and gas stove in the mill’s kitchen, you’ll need to bring your own bath towels and forgo Wi-Fi, making it feel even more like a trip back in time. An affordable stay in the house (less than $150 for up to four people, at the time of writing) also comes with a guided tour of the castle.

Beyond visiting the castle, if you can stay in the region for a few days, there are several hikes to do in the Spessart Natural Park. Starting with a moderate hike, the Dörrmorsbach – Pfaffenberg – Hohe-Wart-Haus hut is just over 8 km round trip. The idyllic trail winds through the forest to Mount Pfaffenberg and takes two to three hours. If you’re willing to drive a bit, Trettstein Waterfall is just under an hour’s drive away. A popular choice on AllTrails, the hike to the waterfall is a moderately difficult loop spanning about 6 miles. With a mossy forest, wildflowers and a waterfall, it’s a magical hike worth the trip.

Once you’ve had your fill of the castle and forest, continue your Bavarian road trip to Nuremberg (a two-hour drive). If you’ve planned your trip for winter, you can experience one of Germany’s most spectacular Christmas markets, which is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

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