Dave_Ohio

After spending two nights in Nuremberg at the end of a river cruise in early December, Mrs_Ohio and I will travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and then on to Munich before flying home. We had been planning to spend one night in Rothenburg and five nights in Munich. Now, our return flight has been moved to a day later, and we have the opportunity for either an additional night in Munich, or in Rothenburg before heading to Munich.

While in Rothenburg we plan to take the Night Watchman's tour, visit the Christkindlmarkt, and possibly see the Kriminalmuseum. Besides walking the city wall, are there other compelling sights or activities that might warrant an extra night there, or would the extra night be better spent in Munich? While in Munich we plan to see the museums, Hofbrauhaus, Christkindlmarkt, Residenz, and take at least one day trip, to Fussen. Are there some other must-see sights that would call for an extra night there?

I'd like to know what those who are more savvy about these places have to say about this.

PalenQ

In December a day and night in Rothenburg will be more than most will need - two days - yes nothing to do but wander the walls - Munich has a wealth of stuff to see, even enjoyable in winter - plus there are gads of day trips like to Salzburg, Austria, Fusssen and Mad Ludwig's castles, Dachau in the suburbs, etc.

That said 5 days in Munich may also be too much for some in December - you could spend a few days in Salzburg too - one of Europe's most beautiful cities IMO - even in the dark dank days of December - not the best time but arguably the worst time to visit this area - save for the Wunderbar Christmas Markets that lighten up the short dank dark days and long long nights.

Or even Prague for a few days if you river tour did not go thru it - short enough bus ride from Nurnberg.

MarthaT

I agree with the extra day in Munich and day trip to Dachau or the castles.
I have been there at least 3 times in December and have yet to encounter snow in the city. In Dec. 2012 they had a heat wave and it hit 60 degrees when I was there the week before Christmas. But it does get dark very early.

Dukey1

Munich, for certain. The Nymphenburg including the carriage collection is also a possibility.

Assume you will see the Dokuzentrum "Fascination and Terror" exhibit in Nurnberg which is, IMO, an absolute must.

PalenQ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_party_rally_grounds

I found the largest remaining relics of the Third Reich in Nurnberg to be fascinating - Hitler and Nazis' old parade grounds with stadium with balcony where Hitler famously stood to review troops still there - there is a museum there and the old parade grounds have been restored recently - a long broad avenue paved with granite blocks - just south of the town center a few kms - take an S-Bahn there.

Controversial plans are to restore it more - interesting article on that:

http://rt.com/news/nuremberg-archite...storation-225/

november_moon

Nuremberg is a great base for visiting the local area by train, so you could even add another night to your Nuremberg visit and use the extra time to take a day trip from there. If you haven't been to Bamberg as part of your cruise, it would make a great day trip from Nuremberg.

Otherwise, I would definitely choose Munich over Rothenberg for the extra night, or add an additional city/town as suggested above.

waggis

On your river cruise at that time of year, you will obviously visit many Christmas markets. While in Rothenburg, do not miss the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop! It's a "must see".

How about attending a concert in Munich on your last night before your trip back home? A relaxing ending after a trip filled with many impressions.

Enjoy your trip!

Andrew

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is great but I agree, two nights is probably too many.

I'd also put Salzburg on my list - beautiful city. I'd consider taking a night from Munich and the extra night and doing two nights in Salzburg.

Dave_Ohio

This all good! Thank you!
Please keep it coming.

Russ

"Nuremberg is a great base for visiting the local area by train, so you could even add another night to your Nuremberg visit and use the extra time to take a day trip from there. If you haven't been to Bamberg as part of your cruise, it would make a great day trip from Nuremberg."

N-Moon is spot on as usual, and Bamberg is the soundest suggestion I've read here so far. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/624/

Another option as a day trip from Nuremberg would be Würzburg - the Residenz (palace) and gardens are UNESCO World Heritage sites and quite stunning - be sure to see the adjacent Hofkirche as well - and Würzburg is an interesting and dynamic university town, the main destination at the northern end of Germany's Romantic Road.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/169

joannyc

What time do you expect to arrive in RoT? I arrived sometime in the afternoon and spent two nights. It was the right amount of time for me.

I also did a guided walking tour of the town and visited St. Jacob's (?) for the altarpiece on the second floor.

Rhea58

Just returned from Munich and there is a myriad of things to see so that is my vote....love this city!!1

Dukey1

I think there used to be at least four of those so-called "Christmas stores" in Ro-burg. I think once you GET there you'll have a much better both feeling and understanding of what the place is and isn't. It used to be THE number one tourist destination for the Germans.

I agree with the rec for Bamberg as well as Wurzburg, too.

I'm actually leaving for Munich next week and have been wondering myself what I want to do while I'm there for five nights but I've been many times before. Enjoy your trip: you have delightful decisions to make.

quokka

Add that day to Munich, and add another day trip. Maybe a destination that isn't on everyone's schedule, for example Landshut: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/f86bd/a997/

PalenQ

Bamberg to me was one of the very nicest German towns I've ever been to - echo the sentiments of NMoon and Russ - the city is lovingly bisected by gushing rivers.

Wurzburg too I thought was a gem - vineyards right in town!

markan

I agree with others that one day/night in Rothenburg is enough and I would chose Munich over that. I stayed in Rothenburg two nights a couple of years ago and was fairly bored with it by night #2.

However I'd also suggest staying a night in Bamberg instead of adding a day to Munich. That's a city I never seem to grow bored with. In fact I'm staying again this year for 10 nights at end of July. But I am a Franconian beer fanatic and the city and the surrounding countryside is endlessly interesting to me.

julies

We loved Bamberg much more than Rothenberg.

PalenQ

I echo julies in saying go to Bamberg, more a real city - well a real city than the museum town of Rotherburg and just as nice and fascinating to me!

Gary_Mc

We like Rothenburg for 2 nights. I enjoy the city museum and walk down to the Peter and Paul Church in Detwang, which does not seem to be part of most folks' visit.

We have also visited a Würzburg and Bamberg a few times. Both lovely places. For my money Bamberg is every bit at touristy as Rothenburg and worth a couple days. I formerly lived in Würzburg and visit there on just about every trip to Germany.

I would also follow quokka's suggestion to visit Landshut. It is very attractive and doable in a day trip from Munich.

http://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Christm...0635634_WwvXRT

http://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Other-2...8726799_vsK4kd

So many good choices. Gary

Percy

I would add in Bamberg
One full day in Rothenburg is enough if you know where you are going.