MY DOOR OPENS FOR THE TRAVELER
Burghotel Schnellenberg
You wind up the castle road and feel time slow down. Burghotel Schnellenberg towers imposingly above the Hanseatic city of Attendorn, surrounded by 240 hectares of forest and meadows where peace is palpable. Above the gate is engraved what Caspar von Fürstenberg had inscribed in 1594: "Foris non maneat peregrinus / Ostium meum pateat viatori"—"Let no stranger remain outside, my door opens for the traveler." A promise that is still kept today. Since 1928, the Bilsing family has cared for this special place with passion. What began as Norbert Bilsing's dream—transforming a crumbling castle into a place of hospitality—has grown into a hotel where history and warmth come together. Uta and Thomas Bilsing welcome you today in one of 42 rooms, each classically appointed with beautiful views. Medieval walls embrace you, yet inside awaits every modern comfort. Discover the Renaissance chapel from 1600, a masterpiece of mannerist art with inlays and murals. Wander through the courtyard where time seems to stand still. Pamper yourself in the wellness area with sauna and sanarium. Or step into the forest—walking trails lead directly from the castle through the expansive castle-owned woods. This is not a hotel where you simply stay. This is a place where you truly feel the luxury of time and attention. Where hospitality is not a service, but a conviction that has endured for 800 years.
WHERE KNIGHTS ONCE DINED, YOU DINE TODAY and atmospheric
Restaurant Burghotel Schnellenberg
You sit beneath vaulted ceilings where medieval knights once gathered, candlelight dancing across ancient stone, and before you lies a plate that awakens all your senses. At Burghotel Schnellenberg, dining is more than a meal—it's an experience that stays with you. Chef René Wacker and his team cook with conviction. The à la carte menu changes monthly, inspired by what the market and season offer. Fresh products from the Sauerland form the foundation, refined with creativity and craftsmanship. Think trout ceviche with dill and lime, beef tataki with miso and sesame, or grilled langoustines on saffron risotto. Vegetarian or vegan? Equally thoughtfully composed—such as grilled eggplant with pumpkin-mushroom ceviche or pumpkin-cinnamon roulade with maple syrup. Choose a three-course menu or let yourself be surprised by five courses that tell a story. The well-stocked wine cellar offers the perfect accompaniment. And when the evening ends? Descend to the Wappenkeller—the hotel bar in a vaulted cellar supported by four massive columns. Here, among ancient murals, you taste a fine wine and feel the magic of this place. This is where culinary craftsmanship and historic atmosphere meet. Where every dish is prepared with care. Where you don't just eat, but truly enjoy.
INDULGENCE IN HISTORIC SURROUNDINGS
Wellness & Beauty
Step into the Wellness & Beauty oasis of Burghotel Schnellenberg and feel your shoulders drop. Here, surrounded by medieval walls and centuries-old history, everything revolves around you. Experienced therapists pamper you with massages and treatments that bring body and mind to rest. Choose from Sauerland massages that let you completely unwind, vinotherapy where wine nourishes your skin, luxurious facial treatments, or Ayurveda rituals that restore your balance. Each treatment is a moment for yourself. No rush, no distractions, only attention. The wellness area invites you to linger. Sweat out the tension in the Finnish sauna (90°C) or choose the milder warmth of the sanarium (60°C). Experience the experience showers, relax on heated loungers, or retreat to the quiet room with fresh spring water. Feel the tension leave your body. Your thoughts come to rest. You find yourself again. Book massages and beauty treatments early—ideally when you reserve your room.
KEY FEATURES AND SERVICES
Biggesee
Attendorn
Orchid Farm
“Today is the present.”
"Today is the present - let the presence of our seasonal cooking tantalize your taste." - Thomas Bilsing
Hosts: Uta & Thomas Bilsing
Chef: René Wacker