1 week in Germany

Rick says this: 3 days: Munich, Bavarian castles 5 days, add: Rhine Valley, Rothenburg
7 days, add: More of Bavaria and Tirol, side-trip to Salzburg That wouldn't be my generic advice. But you're no generic person anyway, so why don't you share some of your interests and preferences and maybe provide some other clues as to what sort of trip you're looking for? With that info, those with experience in Germany can maybe point you in a direction that's best for you.

First, give us some information. What time of year? Purpose of the trip? Basing yourself out of one location, or planning to travel around? Budget? Interested in cities or rural areas? Nightlife? Preferred method of travel? First time in Europe or veteran?

Where are you entering Germany from? Will you be getting over your jetlag before you enter Germany? Where are you leaving Germany from? What time of year? What interests you? Why did you choose Germany? Give us something to get our teeth into please Jennifer....

Jennifer, I agree with the others, some additional information would be really helpful!

That's great advice!!! I'm not sure what my interests in Germany are yet, but your suggestions are where I'll start! I guess I'm not really interested in too much WWII stuff. I will do some research and re-post.
THANKS!!!

We are probably coming from Venice. Just starting to plan the trip -- definitely going to be traveling in Italy for 2-3 weeks, thought we'd try to squeeze in a peak at Germany. Money not unlimited, but we can afford to enjoy ourselves. Summer, late June/early July.
Like I said, the ideas generated are a great starting point for me. Planning is definitely half the fun for me!

There's hardly any WWII stuff in Germany anyway, so don't worry about that. OK, if you're headed from Venice, then the choice is obvious... Bavaria (and Austrian Tyrol), including Munich, Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, Oberstdorf, Regensburg, Passau, Chiemsee. How's that for starters?

Jennifer, Thanks for the additional information. Given the fact that you're coming from Venice and will only have one week, I definitely agree with Tom that limiting your stay to the south would be a good plan. You could easily use Munich as a base and take several day trips to Berchtesgaden, Salzburg, the Castles in Füssen or wherever. There are also lots of interesting sights in Munich (I could easily spend a full day in the Deutsches Museum), which is also a very "walkable" city. Although you're not interested, there are some WW-II sights in that area (Dachau, Dokumentation Centre & Bunkers, Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden), should you decide to visit one. You could also take a Salt Mine tour in Berchtesgaden. It could be very busy in late June / early July so I'd suggest pre-booking accommodations.

WOW -- I am really getting excited. All of your suggestions will make it easier for me to start my research. My hubby is a teacher, so unfortunately, we are always limited to summer vacations. Fortunately, we have 2-3 months every year. The heat is why we decided to start in southern Italy & work our way North. I plan on making most of our reservations early 2014. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Jennifer: My wife doesn't tolerate large crowds or hot temperatures. I don't tolerate high airfares, so we go before the Summer rush. I agree with Ken on using Munich area as a center of operation. As you go from Venice north via train, consider stopping at Innsbruck for a day or two. We love rambling through the Austrian Alps driving from village to village in a rental car. The mountains' beauty is incredible. Then take the train into Munich, which is one of those places you could easily spend a week. You won't see much WWII in Germany, but Dachau is one of those places everyone needs to see. I took my 12 year old daughter, and it did make a lasting impression.
Excursion train tickets are very inexpensive for 2 or more people for Bavarian day trips out of Munich.

Pick two or three (max). places. If you like cities, then Munich is a good choice for one. Then stay in smaller places. I would also consider Salzburg, although many do that as a day trip from Munich. I'll invite at least one negative comment by recommending Rothenburg odT. From which airport are you flying home? If Frankfurt, then perhaps some time on the Rhine. Check out some trip reports on Bavaria Ben's site - www.bensbauernhof.com.
A good mix of traditional places and those not visited by every American. If you are taking trains, then check out schedules at www.bahn.de.