Hotel Stadthaus Arnstadt

We had the pleasure of staying here in early October 2024. The house is a 16th century building, lovingly restored with respect for the original structure and using historical building materials. Breakfast is provided from an early hour in the Gothic vaulted cellar, with homemade preserves and fresh, non-packaged foods. The ambience is peaceful and beautiful. Across from our window was the 13th century Oberkirche where we heard a concert by local musicians on our first evening. Our gracious innkeeper Frau Ruber drove us to the train station on the two days we had to catch a train, and even carried our bags up the steps of the station on departure day. Her hospitality made us feel very welcome. Arnstadt has one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved historic centers in Germany. It has a long history with J.S. Bach, who held his first post as organist in the Bachkirche. There is a helpful tourist office on the main square where we joined the locals for lentil soup on market day. We can heartily agree with Frau Ruber's recommendation of the Italian restaurant Da Antonino where we had two lovely meals and enjoyed talking with the owner who is from Sicily. One day we walked to nearby Dornheim through countryside that was much as Bach knew it, to visit the church where he was married. Arnstadt and the Hotel Stadthaus was the perfect first stop on our trip through Germany, just the right size and delightfully non-touristy. It was a privilege to be part of this unique atmosphere and to appreciate the beauty and history of the community.