Living history
... with a whiff of nostalgia
The turbulent history of Schloss Pichlarn goes back about 900 years. The foundations of Pichlarn were laid in 1009; the town was first referred to in official records as "Püchlern", and as "Pühelarn" in 1074. Around 1150, the castle lord Leo the Noble bequeathed the entire property to the Admont monastery, which led to leading church officials such as Pope Pius II and others to visit Styria as a vacation residence for centuries. Even then the picturesque mountain landscape of Styria and the comforts of the beautiful estate were appreciated and enjoyed.
The two characteristic round towers were added in 1555 on the orders of Lord von Stainach. From the sixteenth century onward, the estate changed hands many times until it was finally converted to an exclusive five-star hotel operation in 1972.
In 1979, the English golf architect Donald Herradine assumed responsibility for designing the hotel's own 18-hole championship golf course, which harmonizes perfectly with the natural features of the landscape's hills and vales. Today the facility enjoys an outstanding international reputation and is among the most beautiful courses in Europe.
The Ayurveda Center opened in 1984 under the leadership of Dr. Hans Schäffler. There is good reason why it is a leading place for holistic Ayurvedic understanding of body, mind and soul and innovative anti-aging concepts.
Since 2006 the "Grand Spa" has been part of the success of the Ayurveda Center, which has elevated Pichlarn to the status of one of the best wellness hotels in Europe, distinguished by the "Aphrodite" award. During the ITB Hideways Gala in 2007 and 2008 in Berlin, Hotel Schloss Pichlarn was designated as one of the most beautiful hotel, wellness and golf resorts in the world.
Since 2008 Pichlarn has belonged to Schloss Fuschl Betriebe GmbH, an association of first class hotels which includes the famous Hotel Schloss Fuschl and the superb four-star Hotel Jagdhof am Fuschlsee.