We land on March 31 at 6:00 am in Dusseldorf (no checked luggage and traveling first class - so we hopefully will depart airport rather quickly). Thinking we'll take train to Cologne, grab a bite and see cathedral OR just get on train and head east to Heidelberg. Where we will see the castle, wander, drink, eat and the next morning pick up a rental car. Day 2 - head through Franconia in rental car - stop in Wurzburg maybe. Or could see Rothenberg but it is not super high on my list. Stay in Bamberg. Day 3 QUESTION HERE - we want to see Documentation Center in Nurnberg - suggest sleeping in Nurnberg? going to Nurnberg for the day and stay another night in Bamberg? or visit Nurnberg and head on to Regensburg for night? Like to stay in charming town where we can have a nice dinner, some drinks - somewhere that isn't totally dead at night. Days 4 to 7: I know we want a few in Munich (we depart from there) When I say "Day" I mean night. Suggestions wanted - could we do Salzburg and Munich in this time period? We like to be on the move. We only want the car a few days - then we'll take train. We are two adults and a twelve year old. We want to see WWII sites, museums (usually like science or historical rather than art), a castle or two, churches, we like to keep busy. We like drinking beer (not the 12 year old). Like centrally located hotels where 12 year old can possibly crash for a few hours while parents go out for a wander. Another option would be to stay in Dusseldorf or Cologne night one (or somewhere other than Heidelberg). My feeling was to head west and that Heidelberg would be a nice spot for an overnight. I would love some suggestions! Would like to see alps - is any of my itinerary in the mountains? I have thought and planned and re-planned this vacation many times and would really appreciate any and all feedback!!
Posted by
mississauga, ontario, canada
46 posts
If you can stay a night or two in rothenburg, at the Kloster Steuble, recommended in Rick's book. A wonderful Walled city and the hotel and food are marvellous. Well worth a visit. Since you are planning on a visit to Munich and are interested in WW11 I would recommend a side trip to Dachau. A short simple trip by car or by bus. Take your 12 year old also,there are many school trips to Dachau and the others, if I remember correctly Rick Steves wrote that a visit to a concentration camp is a required part of the German school curriculum. Not a tourist thing but we are very glad we made the trip.Finally from Munich you are really not that far from the Zugspitz if you want to see some mountains, again a worthwhile trip. Have a great vacation.
Posted by
OP
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Thanks! We have been to Auschwitz but boy was younger and he really didn't understand (and did not enter many barracks) - maybe now that he's studies WWII in school we will visit another concentration camp. Question - Rothenberg - I just can't seem to sell myself on this place! Husband doesn't like quiet walled cities (hated Evora Portugal) and I don't like towns with too many souvenir shops (example: Brugge) but we loved Krakow. Question - What about a night in Wurzburg (rather than Heidelberg) - anyone have feedback on which would be a better spot for a night. Still looking for feedback on sleeping in Nurnberg ... wold we be better off somewhere else. Feedback:
Wurzberg, Rothenberg, Bamberg, Munich, Salzburg, Munich, Munich
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
RE: Rothenburg. Yes, it's pretty, but there are many, MANY towns that look similar throughout Germany. Most just don't have such a high per capita of souvenir stores. Despite what many might think, it is possible to have an enjoyable visit to Germany and skip Rothenburg. See it if you're heading in that direction, but don't go out of your way for it. "Would like to see alps - is any of my itinerary in the mountains?" The Altstadt of Heidelberg sits in a valley on the western edge of the Odenwald mountains. You'll also skirt the northern edge of the Odenwald if you head to Wurzburg. Between Dusseldorf and Munich, the drive will also take you through the Bergisches Land, Westerwald, Franksiche Alb and Taunus mountains. All of these are low mountain ranges, and although quite scenic, you won't mistake them for the Alps. The only place you'll see the Alps that you mentioned is if you drive from Munich to Salzburg. The Alps aren't visible from Munich, but on a clear day, they can be seen after about an hours drive south.
Posted by
OP
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Thanks Michael. I hadn't considered Wurzburg and after some research it looks like a great place to stay. Any and all opinions and feedback is so helpful. Hotel suggestion would be great too.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
4 posts
Ditch the car as soon as you can, particularly before Munich. The train stations are all downtown with Rick's hotels within walking distance. This way you can enjoy the trip without wasting time buying petrol and finding a parking place. We recommend the Gray Line tour by train station in Munich that goes to Mad Ludwig's castle. They drive, they park, they buy the gas and they get you to the entrance. It takes most of a day, but has frequent stops to walk around villages and castles. Great use of your time.
Trains from city to city are easy. 12 year old will like it.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
We have been to Rothenburg many times and still enjoy it. However, go with your own preferences. Nurembourg within the walls is nice, very walkable. No reason not to overnight there (havent overnighted there personally). Have had good reports from friends who have stayed there
Posted by
OP
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Thanks Brian. It would make sense to spend the night - seeing the city as a daytrip seems like a hassle. Question - looking at Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nurnberg, and Munich, I know we COULD do it using 100% trains but what do you think? Part of me hates dealing with a rental car. Doesn't need to be decided now I suppose.
Posted by
Atlanta
983 posts
IMHO a car with a Navigate would be a joy not a hassle in the parts of Germany you are visiting, especially if you picked it up in Heildelberg and ditched it in Munich. The countryside is so beautiful, and you could choose to fly on the Autobahn or wander some back roads. Parking in underground lots in cities is usually easy. If you go to Heidelberg, your son might really like the birds of prey demo at nearby Burg Guttenberg. It is in German, but they will try to give some simplified explanations in English if they see there are English-speaking visitors.