This time we treated ourselves to a short getaway at Schlosshotel Rosenau. My favourite man had his heart set on the magical Waldviertel, even though I originally had a different plan. In hindsight, I'm glad he got his way — because it gave my favourite man, Archie, Murphy and me the chance to discover my roots on my mother's side.
Back to the Roots – Return to Origins.
Or: Stories That Life Writes
Once upon a time, during the Second World War…
Russia: my grandfather was far from home at the tender age of 18.
A close comrade told him about his sister — someone Grandpa simply had to meet.
The war passed and my grandfather returned home safely, thank goodness.
But the comrade's sister stayed on his mind, so he hopped on his bicycle and set off.
It's over 80 km from the village near Wieselburg to Jagenbach, which lies west of Zwettl. A few gravel roads and a crossing of the Danube later, my grandmother and grandfather met for the very first time. AND: sparks flew!
More so for him, and for her too — though more reserved on her part.
The brother had been right — the two were meant to meet and even to fall in love.
Grandma moved to Grandpa's village and together they had 4 daughters.
Over 70 years later, a granddaughter of one of those daughters heard this story for the very first time — and was overjoyed that her favourite person had such good instincts and led her back to her roots.
Schloss Rosenau.
Jagenbach is only 6 km from Schlosshotel Rosenau. Both are located in the district of Zwettl in the wonderful Waldviertel.
The castle was expanded in 1593 from an existing Vierkanthof (a traditional four-sided courtyard farmstead). Over the course of history, the Renaissance castle changed hands several times and was badly damaged during the Second World War.
Considerable investment from the regional government was needed to restore it to the state it is in today.
Schlosshotel Rosenau has quite a lot to offer:
- A holiday experience at a high standard
- Getting married in a romantic setting
- Culinary delights with excellent regional cuisine
- Wellness with steam bath and sauna, plus a small fitness area
- Discovering history in the Freemasons' Museum
Arrival, Welcome & Room.
Murphy, Archie, my sweetheart and I reached the Waldviertel after a not-too-long drive and were warmly welcomed at reception.
We decided to save our welcome aperitif for dinner, as we preferred to take a moment to settle in properly and let the surroundings work their magic.
We checked into our Rose Suite. The entrance area is practically equipped with a fridge, wardrobe, storage shelf and mirror. The bathroom is split in two: toilet and shower in one room, washbasin, stool and large bathtub in the other.
The living room has a small sofa, a table, 2 armchairs, a dresser with a TV and a spacious wardrobe. And the bedroom features a wonderful four-poster bed that sets a truly romantic mood. The cosy rugs throughout the living areas are an added bonus for Murphy and Archie.
Dog Facts Schlosshotel Rosenau
The resident Labrador Roxy is friendly, never pushy, and makes herself scarce when "His Excellency the Director General" Murphy starts to feel crowded
The staff are universally positive about dogs
Dogs are allowed in the restaurant
There are at least 3 walking routes starting right from the castle
A poo bag dispenser can be found a short distance away near the entrance towards the car park, or you can ask the housekeeper directly
There are both stairs and a lift to the rooms
The Food.
We booked half board. Breakfast ticks every box for me, including a late-riser service. Freshly prepared egg dishes, vegetables, cheese, spreads, cold cuts, muesli, cake, various delicious pastries, juices of your choice, tea, coffee and very attentive staff — what more could a holidaymaker's heart desire.
On our first evening in the restaurant we were served a meat fondue. Before that, however, came a tasty amuse-bouche, followed by a delicious starter. By the time dessert arrived there was barely any room left — but somehow we managed. It's holiday, after all!
Due to his epilepsy diet plan, Archie isn't allowed to eat between 5 pm and 9 pm, so he has to make his displeasure known a few times and barks. Murphy couldn't care less — food just isn't that high on his priority list.
The following afternoon, the young waiter informed us that unfortunately some other guests had complained. Fair enough — that's just how it is — let's find a solution. And we did!
For the next 2 evenings (a Candlelight Dinner and a Rose Dinner), the four of us had a room entirely to ourselves. Not bad at all ;) And Archie grew more and more relaxed…
The food offers variety at a high standard, and the staff are very warm, attentive and eager to please.
The Surrounding Area of Rosenau.
The Pond.
After we'd dropped off all our bags, the housekeeper handed me 2 little bags of delicious dog treats and asked whether I needed beds or bowls for the dogs. I politely declined, and shortly afterwards the four of us were already off on a short walk to stretch our legs and soak up the fresh air and sunshine.
We explored the estate grounds a little and strolled towards the pond. Archie would still have been interested in a swim, but I managed to convince him that the autumn temperatures were no longer quite right for that. Murphy showed more interest in the vast meadow beyond, so that's where we headed. The landscape has something wonderfully calming about it, and we let that feeling wash over us.
The Riegersbach – a mushroom paradise.
After Archie's 3 p.m. tablet, we still want to get out and do something, but close to home. We find the Riegersbach not far away – a stream that flows into the Zwettl. Mosses, ferns, forest – a true nature haven. But see for yourselves:
And the mushrooms are shooting up out of the ground there – incredible. My first fly agaric that I'm seeing in real life and not in a fairy tale book ;)
For Archie and Murphy, this little outing must have been a deluxe olfactory discovery tour. Murphy surely wants to tell me how many deer live in that forest. Given the countless hunting stands we spotted on this holiday, you can safely assume the number is very high.
Archie, on the other hand, is rather cautious when it comes to leaving the path. His philosophy is: "Don't chase what you can't kill!" And since he always has his personal treat dispenser (me) right there with him, it would be a pure waste of energy anyway :)
Finally, Murphy and I climb a mossy rock and turn our faces up to the sun. Archie, with his short little legs, prefers to stay with the man of the house. After Murphy is safely lowered down using her harness and long line, I slide back down the hill on my bottom. Safety officer Archie can barely contain his delight when I reach the ground again :D
The Schlosspark Rosenau.
Just beyond the vast meadow (see the panorama photo above), or up to the left from the car park, you enter the woodland belonging to the castle. A few little paths wind through the green thicket, making it a perfect spot for a dog walk.
