This Austrian Castle Hotel Has Been Transformed into a Luxurious Retreat

The Dinogo Perspective

Located just 13 miles from Salzburg, Lake Fuschl dazzles with its emerald and turquoise hues, surrounded by lush forests and rolling mountains. This enchanting destination has captivated generations of visitors, many of whom are locals returning year after year. With the recent renovation by Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, which opened on July 1, 2024, this iconic castle and its breathtaking surroundings are now attracting international attention.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, affectionately referred to as “the Schloss” by locals, was originally built in 1461 as a hunting lodge for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg and transformed into a hotel post-World War II. Rosewood’s two-year renovation has preserved its timeless elegance and historical essence. Three design firms, including Austria's Bauer Stahl Architecture, have crafted the decor for the heritage suites and chalets, resulting in a striking blend of modern luxury and historical charm. The lobby showcases this eclectic style with mounted antlers, sophisticated wooden shelves, Old Master paintings, and contemporary works, including a striking upside-down portrait of his wife by German artist Georg Baselitz. The centerpiece is the stunning Schloss Bar—so exquisite that general manager Sascha Hemmann jokingly refers to it as his office, featuring vaulted ceilings, a 15th-century fireplace, intricate moldings in the window nooks, and nature-inspired murals by local artist Marie Hartig.

The castle gained fame through its role in the 1955 Sissi film trilogy, where actress Romy Schneider portrayed the 19th-century empress of Austria. (Sissi has recently regained popularity thanks to bestselling books, a successful 2022 movie, and the Netflix series The Empress.) The hotel honors Sissi in various ways, including a signature suite and a turndown cookie shaped like her pet deer.

Who’s it for?

Culturally curious travelers eager to discover Salzburg will value the hotel’s curated experiences designed to provide unique insights. The hotel can arrange a private tour of the Festspielhaus (Great Festival House), the venue for the renowned Salzburg Festival, or a behind-the-scenes look at the Kirchtag Umbrella workshop, founded in 1903 and located in a 12th-century structure. Near the hotel, guests can join a local fisherman for a lake excursion or enjoy lunch with nearby hikers at the local fishery, dining at outdoor picnic tables while savoring smoked fish topped with horseradish sauce.

For adventure enthusiasts, there are plenty of outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking, and Alpine winter sports. Those seeking relaxation will find solace in a treatment at the extensive Asaya Spa (more on that later) or can unwind at the Schloss Fuschl See Club with a glass of grüner veltliner wine. The deck extends over the water, adorned with striped parasols, ceramic stools, and colorful daybeds. I swam in the crystal-clear water, watching fish dart beneath a flock of ducklings, just before a thunderstorm rolled in, lighting up the sky.

Beyond the stunning surroundings, a stay here invites you to embrace the German concept of entschleunigen, or the art of consciously slowing down. Herbalist Martina Egger guided me on a foraging walk, gathering medicinal herbs like red clover (known for its cell-renewing properties) and St. John’s wort (steeped to create a mood-boosting tea). “The sun comes into your soul and your body,” she remarked about the yellow flower.

The location

Situated just 30 minutes by car from Salzburg Airport, Fuschl is a cherished lake in the Salzkammergut region, renowned for its natural beauty and historical salt mining that contributed to Salzburg’s prosperity. In its heyday, the entire catch from Lake Fuschl graced the tables of the Archbishops of Salzburg. Today, this serene lake also hosts the global headquarters of Red Bull.

A scenic walking path encircles the lake, allowing for a leisurely 2.5-hour hike with opportunities to pause at the fishery, sandy beaches, and meadows filled with grazing cows, or explore the lake by boat. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl provides kayaks, paddleboards, and a guided 10-person boat for delightful breakfast or sunset excursions.

