Burg Rabenstein (Ermell, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
There are plenty of gastronomic experiences to be had at Burg Rabenstein, where you can dine elegantly like a princess or feast like a king. The castle hosts many foodie events throughout the year, easily found on their website, including a wild boar barbecue buffet, whiskey dinner and a special four-course meal in the state hall.
The main restaurant, The Castle Kitchen offers fine Franconian cuisine that is regionally focused with the option of a three-course or four-course menu. You can choose from a meat, fish or vegetarian option. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can let the chef choose. Plus, there is a wide selection of Franconian wines available from classic silvaners to sauvignon blancs.
From March 23-Nov. 3, Gutsschenke, a tavern and outdoor beer garden, is open. They offer “down-to-earth Franconian cuisine.” Some items include, Franconian roast, schnitzel, and medieval tart flambee. Most excitingly, mystery dinner shows (in German) are also regularly available to book, with topics such as magic, solving murders, and more.
On a plateau overlooking a lush valley sits the restored 12th-century castle, Burg Rabenstein. It is home to a falconry center, caves, and many hiking trails. Staying here is like staying at an all-inclusive medieval resort.
Falcon with handler (123rf)
There are 22 rooms and suites you can choose from, all uniquely decorated and priced at various tiers depending on how much “royal treatment” you would like to receive. Each room has panoramic views overlooking a green forest and the Ailsbach valley, known for its unique rock formations. With the lavish style bedrooms, plenty of activities, and Franconian gastronomy, the hotel website boasts you will “sleep like knights and noblemen.”
The best thing about Burg Rabenstein is that you can stay high up in a castle with views for miles and then see an underground palace, Sophienhöle Cave, one of the most gorgeous dripstone caves in Germany. The cave is still active, continuing to create stalactites and stalagmite formations such as the giant “millionaire” or “sinter flags.” You can explore the caves with a guided tour or attend “Sophie at Night,” where you can explore the caves at your leisure along with a sparkling light show, and music. You can also experience concerts in the antechamber of the cave. Music ranges from jazz and blues to Gregorian chanting amplified by the cave walls.
Sophienhole Wasserfall (Rainer Lippert Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Fun Fact: the caves used to be home to large cave bears and there is a cave bear skeleton on display. It is the only one of its kind in the world.
Another highlight of Burg Rabenstein is the Falconry Center which is home to over 80 of the largest birds of prey species. During flight demonstrations, guests can view up to 12 different species flying and hunting. These experiences are available from, April until October. Twice a year, the castle hosts medieval markets. The last one for 2024 will be August 2-4. There are also numerous hiking trails, one 6-km trail was even walked by the Bavarian King Ludwig I when he visited in 1830.
For entry tickets, dinner reservations and booking rooms you can visit, burg-rabenstein.de/en/.
