Rothenburg vs. Mittenwald

I like Rothenburg. I spent two nights (almost two full days) in Rothenburg with my wife in 2002. That gave us time to do some interesting things, like walk the wall. But I think three nights might be pushing it. I would suggest instead, the last day, go to Würzburg and turn in the car. There is plenty of transportation in Würzburg (and plenty to see), you won't need a car there. Buy tickets, with reservations, for the ICE from Würzburg to FRA (there's a direct one leaving Würzburg at 7:56, arriving FRA at 9:22). That gives you almost 2-1/2 hours at the airport. I think you can count on the train getting you there on time rather than trust traffic, even on a Saturday morning.

I assume you mean the end of Nov and beginning of Dec so you would be there for the Christmas markets. If that is the scenario, I would stay in Rothenburg, charming town.

Yes, the end of November. More specifically, the week of 29 November. We will definitely be going to both towns, it's just a matter of which one we spend an extra night in. I wouldn't miss the Christmas market for the world! Right now, I'm leaning towards Mittenwald from late Sunday 28 Nov. until the morning of Wednesday 1 December...then spending afternoon of 1 December until morning of Friday 3 December in Rothenburg. Maybe I'm mistaken, but it just seems like there's a bit more to see in the Garmisch/Mittenwald/Füssen area?? Then Würzburg for one night before we fly out Saturday morning from FRA.

Kirsten, I would think this would be a personal preference on type of towns you would like to visit and explore. I would choose Rothenburg because of its proximity to Frankfurt. I love medieval towns, the Christmas market and relaxing atmosphere, although Mittenwald has a lovely setting and proximity to other lovely towns I would be hesitant only because of weather delaying my return to Frankfut. But no one can predict weather so far out for either location.

IDo you want to see mountains and scenery- Mittenwald; do you want to see charming villages- Rothenberg-Dinkelsbuhl/Nordlingen/Romantic Road all within easy ddistance. I love rothenberg, spent 3 nights last time and want enough. Depends on what you would prefer. Both areas would be magical in Winter

There is a day's worth of stuff to see in Würzburg. I spent an entire morning taking the tour of Marienberg Fortress, the castle across the river from downtown. I love castles. There is an interesting museum in one of the buildings with a model of Würzburg after it was fire bombed at the end of the war. . . . . ¶ Then I took the bus cross town to the Residenz. I'm not as crazy about overly gaudy buildings. An all day transit pass (Tageskarte) for the downtown area is €4,45 pP.

Rothenburg is a great city to visit and does have a lot to see. Two days should be enough to see everything. Be sure to take the night wathman's tour, and if you're there on Wednesday, drop by the Hotel Altfränkische Weinstube am Klosterhof and meet Herman the German and his English Speaking club. The hotel is also a great place to stay. The only downside is that since Rothenburg is so popular, American tourist outnumber the locals.

Rothenburg and Wurzburg get my vote also. In addition, not too far south along the Romantic Road is the quaint town of Dinkelsbuhl. If the time frame is late November/early December you will be in the area for the Christmas markets. The following website will give you good information for dates and times: http://www.germany-christmas-market.org.uk/index.htm