Unusual/unique hotels in SW Germany
March 19, 2022 4:18 AM Subscribe
I'm looking for recommendations of places to stay in the West of Germany (roughly) south of Mannheim and north of Freiburg im Breisgau. I'm particularly interested in places that are a bit unusual or have some character (e.g. castles, farms, or places otherwise off the beaten track).
We are planning a family trip in July with four people from three generations (including a ten-year-old). Some of the stops are in familiar places and/or have already been planned, but I am interested in finding somewhere with a bit more character for two or three days in the middle of the trip.
Any recommendations involving interesting old buildings, picturesque villages, outdoor activities, animals and/or interesting swimming would very much be appreciated. I have been able to find some options via online research, but actual recommendations from people who know venues would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance!
We are planning a family trip in July with four people from three generations (including a ten-year-old). Some of the stops are in familiar places and/or have already been planned, but I am interested in finding somewhere with a bit more character for two or three days in the middle of the trip.
Any recommendations involving interesting old buildings, picturesque villages, outdoor activities, animals and/or interesting swimming would very much be appreciated. I have been able to find some options via online research, but actual recommendations from people who know venues would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance!
Best answer: Does ist have to be in Germany? Halfway between Mannheim and Freiburg is Strasbourg, which is on the other side of the Rhine river in France, but since both Germany and France are in the Schengen zone, it doesn't even feel like crossing a border. Strasbourg's old town is an UNESCO heritage site, and it's incredibly beautiful and picturesque and full of old buildings. A little bit further south and close to Freiburg, Colmar is supposed to be worth seeing as well (though I haven't been there yet), so you could go to Alsace for a few days. Another option, of course, would be to stay in the Black Forest and go across the border to Strasbourg for a day trip.
I suppose Heidelberg is too obvious a suggestion, being quite close to Mannheim?
If you don't mind going a bit further afield, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is certainly a good suggestion, it's famous for a reason.
Another idea: You could visit Dahn in the Palatinate forest. The area has beautiful hikes in forests full of interesting sandstone formations. (Unless you are from the Southwest of the USA, these don't compare to, say, Arches National Park.) Or you could stay a bit further east in the Palatinate region and go for a hike. For example, there is a beautiful day hike right on the border between Germany and France that connects seven (ruined) castles and passes a hotel/restaurant where you could also stay (Gimbelhof). A beautiful small town in the area is Wissembourg (in Alsace, France), and if you are interested in history, you can visit a fort of the Maginot line near there.
Unfortunately I don't have suggestions for places to stay because I live in this area and visit these places on day trips only.
posted by amf at 12:42 PM on March 19, 2022
I suppose Heidelberg is too obvious a suggestion, being quite close to Mannheim?
If you don't mind going a bit further afield, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is certainly a good suggestion, it's famous for a reason.
Another idea: You could visit Dahn in the Palatinate forest. The area has beautiful hikes in forests full of interesting sandstone formations. (Unless you are from the Southwest of the USA, these don't compare to, say, Arches National Park.) Or you could stay a bit further east in the Palatinate region and go for a hike. For example, there is a beautiful day hike right on the border between Germany and France that connects seven (ruined) castles and passes a hotel/restaurant where you could also stay (Gimbelhof). A beautiful small town in the area is Wissembourg (in Alsace, France), and if you are interested in history, you can visit a fort of the Maginot line near there.
Unfortunately I don't have suggestions for places to stay because I live in this area and visit these places on day trips only.
posted by amf at 12:42 PM on March 19, 2022
Response by poster: Thank you both for the very helpful suggestions. We are still finalising our itinerary, taking these options into account.
Colmar was actually already on our itinerary before I posted the question! I haven’t been there for nearly 30 years now, but loved it last time.
posted by sueinnyc at 5:44 PM on March 30, 2022
Colmar was actually already on our itinerary before I posted the question! I haven’t been there for nearly 30 years now, but loved it last time.
posted by sueinnyc at 5:44 PM on March 30, 2022
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