THE CASTLE
An authentic replica of a castle dating back to around 1180 is being built along historically documented trade routes. Here, guests are immersed in the time of the first settlement of the Ore Mountains. A piece of Saxon-Bohemian history is brought to life in an impressive way – a unique experience with added value.
THEMED HOTEL
Detailed castle complex on the theme of the first settlement of the Ore Mountains around 1180. Hands-on storytelling with a lucrative, sustainable business model
TARGET GROUP
17-20% annual growth in relevant target groups. An event and seminar hotel for companies, groups, and couples in the mid-price segment.
TEAMBUILDING
A unique ambience where guests can develop their personalities, particularly mental resilience and the conscious use of resources.
Experience
The castle is a unique, lively experience – like a large escape room where history and adventure await visitors around every corner
Immerse yourself in the adventure with all your senses
The castle combines an immersive medieval experience with modern values such as sustainability, community, and a circular economy. Our concept emphasizes the natural, the simple, and the high-quality. Inspired by the legends of 'Miri Quidi' and located on historic trade routes, the castle offers an authentic escape from everyday life.
With its unique combination of lively seminar offerings, a craft village, an escape room atmosphere, and a pioneering energy concept, the castle creates a strong brand that extends far beyond its walls.
No palace, no luxury – instead, the castle conveys the charm of simplicity and value, embedded in a lively and inspiring atmosphere.
Another time – time for yourself
Adventure and minimalism
- The castle offers guests a journey back in time to the Middle Ages, combining minimalism with adventure. This concept appeals to growing target groups such as millennials, who prefer to invest in experiences rather than material goods.
- Immersive experiences are at the core of the concept, comparable to an escape room.
- Minimalist furnishings, offerings for mental resilience, and a playful structure. This is difficult to copy and difficult to compare.
Unique marketing opportunities
Media presence and community
- We translate contemporary themes into visually compelling experience formats that incorporate mass-produced products such as games, films, and series in the "new media." This offers unique marketing and collaboration opportunities.
- Through collaborations, the hotel can reach a social media audience of over 5 million people even before opening.
- Our energy comes from waste materials, thus underscoring our focus on circular economy and resource conservation in a media-focused way.
Adventurers and self-discoverers
Experiences and events
- Directly in front of the castle, the lively craft village with blacksmiths, potters, and other artisans invites you to get involved in workshops and immerse yourself in the medieval era.
- Whether it's a wedding, conference, or corporate event – our Knight's Hall or the event cellar with vaulted ceilings and dance floor will make every celebration a special experience.
- 40 hectares of surrounding land with attractions and facilities for events and seminars complete the offering.
Experience history, enjoy naturally
Culinary arts and manufacturing
- By combining an authentic atmosphere with artisanal quality and raising our guests' awareness of the production process, we create a new appreciation.
- Our gastronomic concept thus enables us to charge higher prices without losing focus on quality and sustainability.
- Meat from the open grill, freshly baked bread, honey, mead, beer, sausage, and cheese – all produced in our own factories according to the principle of the recycling kitchen. This means that all raw materials are processed as much as possible.
Spaces & comfort
- 94 naturally designed rooms
- 20 family rooms
- 5 tower suites
- 7 cave rooms (in front of the village)
- 9 cabin rooms (inside the village)
- Vaulted restaurant
- Tavern with open grill
- Beer garden (self-service)
- SPA area with sauna and pool
- Event cellar vault (club)
- Hall for over 250 people
Experience & History
- Exciting escape rooms
- Guard rooms, bailiwick, dungeon, and other exciting rooms
- Interactive tours of the castle and its history
- Medieval role-playing games and live events
- Stable space for 8 guest horses or for carriage rides, etc.
- Swimming pond with yoga rocks
Culinary & Manufactures
- Home Brewery
- Liqueur and Mead Production
- Small Home Bakery
- Small Cheese Factory
- Beekeeping
- Sausage and Smoked Goods
- Farm Shop
Seminars & events
- Seminar and conference rooms
- Team-building kitchen in medieval style
- Medieval banquets and weddings
- Large-scale event technology for markets and theme days
- Historical adventure tours
LEARN, EXPERIENCE, IMMERSE
What we are often asked
What is the castle?
