Future trip to Germany

Berlin may be out of the way but I think it's a must see city in Europe.

Since you are flying into Frankfurt, why not spend at least a couple of days there? I was pleasantly surprised at what a lovely city it is, with lots to see and layers and layers of history.

From Eichstatt: also Würzburg (Marienberg, Residenz) and Bamberg. From Salzburg: Herrenchiemsee, Hohenwerfen, and Burghausen. Maybe Mondsee (SOM wedding church). From Ravensburg: Lindau and Konstanz. I think there is also a castle at Singen or thereabouts. From Stuttgart: Ulm (Münster) and Herrenberg. I've been to all those places except Hohenwerfen. All are easily accessible by train and bus.

Well, this is the opposite of the kind of trip people usually post here - very relaxed! Is that what you're going for? If so, that's wonderful, but you might get bored or "half-timbered-out" on some of these. But if hiking and/or biking is going to be a big portion of your trip you've chosen some lovely areas. Is there a reason Munich isn't listed? When you're at the Bodensee, do take a day trip to Konstanz, I was just there yesterday, and it was really lovely and very old with a unique cathederal that showcased various building styles from the 900s-1900s. I would imagine the flower island is fantastic in summer. Lindau is supposed to be great, I haven't been there yet. Freidrichshafen isn't that interesting on it's own, but my husband and father-in-law swear that the Zeppelin museum was awesome. Since you have so much time, I really recommend the Germanisches museum in Nurnberg. It is an absolutely stunning (and large!) collection of German art and crafts from the Celtic era through the Rennissance, and they have a few important Durers there. If you're flying out of Stuttgart, staying in the Mitte near the Hauptbahnhof is convienent for getting to the airport via train. It's a 25 minute direct trip via S-bahn from Hbf. The two big car museums are here (Porsche and Mercedes-Benz). If you're here early enough, the Ludwigsburg palace is a fantastic baroque residence built in the style of Versailles, english tour at 1:30 p.m. But given how much time you have, I'd really suggest spending a few days in Munich or Berlin unless you absolutely hate big cities or have been there before.

You are correct, I don't care for big cities.

Then Berlin is a no-go as it's a big city and feels like it. Munich on the other hand famously doesn't "feel" like a big city, all the sights and areas of interest are on a small scale and feels more like a collection of walkable neighborhoods, at least away from the Hauptbahnhof area. If you're interested in history, art, or beer/food, I would add at least a day in Munich. The Alte Pinakotek is stunning and has some very famous Duerers (including his stunning and most famous self-portrait) as well as Raphaels, Rubens, etc. Obviously there is a lot of Catholic history (relics everywhere!), the Wurttemberg history (Residenz is very cool if you're not doing another baroque palace, and more stunning than the Ludwigsburg schloss I mentioned above), and Nazi history in Munich as well. But I AM a "city person" so take my advice with that grain of salt! But Munich is the most "provincial" world class city I've ever been to, not at all what I expected. Stuttgart also feels provicincal for it's size and population although it's still clearly a city with mostly modern architecture. The locals are really into their quaint traditional wine bars, and there are a lot of lovely walks you can take up into the vineyards and hills from the city center for quiet and nice views, if you decide to stay there because of it's convenience to the airport. But otherwise, you might be better off staying in a nearby villiage like Esslingen or Herrenberg as they are smaller and more medieval.

Sarah, I have to agree with you on one thing. Munich does not seem like a big city. I've spent 18 nights there in 7 visits since 1987 and enjoy it very much. Other than Munich, I'm not a city person. I've always lived in big cities, so, for me, a vacation means getting away from that environment. Also, it seems that a lot of the unique big city attractions are museums, and except for history, I'm not into museums.

I find both Munich and Stuttgart attractive as cities, both were on my list of cities to see and stay at on my first trip to Germany as was (West) Berlin. And, I've visited them on repeated occasions, more Munich than Stuttgart. Both Stuttgart and Munich have much to offer as regards to music and culture, and, above all, history...good, bad and the ugly. Still, the two cities are provincial, when contrasted with Berlin or Vienna. @ Stephen...I recommend seeing Sigmaringen and its castle. That was one town that escaped war destruction. You've listed a good itinerary.