German Diaries: My Adventure Through Castles & Spas
I continued my June trip through Germany with zero expectations and ended up having one of the most soul-soothing, scenic, and surprisingly luxurious travel weeks I’ve had in a while. If you’re thinking of exploring Germany solo, especially in summer, I can’t recommend it enough - the hospitality, the landscapes, the breakfasts alone are reason enough to go.
Stop 1: Leipzig - Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Handelshof
Leipzig was my first stop, and wow, this hotel nailed location. Right in the city center, everything I wanted to explore was just a few minutes away on foot. The square outside is full of life, with the Old Town Hall and Naschmarkt right there. The hotel itself? Elegant without being over-the-top. Big cozy rooms, spotlessly clean, and the staff, especially the cleaning team, had such a sharp eye for detail, it actually made my stay feel cared for. I did skip the gym (look, I’m on holiday), but the spa looked solid. Every morning I found myself looking forward to the breakfast spread. I mean, Germans don’t mess around when it comes to breakfast. They really don’t.
What to see in Leipzig:
Start with the Old Town Hall, literally next door, then wander the St. Nicholas Church, peaceful and packed with history. If you're into music, hit the Bach Museum or even better, catch a show at the Gewandhaus Orchestra. And if you're up for a stroll, the Spinnerei art district is a cool repurposed cotton mill turned artist hub.
Stop 2: Dresden - Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski
Dresden has a completely different energy. It's regal. The hotel here is what I’d imagine staying in a modern-day palace feels like probably because it actually is one. Kempinski sits right in the historic heart of Dresden, surrounded by Baroque buildings and opera houses that make you want to slow down and just take it all in. My room had that perfect balance of old-world charm and 2025 comfort. Heated floors, elegant finishes, and blackout curtains that made me sleep like a log. What stood out most, though, was the service, super attentive, but never overbearing. Also: the cake selection at the café. Unreal. I had two, no regrets.
What to see in Dresden:
Walk out of the hotel and you’re basically standing in the Zwinger Palace courtyard, one of the most photogenic spots in Germany. Don’t miss the Semper Opera House, and pop into the Green Vault museum - it's like stepping inside a treasure chest. The Frauenkirche is stunning inside and out. And if you have time, cross the river for sunset views from Brühl’s Terrace.
Stop 3: Regensburg - Novotel Regensburg Zentrum
This one was just a pit stop on the way south, but even so, I was impressed. I booked last minute and the staff were incredibly welcoming, even over the phone. The room was pristine like, properly spotless and shoutout to Bianca and Millet at reception who went out of their way to sort me out with festival info, taxis, even train options. I didn’t end up needing their help in the end, but just knowing I had a Plan B made the whole experience more relaxed. Breakfast the next day? Solid. Fresh, varied, no complaints.
What to see in Regensburg:
Even if you're just passing through, check out the Old Stone Bridge, it’s from the 1100s and still standing strong. The Regensburg Cathedral is gothic, massive, and unmissable. And if you’re into food with a side of history, grab a sausage from the Wurstkuchl, the oldest sausage kitchen in the world. Yep, really.
Stop 4: Berchtesgaden – Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
This one… this one hit different. Imagine being nestled in the Bavarian Alps, sipping warm pear cider at check-in while gazing at 360° mountain views. That was the vibe. The spa here deserves its own Instagram page - indoor and outdoor pools, panoramic saunas, and views that honestly made me forget to check my phone for hours. I tried both hotel restaurants: one more modern and chill, the other classic with massive glass windows facing the mountains. Both delicious. Breakfast was a feast. Fresh pretzels, croissants, cheeses from all over Europe, and enough loose-leaf teas to open my own shop.
What to see in Berchtesgaden:
Start with the Eagle’s Nest - it’s wild to see a historic WWII site up in the clouds. Then head to Königssee, an emerald green lake that’s unreal in person (take the boat ride, trust me). And if you’re up for it, hike or drive up to Jenner Mountain for panoramic views. If you need to unwind after that? You’re already in a spa hotel. Sorted.
Final Stop: Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Hotel Obermühle Spa Resort
My last stop might’ve been my favorite. Obermühle felt like a hidden retreat. The staff here were something else - warm, chatty, curious in the best way, and genuinely helpful. I was the only non-German speaker I bumped into, but I never felt out of place. My room had auto blinds, heated floors, a balcony facing the Alps, and the kind of bed you sink into and never want to leave. Also, the spa. My god. There’s a Finnish sauna, an infrared cabin, an ice tunnel, an infinity pool - like, they really thought of everything. Even the lavender spritz they put on the sheets at night had me knocked out in minutes. I used the running paths behind the hotel in the mornings, then lounged guilt-free the rest of the day. They also have a free shuttle into town, which is great if you ever manage to pull yourself out of the spa.
What to see in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:
First off - Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Take the cable car up, and you’ll feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. If you’re more into hiking than heights, the Partnach Gorge is stunning and super walkable. And the village itself is charming, with colorful murals on the buildings and little cafés that serve proper apple strudel.
