Hi - I'm thinking of doing the following within a few days time period. Can anyone advise on whether this is too ambitious or too rushed? I have a couple other questions as well (below).

Day 1 - Take train from Salzburg in early morning to arrive in Wurzburg HBT around 12. I'm interested in seeing the Residenz and if there's time taking a stroll around town. Then catch a late afternoon train (around 4:30) to Rothenburg ODT (ar. a bit before 6pm, spending night in R.ODT). Is it worth squeezing in Wurzburg if I'm also going to Potsdam to see the palace there? Will I get a good enough dose (for my short trip) of Baroque by just going to one palace? Also, can I get to Rothenburg ODT directly by train or do I have to transfer to a bus? I think I remember reading that there isn't a direct train to R. ODT. If there's a transfer, will the bahn site give me options for the bus transfer?

Day 2 - Leave Rothenburg ODT in am (after walking around for a bit) taking train to Bamberg (overnight in Bamberg)

Day 3 - Train from Bamberg in am to Regensburg (over night in Regensburg)

Day 4 - Train from Regensburg to Berlin

I'd originally considered staying in one town, taking day trips to these towns, but now I'm wondering if it might be more convenient (and fun) to stay in the individual towns. Has anyone had expereience doing this in the region? Will I waste too much time checking in and out of hotels, etc?

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Würzburg is just completely different then the palace in Potsdam. Both are worth seeing.

For the Residenz though, it is best to take the free English speaking tour at 11 or 15:00, as otherwise you will not get to see the one wing, and believe me you will want to see all of this building. Simply over the top decoration, but amazing skill too. Loved the 3-d effects and the painted vaulted ceiling dating from the 1700's.

Potsdam is amazing not only for the palace but also for the entire park it is sitting in. One could spend hours there walking around seeing everything.

Both towns are interesting too, just in themselves.

Nürnberg would be an ideal location for day trips to Würzburg, Rothenburg odT, Bamberg, and Regensburg.
You would not have to haul your luggage all over Bavaria.

Ditto on what Mainhattengirl said about Potsdam.

Re. Baroque: You will already get LOTS of that in Salzburg.

Ditto cowboy.

What's fun about schlepping luggage onto and off of trains?

I am one who prefers schlepping luggage over backtracking to a fixed home base. I do pack light. I like all four towns being discussed but I would cut at least one of them. Würzburg is my favorite town in Germany. Still, strictly on the basis of tourist sights, I think that I might forgo it.

Bamberg is a couple hours closer to Berlin than Regensburg. And, Regensburg is closer to Salzburg. Why not Salzburg > Regensburg > Rothenburg > Bamberg > Berlin? I like German trains but still prefer to minimize my time on them.

Regards, Gary

Without evaluating the exact logistics of your plan, I actually think your concept is OK. Most of these places are compact and a few hours will be enough. Berlin is where you need to settle in for a while.

Thanks everyone. Gary - your suggested itinerary is what I was thinking of doing if I didn't squeeze in Wurzburg. I'm thinking that it will be more relaxing to skip Wurzburg on this trip, plus a good point was made above about seeing a lot of Baroque in Salzburg.

I think buying single tickets to each town, rather than some sort of pass, is the only option? Bayern ticket wouldn't apply because I'm only traveling to one city each day, but is there any other discount ticket available?

I just read the details of the Bayern ticket and think I understand that it looks like my least expensive option, even for a single trip.

I *thought* there had been something like a weekly pass for regional trains in Bavaria. But the only thing I found is a weekly pass for commuters, i.e. only good between two pre-defined stations, and not for unlimited statewide travel.

If you are going on your own, the Bayern Ticket Single for €20 is your best choice. But you probably have read already that it is only good on regional trains and only after 9am, except on weekends or holidays when you can start as early as you want. Since there are no reservations possible on regional trains, you don't have to buy anything in advance. Just get it from the machine at the station.

When you check possible connections at www.bahn.de for going from Salzburg to Regensburg (Gary's itinerary makes much more sense once you omit Würzburg), you will see that you can either go via Landshut (transfer), or Munich (transfer). Connecting in Landshut will be much less hassle than in Munich and less walking. If you have time, Landshut is also worth a visit, if only for 2 or 3 hours.

Thanks for the great info Cowboy1968! I am going on my own so looks like the Bayern ticket is the way to go unless I need/want to get an early start.