Set in the picturesque Upper Lahn Valley, Bad Laasphe has long been a popular destination for fans of the great outdoors. Just under two hours’ drive from both Cologne and Frankfurt, this small spa town in North Rhine-Westphalia has an appealingly laid-back atmosphere, and a reputation as a restful, rejuvenating retreat with a number of great accommodation options. Expect to unwind in blissful tranquility at one of the best places to stay in Bad Laasphe as a couple, or with friends and family.
Begin your explorations with a stroll around town, where you’ll find cafés, family-owned boutiques and some intriguing small museums — one dedicated to radios, and another to mushrooms. The imposing Schloss Wittgenstein, set atop a hill on the edge of town, is striking. Visitors are not permitted inside, but the walk up to the building is lovely, and the views superb.
The surrounding countryside, however, is the real draw for most travellers. Hop aboard bicycles to follow the meandering River Lahn, soar above verdant fields and forests on a paragliding adventure, or follow hiking trails such as the Rothaarsteig Waldskulpturenweg or the ancient Cologne-Siegen-Marburg pilgrimage route. Return to your pick of the best places to stay in Bad Laasphe to treat yourself to serene spa treatments or glorious gourmet fare by the fire.