The outline of Borl Castle can be seen from afar, which is why it is aptly known as the gateway to Haloze. It has stood majestically on a steep rock overlooking the River Drava since the 12th century. Due to its position, it protected a strategically important crossing over the River Drava, which is also reflected in its historical names – Hungarian Borlyn and German Ankenstein.
The Sauer family was one of the castle’s most important owners. In the 17th century, they converted the castle into a comfortable residence and furnished it lavishly, giving it its current baroque look. It remained in their possession until 1801, after which it was acquired by the Wurmbrand-Stuppach family, which thoroughly renovated and elegantly furnished the castle in the mid-19th century. Between 1901 and 1922, the castle was owned by Max Kübeck and his wife Adalberta Kübeck, née Wurmbrand-Stuppach. They made the castle their home, but sold it to the Borlin joint-stock company due to the changed political situation following World War I.
For almost thirty years, from 1952 to 1979, the Borl Castle operated as a popular resort. In its heyday, it had 1,200 seats and 120 beds, and on weekends, guests could enjoy a wide selection of food and live music. In a single weekend, they would sell up to 1,000 liters of the local wine and serve 700 kilograms of meat. A swimming pool opened in 1962, attracting up to 500 visitors a day in nice weather.
The resort closed in the late 1970s, after which the castle slowly began to fall into disrepair. The main reasons for the closure were the construction of a new road to Zagreb, the destruction of the bridge over the River Drava, the urgent need for renovations, and, most importantly, the opening of a new hotel and thermal resort in Ptuj.
Today, Borl Castle is owned by the state and has the status of a cultural monument of national significance. In 2020, renovation started on approximately one-third of the castle, and the site reopened to the public in 2024. Members of the Society for the Revival of Borl Castle were passionately dedicated to the renovation and reopening of the castle. Today, visitors to the castle are welcomed by a pleasant café, and, in addition to exploring its rich history, they can also view the exhibition zDravo, which highlights the importance of biodiversity of the Drava’s riverbanks, which are protected as part of the Natura 2000 network.
