Das Rübezahl is the hotel for people who want to wake up with the castles in the window. It sits in Schwangau on the slope opposite Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, which are visible from the hotel, and it is classed as a four-star superior wellness hotel with 54 individually designed rooms and suites ranging from about 25 to 54 square metres. The boutique spa has an outdoor pool heated to 32 degrees all year, five saunas, indoor and outdoor whirlpools and a large wellness garden, and guests can use it from late morning on arrival day until early evening on departure day. The Louis II restaurant serves breakfast and hot food through the day, and the AlpenRausch bar and lounge is open from mid afternoon until midnight, both open to non-guests too. Free parking is available on site, with electric charging points for a fee, and there is a free shuttle from Füssen station at set hours if you give notice.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands opposite the castles in Schwangau rather than in the village of Hohenschwangau itself, so you see them from the rooms and the garden. The ticket centre is about four kilometres away, which is roughly ten to fifteen minutes on the free rental bikes in good weather or around five minutes by car. In winter the bike option is less appealing, so plan on driving, a taxi or the local bus.
Füssen is a short ride away, and the hotel offers a free pickup from Füssen station between eight in the morning and seven in the evening when you give your arrival time up to 24 hours ahead. Return trips to the station are also offered, and transfers from Munich Airport can be arranged for a fee in advance.
Rooms and who it suits
The rooms are described as individually designed, so categories differ in size and layout and it is worth choosing a view room if the castles are the reason for the trip. The hotel suits couples and anniversary trips most of all, along with spa lovers who want an afternoon in the pool after a morning of timed castle tours. Families can stay, and dogs are allowed on request for a nightly fee, but the atmosphere is more grown-up than child-focused.
Good to know
Check-in is from three in the afternoon and check-out is until eleven, with early check-in and late check-out possible for an extra charge depending on occupancy. Breakfast is served as a buffet experience in the Louis II restaurant, but the hotel page does not make clear whether it is included in every rate, so confirm when you book.
Rates are the highest in this area and rise in the summer and Christmas periods, so a winter midweek stay is the best value. If you want the castle tours and the spa in one trip, book your castle slots first and then build the stay around them.
Why stay here
- ✓Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau views
- ✓Boutique spa with five saunas
- ✓Outdoor pool heated to 32 degrees all year
- ✓Louis II restaurant
- ✓AlpenRausch bar and lounge
- ✓Free parking with charging points
- ✓Free shuttle from Füssen station
- ✓Free rental bikes
Good questions
Can I see the castles from Das Rübezahl?+
Yes. The hotel faces Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau across the valley, and the castles are visible from the property. Ask for a view room when you book.
How far is it from the castle ticket centre?+
About four kilometres, roughly five minutes by car or ten to fifteen minutes by bike in good weather. In winter a car, taxi or local bus is more practical.
Is there a shuttle from Füssen station?+
Yes, a free pickup is offered between eight in the morning and seven in the evening if you give your arrival time up to 24 hours in advance, and return trips to the station are also offered.
