Schloss Wartegg

History since 1557

Schloss Wartegg in its current form is a stately multi-part stone building with characteristic stepped gable roof and a prominent tower. In 1557, the first castle was built on what had been an agricultural estate by Kaspar Blarer von Wartensee, episcopal administrator in Arbon. In the course of its varied history, a series of owners moved in and out of Wartegg. In 1860, the complex came into the hands of Countess and Regent Louise de Bourbon-Parme, who had the main building expanded to the east and the south and added extensive English gardens. The stately castle with its view of Lake Constance served many noble guests as a place to visit and, ultimately, as a safe haven as in the case of Zita de Bourbon-Parme, married to the last Austrian emperor. When the empire ended in 1919, she took refuge at Schloss Wartegg with her children for a few months. In 1928, the entire complex was acquired by German industrialist Gustav Mez, who had the building extensively renovated. After he moved out, the building stood empty for many years, with serious damage to the historic fabric of the structure. In 1994, the complex was acquired by its current ­owners, who carefully redesigned and renovated the building and the interiors with the support of the office for preservation of historic buildings and monuments, turning it into a modern hotel. The severity of the structural damage necessitated some far-reaching interventions, but many of the historic parts of the main building were preserved. The oval bath from 1928, which is open to hotel guests, is unique. Schloss Wartegg has been a member of Swiss Historic Hotels since 2005. (RF)