Gasthof Zufriedenheit

The medieval town of Naumburg was a big deal in the so-called High Middle Ages, a stop on a major trade route and home to an impressive cathedral which is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the town’s greatest attractions today. Against this rich historical backdrop, a little bit of contemporary design goes a long way; this explains the impact of Gasthof Zufriedenheit, a hotel whose 19th-century bones — practically a new build by local standards — were thoroughly renovated in 2016, resulting in something that’s subtly modern and surprisingly stylish, yet still in keeping with Naumburg’s deep roots.

Guest rooms start out large, by guest-house standards — the Garden rooms span 24 square meters, and most come with king beds. Suites encompass a whopping 60 square meters, and their bathrooms include showers as well as freestanding tubs. In place of a lobby bar are the living room and a charming courtyard, either one a cozy spot for a cup of coffee, an aperitif, or, in the afternoon, a selection of teas, cakes, and other sweets. The restaurant serves seasonal fare including ingredients from the hotel’s own garden, and the associated wine bar specializes in bottles from producers in the local Saxony-Anhalt region.