I know renting a car is the way to go, but is it possible to visit Rothenburg, Nurnburg, Fussen etc. (Romantic Road) with rail travel only? Actually wanted to take the Deutsche Touring Bus, but they are not doing the Romantic Road during December. <BR> <BR>Also, and this may seem stupid, but I am from South Africa and not too used to such climatic extremes....how cold will it be? What should I be sure to take along in the line of warm clothes, bearing in mind I will be carrying a backpack only.

All three places you mention are easily accessible by train. Who'd want to bother with icy roads and the normal hassles of driving when the train will take deliver you comfortably to your destination? Ask about the "Schoenes Wochenende" and the "Bayern" Tickets, one-day passes for up to 5 people for 35 DM, which make train travel cheap as well as more "gemütlich". Get a good pair of shoes with good traction -- you'll need them for walking the icy streets as you visit the Christmas markets.

Fodors <BR> <BR>The reference library of a city near you may have the Thomas Cook European Timetable. Tables 905 nd 935 have the local trains you need. These run Wurzburg, change at Steinach, Rothenburg; Nuremberg change at Ansbach and Steinach, Rothen burg; Rothenburg, change at Steinach, Donauworth; Donauworth, Noirdlingen, Donauorth; Donauworth, Augsburg, Augsburg, change at Buchloe, Kaufering; and Kaufering, change at Buchloe, Fussen. <BR> <BR>For weather you might look at http://www.worldclimate.com/ <BR>under "Nurnberg", "Nuremberg", "Munchen" or "Munich". You certainly need gloves, scarf, and thick-soled shoes, and perhaps need an overcoat and a hat. <BR> <BR>Plee write within twelve hours or after 11 March if I can help further. Welcome to Europe <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR> <BR>

Louise, I live in Germany just now. To visit the Nurnburg Christmas Market last year, my husband and I dressed up like the polartec/thinsulate kids. We wore Snow Sneakers, Flannel Lined Chinos, mock turtleneck knit tops, and a flannel shirt or sweater. This was topped off by a great parka with gloves, scarves and sometimes hats of polartec along with a spectacular pair of ear warmers called 180's (which I purchased from QVC). The other parts and pieces came from L. L. Bean and Lands' End. We were COMFORTABLE and happy. When we wore unlined Docker-type pants, we were COLD. Bundle up and take advantage of today's lightweight high-tech fabrics. I haven't visited Fussen in the wintertime, but Nurnburg is my Favorite German December Destination, and Rothenburg is the Christmasiest looking place any day of the year. See the web page www.christkindlesmarkt.de. Wurtzburg could be added to your itinerary with a train connection from Rothenburg. At Wurtzburg, I love the Residenz, the Bishop's Palace for a jolt of Baroque. Clue: In Germany, many castles close down for the winter. Check before visiting.

I am amazed that you're trying this international WINTER trip with a backpack only. I find packing for WINTER trips requires more luggage than warmer weather trips. I've never learned to "pack light" though, I confess.

I'm still wondering about your wardrobe. You see, we moved here from a warm place and well, it cost a bit of money to get outfitted for Winter, but then I am not just touring. I lead an entire life here. I love Bavaria in Winter, but should you perhaps consider a warmer time of year suited to the Backpack and your current wardrobe??? Winter clothes can be bulky to pack.

<BR>thanks all for info and concern! coming some other time is not an option, I want to experience the European winter! Will just have to fork out and pay up for some polartec300 stuff, and goretex jacket. Also, I am a reguler hiker, so carrying my 70litre pack filled to the brim with clothes will not be such a newbie for me. keep well.