bharris202

I am touring Germany for two weeks in June with my teenage son. We're starting in Frankfurt, going to Rothenberg-Ob-Der-Tauber to spend the night and then have our time open following that. We definitely want to see Berlin for a couple of days (my son is interested in World War II history). Does anyone have recommendations?

Thanks,

Barbara

bharris202

Wow!! Thanks for the responses! Completely underwhelming.

leuk2

I'd spend more than a couple days in Berlin. Lots to see. easy to just spend a day walking around. Berlin museum is great. Depending on the age of your son, it would be worthwhile to read a book about Berlin prior to getting there.
I don't know what happened to your post. Usually people respond quickly. This is the first time I saw it.

JoeCal

I'd spend some time near and in Munich, go up to the Alps (Garmisch). Berlin deserves at least 3 days, IMO,. Heidelberg and the Black Forest also deserves a look. I think you need to do some research and ask more pointed questions about areas you are interested in. I could spends months in Germany so where do I begin to make a recommendation for you? Do you have a car? Taking trains and buses? If I was a first timer and had two weeks, I'd limit myself to Munich and Berlin with a couple of day trips in each area (like Garmisch or Pottsdam).

I think you will get a better response with more specific questions. Good luck, Germany is magical!

nz101

Have you thought about Bamberg - check it out, fantastic place, well worth a look.

nz101

I would also suggest doing a walking tour once you get to Berlin, very informative with regards to WW2. The Information Centre underneath the Jewish Memorial - next to the Brandenburg Gate, is absoutely fantastic, and its free - definitely go.
I wrote a trip report of my three weeks in Germany, if you are interested.

longhorn55

I, too, did not see this posting until today.

Anyway, if your teenage son is interested in WWII history, then there are a lot of things to see in Berlin--more than a couple days' worth. I'd include Potsdam and Sachenhausen. For more things relating to WWII, go to Munich, Dachau, and Berchtesgaden (Eagle's Nest and Obersalzburg Documentation Center).

There are also outdoor activities that you and your son can enjoy. Kayaking (canoeing) on the Spreewald in Luebbenau is a good day trip from Berlin. (Check the website for "Bootsverleih Richter" for boat rental details.) Also, in Berchtesgaden is the interesting salt mine tour and I believe there is an alpine slide there too.

My recommendation for 14 days in Germany based on your interests would be: 1 day Rothenburg o.d. Tauber, 5-6 days for Berlin and 7-8 days for Munich/Berchtesgaden, departing from Munich.

While it's always easier to get around by car, these places can be reached by train as well. Check out the Deusche Bahn website for deals.

gailscout

Having just returned from spending 2 weeks in Germany, I'd include taking both the 2 pm English tour and evening tour with the Nightwatchman - very informative and fun. I'd also spend time walking the walls and exploring the gate near the youth hostel. Look for the double toilet built into the wall overlooking the valley.

I would also visit Berchtesgaden and include the Lake Konigsee boat tour, salt mines, and Eagles Nest as well as some hiking. Nothing like hearing cow bells around 8 pm as they come back to their farm.

In Munich, investigate Haus der Kunst, former Nazi showcase of art, at the edge of the Englischer (English) Garden, Goldene Bar at the back of the Haus as well as the many surfers on the artificial stream with a permanent wave nearby. The garden has a fun beer garden with a band playing on the 3rd level of the Chinese Pavilion. We were there on a holiday weekend, so not sure of how often the band plays.