- Slow down in a medieval setting where time plays no central role.
- A seminar and event center with generous capacity.
- A center for "artisans" with workshops on topics such as the conscious use of resources.
Why a castle?
- A castle represents a simple but stable structure (stone, clay, wood) and offers security.
- A castle is not associated with luxury, but with adventure, imagination, creativity, and simplicity.
- A castle offers numerous opportunities for visually powerful, digital marketing and a broad target audience.
- A castle is a familiar image for many people. We play with this image and any childhood memories in our marketing.
Why are we rebuilding the castle?
Rebuilding the castle is a conscious decision that offers both economic and immersive benefits.
Old castles are difficult to redesign due to listed building regulations, offer only a small number of rooms, and incur high operating costs. Combining old and new buildings would also disrupt the project's central theme and authentic atmosphere.
The new construction allows us to create greater capacity and plan every square meter efficiently. Modern construction techniques allow us to save costs while integrating the latest technologies for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Old castles are difficult to redesign due to listed building regulations, offer only a small number of rooms, and incur high operating costs. Combining old and new buildings would also disrupt the project's central theme and authentic atmosphere.
The new construction allows us to create greater capacity and plan every square meter efficiently. Modern construction techniques allow us to save costs while integrating the latest technologies for energy efficiency and sustainability.
We rely on clever construction concepts. For example, instead of digging cellars, we build on grass verges using reinforced concrete and create an inner courtyard next to the first utility rooms, which is then filled to create the impression of an elevated castle. This approach reduces costs while creating an authentic feel, as visitors can still descend deep into the "cellars." To maintain the authentic feel, "tangible" walls are constructed from natural stone. Surface walls, such as the exteriors, are recreated using a less expensive but almost indistinguishable spray-paint method.
The entire complex is constructed from various modular elements arranged in angular configurations and clad with natural stone, wood, and imitation stone. The appearance must feel natural and authentic, while simultaneously meeting the guests' expectations.
This concept combines functionality and authenticity, ensuring a realistic feel that will be economically successful in the long term.
The entire complex is constructed from various modular elements arranged in angular configurations and clad with natural stone, wood, and imitation stone. The appearance must feel natural and authentic, while simultaneously meeting the guests' expectations.
This concept combines functionality and authenticity, ensuring a realistic feel that will be economically successful in the long term.
What could a stay look like (guest journey)
Tim, an IT project manager, and Lea, his girlfriend, are planning a special getaway at the castle hotel and are bringing a couple of friends along for an unforgettable weekend together. The combination of a medieval ambiance, interactive workshops, and a unique team-building seminar as preparation for their future together captivates them from the start.
Pre-Arrival
Tim and Lea discover the castle hotel through a trailer on YouTube. The immersive medieval setting and exciting workshops immediately captivate them. When they tell their friends about it, they are thrilled and decide to travel together to share the experience.
- They book a two-night package in a medieval tower room on the castle hotel's website. This includes a blacksmithing course, a team-building seminar, and a candlelight dinner in the tavern.
- The booking process is seamless, and they receive a link to download the hotel app. This allows them to get an overview of attractions that match their preferences and make reservations in advance.
- They use the hotel app to plan their arrival time and find out about the leisure activities, including the spa area, escape rooms, and the numerous other workshops and daily attractions.
Arrival
Arriving at the castle hotel is a magical moment for Tim and Lea. The impressive scenery and historic atmosphere immediately captivate them.
- Nach der Ankunft sehen sie ein Check-in-Terminal, an dem sie sich selbst einchecken könnten. Doch sie entscheiden sich dafür, lieber mit einem Mitarbeiter im mittelalterlichen Gewand zu sprechen, der sie persönlich begrüßt und auf einen Met im Gewölbe einlädt.
- Er überreicht ihnen Zimmerkarten aus Holz, in denen ein RFID-Chip integriert ist. Diese Karten dienen während des Aufenthalts als Zahlungsmittel, sodass Tim und Lea ihre Handys zum digitalen entspannen auf dem Zimmer einschließen können.
