Sweet Bauhaus Dreams

Great places to stay in BauhausLand

“What’s a Bauhaus hotel room like?” As the world marks the Bauhaus centenary, 2019 is a great time to visit BauhausLand, the tourism region named for the design movement that changed the way we live. As well as visiting, fans can stay in Bauhaus-influenced buildings. Head for the German states of Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia; check in – and sleep like a Bauhausler!

DESSAU Welcome to student life: sleep like a Bauhäusler

Emblazoned with the word BAUHAUS, the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation complex is the No 1 destination for modern design enthusiasts. Extra special is staying in the Prellerhaus, one of Germany’s first-ever student dorms. Built in 1926, the 28-room building still offers an authentic student experience of the past: streamlined rooms, with washbasins, built-in furniture, plain beds and tables. But there are also stylish Martin Stam-designed steel-tube cantilever chairs. Down the hall are contemporary bathrooms and communal kitchenettes. Special are rooms themed for former Bauhaus occupants, such as Josef and Anni Albers. Hearty German breakfasts are served in the student café. Note: the Prellerhaus has no elevators! (Single rooms from US$45; double rooms from US $70; www.bauhaus-dessau.de/en/service/sleeping-at-bauhaus/booking-request.html )

PROBSTZELLA Off the beaten track

South of Weimar, Probstzella is important for its imposing “Haus des Volkes.” Designed by architect Alfred Arndt in 1927, this grand community center, Thuringia’s largest Bauhaus complex, even includes a hotel. Lovingly restored in 2005, the Bauhaushotel provides contemporary comforts, from modern tubs to thick towels. And the “Haus des Volkes”, built for workers 90 years ago, still has the cheerful Blauer Saal restaurant, a bowling alley, cinema and saunas. Offering rare video footage and interactive technology, a lively museum tells the building’s story, from Bauhaus days through World War Two and the Cold War (Double rooms from US$90 with breakfast; www.booking.com/Share-6a0WAD ).

WEIMAR The Steiner Connection

Bauhaus teachers, such as Wassily Kandinsky, were influenced by the philosopher Rudolf Steiner. In Weimar, Steiner lived in a handsome 18th-century house. Now a hotel, the Villa Hentzel is on – appropriately – Bauhausstrasse (From US$125; www.booking.com/Share-Kw1vro).

WEIMAR The “Goethe didn’t stay here” Design Apartments

Enjoy the 21st-century Bauhaus effect! With the witty name “Goethe didn’t stay here”, these contemporary vacation rental apartments were designed and decorated by Bauhaus University graduates. Close to the city’s attractions, this is a real insider tip (From US$110; www.booking.com).

MAGDEBURG Where art and architecture meet

In Saxony-Anhalt’s capital, compare century-old Bauhaus design with today’s avant-garde architecture. Finished in 2005, Magdeburg’s bright pink Grüne Zitadelle (Green Citadel) was Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s last project. This complex of homes, shops and cafés includes the artHOTEL. The 40 rooms have jazzy bathrooms, with Hundertwasser’s trademark colorful tiles (from US$100; www.arthotel-magdeburg.de/Hotel-Philosophie-EN ).

BAD BERKA: ON YOUR BIKE!

Bicycle steel tubing inspired Bauhaus designer Marcel Breuer to create his famous chairs. And cycling is still a fun way to explore BauhausLand. From Weimar, pedal part of the Feininger Cycle Trail, dedicated to Bauhaus artist Lyonel Feininger; head off through the beech and spruce forest to stay in the spa town of Bad Berka. Here, the funky velo inn provides B&B accommodations for cyclists and hikers. Design highlights include eco-friendly (but comfy) beds, made by local carpenters, using no screws, bolts or nails! (www.booking.com) 

MONEY & TIME SAVING TIPS

Use the Weimar Card and Thuringia Card for discounted admission to the region’s main attractions, and the WelterbeCard to explore the Heritage Region around Dessau. In Jena, get the JENA à la CARD. 

How we can help

Whether you’re looking for suggested driving routes through BauhausLand, detailed information on Bauhaus cities, or need the perfect picture, we‘re happy to help! For news as it happens, register at: www.gobauhaus.com/stay-tuned/ Or get regular updates, stories, and pictures at: Press Area@Cision. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch at info@gobauhaus.com.

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