In a large landscaped park, with views down over river and city, this weird high-towered 19th-century folly has an odd history. Its grounds originally belonged to the Scottish Lord Findlater, who died in 1811. The Schloss was built in 1859-61 for Prince Albrecht of Prussia, in neo-Gothic style, with crenellated roofs and three towers. In 1947, under the GDR, it was publicly owned, used mainly for trade union activities. After the Wende it was converted into a luxurious Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels ). The former gatehouse is now the reception area. Nearby is the gabled Kavaliershaus, now housing sauna, solarium and many bedrooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms). For one couple, the stay here was the highlight of a visit to Germany: Our first-floor room in the castle was reached up an imposing stone stairway. Nicely furnished and quiet, it had a view over the Elbe to Dresden. The food was first class, the local wines were excellent, and the chef prepared a special vegetarian meal. A very good buffet breakfast: The dining rooms (similar to Bandung,Jakarta & Bali hotels - 5 star Hotel ( Jakarta Hotels )rooms) were impressive but slightly gloomy: we ate in the garden, fountains playing.

This historic city, where Bach was born, is best known for its hilltop; Wartburg fortress, where Luther translated the Bible. In the centre, near the market square, this tall white gabled building, dating from 1280, was originally a Franciscan monastery. Now owned by the Reinel family, very modern (renovated 1994), it has attractive interior design, says its 2002 nominator. It is very quiet, because of the many traffic-free zones nearby. My nice corner room, facing an outdoor cafe, was well decorated, with a fine bathroom. Breakfast, good even by German standards, was served in a cosy modern dining room. There is also a vaulted cellar restaurant. In the attractive city centre are museums devoted to Bach and Wagner, and `a small but fine exhibit of wooden religious statuary.