Germany by Rail and Bus
 

Recently returned from two weeks riding the trains and buses in Germany - mostly the Schwarzwald area and some along the Rhine Gorge. Nice solo trip meant mostly for rest, relaxation and time to kick back and read some novels. Lots of down time on flower laden balconies and sidewalk cafes.

Spent the first three days in Kappelrodeck (recommended by a fellow Fodorite) and the Achertal. Had an open day so I made a run to the Oktoberfest in Munich to meet up with some Stammtisch buddies but with an early train to the Fest and a late night train back to the Black Forest it made for a looong day. Next three nights at a farm in the Simonswäldertal. Who ever said you can't enjoy this valley by public transportation was very wrong. Three more nights at a hillside farm in the Harmersbachtal in Oberharmersbach-Riersbach. And a final three nights along the Rhine around Bacharach and Budenheim.

Lots of easy day trips on the free trains and buses in the Schwarzwald - courtesy of the KONUS program. Best deal going... Nothing like two stress free weeks in Germany to get the blood flowing again. For more details - accommodation and restaurant reviews - lessons learned and a few words of wisdom - and of course some pictures - go to my website (www.bensbauernhof.com) or check out this link - http://www.bensbauernhof.com/germany...ndbus2011.html

Posters often get on Fodors to ask about "hidden gems" and get tips for discovering the "real Germany." I send them to Ben's non-commercial website, maybe the best English-language travel site of its type on the web. Ben's been unearthing interesting towns and accommodations for years, and so have most of the other contributors of travelogues and tips on his site, which is chuck full of great photos, descriptions, and travel tips. And his latest report will give pause to those who think you can't experience rural Germany without a car.

Sounds like you had another great visit, Ben. Hope you'll keep doing the great work you do on your site.

Great to read that you're still travelling, Ben, and taking advantage of *my* favorite mode of travel, yaaay!!

I haven't heard much from you lately, so it is very nice to see this report. Wish you'd contacted me while you were in Bavaria. . . oh well!

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Hey thanks Russ. Any interesting towns I unearth it's usually because of Fodorites like you. You gave me Löffingen a few years ago and it was great. Quokka turned me on to Gernsbach this year...

Swandav - my only incursion into Bavaria this year was via fast trains into and out of Munich for Oktoberfest. I'll catch you next time... Ben

Hi Ben,

Your trip report brought back memories - we too just returned from the Black Forest. We spent a couple of days in Gengenbach, then went to Simonswald, where we stayed at the Gasthaus Rasstuble - turn at the Krone Post, go up the road past the church, and it's on the left. We absolutely loved the food at the Tannenhof - we thought it was the best meal we had during our trip. And you're right about the KONUS card - we went all over the Black Forest for free! A great value!

Hi Ben - Will be in Germany Sept.,2012 for hubby's 75th school re-union in Hassfurt. On our way back to Frankfurt Airport, want to stop about half way for lunch, any local/non-tourist recommendations?
Thanks, Andrea

Sounds as if the bus connections in Simonswald valley have notably improved? That is good news!

'schatzie - Hassfurt back to Frankfurt Airport, want to stop about half way for lunch, any local/non-tourist recommendations?'

Not an area I've spent a lot of time in but my choice for a break between Hassfurt and FRA would be Volkach. Enjoyed a visit there a few years ago. Beautiful little town - few tourists - between Gerolzhofen and Würzburg...

http://www.bensbauernhof.com/anewtriviaquizbe.jpg
http://www.bensbauernhof.com/pstuyvs...tchapter6.html

Hey quokka - enjoyed Gernsbach - thanks... Not sure the bus connections in Simonswäldertal have improved but they are tolerable for someone not in a hurry - and that was me... Ben

I know of no finer site, focused on any country, than Ben's. He may not like this comparison, but like Rick Steves, Ben has convinced many to take that first step. With no disrespect to either, Rick is training wheels and Ben is the secret menu in the back room. Both are important.

Moreover, Ben I admire your faithfulness to the cause and your diligence.