Burg Bernstein, AUSTRIA

Description: Burg Bernstein

Burg Bernstein is the original ancestral home of count Laszlo Almásy, on whose life the fictional novel and film "The English Patient" was very loosely based. This fabulous property is a listed national monument, set in a fabulous castle perched at the top of a wooded hill, with commanding views of the surrounding countryside of Austria and Hungary. Burg Bernstein offers genuine castle stays in a historic setting, where guests can enjoy real aristocratic luxury, but without the distractions of modern life - the rooms and suites are purposely not equipped with either telephones or televisions, internet or fridges.

Steeped in history, Burg Bernstein offers a magnificent range of activities in and around the property. These range from exploring the castle itself, with its splendid collection of antiques and works of art, hiking in the beautiful Austrian and Hungarian landscapes, mountain biking and e-biking, horse riding and golf. Also a favourite with motor-cyclists, the region around the castle offers beautiful, traffic-free roads, and guests can rent a Yamaha XT 600 directly from the hotel. The young and young at heart will be also delighted with two fully equipped slot-car tracks, for hours of fun.

Traditional home-cooked Austrian cuisine and local specialities are served in candle-lit dinners in the magnificent setting of the castle's great hall, which features a remarkable renaissance moulded ceiling. Meals are served table d'hôte style, and special diet and vegetarian dishes are available on request. Wine is from the local vineyards.

Type of rooms: Burg Bernstein

Nr.2: Vinzenz - Double Room (2 beds):
This room is located on the 1st floor and has a fantastic view of the southern lowlands. It is famous for the perfect renovation by the Bundesdenkmalamt (Federal Monument Office) and for its original furniture from Baroque times.
Nr.3: Tantalouis - Double Room (2 beds):
This room is located on the 1st floor and has also a fantastic view of the southern lowlands. The name of the room originates from one of the paintings showing Aunt Louise.
Vinzenz and Tantalouis are recommended to those who are interested and not afraid to meet Catarina Frescobaldi (the "white lady") when they are on the way to their private bathrooms, which can be reached from the corridor.
Nr.4: Tanten - Double Room (2 beds):
1st floor with view to the west, breathtaking sunsets guaranteed, where guests will find a noble portrait of the "Tanten" (aunts), who are related to Laszlo Almásy, and it features a historical bathroom dating back to 1922 made of Serpentine, a local greenish mineral.
Nr.7: Lori - Double Room (2 beds):
This room is located in the basement in the southern wing of the castle. Lori Batthyany was the main constructor of this part of Bernstein castle in the 17th century, and her portrait hangs on the wall of this room.
Nr.14: Oklahoma - Suite (2 beds):
The Oklahoma Suite is integrated into the defensive walling around Bernstein Castle with an open fireplace and small garden. Guests who rents this place are also supposed to defend the eastern part of the outer walls. Guests can be equipped with authentic weapons if required.
Nr.5: Kisebb - Suite (2 beds ):
This suite is located on the 1st floor and is named after a friend of Count Almásy. He was the architect of some parts of the garden. His name, Prof. Kleiner, translates to KISEBB (smaller) in Hungarian language KISEBB.
Nr.17: Prinzessin - Suite (2 beds):
This suite is located on the 1 st floor, with an outstanding view towards the south. It was named after the Princess of Esterhazy, who lived here for almost 60 years.
Nr.20: Nussbaum - Suite (2 beds):
This suite dates back to Romanesque era in the 12th century. It is the oldest part of the castle and the former apartment of the English Patient. Additionally it has a third bed, which can also be used on request.
Nr.1: Gottgetröst - Suite (2 beds):
The suite is located in the basement and has a separate terrace on one of the surrounding walls. It is named after Eduard Almásy, the English Patient´s grandfather. The outstanding view is towards south and east.
Nr.21: Andrea - (2 extra beds for children):
For families with children there are two additional rooms with beds for children. In total the suite has 5 rooms.
Nr.6: Schwestern (2 extra beds for children):
This is the children's bedroom the neighbouring Gottgetrost Suite and can be booked on request for families travelling with their children.
Nr.18: Pascha - Suite (2 beds):
Located next to the Princess-suite, these rooms were the suite of the owner, Count Janos Almásy, the brother of the English Patient. It is named after Almásy-Pascha, who was a Hungarian ambassador in the Ottoman empire in 1623.

Additional information: Burg Bernstein