Gasthof Thomas Müntzer

The single bedroom I stayed in was simple and clean, and at a good price. Perfect for the solo hiker! The view from my room and the bathroom was lovely. Just trees, but I felt like I was in the middle of the forest, far from civilisation. You couldn't hear any cars, just the babbling brook just below, which was very relaxing. Unfortunately the Wifi in my room didn't work at all, but I guess that's to be expected given the location (it was in a bit of a valley). I just went downstairs to the dining room to access the internet and from there it worked fine. The man who served the evening meal and (I assume) cooked it too, was very welcoming. He was also very friendly and attentive to the guests at breakfast time too. Both the dinner and breakfast were very satisfying. Thanks! I would definitely come back if doing the Rennsteig again(-:

The woman who checked me didn't seem at all interested in the guests. She was playing with her grandchild, and I had to wait a minute or two for her to finally come to the front desk when I first arrived. I felt like I was interrupting her (I probably was!) and that my presence was a nuisance. I feel like she could bear in mind though that the guests are providing her/their income (it's not like I had excessive demands. All I needed -- and wanted -- was the key to my room). Regarding the shower, it took five minutes to go from glacial cold to luke-warm. By this stage I was able to quickly wash my face, under arms etc, and get out. It felt like a huge waste of water (I come from a country with constant water shortages, so normally I'm in and out within two minutes max. Even when I wash my hair). Probably it would have gone hot after that, if I'd waited a little longer. I just couldn't bear to see the water running for so long without being used. I don't think the water temperature would be an issue in summer, but it was mid-autumn when I stayed, so maybe a bit more time was required to heat the water if it was very cold to start with (I don't usually feel the cold much, but I was shivering when I got out). The rooms were warm, so this helped compensate. I don't like to turn the heating up high, especially with the current energy crisis. Usually I don't even need it! But after the cold shower I had to put it on for an hour just to warm up...