Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Nuremburg, or Wurzburg?!?

Of the choices that you gave, I would prefer Würzburg. The castle across the Main River and the Residenz in town are both worthwhile sights. You might also want to consider Regensburg. It is World Heritage Site for its medieval buildings and squares. It has a few Roman ruins to boot.

Or Bamberg.

We have never been to Germany

Have you thought about ditching the car and taking the train? Every place you mention has frequent, excellent train service. If you are staying in central Munich, the car will be a headache.

hoping to see a good mix of all the country has to offer.

And the trains are part of what the country has to offer. I've rented a car for a day or two to visit some out-of-the-way places, but I've also been through some really, really out-of-the-way places on local trains.

Sam made a very good point abut using trains rather than driving -- especially on the first day when you are jet lagged and not familiar with the roads and such around Frankfurt. With regard to where to stay: Frankfurt has a lot to offer but it's just too big a city for me. Heidelberg is a great place with the old town and the castle, but that's about it. Nuremburg is also a large city. My vote would be Wurzburg. A rebuilt city to be sure, but it does have a lot to offer and is not nearly as large as Frankfurt or Nuremburg.

To emphasize this, even Rothenburg o.d.T., though it is a really really small town of 12'000 people, has a train station. Because of tourists, that is.

Hi,

I would suggest also forget the rental car unless you are sure that you don't get jet lag. Still, the rental car is not worth the hassle esp if the car will be driven in the city Based on your list, my votes are for Frankfurt and Heidelberg.

You state that you have already booked at the three places. Where does this need for an additional town fit in the sequence? How many days are you staying in those places? Wurzburg and Nuremburg can be easily visited from Rothenburg. Even Heidelberg if you have a car.

I have not travelled in Germany by car but I have cycled thru three times. If you are the type that wants to make unplanned stops because a village looks interesting, or you already know that there are a few stops to be made on a day's route, then I certainly understand using a car. But if you have just planned on doing things at the places indicated, then using public transportation is an option. My last 5 weeks of Germany travel were all with trains with no problems.

Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Nuremburg, or Wurzburg?

My picks would be Heidelberg and Nürnberg. When do you plan to go? I lived in Heidelberg for two years and really liked it. The Neckar River Valley is really nice. Nürnberg will come on top for Christmas Markets and Beer Gardens. I am partial to Regensburg too as it is in my neck of the woods.

I live here and drive, hardly taking the train at all. It is a personal preference. You will have to find parking most likely in a garage or at your Hotel/Gasthaus/Fewo and may have to take public transportation from there. Get a good navigation device and/or become very familiar with the one in the rental car. Traffic will be heavy during the summer vacation season and in the mountains during ski season. Stau and stop and go traffic...

Thanks for all of the feedback. To answer a few questions above, we will be traveling through Germany the 3rd week in September, so the count down is on! We have definitely utilized the public transit systems through Europe in the past and have had great experiences, but we kind of want the flexibility of a car for this trip so we can come and go as we please. I am a little concerned with traffic/driving/parking in Munich, but I am use to driving in Boston so hoping its about the same.

I think we are considering Heidelberg or Wurzburg at this point - we would probably just spend a night in one of these towns as they fit well into our existing itinerary. I am definitely open to other city suggestions or why we should choose one over the other!

Thanks Again!

Depending on your final route and timeline, if you drive, you might stay in Heidelberg and stop in Wurzburg while in route. Or vice versa. Just a thought.

An older but acceptable 2-3 star hotel in Heidelberg in a very good location with a few parking spots (for a fee) is Hotel Anlage. Call ahead to reserve the parking. An easy walk into the Altstadt.
http://www.hotel-anlage.de/

I would rank them Nuremburg,Wurzburg,Heidelberg,Frankfurt,Nuremburg has the Nazi Documentation Center,Castle in the walled part of the city and the Toy Museum.Wurzburg has the Residenz and the Fortress on the opposite side of the river with great views and the Church.Heidelberg has the Castle on the hill and a nice old town.Frankfurt is a Commercial center,not a lot for tourists.
Mike

For me I would make an excursion to Heidelberg from your base on the Rhine.
Then head to Wurzburg for the Romantic Road.
Wurzburg - Rothenburg ODT - Augsburg
Munich is not far then from Augsburg.