Glockenhof - Eisenach, Germany     

Eisenach was in the former East Germany, but reconstruction has been rapid since the fall of communism. The town was the birthplace of J.S.Bach and where Martin Luther spent his boyhood. Hotel Glockenhof is convenient to all the historical sites, yet far enough away from the town center to allow convenient parking near the hotel. If you come by train, take a taxi from the station because it is an uphill walk and, with luggage, can be exhausting. Without luggage, you can easily hike to the train station from the hotel. We have not been to the Glockenhof in several years, but always go there when in Eisenach. It has always been clean, has a pleasant reception area, offers a fantastic full German buffet breakfast (meats, granolas, eggs, fruit, breads, juices, coffee or tea or hot chocolate, etc., etc.) and generally provides what you would expect. Rooms are typical European size (small) but not too crowded. The staff is friendly and helpful. You can visit the church where Luther sang in a boys choir, see the family house where generations of the Bach family lived and is remembered with an inviting historical display and a collection of antique musical instruments (with keyboard concert at times). The nearby Luther-Cotta House is less impressive than either the Bach House or other Luther sites. In good weather do climb through the most gorgeous park to the fortress Wartburg high above the town (which inspired Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress is our God"). The park walk begins only several blocks from the Glockenhof. Plan to take the long walk up the hill to the Wartburg in early morning to arrive when it opens and avoid crowds, but be prepared for an arduous hike. See the room where Luther translated the New Testament while hiding from Charles V and thereby practically created the modern German language. Love this hotel and town! If you have a railpass, Hotel Glockenhof makes a fine base to explore nearby Erfurt, or Halle, or take a day trip to Wittenberg,