Munich / Cologne
Sep 14th, 2006, 11:56 AM
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Munich / Cologne
What cities between Munich and Cologne (and the nearby area) would you recommend seeing and what places would you visit? We are first time travelers and will be there October 26 through November 8. Thank you for your advice.
Sep 14th, 2006, 12:07 PM
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Do you prefer small cities to large? Are you traveling by car or train?
Some possibilities: Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Stuttgart, Ulm, Augsburg. (I would probably leave off Frankfurt and Stuttgart, unless you are interested in shopping, museums and cultural events.)
Some possibilities: Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Stuttgart, Ulm, Augsburg. (I would probably leave off Frankfurt and Stuttgart, unless you are interested in shopping, museums and cultural events.)
Sep 14th, 2006, 12:08 PM
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Heidelberg, the Rhine Gorge between Rudesheim/Bingen and Koblenz, Rothenburg and the Romantik Road towns like Dinkelsbuhl - perhaps taking the Castle Road (bus or car) from Rothenburg to Heidelberg or take the Romantik Road from Rothenburg up to Wurzburg, a very under publicized gem.
or further south go via Fussen then Heidelberg
consider detouring at Koblenz for the super super scenic Mosel Valley - to Cochem or Bernkastel-Kues - one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe - prettier than the Rhine IMO
or further south go via Fussen then Heidelberg
consider detouring at Koblenz for the super super scenic Mosel Valley - to Cochem or Bernkastel-Kues - one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe - prettier than the Rhine IMO
Sep 14th, 2006, 12:12 PM
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Ah, there are so many possibilties.
One absolute gem of a small city is Bamberg, in northern Bavaria (Upper Franconia). It has a lovely Altstadt divided by the Regnitz River--the city was founded over 1,000 years ago. Never damaged in the war.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Was once an Imperial city with both a Pope and a Holy Roman Emperor (Henry II and his spouse, Cunigunde) buried there. When there was a big Communist uprising in Bavaria after WWI, the government of Bavaria fled to Bamberg for a couple of years.
Besides just a generally pleasant and interesting Altstadt, there are several historically significant churches, Imperial and church offices and residences, and other government buildings--plus it's own "Little Venice." Has the requisite old monastery and castle on a hill as well (though the bear that used to live within the castle walls died some time ago).
It gets enough tourists that there's a well-established tourist infrastructure, but the place is not overwhelmed by mass tourism.
Oh, and it is famous as one of the world's premier beer centers--especially famous for its Rauchbier, though many varities of beer are brewed in the town and surrounding area. The area has the largest per capita consumption of beer in Germany (or it did when last I checked on it). Of course, they claim that the Bamberger style of sausages are the best in Germany--but every town claims that for their own style.
We just love this town.
One absolute gem of a small city is Bamberg, in northern Bavaria (Upper Franconia). It has a lovely Altstadt divided by the Regnitz River--the city was founded over 1,000 years ago. Never damaged in the war.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Was once an Imperial city with both a Pope and a Holy Roman Emperor (Henry II and his spouse, Cunigunde) buried there. When there was a big Communist uprising in Bavaria after WWI, the government of Bavaria fled to Bamberg for a couple of years.
Besides just a generally pleasant and interesting Altstadt, there are several historically significant churches, Imperial and church offices and residences, and other government buildings--plus it's own "Little Venice." Has the requisite old monastery and castle on a hill as well (though the bear that used to live within the castle walls died some time ago).
It gets enough tourists that there's a well-established tourist infrastructure, but the place is not overwhelmed by mass tourism.
Oh, and it is famous as one of the world's premier beer centers--especially famous for its Rauchbier, though many varities of beer are brewed in the town and surrounding area. The area has the largest per capita consumption of beer in Germany (or it did when last I checked on it). Of course, they claim that the Bamberger style of sausages are the best in Germany--but every town claims that for their own style.
We just love this town.
Sep 14th, 2006, 12:56 PM
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Just above Bonn on the other side of the Rhein is the town of Königswinter. It's a little bit of a cross between a theme park and exercise course, because besides the typical kitsch, one of the most popular attractions there are the Seven Hills, which hordes of tourists climb as a sort of sacramental pilgrimage. There's also a cog railway to the <i>Drachenfels</i>, the ruin of a medieval castle at the summit.
http://www.drachenfelsbahn-koenigswinter.de
http://www.drachenfelsbahn-koenigswinter.de
