Leipzig and Wittenberg, Germany

From the Kaiserslautern area, it’s a 5+ hour drive to Leipzig, depending on highway rest stops for meals, gas, and traffic. There are vegetarian restaurants in Leipzig, along with plenty of traditional places, and a nice cafeteria at the top of the Kaufhof department store.

There are a variety of hotels to select from, and many pedestrian areas in old town, featuring beautiful architecture, shops, and churches. The Bach museum is small, but a treasure trove of information and music.

Bach played the organ here!!!

We elected to stay 2 nights in Leipzig, with a day trip to Wittenberg in between. Since it was only a bit over an hour drive to Wittenberg, we drove, but would encourage others to consider taking the train. Public parking in Wittenberg is not great, although we lucked out by finding an on-street spot very close to the Lutherhaus.

We spent 2 hours in the museum and attached café, learning about Luther’s work and family life. Next, we strolled through the streets to churches and parks. How nice it was to find a small meditation room, to sit in quietly for a few minutes. More lovely architecture, and shops galore. Also of note is a small history museum about life in East Germany. Felt like a step back in time to see older furniture, crowded conditions, and food rationing. Wittenberg got very quiet after 6pm on a weeknight, and we were ready to head back to Leipzig. There may well be many more evening events in the fall. We did not go to every museum in Wittenberg- if you would like to, then an overnight may be needed.

We could have stayed in Leipzig longer, and would recommend more than 2 nights if you have time to relax and enjoy the area.

The famous church where Luther's 95 Theses were posted on the door!

Luxembourg City

From the Kaiserslautern area, Luxembourg City is an easy day trip, though I wouldn’t mind staying overnight for a weekend/long weekend. We left late morning, and arrived in time for a nice lunch in one of the market squares filled with outdoor restaurant tables. There are a few parking garages, and there are also trains from K-town. As you approach the old town, there are well marked signs along the road indicating parking garages and how many spots are still available. We paid 12 Euro for nearly 6 hours.

We walked up and down the pedestrian shopping streets, complete with many familiar brands, and some unique finds. A stupendous chocolate shop on the “Market of Herbs” Square yielded many spoons to make hot chocolate at home (there is a chunk of chocolate like a popsicle, but not frozen, on a wooden stick that you stir around in hot water or milk). This place had many flavors! A British book shop was filled with English novels and non-fiction, then a unique ice cream store made flowers out of ice cream on a cone.

Speaking of flowers, amazing florists had gorgeous bouquets ready to go, and on my next trip to Luxembourg City, I will bring a bucket with some water in the car so I can bring some home. Another chocolate shop had Neuhaus, a fantastic brand indeed. Finally, a French book shop had the most adorable notebooks which came back with me, along with many other stationery and literary items that were not purchased this time.

We walked along the city walls, viewing preserved ruins, viaducts, and the lower city. Churches were lovely, and the weather was perfect. We saw some Segway riders going by on a tour, so we’ll do that next time! 

There is much more to see in the City and surrounding countryside. I’d like to check out some museums, parks, and historical sites next time.