Urlaub im Wasserschloss Irmelshausen

The courtyard and paths could use better lighting, especially in winter, and the dog leashes left lying around were a tripping hazard. The castle is beautiful and atmospheric, but winter showed some real limits. Our family of seven stayed at Irmelshausen Water Castle in February. The apartment had plenty of space, a well-equipped kitchen, and a charming mix of styles. But it was freezing when we arrived and stayed much too cold. One room’s heating didn’t work at all, and after we contacted the owners, extra heating options only arrived the next day. The bathroom water was lukewarm in both the tub and shower. The place itself is lovely, but being so cold made the stay much less comfortable and hardly cozy.

Our dog could roam freely, and it was easy to drive to shops in the next town. The hosts were very friendly and especially helpful, too. We spent a long weekend in Irmelshausen in March 2025 with friends. The two apartments had enough room for 10 adults, though whether two people will be comfortable in every bed depends on their needs, so it may be worth asking about bed sizes beforehand. The castle apartments are furnished with real care and attention to detail, and we didn’t lack anything. There were even bath salts for the tub. I liked how the historical and modern furnishings were all practical to use, and made the stay feel special.

The lake is only 600 meters away. With the summer weather on our side, we could cycle there each morning before breakfast and swim in the calm, clean water. It was muddy, but that didn’t put us off. Afterward, we took our time over breakfast. We spent a whole week relaxing at this castle. It’s not about pomp, just a place to feel good. The Count and Countess von Stauffenberg, who own the two halves, were lovely and did everything they could to make our stay pleasant. Our “smaller” rented apartment had everything we needed. We also learned a lot about the dedicated Stauffenberg family’s life and work, and about the castle’s very interesting history. Our hosts generously shared ideas for outings, restaurants, and other events. Thanks again, we had a successful vacation!

Bring your own food, and be ready to go without a TV for a bit. For a short, really relaxing countryside break, though, you won’t need one. The castle has several fully equipped apartments for rent, and ours was furnished with lots of care. It brought rustic charm together with modern amenities in a way that felt very pleasant. If you’re hoping for a castle stay and long walks with your dog, this is a great fit.