- Das Zimmer überzeugt mit authentischer Einrichtung, inklusive mittelalterlicher Kostüme, die die beiden während ihres Aufenthalts tragen können. Moderne Technik wie Arbeitstisch und Fernseher sind geschickt in abschließbaren Schränken verborgen, um das Erlebnis nicht zu stören.
Stay
Tim and Lea are enjoying their stay to the fullest. The combination of adventure, learning, and time together makes the days unforgettable.
Interactive Journey of Discovery
- The entire castle and the craft village are a journey of discovery in themselves. Tim and Lea, together with their friends, lock away their smartphones and explore guard rooms, hidden passageways, and the historic mine tunnel. Along the way, they solve puzzles, find hidden clues, and learn exciting stories about the castle's past.
Workshops and craft experiences
- On their first day, Tim and Lea choose woodturning, making a small wooden game. Their friends attend a herbal course and create personalized ointments. These workshops not only give them new skills but also small mementos of their stay.
Escape Rooms and Team Adventures
- Together with their friends, Tim and Lea venture into one of the castle's escape rooms. The storyline is based on a historical legend, and the puzzles encourage teamwork and collaboration with other guests. The immersive structure immerses them deeply in the castle's history.
Team building and preparation for the future
- On the second day, Tim and Lea participate in a team-building seminar suitable for both pairs and small groups. Together with their friends and other participants, they work on a medieval trade route. They simulate negotiating, bartering, and trading various resources, which requires skill, communication, and strategy. And a certain amount of foresight, because of the highwaymen. This dynamic activity combines historical insights with modern team building and brings the group closer together.
- In the evening, the group is given a seat in a niche by the large open fireplace and is served various game and other meat specialties from the kitchen, which they can roast themselves. There's also a small beer tasting from the castle brewery. While enjoying the rustic experience, they make plans for the next day.
- On the last day, bad weather is forecast. Tim, Lea, and their friends decide to spend the day at the castle. After a brief deliberation, they opt for a round of archery under the guidance of an experienced instructor, where they can test their accuracy. Alternatively, they consider the spa area for modern relaxation while enjoying the medieval atmosphere.
- The weather is better than expected, so Tim, Lea, and their friends can take a medieval carriage ride with two magnificent Friesian horses that afternoon, taking them through the picturesque surroundings of the castle. This provides a fitting conclusion to their trip together.
Departure
Tim, Lea, and their friends leave the castle hotel with many new impressions and experiences. Tim and Lea agree: It was perfect preparation for their future, and the idea of perhaps getting married at the castle one day still haunts them.
- Checkout is convenient via the app. As a thank you, they receive a personalized gift – an engraved wooden plaque commemorating their weekend together.
- Tim and Lea say goodbye with the firm intention of visiting the castle hotel again soon to participate in one of the large medieval markets.
Post-Stay
Even after their departure, the castle hotel remains a topic for Tim and Lea.
- Tim and Lea share their experiences on social media and promote the castle hotel with their affiliate link. They plan to use the bonus points for their next stay.
- After their departure, the castle hotel's app offers them numerous options, such as purchasing gifts for friends, engaging in small role-playing games, and app games where they can earn bonus points through interactive challenges. They can also participate in virtual events or read interactive storytelling set in the castle world. These activities not only foster loyalty to the brand but also create a vibrant community around the castle hotel.
- They decide to participate in the castle hotel's NFT program to become part of the growing community.
- On their next trip, they plan to stop for a new seminar they discovered on the hotel app. This time, they want to try medieval game cuisine and herbal medicine.
This is all fantasy and not real history!
- The choice of location was based on the region's rich history. The property lies on the old "Plattnersteig" trade route, which has shaped the region since the Middle Ages and provides an ideal foundation for a toll castle. This connection reflects the era of the first fortified castles associated with the settlement of the Ore Mountains (e.g., Lauterstein Castle from the second half of the 12th century). Castle ruins of similar dimensions can be found in the surrounding area.
- We use these myths and legends as the basis for our "Zollburg" (customs castle) so that we can tell our own regional story, which could have happened in one way or another. Therefore, it's important to work with authentic materials and forms to avoid creating a "Disney" feel.
