George H
November 3, 2024
Schloss Purschenstein has an excellent restaurant, with delicious food and generous portions, and a maitre d with a warm and jovial personality. We ate there on two nights under the chandeliers and the high ceiling, soaking up the historic ambience and the friendly service. The venison medallions were highly recommended by one of our party, I loved the goulash with baked dumplings, and the chicken cordon bleu was melt in the mouth. To close, there is a wide selection of ice cream and sorbet, a wonderful creme brulee or a chocolate surprise. First class wine list including a local of unusual German wines, and cocktails from a full service bar. The check in was speedy and helpful, the room was warm and spacious - the bathroom was enormous with a good shower and a hot towel rail. There is outside parking on site (remember to bring a scraper or de-icer in winter as there was frost even on 3rd November). The village has several museums in walking distance, including one devoted to nutcracker toys, and one to glassblowing. Leipzig is just under two hours drive away, Saxon Swiss national park just over an hour away - we did an picturesque hike there amid the autumn leaves. The barrel vaulted cellar of the main tower has been converted to a small swimming pool with outside sun terrace (or snow terrace in winter) and there is a sauna and a steam bath as well, although the steam bath was out of service when we stayed. Breakfast is in the huge main hall and was ample, but lacked cappuccinos. The castle oozes history and whilst the rooms are not as high end luxury as some other schlosses in Europe, the price reflects this.