After Rhine/Before Zurich

Depends what you're after. I'd consider the Neckar River valley between Hiedelberg and Heilbronn (Bad Wimpfen in particular) for many charming towns and a few castles in nice scenery, or the Swabisch Alb region, more castles and charming towns like Tubingen.

Ok, great, thank you! We are just looking for anywhere scenic~lovely small towns, castles etc.

Sarah has given you two wonderful places to stop. Bad Wimpfen is a little gem towering above the Neckar River. Many medieval buildings still standing as well as the ruins of the former Emperor's Palace. If you decide to stop in Tuebingen and have time, you should plan to see the beautiful Burg Hohenzollern. Well worth it. Both cities would be well worth a visit. http://www.badwimpfen.de/showpage.php?lang=2 http://www.tuebingen.de/en/3494.html http://www.burg-hohenzollern.com/startpage.html

We spent a month visiting Germany, France, Belgium and Netherlands. By far, our most favorite stop was Rothenburg on the Tauber. Lovely medieval city with its town wall intact and walkable. Be sure to do the Nightwatchman's tour----it's entertaining and informative.. We stayed at RS recommended hotel Gasthof Goldener Greiffen. Just a short walk to market square.

We spent a month visiting Germany, France, Belgium and Netherlands. By far, our most favorite stop was Rothenburg on the Tauber. Lovely medieval city with its town wall intact and walkable. Be sure to do the Nightwatchman's tour----it's entertaining and informative.. We stayed at RS recommended hotel Gasthof Goldener Greiffen. Just a short walk to market square.