Inside Zauberwald: The Real Alpine Retreat Behind Nine Perfect Strangers
Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 takes viewers from a sunny wellness resort to a mysterious Alpine retreat called Zauberwald. The change in scenery brings the show new depth, tension, and isolation. But is Zauberwald a real place? Not exactly.
While Zauberwald is fictional, it was filmed in stunning real-world locations across Austria and Germany. These carefully chosen spots bring authenticity and beauty to the show’s new setting. In this article, we discuss where Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 was filmed, explore the real-life luxury retreats used as Zauberwald, and explain why these locations matter.
We’ll also share why the producers chose the Alps, how each location helps the story, and what fans need to know about visiting—or not visiting—these hidden gems. Whether you’re a show fan or love scenic filming locations, this guide gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Zauberwald’s haunting beauty.
Zauberwald Isn’t Real—But The Scenery Definitely Is
Zauberwald might seem like a dreamlike wellness retreat tucked away in the Alps, but it doesn’t exist on any real-world map. The name and concept were created for Nine Perfect Strangers. However, the show’s creators didn’t use soundstages or generic settings.
They filmed in real Alpine locations to give Zauberwald a sense of depth and realism. The main exterior shots were filmed at Schloss Blühnbach, a historic estate in Austria. Its forested surroundings and grand architecture give the retreat a feeling of mystery and isolation. Snow-covered trees and mountain backdrops help set the show’s darker tone for Season 2.
This location was perfect for showing both beauty and tension. Even though the place is fictional, fans feel like it could exist. The private nature of the estate mirrors the show’s plot, where guests are cut off from the outside world. These elements make the story more immersive and believable. Zauberwald may be made-up, but the emotional impact of the setting is real.
Schloss Blühnbach: The Heart Of Zauberwald
Most of the outdoor scenes in Season 2 were shot at Schloss Blühnbach, located in the Blühnbach Valley, Austria. This luxurious estate once belonged to Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Private foundations own it and are not open to the public today. Its classic design and Alpine location make it an ideal stand-in for the show’s secretive retreat.
What makes Schloss Blühnbach unique is how it blends old-world charm with an air of mystery. Surrounded by forest and snow, the setting builds tension. This atmosphere fits the show’s themes: isolation, transformation, and hidden secrets. The location also gives viewers a sense of serenity, clashing with unease. That contrast reflects the experience of the show’s characters.
The estate’s limited access in real life mirrors how exclusive Zauberwald is in the series. Only a few people are allowed in, and once you’re there, you’re cut off. This helps create an authentic setting where the characters can unravel emotionally without escape.
Penzing Studios: Where The Magic Comes Together
Not all scenes could be filmed on location, so the production team turned to Penzing Studios in Germany. Located on Kauferinger Street 32–34, 86929 Penzing, this studio provided the space for controlled indoor filming. Some of Zauberwald’s interiors—like therapy rooms and private spaces—were built on set.
Using a studio gave the creators more control over lighting, sound, and camera movement. That was crucial for scenes that needed emotional intensity without background noise or weather issues. It also helped blend different real-world locations into one cohesive place on screen.
Penzing Studios was the glue that held all the other locations together. It allowed the showrunners to keep the style consistent while filming across countries. Without it, Zauberwald might not have felt like a single place. The studio work made the retreat feel whole, even though it was filmed in separate spots.
Why The Alps? A Storytelling Decision
Switching from a sun-filled resort in Season 1 to a snow-covered Alpine retreat in Season 2 wasn’t random. The creators made a storytelling choice. The Alps bring isolation, danger, and beauty—all themes tied to the characters’ inner struggles.
Thick snow, dark forests, and towering peaks make the retreat feel both peaceful and threatening. These landscapes echo the emotional storms the characters face. As they dig into trauma, secrets, and healing, the Alps serve as a backdrop that matches their journey. The cold setting adds to the show’s tension and unease.
The change of scenery also keeps the show fresh. Viewers get a new exploring environment, filled with new visual clues and mood shifts. That’s part of what makes Season 2 so engaging. The Alps aren’t just beautiful—they help tell the story.
Schloss Leopoldskron: A Perfect Interior Fit
While the outside of Zauberwald was mostly filmed at Schloss Blühnbach, some indoor scenes were shot at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria. This stunning building features beautiful architecture and elegant rooms. It’s located at Leopoldskronstraße 56/58 and is privately owned by Salzburg Global. Like Schloss Blühnbach, it isn’t open to the general public.
Schloss Leopoldskron adds a layer of sophistication to the show. Its richly decorated halls and large windows give the show an upscale, mysterious feel. These interiors help viewers believe in the Zauberwald experience—an elite wellness retreat hiding strange secrets. The attention to detail in the furniture, wall art, and lighting enhances the series’s mood.
This location also adds depth to character scenes. It creates a private yet luxurious atmosphere that fits the emotional breakdowns and breakthroughs happening in the story. Everything from the soft lighting to echoing footsteps on marble floors adds tension and drama.
FAQs
Is Zauberwald a real wellness retreat in Austria?
No, Zauberwald is a fictional location created for Nine Perfect Strangers. But it was filmed in real places.
Can I visit Schloss Blühnbach?
No, Schloss Blühnbach is privately owned and not open to the public.
Where is Schloss Leopoldskron located?
It is in Salzburg, Austria, at Leopoldskronstraße 56/58. It is not open to the general public unless you are a guest.
What studio was used for indoor scenes in Season 2?
The production used Penzing Studios in Penzing, Germany, for many indoor scenes.
Why did the creators choose the Alps for Season 2?
They wanted a darker, more isolated setting to match the season’s mystery, change, and emotional tension themes.
Final Words
Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 uses its Alpine setting as more than just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. Though Zauberwald is fictional, real-world locations like Schloss Blühnbach and Schloss Leopoldskron bring the retreat to life.
These scenic spots in Austria and Germany add realism, drama, and emotional weight to the series. The shift to the Alps sets a new tone for the show, one that mirrors the characters’ complicated journeys.
By blending private estates with studio sets, the show builds a believable, haunting, and unforgettable world. Fans may never visit Zauberwald, but they can appreciate the real places that helped make its magic.
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