Regensburg, Rothenburg, or ???

Just from a logistical standpoint, Regensburg wins hands down. There are direct rains from Weiden, just 5 miles west of Grafenwoehr, every 2 hours and it only takes 50 minutes. Getting to Munich airport is easy too. Train to Freising takes 1 hour, then catch the 635 bus to Munich airport taking less than 20 minutes.

It depends on what kind of things interest you the most. Regensburg has enough to keep you busy for 2 days, and the sites are quite varied - Roman, Jewish, Palace, Churches, Half-timbered houses. Not sure if Rothenburg has enough to see to take up 2 days.

Rothenburg is fine for the better part of a single day, Regensburg has much more to offer, als Mrs. Jo has said. Moreover, assuming that your flight takes off in the noon and you have to arrive at MUC by 9:00, you would have to depart from Rothenburg at 4:45, which would make a long day even longer.

And if you feel that you have seen enough of R., you could still go to Landshut or Straubing.

It sounds like Regensburg is the better choice unless someone has another suggestion. Does anyone have a favorite place to stay there? Must see attractions? Thanks so much!

If you have spare time some evening while working in Grafenwöhr, try to pop over to Amberg for a few hours. It has a partially walled and very well preserved historic center. It takes a little more time and effort to reach via public transportation than it might be worth if you only have a few hours, but if someone can give you a ride, it's relatively close.

I wouldn't substitute Amberg for Regensburg, but it could give you a sample of a Rothenburg-like town, without all the tour buses and trinket shops.

And if you have A LOT of spare time and easy access to a car, check out Franconian Switzlerand, which is a low mountainous region just to the NW of Grafenwöhr. In particular, go to the towns of Pottenstein and Gößweinstein.

We like the Hotel Weidenhof in Regensburg. It is about 3 blocks from the train station in the pedestrian zone. Small, comfortable rooms and a decent breakfast.

I think the best sights in Regensburg are just walking about the maze of alleyways and plazas. The Gothic Cathedral is awe inspiring and I liked St. Emmeram Church. The Alte Kapelle Church is highly decorated (Rococo style) and a few blocks from the cathedral. In that same area is the Roman gate, Porta Praetoria, incorporated into less ancient buildings. Built the same time as the Cathedral - at about 1140 A.D. - and very near it is the Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge). The bridge is great for views back at the city. My wife took a tour of the Thurn & Taxis Palace and enjoyed it. The tourist office in the Altes Rathaus (old town hall) had a decent brochure/map of the sights.

We love the place and are returning again this spring.

Becky, definitely Regensburg. But you asked ". . . . or ???". I think I would just go on to Munich if you haven't spent time there.

There's a lot to like about Regensburg. I can't tell you exactly why, but like Lubitsch, I prefer Nuremberg. Maybe it's the pubs there or maybe just something quirky about me.

In case you choose Nuremberg, here's a walking/informational guide from one of my favorite sources.

Yes, Amberg is a pleasant diversion and doesn't take long.
https://s3-media1.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/DwM2PI3XXd8bPJ2QUr8l0Q/ls.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/26/Amberg_-_Bibliothek_-_Die_Leser.jpg
https://media.holidaycheck.com/data/urlaubsbilder/images/41/1156432117.jpg
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/90224265.jpg

I've been to Regensburg, Nuremberg and Rothenburg and like them all - but liked Passau better. You might take a look at that as well.

Thanks for all the good advice. I have been to Munich and Passau, so Regensburg is the winner. I'll also try to visit Amburg while I'm there.