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| Romantic Schloss Matzen |
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| Gut translates to "The Property of" |
Twenty five years later, I still seek out those unique hotels, inns and Bed & Breakfasts which exude centuries of character and indiscrete luxury - establishments to be heard, felt and understood by those who have that rare sixth sense. I was born - for the better or worse: "one of those".
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| Grand entrance to Schloss Matzen |
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| Majestic Schloss Matzen |
Ex high-tech slave turned luxury lifestyle journalist, I recently just "happened" upon one of the most amazing properties in which I have ever had the privilege of residing: Schloss Matzen. This thousand year old beautifully restored and maintained castle is a one of a kind in the region. It is nestled near the ancient village of Reith in the Tyrolean Alps and at the gateway to the scenic Alpebachtal Valley (known for its beauty and great hiking and skiing).
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| Furry greeter (with an Alpen Schatz Swiss Collar - go figure!) |
For history buffs, the location of the castle has been documented since Roman times as the location of strategic staging posts and eventually this gothic castle which was built sometime before 1150. Read more about the fascinating history of the castle HERE.
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| Entrance to my chamber |
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| My luxurious suite - named after the Countess of Yrsch |
Lavishly appointed with priceless antiques, rich bed linens and plush tapestry curtains, one is shamelessly spoiled like the Lords and Ladies who once occupied the property. Indeed each one of its twelve individually decorated suites is named after one of the dynasties who ruled the region for that period starting in the 12th century.
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| My bathroom - fit for a Queen |
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| Last long hallway to my room after two flights of windy spiral stairs. |
The rooms have breathtaking views of the surrounding Tyrolean Alps, however they do come with a price! As in most castles, the royalty lived in the turrets and upper floors - for safety reasons, and this Castle, true to form, has no lifts or elevators.
One gets to hike through classic courtyards, up spiral stairs and along indoor/outdoor passages to get to one's room.
For me this added to the authenticity and adventure - a maze of excitement, however if one has problems climbing stairs or walking this beautiful Schloss hotel might not be for you.
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| Welcome to breakfast! |
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| Medieval banquet hall - breakfast! |
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| Breakfast buffet |
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| My breakfast...exquisite! |
Set in the medieval banquet hall, with soft classical music floating like magic through the air, one dines on fresh breads, meats, smoked salmon and cheeses...with the option to order eggs any style cooked fresh to order.
The banquet hall is adjoined to one of the most beautiful private chapels I have ever discovered on my travels. It offers one a sanctuary for personal quiescence and meditation. Amazing...spiritual...and breathtakingly beautiful.
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| Private chapel for meditation |
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| Manicured gardens in which to wonder |
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| Reflection |
The castle is set on acres of meticulously maintained gardens, with its own duck laden ponds and forest with paths to be explored. An idyllic sanctuary for the romantic or those just needing a retreat from the hecticness of day to day life.
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| Writing my travel notes from a watch tower on the grounds overlooking Schloss Matzen |
Feel free to contact me for reservations to secure a great room and a holiday experience of a lifetime. Or if you book directly, please mention that you heard about this fabulous hotel through Mary Dawn DeBriae's Alpen Tips and Pics Travel BLOG.
Schloss Matzen
Schlosshotel in Tirol
Matzen 5 / 6235 Reith im Alpbachtal, / Austria
Tel.: +43 (0) 676 4459997
Dining recommendations in the area:
Gut Matzen Restaurant - situated in what was once Schloss Matzen's stable, and inside a romantic walled floral garden on the property, the Gut Matzen restaurant offers fabulous flavourful cuisine from the region at great prices. They do have a night when they are closed so be sure to enquire ahead.
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| My favourite seasonal cuisine: White "Spargel" or Asparagus with hollandaise sauce and delicious accompaniments. |
Pizerria Don Camillo - on all of my Austrian adventures, I always take time out to dine in a classic Italiana Pizzeria, with gourmet thin crust Italian pizzas (meant for one person). These Pizzeria's litter Austria, being so close to Italy, and are always to die for in quality and flavor. Don Camillo's is a short drive from Schloss Matzen and has tasty cuisine and one can dine outside on a nice evening - my favourite style of Euro dining!
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| Gourmet Pizza (Spinach, Garlic and Gorgonzola) by Don Camillo in Reith |
Things to do in the area:
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| Hiking in Alpbachtal |
ALPBACHTAL - Schloss Matzen is ideally situated in touted one of the most beautiful (and believe you me, there are many of them in Austria - hard to quantify!) Tyrolean Alpine valleys in Austria: the Alpbachtal. This area has a handful of villages from which one can hike, ski, or sit and relax and enjoy the stellar views of the surrounding Alps from this region. I had a short amount of time, however plan on visiting again soon to go one some amazing hikes.
KISSLINGER KRISTAL:
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| Fine Austrian Crystal by Kisslinger Kristal |
Check out pictures of their shop HERE.
Also see ENGLAND: London, Oxford, Chester / IRELAND Galway / Dingle
SWITZERLAND: Geneva, Lake Geneva, Gruyers, Appenzell
SWITZERLAND: Geneva, Lake Geneva, Gruyers, Appenzell
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| ME! In a pre-historic Irish Bee Hive Hut |
ABOUT
ALPEN TIPS & PICKS
European Travel Adventures
European Travel Adventures
" Life is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page."
Enjoy your visit to the Alpbachtal region of Austria. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland or Europe! After living in and travelling to Europe for almost 30 years, I love to help plan and recommend as and when I can! I can even assist in bookings and being a personal guide if one likes! My trips offer a different and much more personal perspective to traveling in Europe.
Read a little bit more about me and my travel style and services HERE
Read a little bit more about me and my travel style and services HERE
Enjoy the adventure!
Mary Dawn DeBriae
European Tips and Picks -
Alpen Schatz Style
Alpen Schatz Style
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