Westphalia Germany

WASSERBURG ANHOLT: The Brune family now run this inn located in a 1000 year old castle surrounded by a moat and extensive gardens. Anholt also houses a museum with the important Counts of Salm-Salm art collection. The eccentric curator shows us their Rembrandt and other impressive Dutch masters’ works. SCHLOSS HUGHENPOET: This castle, also surrounded by a moat, has a superb restaurant. Jurgen Neumann and his wife Anik dine with us and enjoy a traditional specialty dinner that features roasted goose. The castle is filled with antiques, including fireplaces created by Michaelangelo’s artisans. SPORTSCHLOSS VELEN: Baron Landsburg turned this moated castle into a sportsman’s paradise. Everything from golf and bike riding to swimming and archery are available here. The Baron also is an accomplished musician, and serenades us in the castle’s historic Orangerie after dinner on his 17th century Ruckers harpsichord. BURG SCHNELLENBERG: Built in 1222, this towered fortress is retains its charm as a mountain retreat for the Counts von Furstenburg. The Bilsing family now manages the inn, which features a chapel that’s a masterpiece of German renaissance art. We are taken to visit nearby natural attractions, such as the exotic Atta grotto. Regional Highlights: Wild Ponies – Westphalia is the home of the last herd of wild ponies in Europe. We learn how they survived through an accident, and we watch their zany yearly roundup. Big and Little Bells – We visit a foundry that makes …