In the enchanting village of Schwangau, known as the "Village of the Royal Castles," Hotel Das Ruebezahl occupies a distinguished position that bridges traditional alpine heritage with contemporary luxury. This 4-Star Superior property has been operated by the Thurm family for three generations, evolving from a traditional inn to one of Bavaria's most sophisticated wellness destinations.
The hotel's branding as a "Romantic Hideaway & Boutique Spa" is not merely a marketing tagline but the operational ethos that shapes every aspect of the guest experience. Unlike large corporate chains, Ruebezahl offers a boutique atmosphere characterized by individual design elements, owner-managed intimacy, and a deep connection to Bavarian traditions.
Nestled in the Horn district at approximately 800 meters elevation, the hotel offers unobstructed views of Neuschwanstein Castle—a visual anchor that defines the guest experience and sets this property apart from every competitor in the region.
The Romantic Luxury Experience
Hotel Das Ruebezahl commits fully to the "Alpine Romance" theme, creating an environment that feels consistent from first impression to final departure. The generational continuity of the Thurm family's management ensures a deeply ingrained hospitality culture and personal attention that is often absent in investor-owned properties.
Key Features
- Castle Views: Direct, unobstructed sightlines to Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles
- Boutique Spa: 2,500 m² wellness garden with indoor and outdoor facilities
- Heated Outdoor Pool: Year-round 32°C pool with indoor access and castle views
- Private Mountain Hut: Exclusive access to Rohrkopfhuette at 1,320m elevation
- Gourmet Dining: Verwoehnpension 3/4 board with 350-label wine list
- Free Parking: On-site parking with EV charging stations available
The "Hybrid-Adult" environment welcomes families but is optimized for couples, with strict "Adults Only" policies in the sauna and relaxation areas ensuring tranquility in the core wellness spaces.
Accommodation Options
Turmsuite (Tower Suite) Deluxe
The flagship suite featuring a high-quality King-size box spring bed, experience steam shower, separate toilet, effect fireplace for ambience, and a French balcony with panoramic castle views. The ultimate romantic retreat for couples celebrating special occasions.
Royal Suite
A lavish experience with hypoallergenic bedding, minibar, safe, and distinct decor that evokes a sense of royalty. Premium amenities throughout with views that justify every euro of the investment.
Themed Suites & Superior Rooms
Choose from distinctive design themes including Ludwig's Dream (regal blues and golds inspired by the King), Allgaeu Rustic (raw wood, felt, and stone), and Romantic. Many rooms offer direct views of Neuschwanstein Castle or the Alps.
Standard & Comfort Rooms
Entry-level rooms that still meet the 4-Star Superior standard with heated floors, high-quality bedding, complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TV, safe, and minibar. A pillow menu allows guests to customize their sleep experience.
Boutique Spa & Wellness
The wellness offering at Hotel Das Ruebezahl is the critical engine that elevates it from a mere lodging venue to a destination resort. The "Boutique Spa" emphasizes intimacy, exclusivity, and design over industrial scale, grounded in "Alpine Naturalness" and leveraging the healing power of local flora and the psychological benefits of the royal views.
Aquatic Zone
Outdoor Pool: Heated year-round to 32°C with indoor access, jet stream system, and unmatched castle views
Whirlpools: Three total—one outdoor with castle sunset views, two indoor in Therme Romana
Natural Swimming Pond: Chemical-free water feature surrounded by blooming alpine herbs for summer refreshment
Therme Romana (Adults Only Sauna Landscape)
The core adult wellness experience follows traditional German textile-free sauna culture:
- Panorama Sauna (60°C): Bio-sauna with large window facing the Royal Castles
- Finnish Sauna (80-90°C): Classic high-heat for intense sweating and detoxification
- Herbal Steam Bath (55°C, 95% humidity): Alpine herb-infused steam for respiratory benefits
- Tepidarium (40°C): Radiant heat room for gentle warming and muscle relaxation
- Salt Brine Grotto (40°C): Halotherapy for skin health and respiratory conditions
Beauty Alm Treatment Center
The treatment center partners with Team Dr. Joseph, a high-end South Tyrolean brand known for "High-Tech Natural Cosmetics" combining organic herbal extracts with refined formulation technologies.
