My husband and I will be following the route suggested in the Fodor guide. If anyone has made this trip, I'd appreciate knowing what places were particularly memorable and what seemed duplications of other towns. Thanks.

I assume that you are referring to the Romantic Road from Rothenberg ob der Tauber to Fussen.

My wife and I have traveled that road twice and our favorites are:

Rothenberg ob der Tauber. A walled mideveil city that is relly impressive. It has about 50,000 residents, yet you would bever know it. Lots of restaurants, hotels, shops and history. The museum of crime and punishment is inreesting. Take a walk around the old city walls that were built in the 1300's.

Munich, of course is a wonderful city.

Fussen is nice and is located near Nueschwanstein, Mad King Liudwig's attempt at fairy tale land castle building.

The entire road is historical and nice. Hope you enjoy!

Allison: I believe that Tom is correct. I lived in Germany for a while and have only heard it referred to as the "Romantische Way" or "Romantic Road". It extends from near Rothenburg (just south of Wurzburg) all the way to Schwangau (Neuschwanstein) to Fussen. It has beautiful countryside and villages all along the way. As Neuschwanstein is sometimes referred to as the "Fairytale Castle", I think maybe this is it. It is a beautiful trip.

Allison,
Are you talking about the fairy-tale road that goes north from Frankfurt or the Romantic road?

The Romantic road is truely beautiful. We also began at Frankfurt and stayed in Rothenberg at the Hotel Goldener Hirsch. What a great place. We headed down south to Fussen and stayed in a less touristy place in Reutte Austria. Stayed in a new hotel just out of town recommended by Rick Steves called the Maximillon. You will have a great trip. We even enjoyed it with two kids

I think you will find the Romantic Road wonderful. Don't overlook Wurzburg. I spent a summer there, and it was great fun. There is the Kiliani Festival (big beer tent and carnival atmosphere and parades.) for most of July and a wine festival some time in either May or June. I may be a little off during the dates. I don't know the name of the hotel, but there is a fabulous one that overlooks the town and the river up above the vineyards. I'm sure it's expensive but it would be very romantic.

Germany has a lot of "Vacation Routes"; the one you
are referring to is -not- the Romantic Road, but the
Märchenstrasse (Fairy-Tale Road). It starts in Hanau (near Frankfurt) and continues north for about 375m
and ends in Bremen. As there are many towns and sights, especially noteworthy are Alsfeld, Marburg and Hameln, take a look at this site:
bayswater.schnet.edu.au/lote/maerchen/maerchen.htm