tom_mn

On a Saturday this summer, we will be driving from Munich to Frankfurt. I am looking for a stop or two to make along the way. Looking for some uncrowded German culture and architecture. We will have already visited Fussen. I was thinking of maybe Bamberg, but it is not mentioned in the Rick Steves Germany guidebook so I immediately ruled it out.

greg

Bamberg is hardly an uncrowded city. It is a major river cruise stop and still attracts large number of big bus tours. While it does not have well known major attractions, the smallish old town core area is quite pleasant to walk around.

In summer, it would be difficult to find uncrowded places with interesting architectures unless you have very specific interests that do not attract usual tourists.

For a more extensive historical town, there is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which is of course teaming with tour groups unless you arrive before the buses or after they have left.

texasbookworm

I loved Bamberg---but it was packed.

A long time ago, I loved Rothenburg--but it was packed (and I think it's worse now).

Wurzburg along that route also wonderful--but so packed we couldn't even find a parking space on a rainy day to see the Festung.

You could go a more southern/western route and see Heidelberg (loved it--also packed) or Speyer or Worms--loved them and they were not so packed but still busy--

And close to Frankfurt is Mainz which I really really like and found it less crowded.

What Greg says above is true--uncrowded and interesting may not exist at same spot.

Iahawk

Rothenburg or if you don't mind a bit of wander, head to Heidelberg or Baden Baden

bettyk

At various times, we have visited both Wertheim and Iphofen.

Some river cruises stop in Wertheim. Iphofen is very small but full of lovely old buildings and fortifications like the Rodelseertor.

Either one or both would make a nice stop.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ipho...0CDAQsAQ&dpr=1

http://www.junglekey.de/search.php?q...de&img=1&adv=1

http://www.tourismus-wertheim.com/things-to-see.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=wert...0CB0QsAQ&dpr=1

quokka

Anything mentioned in Rick Steves books will be overrun. Seriously, he does not even know Bamberg, which is one of Germany's best preserved historical cities?
Really if R.S.'s selection is your criteria you will not find anything but the hotspots of mass tourism.

bettyk has already given you two good recommendations. Let me add some more:
Miltenberg on the Main and Amorbach abbey
Mespelbrunn palace
Schwaebisch Hall
Weikersheim palace
Buedingen
Michelstadt/Odenwald

Google these names.

tom_mn

Quokka -- I was teasing about Rick Steves, although often I do end of photocopying parts of his books to take with me for Europe's highlights. I like his combination of maps at the right scale, circulation tips, and commentary about points of interest-- it works for me.

I am really looking for place recommendations like yours and Betty's just because the time of year and we will have already had plenty of crowds. In February I would jump on the other recommendations. So thanks.

tom_mn

I wasn't kidding about Rick Steves not mentioning Bamberg, though.

I like the idea of driving to Wertheim, then along Main to Miltenberg and stopping if there is still time, then on to Frankfurt. Sounds like a nice day.

Aramis

"I was thinking of maybe Bamberg, but it is not mentioned in the Rick Steves Germany guidebook so I immediately ruled it out."

What an utterly devastating thought process.