OK, I always hate these "which one" questions because the requesters always seem to be so vague about their interests, so I'll make this one easy (Yeah, right!!!)
In terms of just a laid-back day trip and in terms of beauty and atmosphere (whatever that means) alone..which place do you think is better. Have heard much about both so would appreciate any feedback. And, with the greatest of respect to those who like to suggest alternatives, have already been to Rothenberg, done the Rhine cruise, done the Rhine castles, etc., etc., and Iam definitely traveling by train...I have my own driver in this country so will not be driving over there. Thanks very much in advance.

Having been to both, I would much rather go back to Bamberg than Heidelberg. Both are very touristy, but Bamberg is touristy for all the right reasons, and (I suspect) Heidelberg is touristy solely because of travel industry hype. I call Heidelberg the "Wall Drug" of Europe (anyone that has been to the Black Hills is familiar with the Wall Drug tourist trap).

Bamberg has a very large number of structures that are at least several centuries old. The Town Hall, which is built over the Regnitz River, is one of the most photogenic buildings in Europe. Bamberg also has some of the most impressive churches in Germany - especially St Michaels Monastery and the Imperial Cathedral. The "Little Venice" section of the Regnitz is lined with picturesque houses that are several hundred years old.

Heidelberg is more of a university town, sort of like Ithaca, NY. The main attraction is the castle above the town, which is mostly a ruin. When I was there about this time last year, more than one-third of the castle was under scaffolding (makes for crummy pictures). I would not be surprised if the situation is worse this year. Also, the historic bridge (Alte Brucke) was being repaved and had huge piles of pavement slabs at both ends (no decent pictures there either).

Bamberg is also close to Nurnberg, which is worth a day trip.

Been to both.

Bamberg, hands down.

Drive out to the Vierzehheiligen near Staffelstein for some eye-popping "Rokoko.

Another vote for Bamberg. It is more laid back and less crowded with tourist. I think it is a prettier town with as much if not more to see than Heidelberg. It just seemed less hectic and rushed than Heidelberg. I particularly enjoyed sipping Frankenwein in the sidewalk cafes. It is now my favorite German wine. Nurnberg is only about 30-40 minutes away and Wurzburg is only about an hour away.

Absolutely agree with the previous posters. Nothing to add. Like CharlieB I thoroughly enjoyed sitting by Pegnitz river in the evening and sipping Frankenwein.

However, don't miss the dark local beer as well!

Bamberg--we had 2-1/2 very pleasant days there last June.

We also spent 2 lovely days in Bamberg last June of 2002. It is pretty as a postcard and we could have spent more time there. It is the home of the world famous "rausch" or smoked beer. Many germans come there from the north just to sample it and eat the famous Bamberger Zwiebel. There are 11 braueri in Bamberg I think. The cathedrals were beautiful too. Yes we vote for Bamberg also.

Bamberg -- cute town, tasty smoked beer, pretty river.

Heidelberg -- uhhhh .....

not that it makes a difference but I was in Heidelberg a month ago and the scaffolding is off of the castle. I'm not sure I'd go back though.

Hardwater--were you in Bamberg during Spargel (white asparagus) season? I think when we were there in mid-June, everyone with a kitchen had signs out advertising Spargel prepared 1001 ways.

And here again are my hearty thanks to all of you who so generously took the time to reply. I suspect all of you folks cannot be wrong so I think we're going to be making that day trip to Bamberg this year. Warmest, Jon.