Just returned from a trip to Bavaria. Flew into Frankfurt, took a train to Munich, rented a car and went to Rothenburg, Coburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, and back to Frankfurt. I spent the last full day in Bad Homburg before flying home.

I appreciate the help from this board on helping me plan this trip. RufusT., thanks for the advice on Bamberg, it is a great city. I probably ate my weight in Spargel (white asparagus) while there.

I would be happy to answer any questions about my travels.

Bamberg is a little gem. Ach, Spargel! Glad you had a good time.

Several people have written that Bamberg is "difficult to navigate". Did you find that to be true? Since we will have a car, I just wondered if that would be a problem.

Spargelzeit! How I loved the season!
Please tell me about Coburg - it gets very little press but I've heard it's lovely. Also please provide your details about Bad Homburg - it's one of the places I was also thinking about staying before flying home from Frankfurt. How did you get to the airport for departure from Bad Homburg?

bettyk:

I parked my car at the hotel and then walked and/or public trans. while I was there. I didn't have any problem getting in and out of Bamberg, but driving in the city looked grim. If you don't mind walking, most of the sights in Bamberg are pretty easy to reach. Good luck.

dovima:

I was only in and around Coburg for one day. The veste (fortress) was packed with people and the parking lots were jammed, so I skipped my visit. I stopped at what looked to be a city fair or festival that was virually empty. I highly recommend the Bratwurst in Coburg, it is cooked over pinecones. The people in Coburg seemed a tad too reserved. I spent most of my time in the countryside outside of Coburg and it was lovely. There is a huge nature park nearby that would be great to hike/bike. Good luck.

Please tell us about your hotels. Thanks

Bird,
Why didn't you drive? Rental cars are still relative bargains in Germany and your route(s) are great driving adventures.
M

mikemo:
I did drive from Munich to Frankfurt. I didn't want to bother with a car while in Munich - but getting to some of the smaller towns required a car.

Even the bargain cars are pretty pricey. The insurance on the rental was about as much as the rent, and the gas - jeez... 65 euro to fill up the tank. I much prefer the train.

lugar:
I stayed in the Marriott hotels in Munich and Frankfurt (I have a zillion reward points.) Nice places for Americans who want to stay in American type hotels, but not really charming. The Marriott in Frankfurt had the best bed for sleeping of the trip.

I stayed at the Hotel Schranne in Rothenburg which had OK rooms and a terrible breakfast. I would not stay there again. In Bamberg I stayed at the Hotel Residenzschloss. This hotel was right on the Regnitz river and was one of the nicer hotels I've stayed in while in Europe. Good location and a great breakfast. Recommended.

actually, Bird, "spargel" just means "asparagus" "Weissspargel" is what you want-but it is indeed "spargelfest" time in Germany!

Airlawgirl:

Thanks for the info. I have had a serious case of spargel withdrawal since returning. I had some local cream of asparagus soup right after I came home, but was dissappointed.