Which town should I visit with one day, Heidelberg, Wurzburg, or Marburg

Stew, I'm only answering this because no one else has posted yet. I've not been to any of these three, but on our way to Rothenburg last year I had wanted to stop in Wurzburg, but just didn't have time due to connections. As I recall, Rick recommends it in one of his books, but I don't have it in front of me.

Hope that's helpful -- at least it will bring it back to the top of the list!

I don't think you can wrong with any of the three. I have been to all three (and lived in Marburg for 2 years), but was in Wuerzburg in back in 2000. Both Heidelburg and Wurzburg are much larger than Marburg, whose old-town is a relatively small part of town. I remember Wurzburg having more of a late-1800s feel and feeling more like a real city than Heidelberg which felt somewhat more touristy. I don't recall any "artisinal" bakeries in Marburg, though most of them do make decent bread. I think if I had to make the choice, I'd go for Heidelberg unless it was height of the tourist season, in which case I might opt for Wurzburg. However, Marburg is also very nice, just a bit smaller. If you do choose Marburg, let me know if I can answer any questions.

Paul

Every small German town I've encountered has a bakery. You shouldn't have trouble finding one in any of these towns, if you ask.

WURZBURG : Prince Bishop's Residenz, Baroque chapel, and the palace's gardens. One of the travel guide books says the Residenz (palace) building is more impressive than any royal palace in Europe.

Wurzburg would be my choice and I've been to all 3. It also has a great local market square every day but Sunday and is easy to get to by train or autobahn.

i love them all. my husband was raised in marburg, but when it came time to buy our condo in germany, we opted for wurzburg. we just never get tired of the town. there are all the usual sights to see, and it is a great town for walking, beer drinking, eating, and people watching. if you have questions about either wurzburg or marburg, just email me.

Wurzburg is easily a 1-day visit. The town center is very close to the main train station, and the beautiful town center, cathedral and castle are all nearby. There isn't much else to see there besides those things. It's very much like Nuremberg only smaller and more manageable.