With its crisp, clean air and snow-capped mountains, Germany is a vision for the soul. You’ll find any number of interesting villages from one end of the country to the other, each with its own special charm.
Bavaria is an absolute must, and Munich is the center of it all. You could easily spend a week exploring the city, but be sure to venture out of town and discover some of the villages and towns that dot the landscape, as well as one of the world’s great castles Neuschwanstein- the inspiration for the Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle. The Rhine and Mosel wine regions offer their own selection of castles and unique towns, such as Trier, which was founded in 15 B.C. and beautiful scenic drives. Another enjoyable travel option is to venture along the highways and byways of the famous Black Forest and explore its beautiful countryside.
KarenBrown.com has several interesting itineraries for travelers to Germany. Each offers detailed descriptions of various regions, as well as driving directions and suggested pacing. In addition to this helpful information, our readers also have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as Germany’s best lodging experiences:
Romantik Hotel Markusturm
With its cheerful yellow exterior, tucked on a quiet residential street, the Hotel Bulow Residenz is a hidden gem just across the river from the main part of Dresden. The elegant setting has earned this boutique hotel the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award as the “Most Romantic” hotel in Germany. The restaurant, The Caroussel, has held a Michelin star rating for more than a decade and is an excellent spot for a formal dinner. The hotel also has a cozy bar tucked in the old wine cellar, and guests often enjoy breakfast, an afternoon cup of coffee or a glass of champagne in the ivy-covered courtyard.
The Romantik Hotel Markusturm was chosen as the winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Germany. Located in Rothenberg, a fanciful medieval town surrounded by turrets, ramparts and walls, the hotel is just as charming as its surroundings. Hosts Lilo and Stephan Berger will make you feel right at home and pamper guests with inviting individually decorated guest rooms and plenty of hearty cuisine, complimented by Stephan’s signature homemade beer.
At Gasthaus Die Krone, visitors enjoy comfortable accommodations, excellent food and warm hospitality-all at a reasonable price. The hotel, located in the Black Forest village of Staufen, was named by Karen Brown readers as Germany’s “Greatest Value.” Guest rooms are simply decorated with light pine furnishings and beds topped with soft pillows and crisp, white comforters. The hotel’s restaurant is housed in two rooms and features wainscoting and country curtains, infusing it with plenty of German charm. The guest house is located in Staufen’s pedestrian-only area, so you’ll enjoy the quiet and avoid the noises from cars and buses.
The Romantik Hotel Benen-Diken-Hof is an excellent spot for every type of traveler. Its location is unusual, located on a sand-dune island in Germany’s northernmost spot; the hotel is surrounded by acres of prairie land. There is a wellness center where guests can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, as well as a sauna and swimming pool. The inn’s restaurant serves breakfast far longer than traditional breakfast hours, so you need not rise early and rush to get in the morning meal. Children will adore the hotel as there is plenty of room to run and play, and the hotel has a children’s program, baby sitting services and a room filled with toys. Hiking, fishing and golf are among the many local activities available. Karen Brown readers have chosen Hotel Benen-Diken-Hof as Germany’s best “Splendid Splurge.”
Explore more of our hotels in Germany and find all the details you need to plan your next great trip.
