1000 years Ralswiek
Between the 9th and 12th century the village of Ralswiek was one of the most important Slavic settlements in the entire Baltic Sea coast area and a very important sea emporium. The trade relations extended up to the Orient which is proved by the Dirham treasure which consists of around 2000 gold and silver coins and which was found in 1974. Further excavations brought four 13 m long and 3 m wide old Slavic oak wood boots to light. After the Christianisation Ralswiek came into the ownership of the Bishop of Roskilde. At the end of the 15th century it became profane property. The village remained in the holdings of the Barnekow family until 1891 when the Earl of Douglas purchased the estate.
Welcome to Castle Hotel Ralswiek!
The castle hotel is situated in a perfect dream setting in the quaint fishing village of Ralswiek, directly at the bay Grosser Jasmunder Bodden and at the centre of the island of Ruegen. The castle was built by the Earl of Douglas in 1893. Parts of the interior decoration were designed by Belgian architect Henry van de Velde who is well-known for his artistic skills in Art Nouveau. The house was completely restored before it opened as a first class romantic getaway in 2002. Explore the adjacent castle grounds with old and rare trees, take a boat trip to the island of Hiddensee directly from the harbour Ralswiek and get to know the island’s beauty hiking or cycling.
The History of Castle Ralswiek
The builder-owner of castle Ralswiek was Hugo Sholto Oskar Georg Earl of Douglas who was born in Aschersleben in 1837. He is descended from a Scottish family who left their country on religious grounds around 1770. After visiting the island of Ruegen in 1891 the successful tycoon decided to purchase the estate Ralswiek in order to erect his old-age residence here. On the hill which overlooked the picturesque bay Großer Jasmunder Bodden he had his new home built. The design of the castle was put forward by the Berliner architect Gustav Stroh (1846-1904).
Due to his occupational activities the Earl had already met the Belgian interior designer Henry van de Velde (1863-1957) at the end of the 19th century. The artist is known all over Europe for his artistic skills in Art Nouveau. Together they planned alterations of certain parts of the castle. Van de Velde delivered the drafts for the intricate wall panelling with the golden ornaments in the entrance hall, for the design of the representative staircase to the first floor, the drawing room (today the library), the grand salon with the wall panelling and the built-in sideboards, the wall lamps as well as the elegant brass door handles. Furthermore he designed the connecting wing between castle and stables.
Restaurant and Bar
The elegant castle restaurant Mandarinenraum and the rustic bar in the cellar vault invite you.
Terrace
A large terrace with magnificent panorama views overlooking the open-air stage of the Stoertebeker festival and the bay Grosser Jasmunder Bodden is available
Spa and wellness
Spa with swimming pool, saunas and a large selection of beauty and wellness treatments are available.
Rooms and suites
The hotel comprises 63 tastefully decorated and comfortable hotel rooms and 2 suites, some with sea views