The rooms

The hotel features 98 guest rooms across 13 categories within a U-shaped structure, showcasing hardwood floors, expansive picture windows, and luxurious marble bathrooms. Opt for a "lake view" room for stunning panoramas; the sitting area by the French windows is perfectly positioned for enjoying the scenery. For an elevated experience, consider the Deluxe Junior Suites with private balconies or terraces. The historic tower contains eight rooms and suites, including the one-bedroom Sissi Suite (No. 607), also referred to as the Deluxe Heritage Suite, featuring a standalone tub. The largest option is the Kaiser Franz Joseph House (No. 409), which can connect with three other rooms to create a four-bedroom retreat complete with a private butler. Additionally, three standalone chalets by the water offer terraces and private saunas, though the tower lacks elevators and external terraces due to its historic classification.

I adored the nightly turndown service that included printed bedtime stories alongside delightful treats—like the region's renowned Mozart Kugeln, chocolate-covered marzipan delights. The highlight of my Deluxe room was undoubtedly the mini bar, a backlit cabinet featuring a four seasons design by Marie Hartig, the same artist who embellished the Schloss Bar. The items tucked away on the shelves tell their own tales: the bottled spirits are crafted by the Farthofer Distillery using ingredients sourced from within a seven-mile radius of the hotel.

The food and drink

Skip breakfast in your room and make your way to the Seeterrasse, where the morning buzz and lake views create a vibrant atmosphere. Treat yourself to poached eggs accompanied by cured Lake Fuschl salmon trout while watching the mist rise over the lake like the steam from your espresso. As the day progresses, this restaurant transforms into an enchanting dinner spot, serving a variety of dishes from the Alps to the sea, including wiener schnitzel and seared Croatian Ikejime seabass.

For a more upscale dining experience, Schloss Restaurant offers a gourmet showcase of local ingredients. Chef Julian Schwamberger, a native of the region, has honed his skills in fine dining establishments worldwide, including Dubai’s Burj Al Arab. His dual goal is to source from nearby producers while elevating rustic farmer’s cuisine through unexpected flavor pairings. Guests can enjoy caviar from Salzburg, sustainably farmed mountain prawns, and black pudding—his personal favorite. And don’t miss the Salzburger Nockerl, an impressive meringue soufflé shaped like the three iconic mountains of Salzburg; it’s a must-try for every visitor.

The Vinothek and Terrace at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl cater to a more relaxed local clientele with a casual menu and a wine selection that showcases Austrian varieties. (This welcoming vibe was absent in its previous form.) After a refreshing hike, you can enjoy charcuterie boards and venison-cheese Krainer sausage, a regional delicacy, served by staff dressed in custom lederhosen and dirndls.

Staff and service

A dedicated team of 300, clad in tailored uniforms, operates the resort—I particularly admired the jackets and green ties worn by the guest experience staff—and their friendliness is truly heartfelt. I had to check out at an absurdly early hour for a flight, yet the front desk attendant was cheerful long before dawn. When I inquired about her night shift caffeine routine, she chuckled, pointing out the lovely weather forecast, and mentioned she planned to enjoy an invigorating swim after her shift.

Head concierge Norbert Strambach, who has been with the hotel for 18 years, is an invaluable resource about the region. As a clef d’or concierge, he leads a five-person team, some of whom are licensed hiking guides. For Strambach, his role is as much about sharing stories as it is about listening to them.

Accessibility

The majority of the hotel grounds feature paved walkways, and there is a designated wheelchair-accessible guest room equipped with a spacious shower. However, please note that the tower, classified as a historic monument, lacks elevator access to its eight rooms and suites.

Spa and swim

Beyond the enchanting experience of swimming in Lake Fuschl, the hotel boasts two pools within the spa area. A sliding glass wall allows for a seamless transition to the outdoor heated pool, which features an infinity edge that seemingly flows into the lake below. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the Asaya Spa is equipped with eight treatment rooms, three saunas, and a steam bath, designed to offer more than just pampering. Its collaboration with Salzburg's Biogena, known for its health supplements, enhances the wellness-focused offerings. Facials utilize products from the French-Japanese brand Evidens de Beauté, ensuring a results-driven approach. Special thanks to therapist Joe for the exceptional hot-stone massage infused with CBD oil. Starting at $650