My trip is based in Stuttgart for only 8 days, this is my first and probably only trip to Europe.
I am visiting a friend, she has a car and lives in Stuttgart, we plan to go to the Christmas Markets and see a castle or two. She suggested Alsace for a couple of nights. I was thinking Bavaria. I enjoy wine,beer and quaint towns, history. Not into the big cities so much unless there is something interesting to see?

Any ideas for day trips and one overnight visit?

I am running out of time!

thanks,
Angie

"I enjoy wine,beer and quaint towns, history."

There is plenty "all of the above" in either place. You can not really lose as there is no wrong choice between the two.

As you are starting in Stuttgart and already have many suggestions from another post, I would concentrate on the area around Stuttgart and south towards the Black Forest.

My favorite guide for scenery and sights is Michelin Green Guide. It has a couple handy maps outlining major sights in the front of the book including driving tours.

Regards, Gary

"I enjoy wine,beer and quaint towns, history."

I think in winter you'll find northern Bavaria more to your liking. Franconian wines, Rauchbier, and interesting historical towns and cities are more abundant than in the BF, which though attractive is largely resort-like and sport-oriented. I'd head to well-preserved Rothenburg for a daytime visit and overnight in borgeous old Bamberg, stopping the following day in Nuremberg or Würzburg depending on your interests. That's actually a bit rushed, so plan on an early start and a late arrival the following day back in Stuttgart.

Daytrips from Stuttgart to the Alsace and Tübingen would be high on my list.

You have a local friend hosting you who wants to take you to Alsace - so go there if she only has two days for you. There is plenty of everything you are looking for there.

If she has more time, or you can strike out on your own, heading east to Rothenburg, Dinkelsbuehl, and Nurnberg (perhaps the most famous Christkindlmarkt of them all) and I can probably guarantee this won't be your only trip to Europe.

Both is possible - Black Forest is more off the beaten path and require less driving time.

If you take the A81 southwards from Stuttgart, you reach Rottweil after a short drive which is a quaint medieval town, however not as touristy as Rothenburg.

From there, you can head into the mountains. Triberg is famous for the waterfall and the cuckoo clocks, St. Blasien has a gorgeous monastery, very close to Sankt Blasien you find the tiny hamlet Rothaus where one of the best German beers is brewed. You drive along the Schluchsee to the Feldberg, the highest mountain, and you may drive down through the Hell's Gorge to Freiburg which is a quaint city. In the foothills of the Black Forest, you find an abundance of wineries. Famous wine villages are Britzingen (good cooperative), Laufen (both south of Freiburg), Oberrotweil, Bickensohl, Bischoffingen (at the Kaiserstuhl - Franz Keller Schwarzer Adler is the best winery in the area) and especially Durbach, Sasbachwalden, Affental, Waldulm.

Here is a current link that you might find interesting!

John



http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...=8&start=0

Hi S,

> I enjoy wine,beer and quaint towns, history. Not into the big cities ...<

Alsace has a surfeit of small, quaint towns and plenty of history.

The wines of Alsace aren't exactly chopped liver.

The beer isn't bad either.

If your German friend has suggested Alsace, it is probably a good idea to acquiesce.

You will go back.

Enjoy your visit.

With the benefit of a local friend who offers to show you around - why even ask?

The landscapes is mostly what the Black Forest region (not really a Forest...) is all about, and in winter it doesn't look like much unless there is fresh snow.

Ask your friend if she can swing by the Titisee if it is a brilliant sunny day.

Bavaria is huge, consuming beer and such is nothing special, it is what people consume day in day out, no big deal, food in Alsace is better if anything due to the French influence.

But go with your guide, and consider yourself lucky!

I am asking because she has asked me to choose between the Black Forest and Bavaria? I was hoping for input from some who have been to both. My friend is American and has been in Stuttgart 3 years. My trip is really to visit the Christmas markets, her husband suggested Alsace.

Thanks for all the great and not so great comments!

If Christmas markets are a priority, I agree with going to Alsace. The markets in Strasbourg and Colmar are both worth visiting.

Another note - plan your time carefully. Some markets are open everyday, some just on the weekend and some only one or two weekends of Advent, it depends on the city/town.

Have fun!