Transformation into a modern destination

Birthplace of a legend - Frankenstein Castle, Mühltal (Part 3)

Anyone visiting Frankenstein Castle is in for a surprise. The first thing you see in the inner courtyard is not old walls, but a concrete building, an unmistakable relic of the 1970s, enthroned on the hill: Frankenstein Castle’s restaurant. The building is classic yet modern - retro, in fact - and seems a little out of place, especially in contrast with the castle. But this first impression vanishes when you get over the initial dissonance, and when you stand for a while in the courtyard between the castle, chapel and restaurant, it slowly wins you over. The building fits into the framework of castle and forest, sun and view. Concrete dominates the exterior, but the restaurant itself is wood and glass. Large windows offer views on all sides, providing guests with almost the same vistas as from the castle whilst they’re eating or enjoying a beer.

"Everything is architecturally protected," says Eberhardt, who doesn’t just love his castle, but also his restaurant. This where he has his office, from where he overlooks operations, plans, deliberates and shapes the modernisation process. "The architects won prizes with it at the time," he adds. It sounds casual at first, but it’s actually very important to him - he mentions it several times.

Anyone sitting here can imagine how difficult it must be to risk creating something new without destroying the charm that has been preserved from past decades and even eras. The walls are paneled with light wood, as are the ceilings. The furnishings fit in perfectly - part of an overall concept. "The architects really thought of something," is something else Eberhardt proudly repeats. He is currently having the chairs repaired. "Of course, I could have just bought new ones. But they don't make them like this any more." He approaches the matter with sensitivity. The overall complete artwork of the castle and restaurant should be a modern destination for excursions, but it should remain intact despite all the renovation.

All of these ideas need time. In the past 20 years, Ralph Eberhardt has spent much of his time at the castle, but he only started putting his plans into action at the beginning of this year. Now he is constructing a new myth here; building on the old one, embracing it and carrying it with him. Frankenstein Castle - the birthplace of legends.

Previous article in the series:
Birthplace of a legend - Frankenstein Castle, Mühltal (Part 2)