Colmar + Fussen + Oberammergau = Rothenburg? (or close enough?)

I have been to all of those locations, with the exception of Switzerland. I enjoyed Rothenburg and the Night Watchman's Tour. Would I go 500km out of the way to go there. Absolutely not! It is impossible to see it all, and every trip I have taken has required sacrificing a destination because it just doesn't work out. As Rick says, assume you will return...some day.

I totally agree with Andrea! I've been to all of the above places except Oberammergau. I absolutely love Rothenburg - walking the wall and the nightwatchman's tour, but you will get your fill of quaint and fachwerk/halftimbered buildings in Colmar. Save Rothenburg for another trip.

There are dozens and dozens of towns like Rothenburg scattered through-out Germany. Going 500 km out of your way to see this one town is certainly not worth your time. It is not that unique or special. Have a look at the Fachwerk Route to see if any of these towns are on your planned route. If you want a walled city too, then my suggestion would be Buedingen, if it is on your route. http://www.deutsche-fachwerkstrasse.de/uk/cont.php3

Like I've said many times before, Rothenburg isn't nearly as unique as advertised. There are hundreds of other towns in Germany with preserved centers. Rothenburg is just one of the larger examples and it has a nearly intact wall. You're not getting a whole lot more that you wouldn't see in Colmar, or in many other towns along your direct route. Save yourself some time and skip it.

Peter, it is extremely difficult to answers questions like what you posted. PLaces are not like a car, a phone or a computer that can be combined with similar devices to get the same "performance". This being said... once again I repeat: to travel is to chose. There is more in Europe than one can conceivably see in a lifetime of travel. I wouldn't put all this effort to go to Rothenburg for one day. The "Night Watchman Tour" is vastly overrated here on Helpline. Not that it is a tourist trap, it is not, but it is still an evening walk with a touches of folklore. And just that. As a marketing tour for the town, it is extremely clever though. However, Peter, if not going to Rothenburg is something that is going to make you regret the decision even before leaving US, for whatever reason, then go.

Righty ho, good question Peter. I agrees. But, I'd get to 2 or 5 of the villages around Colmar for even better archietecture, with many banning cars in the centre the buildings look better. Colmar too, but get out of town. Would I drive half way across the world for RodT? Nope. Been there, Very nice. Saw a drunk actor in a parade try to drink beer standing on his head on a bareback horse. (He failed). Still, it would be too far for me. Agree with Jo, although I prefer Idstein and its Hexenturm (thanks Jo) Buedingen is wonderful (thanks Jo), If going by them stop. You'll love 'em. (Thanks Jo). By the way, Jo knows a lot about that part of the world.

Rothenburg is not at all "more of the same" stuff that's on your itinerary. It is unique. But the downside of the hypertourism there does detract, and while I'd rate it several stars higher than Neuschwanstein as a must-see, there really is no such thing as a "must-see", and if it's inconvenient, you can surely have a great trip without it.

Thanks for everyone's input. We will most likely just save Rothenburg for a future trip. Really appreciate it.

Here is the final reason to skip Rothenburg on this trip. I didn't realize how many cute towns there are outside of Colmar: Ribeauvillé Riquewihr Kaysersberg Turckheim
Eguisheim I'm adding a day earlier in the trip to see these. Thanks for everyone's help.