From the moment we arrived at Hotel Rebschule, we were thrilled by its location. The 3-star hotel is set right in the middle of the Unstrut vineyards and offers breathtaking views of the gentle, vine-covered hills from the rooms with balconies as well as from the terrace. The peace and greenery all around provide instant relaxation after the journey. For us, the hotel was the perfect starting point to explore the region.

The rooms are cozily furnished. Without excessive luxury and equipped with a modern bathroom, they offer everything you need as a base for exciting days. The breakfast in the morning was plentiful and featured a generous buffet – a wonderful start to the day. Throughout the day until the evening, the kitchen serves hearty à la carte dishes from the region.

During our short break in Freyburg on the Unstrut, one thing quickly became clear: we had to head up high – namely to the historic Neuenburg Castle. Even from afar, as we approached, we could see the mighty castle complex towering above the town, nestled among the vineyards that gently drape across the slopes. For us, the visit was a true experience – historically fascinating, scenically impressive, and atmospherically quite special.

The castle was founded around 1090 by the Landgraves of Thuringia and is considered one of the most important Romanesque castle complexes in central Germany. With its size – the grounds cover around five hectares – and its very well-preserved structure, Neuenburg Castle is not only a monument but also a place where history can truly be felt. We were particularly impressed by the combination of medieval architecture and the picturesque setting: a perfect place for time travel – and for photos.

As we walked through the inner and outer wards, we could easily imagine what life in the castle must have been like in the past. The massive curtain walls, the varied defensive structures, and the old gate still hint at the significance the castle held in the Middle Ages. Particularly impressive to us was the two-storey double chapel, which, with its clear Romanesque architectural style and social symbolism (the lower level for the servants, the upper level for the nobility), ranks among the most remarkable Romanesque chapels in Germany.

Freyburg is home to the Rotkäppchen sparkling wine cellars, which have been headquartered here since 1856. Anyone strolling through the town cannot miss this name, and Rotkäppchen offers its visitors, with the newly built Experience World and the pavilion, an impressive opportunity to gain insight into the world of this traditional sparkling wine producer.

At the start of the tour, we headed to the pavilion. Modern in design and offering a wonderful view of the well-kept inner courtyard, it’s the perfect place to pause over a glass of Rotkäppchen. The atmosphere there is relaxed, and the selection of sparkling wine varieties and small snacks is tempting. Afterwards, we began the tour with our sparkling wine ambassador.

On two floors and covering around 1,400 m² of exhibition space, we explored the Rotkäppchen Experience World, which offers far more than “dry facts.” Numerous interactive stations invite you to experience the brand’s history with all your senses: try your hand at the riddling rack, squeeze into a reconstructed narrow wine barrel to feel how cramped it once was for the cooper removing the wine stone, or immerse yourself in historical advertising motifs and artistically designed labels on large screens.

Freyburg is picturesquely situated on the gently winding Unstrut River, surrounded by a wonderful landscape – no wonder the region is affectionately called the “Tuscany of Germany.” The town presents itself as compact and charming: rows of houses with pastel-colored façades and climbing vines form a harmonious ensemble, nestled between vineyards, sunlight, and the steady, calm river. A true place to breathe, stroll, and linger – exactly what we were looking for.

The marketplace is the vibrant heart of the town. Open, spacious, and invigorating – with its bright limestone slabs, the plane tree canopy inviting visitors to linger, and a fountain installation by local artist Harald Eckert. After the construction of a bypass road, the square was freed from through traffic and now shines with inviting urban charm.

Just around the corner lies our choice for today’s culinary delight: the traditional restaurant Künstlerkeller. Family-owned since 1890, the establishment was originally a fruit wine press with an adjoining tavern – named after its intricately carved barrel bottom. Here we dined in comfort, accompanied by regional wines, lovingly prepared home-style dishes, and the feeling of immersing ourselves in a piece of Freyburg’s history.