Germany this March

You never know, we were there mid-March a few years ago, spent the first few days in heavy jackets, then the last few in short sleeved shirts. A lot of the fun stuff to do in Mannheim is outdoors. The Luisenpark is really nice, there's miles of gardens, plus little boats that will take you around. There's also miles of trails that wind along the Rhine. If the weather's lousy, there's lot of shopping downtown. Heidelberg is a great place, definitely go and see the castle. The palace at Schwetzigen is a good stop, too. The grounds are enormous. I loved the statue of the woman selling asparagus in town (you'll be there too early for asparagus season, sadly). Of course, in any town in Germany, a stop at a bakery is in order.

In Mannheim make sure you have a dinner at the restaurant "C5". Atmosphere and quality of food are really worthwhile.

The weather was unseasonably cold in December, and it's been pretty mild ever since. Daytime highs have averaged from 5 to 10 C. I would expect that the weather here will be warmer than in Iowa. As you'll see, Mannheim isn't the prettiest city. But Luisenpark is probably the nicest urban park in Europe (although they charge admission). If you'll have a car, on the way to Heppenheim, drive through Lorsch. It has a beautiful town square and a monastery from the Carolingian period. You'll drive by Hüttenfeld, but there's nothing really to see here. If you're time is tight, skip the Black Forest, and take advantage of the Neckartal-Odenwald Naturpark, which is almost next door to Mannheim. There some great scenery, castles, quaint towns and virtually no foreign tourists. I can think of a dozen more things, but I'm tired of typing.

When you recover please come back and add more, I am VERY interested and am going to looking into the places that you have suggested.

Heidelberg is a good choice. Actually Rothenberg Ob Der Tauber is about the same distance as Strasbourg, France, Stuttgart or Trier (Mosel Valley), so any can be done as a day trip. Those would be my top for you to see as day trips. Near Stuttgart visit Ludwigsburg Palace is a great tour. In Stuttgart visit the Mercedes factory and the Porsche Museum, as well as all sorts of great shopping, restaurants, and culture. Also FYI, March 7-11 is the Faschings holiday for school kids.

I am big fan of the blackforest area. Frieberg, Lahr, Triberg. I only went through Stuttgart but I have heard it is a fun city. On our visit this year, we are going to Trier. The blackforest is very traditional german with lots of cute houses and towns. Tina, Oregon

My parents and I were in Germany last March and it was freezing cold. Sunshine most days, but when we went to Triberg from Munich is was -2C and about an inch of snow on the ground. We went to Gutach falls and the climh uphill was really painful ( I am in terrible shape), but totally worth it.

... OK, more. Here's my recommendation for a scenic daytrip drive out of Mannheim through the Odenwald. Each of the towns I list below have all the sorts of things that visitors want to see in Germany, minus the souvenir stands. You can get a quick overview of the areas worth seeing in the towns in 30 minutes or less. Driving this route, you'll traverse several Fierenstraßen (tourist routes), including the Bergstraße (mountain road), Sigfriedstraße, Nibelungstraße, and Fachwerkstraße (half-timber houses). As mentioned before, drive up to Lorsch for the town square and the medieval monastic remains. From there, head towards Bennsheim. The town has a historic center, but you can't see it unless you park the car. If you want to take a quick detour, Schloss Auerbach above the town is one of the better castle ruins I have visited. From Bennsheim, ascend into the mountains and follow the signs to Michelstadt. The scenery will really start to open up at this point. On the way to Michelstadt, you'll pass through the stunning town of Lindenfels. It sits on the side of a mountain, and a castle ruin rises above the town. The castle is one of many that lays claim to being the site where the legendary hero Sigfried slew the dragon Fafnir. If you have a clear day, the view from the castle is amazing. Continue on towards Michelstadt. Michelstadt is like a smaller version of Rothenburg, with an incomplete wall. The highlight is the Rathaus. Turn south towards the equally scenic old town of Erbach (impressive church here). South of Erbach near Ebersberg, turn west back towards Fürth and Heppenheim. Heppenheim has the most impressive historical core in the area and an elaborate cathedral. The castle overlooking the town isn't as interesting as some of the others I've mentioned (although I can almost see it from where I live).

(cont.) Drive south along the Bergstraße. Besides the scenic towns and castles, the road is most known for its many vineyards. End in Heidelberg... or save it for a day by itself. I think you'll find that drive equal or better to any drive in the Black Forest, and it has the advantage of being in Mannheim's backyard. On the other side of the river, there's another good drive from Worms down the Deutsche Weinstraße and into the Pfälzerwald... but once again, I've typed too much.

Bumped for the benefit of another poster.