December 12, 2025

Queer-Friendly Castle Hotel in Germany’s Upper Lusatia

Nestled in the gentle landscape of Upper Lusatia and just a few miles from the Zittauer Gebirge Nature Park, Schlosshotel Althörnitz welcomes guests in a historical setting. The 17th-century estate blends Renaissance architecture with more than 350 years of lively history — today a stylish retreat amid a 7.4-acre parkland.

73 individually designed rooms and suites are available. The historic spaces in the castle wing and in the towers — including Junior Suites and the romantic wedding suite — impress with lovingly restored details and elegant furnishings. Each castle room tells its own story, blending design with atmosphere.

In the modern annex, Classic and Deluxe rooms complete the offering, many with views of the expansive park. Four-legged companions are welcome in select rooms upon request.

Culinary offerings at the castle hotel are as varied as they are stylish. In “Bellinis,” housed in the sunlit atrium, Italian lightness, fine wines, and charming aperitifs come together. The “Schlosspark Restaurant” focuses on regional specialties and pairs them with the distinctive flair of historic walls. For those who want to experience gourmet cuisine in all its creativity, the adjacent wine tavern offers a fine-dining concept that, four evenings a week, serves seasonal, regionally inspired menus in an intimate setting. And for guests seeking the extraordinary, the historic Alchemist’s Room opens on request — an exclusive setting for a private dining experience of a special kind.

Since spring 2025, the Schlosshotel has a modern wellness area with two saunas, a steam bath, a relaxation room, and private spa suites. Massages and treatments complement the offering, which will soon be expanded with a fitness area.

The location in the tri-border area where Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic meet makes the Schlosshotel an ideal base for exploring. Whether you hike or bike in the Zittauer Gebirge Nature Park, stroll through Zittau, Görlitz, or Bautzen, or take day trips to Dresden, Prague, and Wrocław, the possibilities are plentiful.

Marcy Ellerton
Marcy Ellerton
My name is Marcy Ellerton, and I’ve been telling stories since I could hold a pen. As a queer journalist based in Minneapolis, I cover everything from grassroots activism to the everyday moments that make our community shine. When I’m not chasing a story, you’ll probably find me in a coffee shop, scribbling notes in a well-worn notebook and eavesdropping just enough to catch the next lead.