- Herbal Stamp Massage: Signature treatment with heated alpine herb stamps (~€119/60 min)
- Swiss Stone Pine Oil Massage: Calming Zirbe pine treatment for improved sleep (~€114)
- Alpine Ayurveda: Fusion of Indian techniques with Alpine oils and herbs
- Facial Treatments: Anti-age to refresher facials using Team Dr. Joseph products
Location & Castle Access
The hotel's position in Schwangau-Horn offers the perfect balance: close enough to the castles for convenience, yet removed from the chaotic tourist center. The pastoral setting provides seclusion and connection to nature that is impossible to achieve in more urbanized areas.
Castle Access
- Neuschwanstein Castle: 1.7-4.4 km (3-5 min drive, 20-30 min walk)
- Hohenschwangau Castle: Visible from property, same distance
- Castle Ticket Center: Hotel can arrange tickets and tours
Regional Connectivity
- Fuessen Town: 3 km (5 min drive)
- Forggensee Lake: 4.5 km
- Pfronten: 12.6 km (18-20 min drive)
- Tegelberg Cable Car: At the foot of the mountain
Rohrkopfhuette Mountain Hut
The hotel's unique asset is ownership of this mountain hut at 1,320 meters on the Tegelberg. A 1-1.5 hour hike from the hotel creates a seamless "base camp to summit" experience. Guests can hike up for a rustic lunch or a yoga session on the panoramic deck, charging conveniently to their room account—an experience competitors cannot replicate.
Dining & Culinary Experience
The culinary program at Hotel Das Ruebezahl keeps guests on-site with a comprehensive two-tier dining system that caters to both comfort dining and high-end gastronomic exploration.
Verwoehnpension (3/4 Gourmet Board)
- Morning (7:30-10:30): Extensive breakfast buffet with fresh fruits, regional breads, cheeses, warm egg dishes
- Lunch (12:00-14:00): Lunch snack buffet with salads, soup of the day, daily main dish
- Afternoon (14:30-16:30): Traditional Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake)
- Evening (18:00-21:00): Multi-course seated dinner with choice of main courses
Restaurant Louis II
The main hotel restaurant named in homage to King Ludwig II, where Verwoehnpension meals are served. Regional and international dishes in a refined but accessible setting—the culinary hearth of the hotel.
Gams & Gloria Gourmet Restaurant
The specialized Alpine Fine Dining venue for foodies seeking a tasting menu experience. Features high-quality game and mountain produce with access to an extensive wine program boasting nearly 350 labels.
Dietary Accommodations: Vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options available with advance notice.
Ideal Guest Profile
Romantic Couples
Honeymooners, anniversary celebrants, and couples seeking a Babymoon or Wellness Weekend. The property is optimized for dyadic travel experiences with offerings like Time for Two packages, private spa suite options, and romantic dinner settings.
Special Occasion Travelers
Those willing to pay a premium for views, privacy, and high-end wellness. The combination of location, luxury, and legitimate local heritage justifies the price point for milestone celebrations and memorable getaways.
Active Alpine Enthusiasts
Hikers and outdoor lovers who appreciate the direct access to Tegelberg trails starting at the doorstep. The Rohrkopfhuette mountain hut creates a unique resort experience extending 500 meters up the mountain.
Castle Visitors Seeking Tranquility
Travelers visiting Neuschwanstein who want to escape the hyper-tourism of the immediate castle zone. A peaceful, upscale retreat just minutes from the fairy-tale castles without the chaos.
Practical Information
Location & Contact
Address
Am Ehberg 31
87645 Schwangau
Bavaria, Germany
Website
hotelruebezahl.de
Check-in & Access
Parking
Free private on-site parking
EV charging stations available
Pet Policy
Pet friendly (surcharge applies)
Guest Ratings
Exceptional
9.7
Location
9.6
Staff
9.5
Clean
Getting There
By Train
Fuessen station (3 km)
By Air
Munich or Memmingen Airport
Approx. 1.5-2 hours by car
Price Range
€200 - €600+/night
Rooms
54 Rooms & Suites
Board
3/4 Gourmet Included