- However, our approach is clearly different from Disneyland: While Disneyland relies on plastic and kitsch, we strive for authenticity and immersive experiences. Many of the historic museum villages and parks, whose historical expertise is undeniable, do the same. We harness the potential of the theme for tourism. The castle revives real history and reinterprets regional myths and legends, such as those of the Miriquidi Forest.
What is behind the brand idea?
- The castle is not just a hotel, but an experience brand. With unique storytelling, digital reach via social media, and a growing community, it creates a strong bond with guests. This enables predictable bookings (regular customers) and additional revenue through merchandising.
- Through commercials, for example, before fantasy blockbusters in the cinema, the brand is further strengthened and reaches precisely the right target audience.
- In the long term, there is an opportunity to transfer the castle concept to other locations and scale the brand value.
What economic ideas are behind this?
Diversified revenue streams:
The castle combines various business models, similar to a holiday resort: accommodation, restaurants, leisure activities, seminars, and events. This minimizes risk because revenue is generated from multiple sources. Weddings, markets, and themed weekends generate peak revenue and supplement the ongoing income from regular operations.
The castle combines various business models, similar to a holiday resort: accommodation, restaurants, leisure activities, seminars, and events. This minimizes risk because revenue is generated from multiple sources. Weddings, markets, and themed weekends generate peak revenue and supplement the ongoing income from regular operations.
Sustainable cost reduction through a self-sufficient energy concept:
The CO₂-neutral energy concept reduces operating costs and ensures long-term economic stability.
Renewable energies and the circular economy create a positive ESG balance, which not only offers cost advantages but also provides investment incentives.
The CO₂-neutral energy concept reduces operating costs and ensures long-term economic stability.
Renewable energies and the circular economy create a positive ESG balance, which not only offers cost advantages but also provides investment incentives.
Is there a target group?
- The global experiential tourism market is growing steadily and is expected to reach USD 1.626 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.4% (Source: Allied Market Research). The seminar market in Germany is expected to grow by 20% in 2024 (German National Tourist Board).
- The European digital role-playing game market is also growing, estimated at EUR 25.7 billion in 2023. It is experiencing steady growth, with an expected annual growth rate of around 5%.
- Fantasy series such as The Witcher and Game of Thrones have also achieved great success. Demand for The Witcher was 10 times higher than the average for other series, further fueling this growth.
- Interestingly, there is an overlap between history fans and the growing LOHAS target group (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability / approximately 30% of the German population). Both groups are looking for authentic, realistic experiences, whether in nature or in fantastical worlds that are vivid and deeply immersive.
Are there comparable projects?
| Puy du Fou
(Themenpark) | Geschichtspark Campus Galli
(der größte in DE) | Unsere Burg
(Themenhotel) | ||
| Ort | Les Epesses, Frankreich | Meßkirch am Bodensee | Erzgebirge / Sachsen | |
| Thematischer Fokus | Historische Epochen, Liveshows | Experimentelle Archäologie, mittelalterliche Gebäude | Mittelalterliches Burgleben, Immersve Erlebnisse, Seminare, mentale Resilienz | |
| Jährliche Besucherzahl | 2,5 Mio. in 2023 (Rekord) | 90.000 in 2023 | Geschätzt 100.000
(Davon 33.000 Übernachtungen) | |
| Jährlicher Umsatz | Ca. 130 Mio. Umsatz p.a. | 0,075 Mio. vom Landkreis
0,6 Mio. durch Eintritt | Ca. 10 Mio. Umsatz p.a. | |
| Preise | 35 – 71€ pro Tag,
abhängig von der Saison | Bis zu 14 Euro | 140 – 200€ je Zimmer
30€ F&B Umsatz / 350€ Seminartag | |
| Öffnungsdauer | März bis November | April bis November | Ganzjährig | |
| Mitarbeiter | 2500 | 30-40 Ehrenamtliche
Einige Festangestellte | 70-100 | |
| Zielgruppen | Familien, Geschichtsinteressierte, internationale Touristen | Familien, Schülergruppen, Geschichtsinteressierte
(Keine Übernachtungen) | Eventagenturen / Firmen
Erlebnisorientierte Reisende Abenteuerlustige, Rollenspieler |
Projektkoordination
+49 (0) 1797929879