2 nights Wurzburg/Rothenburg before flying out from Frankfurt

Your idea of Wurzburg bef flying out is a gd one. we did the opposite but used a car. Hopefully your air out from Frankfurt is not too early. but it is a good choice having done the same.

Würzburg has connections every 30 minutes to the airport with travel time of 1:45. We have left from there twice as Würzburg is one of my favorite towns. Mainz is about 25 minutes from the airport. We had a nice couple of days there before a flight. Frankfurt is only about 15 minutes from the airport. I have no experience with Frankfurt.

Würzburg is a fantastic choice. You will (most likely) have a wonderful time there.

Rothenberg is still one of my favorite places in germany. The central square and two main streets are overrun by shoppers at mid day; but later they leave. wonderful place to roam. however two half days isnt enough time-unless you have never been there. If you have seen Rothenburg, then better to just spend it all in Wurzburg. Dont do dinner on the main square. But many good restaurants and hotels just a block away

Be sure to stay in the Hotel Griffenstein in Wurzburg - it does THE most fabulous breakfast and is right next to the Zum Stakel, a famous beer keller/restaurant. Train travel from Wurzburg to Frankfurt airport is a breeze. So jealous. Rothenburg is dreamy but full of Americans LOL!

My wife best likes the Residenz with its rococo interior. We both enjoy the Residenz garden, even in the off season..... We both enjoy the walk up to the castle as Michael mentioned. There are great views of the city and the Käppele across the ravine. There are two good museums in the castle. One is devoted to the Main-Franconian region and houses my favorite work of German art, Mary in Mourning, Trauernde Maria by Riemenschneider. The other museum is devoted to Würzburg. It has a miniature city of Würzburg after WWII which is a good case against wars. The castle ramparts and inner courts were interesting to me..... Finally, Würzburg is a living city with a University as mentioned. There is a typical downtown shopping area with many restaurants. You run elbows with lots of folks that are not tourists or in the tourist trade.

Thanks to all for your comments so far. I realized I didn't say in my initial query that this trip will be at the beginning of November. At that point in the year, will there still be lots of tourists in Rothenburg, or will it be quieter? Also - thanks for the idea Linda, but I looked at Hotel Griffenstein in Wurzburg, and while it looks great, it's beyond our budget. We're looking for places more in the 60 to 80 Euro for a double room, rather than per person.

Rothenberg: Never been there in Winter, so dont know the tourist load. However a big tourist draw in Rothenberg are the mega-shops that sell Christmas decorations all year long. However that may be fun. Anyway, you plan on being there mid afternoon through mid morning, so you will miss most of the big load in any case. If you have never been to Rothenberg its worth a shot. Maybe it'll entice you to return for longer

Thanks, Brian. Actually, after your comments, I'm trying to figure out whether we can adjust to allow for two nights there :-) TBD.

We were in Rothenburg the last two advent seasons (early December) and it was not nearly as crowded as in the summer, that was even with the Christmas Market. I bet that most of November is low season and probably a good time to visit. I really enjoy Rothenburg but still enjoy Würzburg more. Everyone's taste is different.

Gary and others - What do you like most about Wurzburg? I have seen lots about Rothenburg, only a bit about Wurzburg (mostly about "the Residenz"). Would appreciate your thoughts.

Ok, we're going to try to get another day so we can have 2 nights in Rothenburg, and then head on an early train for a day & night in Wurzburg! I'm starting to get a picture of the differences. Appreciate your comments. Michael - you recommended Hotel Zum Winzermaennle. I'm wondering if you have used their special offer which includes dinner at the "Franconian restaurant Marktbaerbel" and if so, so was it good?

I would second Michael's suggestion of a meal at the Alte Mainmuhle. Make a reservation, it is very popular.

In 2007 I stayed in Pension Spehnkuch, www.pension-spehnkuch.de/index.php?lg=eng. Very close to the train station and public transportation. Host speaks excellent English. €56-€60 for a double. Bathroom is down the hall, but that was never a problem. I found Spehnkuch on my own, but later saw it was recommended by Rick.

If you decide to stay in Rothenburg for a night do the Night Watchman Tour. Make sure you check his schedule for the time of year he is on vacation. You can do a quick Google search or check out the Rothenburg web site, or local information center. BTW, he has two tours an evening, english then german. He likes to sip a glass of wine between tours. Last September we were able to have a drink with the very friendly and likable Night Watchman.

Check out schedules on the German Rail website, http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en. If you are in a hurry, you can do the trip by express train (ICE/IC/EC) in about 1hr 30-40min. Full fare is €29-€36. If you can plan ahead, you can get a train specific, online Savings Fare ticket for as low at €19 for the first person, €10 each for persons 2-5. If you have a little more time, 2hr 22min, you can use a Bayern-Ticket to Kahl am Main (available at an automat in the Würzburg Hbf for €28) and RMV local tickets from Kahl to FRA Regionalbhf (available at a ticket counter in Würzburg) for €7,15 pP. Advantage: no advance purchase necessary, use any train.