Few people know that beneath the old walls of Schönburg lies a very special gem: our castle garden, spanning over two hectares – exclusively accessible only to our hotel guests.

Those who dare to descend will be rewarded: the path leads down into the greenery in about five to ten minutes, along narrow stairs – past stunning views of the Rhine Valley and a small, open outdoor library. It is at the latest when you pass under the castle bridge that you enter an entirely different world – our garden.

Just beneath the bridge, a swing and a cozy seating area invite you to linger. Not far away, keen-eyed visitors can discover a small cave with a mischievous goblin figure that is delighted by every visit.

Our garden is diverse and full of surprises: 

A greenhouse, which becomes too hot for plants in the summer, currently serves as a quiet retreat with tables, chairs, and a few books. The olive tree that once stood there has found a new home outside the greenhouse—and is thriving beautifully. 

On the grounds, one can find traces of the past: The largest part of the garden was once a vineyard—still a guarantee of sunlight and mild warmth today. A small portion of vines is growing again, a loving homage to its history. 

Next to one of the two garden ponds lies a large outdoor chess set, inviting strategic duels. A bit further down, you’ll discover a pétanque court and a round, covered garden house—a so-called rondel—built by our parents as a reminder of their time in South Africa. Inside, there are photos and mementos from that formative period. 

Halfway up, a pergola with a carom table and two dartboards invites a friendly break—before that, additional seating is available for resting and enjoying.

A very special place is the old cemetery located in the upper central part of the garden – it once belonged to the former Schönburg Castle (not to our castle) and imparts a quiet, historically rich aura to the area. Next to it, our little labyrinth is slowly but steadily growing – many of the hedges are still young and only about a meter high, but even now it invites playful wandering.

On the way to the upper part of the garden, there are several fountains, additional quiet seating areas, and at the top, the second, smaller pond. You can also find a path through the almost untouched forest in the garden to round off the nature experience. However, we don’t want to reveal everything here to leave some room for surprises.

Our castle garden is a place for discovery, relaxation, and wonder – a peaceful paradise just for our guests, full of nooks and crannies that tell stories. However, we don’t want to reveal everything – a little room for surprises should remain.

So don’t forget to visit the castle garden – perhaps soon, during your next stay at Schönburg.