Hello All,

We are driving from Salzburg to Berlin in mid-March 2024. We'd like to stop for one night about half-way to two-thirds of the way. Looking especially for something charming and in a beautiful, smaller town. Budget not an issue. Thanks in advance all you Germany experts!

LisaG

Erfurt is pleasant large town or small city:

Second vote for Erfurt, or possibly Leipzig or Weimar. But if you do Weimar I would brush up on my German history to get the most out of it. Weimar seems to be the meeting point for a number of large-scale historical movements (historical artists like Lukas Cranach, the Herzogin Anna Amalia Library and all the intellects of the 18th century like Goethe or Herder, the Bauhaus movement, the Weimar Republic). It gets a lot of German foot traffic but not many people from outside because they don't know the whole background - otherwise you would be excused for thinking of it as just another pleasant town. So yes, I am giving you homework .

Lavandula

Thank you both for the recommendations---I am researching those locations now. Any recommendations for a "country inn" type hotel that is out of the way?

Leipzig is a happening city now, with some calling it the new Berlin. Full of creative types and entrepreneurs who got priced out of Berlin. Lots of gentrification. Not a criticism, we love Leipzig and think its new direction is great. But it’s completely different from our first visit years ago. https://www.luxuriousmagazine.com/leipzig-hypezig-the-new-berlin/amp/

If Erfurt I would look for a B&B in the old part of the city.

Yes, I recommend the Flair Hotels chain that is always in country areas and always have a pleasing Landhaus-style of decor. Always amazing food when there is a restaurant and very comfortable accommodation. If you google Flair Hotels + Leipzig Erfurt Weimar you will get quite a few hits, or just go to their website.

Lavandula

For example this one: Villa Ilske

Lavandula,

Funny! I just googled exactly what you suggested and found Villa Illska. Then I see your specific call-out! Great minds...etc.

Thank you for the very specific recommendation. I am off and running with this one now. The Flair connection is a great one.

Much appreciated,

LisaG