I spent Christmas 2008 at schloss Muhldorf as a page and Moy guest and what a fantastic Christmas it was…
The combination of a beautiful and ancient castle with its tasteful Christmas decorations, a relatively small party size (about 19 which is as big as a group tour should ever get I believe!), the attention from the Wurmer family who own the castle, page and Moy’s host and the exquisite food all made for a relaxed and magical Christmas.
I could not recommend this holiday enough, though do be wary if the party size starts to grow as this will ruin the cosy intimate atmosphere that makes this holiday so special. Do note that the hotel rooms and facilities are no longer in the castle itself but in a selection of often equally ancient converted outbuildings, though don’t let this put you off the standards of accommodation really are deluxe with many features of a five star hotel. Flat screen TV’s tea and coffee making facilities with a wide range of teas, modern bathrooms with bath and overhead shower, fluffy towels and robes. You also have free use of the hotels sauna and there are a range of spa treatments at an extra cost (grab a price list from the hotel’s website http://www.schlossmuehldorf.at/en/home/ ).
The two included trips to Passau and Melk Abbey are both well worth the trip, if anything we did not spend enough time there or exploring the area. The only criticisms I had were that as appears to be the norm with Page and Moy trips tend to start at a terribly early hour, something that is not conducive to a relaxing holiday. The only reasoning we care alb to find for this up at the crack of dawn approach and short time on the trip was so that the party could race back to the castle for afternoon tea and cake! Surely it would be much more pleasurable to while away a spot of time in one of the local cafes if and when the individual wants some refreshment and really get to see the place.
Christmas day
The romantic carriage ride is actually a horse drawn covered cart for about 10 people that takes you not to a rustic Fishermans lodge but the families former childhood home that is now used as their hunting lodge. Here you will be entertained by the Wurmer family with stories, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
Linz
Do go and visit this small and easily walkable city and you will discover a mixture of baroque and modern architecture, great little shops, wonderful churches and cosy cafes. There is a great modern art gallery (Lentos) housed in an amazing building designed by Zurich architects Weber & Hofer and the Ars electronica centre http://www.aec.at/index_en.php amongst many other interesting sights. Get there by direct local bus it is cheap (only a few euros return) and leaves from outside the church in the next village a pleasent and easy 10-15 minute walk from Muhldorf. This gives you the oppertunity to plan yur own day and stay as long as you like. If you are not used to setting off under your own steam don’t wory Austria is very safe and when I was at Muhldorf Page and Moy guests who wanted to go to Linz caught the bus together then went their own way, some of us meeting up at the bus stop for our journey home. Read lonley planet Austria or another guide, grab a map and make up your own custon day trip).
Most of all enjoy.