Our daughter is abroad in Freiburg, Germany and we have a few days to visit her over Thanksgiving. We are looking for small towns between Frankfurt and Freiburg that would be interesting and scenic. We'd prefer some castles, history and places to hike or be outdoors. Our kids are 14, 19 and 20 and adventurous. Time is limiting. We will spend time near Lake Constance in the beginning. Three towns I thought sounded interesting are Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and Colmar. I am trying to avoid places my daughter has already been. Suggestions please!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
If you are going to be around Lake Konstanz (Bodensee) to start with, you can go up to Sigmaringen. Technically, it's not a castle (Burg), it's a Palace (Schloß), but the lines are not that distinct. I would call Heidelberg a Schloß, also. The original part of Sigmaringen, a thousand years ago, was a Burg.
I think there is a castle, probably a ruin, somewhere around Singen.
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1255 posts
Hi. I am researching Baden-Baden and the Black Forest for a possible Christmas visit. I came across this website that lists castles and other places to visit.
http://www.black-forest-travel.com/places-of-interest/castles.html
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
Colmar would be a must, but if you want to visit some other great Christmas markets consider adding Stuttgart and Esslingen to your list. Stuttgart has palaces and much more to see than what people think and one of the very best large Christmas markets in Germany. Unfortunately, this city is ignored by many guide books.
Have a look at this tour that might be fun to do while in this area.
http://stuttgartsteps.com/
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Go to Baden-Baden if you're interested in old-style spa treatments for rheumatism, gambling or shopping at high-end bling retailers. Otherwise, it's very skippable, and far from the only thermal resort in Germany.
Heidelberg provides some great hiking opportunities in the surrounding Odenwald mountains. Consider walking uphill to the undamaged Third Reich-era amphitheater and continuing farther uphill to the monastery ruins.
If you'll have a car, make a quick stop in nearby Heppenheim. It has a beautiful old Markt overlooked by terraced vineyards and a castle ruin.