Hi. We are a family of three (one teen-ager), traveling by car. The final leg of our itinerary takes us from Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, to within striking distance of Wiesbaden, Germany, where we are meeting a friend at noon the following day. Would appreciate suggestions on a one-night stay within a two-hour's drive of Wiesbaden (arriving directly from Lauterbrunnen). My wife suggests Heidelburg, which is OK, but I understand it is touristy. Are there any other intriguing towns or cities in this vicinity that we might consider instead?

The city is called Heidelberg, and you ARE Tourists.

Apologize for the misspelling but not for seeking a destination that might not attract as many tourists as Heidelberg. How's that?

Heidelberg is a lovely town in a beautiful setting. The Neckar River and the surrounding hills with the ruins of the Palace form one of Europe's best scenes.

Being alone or not, Heidelberg is still one of the few towns in the area you are looking for which was not destroyed during WW2. And you were looking for the Wiesbaden area. I recommend the Hotel Kulturbrauerei, it's in the center and modern.

Appreciate the comments and suggestions ... we are very excited about our upcoming visit.

There is no choice. You have to come to HEIDELBERG ;-). Have a look to this link: http://www.heidelberg-guide.de/interaktiv/postkarten/<BR><BR>Its about 1 hour to Wiesbaden.<BR><BR>

Heidelberg is touristy for a reason: it's lovely. I travel there for work and don't find that the tourists get in my way (though I generally stay in the old town, so there are plenty around). Gaia's recommendation for the Hotel Kulturbrauerei is very good (the restaurant there is also good). The same family owns the Hotel Weisser Bock (even more central), also very nice. Do book ahead, and ask about parking (as you wil have to leave the car in one of the central car parks, probably, if you stay in the old town).

Heidelberg is alright. It really isn't all that touristy, but it does attract a lot of Americans. But if you're traveling all the way from Switzerland that day, you really won't have time to tour the castle and otherwise "do" the town - it requires a bit more time. For what is virtually an overnight stop, you might be better off somewhere scenic and without the city traffic you'll get into in H'berg. Weisbaden is virtually at the mouth of the amazing Rhine Gorge; a 20 minute drive north of there gets you into the land of wine and castles. Try Bingen, Assmannshausen, or Burg Reichenstein Castle/hotel in Trechtingshausen for a scenic overnight stop close to Wiesbaden. Alternatively, a short drive east of Heidelberg takes you to Hirschhorn Castle/hotel in Hirschhorn, one of the most scenic spots on the Neckar River, with a terrific outdoor patio restaurant and a great view.

Heidelberg is fabulous. It's beautiful - you can spend as much time as you have strolling through the old town. There are tons of places to eat and people watch. With only one night and just a small portion of the morning to spend there, try to stay in the old town. You should think about reservations early though, if you're going to be there during the summer.

In the interest of allaying your fears that Heidelberg may be too touristy, I'll point out that it's a town in its own right, not just a place for tourists. There's a large research/medical facility (outside the old town and across the Neckar, at Neuenheimer Feld) and plenty of people and students going about their normal lives. Most of the shops are not tourist-driven (although you won't have trouble finding tacky T-shirts and post cards), and tourists are as likely to be French or Italian as they are to be American. For a German town of its size it's much more cosmopolitan than you'd expect.

Heidelberg is wonderful, and the castle is not to be missed. You will not regret stopping off there. The ruins are glorious, and the view of the town spectacular. The drive down the Neckar River also offers a number of castles that can be seen up on the hillside and some also offer tours. You might also consider renting a bike and doing a bit of biking along the Neckar (my husband and I did a few years ago--a great day!) It is a real town in its own right.

Again, thanks to you all for these great suggestions ... Heidelberg and vicinity sound absolutely wonderful. Can't wait for our travels to begin ...

Does anyone know how I would go about getting from Frankfurt to Heidelberg by train? Costs?<BR><BR>Thank you!

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/dn?protocol=httpseqnr=1&ident=fb.02076116.102123 9101&<BR>It costs around 16 Euro ( +- same in $) second class

We travelled from Frankfurt airport to Heidelberg by Lufthansa bus last October. If memory serves me correctly it took about 90 minutes. It cost about $17 apiece, I think. You buy the ticket inside the airport at any Frankfurt ticket counter. We had some trouble getting to the ticket counter as we don't speak German and took the wrong escalator coming out of the arrivals area but if you're careful you can do it without retracing your steps. Call Lufthansa and ask them about it. The bus is non stop and drops you off right at the Heidelberg Marriott.

Thanks Gaia and jms - its always the little things like that I need to know or else it drives me crazy. Your help is appreciated!

Travelingal: I was in Heidelberg last month and the Lufthansa bus goes to the Crown Plaza not the Marriott now. We took the TLS airport shuttle which is based in Heidelberg and were pleased with them.It cost 24 Euro per person one way. Their phone is 06221/770077 and fax is 06221/770070.

Heidelberg is where my Mom comes from and I was there on Sept 11th having only arrived the day before from NY city. It is not only beautiful but the people who inhabit it are also beautiful.It was my second visit . 6 years earlier I stayed at the Hollander Hof right accross from the Neckar River and the Alte Brick {sic Old Bridge} It is a terrific hotel with much charm and a good staff. It is 2 blocks from the Hauptstrasse which is the main street of the old city.Don't miss the castle and take a boat tour on the Neckar.

Sherwood,<BR><BR>Why would you leave Wiesbaden to go 2 hours to see a Castle when you will be within 30 to 45 minutes of some of the nicest Castles along the Rhine.<BR><BR>I have been to Heidelberg more than once and believe me, it isn't on my list of things to do this September. <BR><BR>Alot of tourists and the City just to busy for me. My only highlight last year was bumping into the Womens Division 1 college touring soccer team. We were all doing our laundry one Saturday afternoon.<BR><BR>Check out the Rhine Castle's. Stay among the vineyards of Bingen, Bacharach, St Goar, Kaub, Rudesheim, etc. There are a bunch of smaller towns that you should really enjoy. In fact, you might just as well stay up around Cochem or in the Mosel Valley. Less time to get there from Wiesbaden than to Heidelberg from Wiesbaden.