I will be spend Christmas in Germany with my boyfriend (who is stationed there in the Army). What are some must sees? I have the Fodor's Germany guide, but I am feeling a little overwhelmed reading about the entire country. Thanks for you suggestions!

Helen, <BR> <BR>You're right, Germany is a huge country so it really depends upon where you are staying. If you are in the South, I would suggest Rothenberg ob der Tauber, Munich, Fussen, Ludwig's castles. If you are in the middle part of Germany try Heidelburg, Rhine River cruise, Trier, Mosel River area and Cologne. Frankfurt is merely a large city with little tourist ineterests.Enjoy the food, the beer and freindly people!

Helen: The previous poster has some good ideas, but I don't agree about Frankfurt as I used to live there for 2 1/2 years and it is a cool city. <BR> <BR>If you could be a little more specific about where your boyfriend is stationed and how much time you will have, I could probably help you with some ideas. Also, does he have an automobile? Is he familiar with German customs, etc.? <BR> <BR>Let me know if you would like more info. <BR>

Berlin is an incredible city. It has everything from modern history to museums to friendly people. You can find whatever you want to do or see there. Hamelin (of Pied Piper fame) is a nice scenic village. Berchtsgaden (Hitler's Eagle's Nest) has beautiful scenery. Koblenz (near the Rhine & Mosel rivers meeting) has excellent wine. Have fun!!

lee <BR>yes-I would like more info. helen <BR>My boyfriend is in Baumholder (very small from what I understand-not on the map) I think south-west from Frankfurt. He does have a car and is probably not too familar with the customs. I will arrive in Frankfurt on Dec. 17th. He will days off scatered between then and New Years. I am also looking for day trips so we will not have to always pay for a hotel. Thanks!

Helen: Baumholder is indeed SW from Frankfurt, but not far. Maybe two+ hours by way of autobahn A66 to B48 to B41. The fastest way is Frankfurt to Kaiserslautern autobahn A5 to A6, then A62. Autobahn routes are in BLUE and use an "A", with secondary routes using a "B". <BR> <BR>You are in a great location. You can day-trip to the Rhine River valley starting at Mainz and going to Koblenz. It is a beautiful trip through some gorgeous towns with castles on either side. I would suggest staying in a little gasthaus in one of the towns along the Rhine, probably doing so for maybe $60.00 inc. breakfast. Just look for "Zimmer frei" and ask how much. <BR> <BR>You can also go to Trier. It's the oldest city in Germany at 2000+ years. It's closer than the Rhine valley. Worth the trip. If possible, drive along the Mosel river and stop at Cochem and Traben-Trarbach. <BR> <BR>You are also close to Heidelburg. Great university town with a castle up on the hill above the Neckar River. Go to the castle and stroll through the town, it is lovely. Very. <BR> <BR>Take a ski trip at Baden-Baden which is maybe an hour+ away. You can rent everything you need for not much money. It is a beautiful area. You can even do a one day tour through the military tour office. <BR> <BR>If you need more ideas/want to go farther, let me know. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Lee <BR>Thanks for your information. This site has given me lots of good ideas. I am interested in going to some Christmas markets. Any good ones near Baumholder? Are they open past the 25th? I would like to take several days and see the Fussen area -Ludwig's castles included. And maybe come back through Munich. But this may have to be after Christmas. Is going up the mounatin in Garmish worth the cost? Will the weather cause travel problems in this area and the Romatic Road? Could going to Trier and Luxemburg be done in a day? Are there things to do and see in luxemburg? It appears that all the Rhine river crusies will be closed this time on year, right? <BR>Hope that is not too many questions. Thanks for your help. Helen <BR>