Hello Fodorites,
After visiting the Burgundy and Alsace regions of France, we are going to the Black Forest area in Germany. We are staying 2 days in Baden Baden and then heading to either Freiburg or Staufen for 4 nights to do day trips in the area. I'm not normally a big Rick Steves fan when it comes to hotels but he suggests staying in Staufen (smaller town) instead of Freiburg. This might make it easier to do day trips in the area. Freiburg is a big city and it might be more difficult to get in and out of. Where would you stay? Has anyone stayed in Staufen? Also, any hotel recommendations in either Freiburg or Staufen would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Karen

There is of course much more to see and to do at Freiburg (and the medieval city center is charming).
Staufen looks nice, but it's a small place.

neckervd: How easy is it to drive into/out of Freiburg?

We've visited Staufen twice as a day trip from Freiburg. I'm not sure I'd choose it as a base, and I much prefer small towns to cities. Freiburg is easy to get around on foot, and as cities go, quite manageable.

Staying in Staufen would shorten your trips into the Black Forest, but not significantly.

We've stayed at the Hotel Minerva in Freiburg (twice).

My trip reports from those visits might give you a little insight (or not).

Summer Interrupted; Christmas in Germany & Switzerland

We're here! (scroll down to the December 25 entry)

FWIW, I loved Staufen, and look forward to making it a home base on some future trip. That said, it IS small, and the frequency of trains stopping in Staufen may actually be LESS than Freiburg, with its excellent rail connections (oops! I assumed you will be travelling by train?)
I stayed with a friend in Freiburg, and was happy to have an 'insider' in the city. As much as the city had to offer, I would much prefer to return each evening to Staufen, but you would have to be sure there are sufficient restaurants to cater your evening meal.

Melnq8: Thank you for your insight. I will check out the Hotel Minerva.
Mokka4: I am re-thinking about Stauffen. While it looks cute I think it is too small for us. We will have a car to drive around the area. That is why I was considering Stauffen instead of Freiburg thinking it might be easier to get to the other towns we want to visit in the area. With 4 nights, I'm a little concerned it might be too quiet for us.

Melnq8: Just read your great trip report. All of the pictures from this area at Christmas are gorgeous.

Thank you Karen - I hope they help.

We were in Europe this past December as well, but only spent a few days in Germany, the bulk of the trip was in Switzerland and Austria. I'm still plowing through my photos and trying to get motivated to write a report.

Good luck with your trip planning.