If you hear something fantastic about Münchhausen, your first instinct might be to doubt it. Blame the Baron. But Schlosshotel Münchhausen is a truly great story — one that shows how tradition and modern travel can blend seamlessly in the here and now.
Picture this: A castle perched in the hills of Lower Saxony, once so remarkable that it lured even Russian Tsar Peter the Great — for a fruit. Yes, a pineapple. Sounds exotic, not to say implausible? But it’s historically verified.
Highlights:
• 5-star-superior castle hotel with 67 unique rooms and suites
• Ranked among the Top 100 Hotels in the German-speaking region by Falstaff Hotel Guide (2023, 2024, 2025)
• Named Germany’s Best Castle Hotel by Connoisseur Circle four years in a row
• Fine-dining restaurant HILMAR awarded a Michelin star after just three months
• Historic Weser Renaissance castle from the 16th century
From aristocratic foresight to luxury retreat
When Hilmar von Münchhausen laid the foundation for Schloss Schwöbber in the 16th century, no one could have imagined it would one day become one of Germany’s top luxury hotels. The wealthy military commander — an ancestor of the famed storyteller — clearly had a nose for prime locations.
What do you do when you’re one of the richest men of your time? You hire a star architect. Hilmar brought in Cord Tönnies, the genius of the Weser Renaissance, whose work still graces the old town of Hamelin today.
Botanical wonders instead of flying cannonballs
The castle’s extraordinary story took off with Otto I von Münchhausen, who pulled off a botanical coup in the late 17th century: He grew Germany’s first pineapples in his greenhouses — as early as 1689. A sensation so bold that Tsar Peter the Great stopped by in 1716 to see for himself. Where golfers now tee off, the world’s most exotic fruit once ripened.
While Baron Münchhausen gained fame in Bodenwerder with tales of cannonballs and moon voyages, his relative Otto II was busy making actual history. Around 1750, he laid out one of the first English landscape gardens in Europe — always one step ahead of his time.
Milestones in Münchhausen
1570: Construction of the Weser Renaissance castle begins
1689: Germany’s first pineapple cultivation in the castle gardens
1750: One of Europe’s first English landscape gardens
2004: Reopening as a luxury hotel after complete restoration
A culinary renaissance – now with a Michelin star
Today, Schlosshotel Münchhausen features 67 individually designed rooms and suites split between the historic castle and the artfully transformed granary. Old walls meet new luxury — and it’s a match that works. No wonder the hotel has been named Germany’s Best Castle Hotel four times running.
The crowning culinary achievement came recently: Chef Stephan Krogmann earned a Michelin star for his MODERN CLASSIC style at HILMAR in just three months. His philosophy? “Flavour, product, and craftsmanship should always come first.” And you can taste it in every bite.
The 800 m² Münchhausen Spa leaves nothing to be desired. A 18-metre pool with counter-current system and massage jets awaits in a sunlit wellness space — perfect for morning swims or post-golf wind-downs.
Wellness with historic charm
Especially innovative: the Sanarium with Liftlight, a gentle sauna experience with balanced humidity and temperature — combining cardiovascular training with light therapy that tones the skin. The Finnish sauna heats up to 90°C, offering classic sweating sessions with intense infusions.
Another highlight is the Microsalt Salina Lounge, where patented technology releases microscopic salt particles into the air — cleaning the respiratory system, calming inflammation, and creating the feeling of a day at the sea. To cool off, the Polaris ice fountain awaits.
Full-body relaxation? Offered in abundance. From classic massages and hot chocolate treatments to ayurvedic and Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Nui, it’s all there. On the sun terrace or in the tranquil lounge overlooking the castle — everyday life fades fast.
Spa Highlights:
• 800 m² of wellness space with 18 m pool
• Innovative Sanarium and Microsalt treatments
• Wide range of massages and beauty treatments
• Sun terrace with floating loungers and castle views
Golfing variety in the Weser Hills
For golfers, the Schlosshotel offers a true paradise just beyond the doors. The two 18-hole courses of Hamelner Golfclub Schloss Schwöbber, established in 1985, stretch over 80 hectares and blend beautifully into the wooded terrain.
The Baron von Münchhausen Course (Par 73, men 5,951 m, women 5,241 m) starts flat in the idyllic Beberbach Valley, with water hazards and a peninsula green. After the first five holes, it climbs into the forest, where tight fairways and small greens demand precision. The hilly layout is as much a scenic delight as a sporting challenge — walking players get a bonus cardio session.
Its little sibling, fondly known as Lucie, the Lucia von Reden Course (Par 59), is one of the shortest officially rated courses in Germany (2,836 m men, 2,773 m women). Don’t let the length fool you — tight, water-lined fairways make it a real test, and a lot of fun for all skill levels. Good players can complete the round in two hours — perfect for a quick game. With holes from 78 to 271 metres, Lucie is also ideal for sharpening your short game.
Guests enjoy attractive stay-and-play packages and reduced green fees. And if you’re looking for more golf variety: within an hour’s drive are several premium courses, all offering discounted access through the hotel.
Golf Overview
• Two 18-hole courses at the hotel (Par 73 and Par 59)
• Reduced green fees for hotel guests
• Attractive stay-and-play packages
• Numerous other top courses within 1-hour drive
Hospitality with history
Schlosshotel Münchhausen is currently the only one of the Seven Castles of the Weser Hills that actually welcomes overnight guests — a privilege not to be missed. Whether it’s the iconic Münchhausen Cake (with pineapple!) in the grand dining hall, or a drink in the stylish Schwöbbar overlooking the moat — this is tradition, not as museum piece, but as living experience.
Almost too good to be true, yet entirely real: a castle that made botanical history, survived two devastating fires, and now brings together luxury, golf, and Michelin-star cuisine.
Even the Baron himself would be impressed — and, for once, wouldn’t need to exaggerate.
