My family and I went to Schloss Dankern about 10 years ago. The kids were little then and there was so much to do there they loved it. So different from British holiday parks, it's set in wondeful woodland with a real castle right in the middle with people still living in it. When we arrived nobody spoke English lol and we didn't speak a word of German so they actually called the owner of the castle down to the reception as he spoke English. He was so wonderful and even offered to help us any time we were there and said 'just knock on the castle doors if you need help' amazingly friendly. When I told my friends we were going for 8 days in the middle of Germany (boat and driving our own car) they thought we were mad and asked why would we want to go there. I simply told them it was a place I really wanted to go. I cannot fault the German people, even though nearly everywhere we went no one spoke English they all bent over backwards to accomodate us and make us feel welcome, such a happy place, so picturesque and some wonderful long drives through amazing countryside. I would thoroughly recommend anyone to stay at Schloss Dankern, it's a bit of a long drive from the ferry port in Hamberg, took us 3 hours on the autobarn doing 80mph (that's their max speed) but it truly was one of the most memorable holidays we've ever had. The accomodation was all pine lodges done out to top specs, the site was amazing so much to do and the local foods and beers were delicious and mega cheap. Go there and enjoy. read more