I am planning a trip to Germany in October. Besides Regensburg, Bamberg, Dinkelsbuhl (which I am familiar with), I plan to spend about 3 days in the Neckar Valley region and would like some advise from others who have traveled there. I don't want the expense or hassle of renting a car, so I will be taking the train. Can someone give me a good itenerary for this area? Can you see this area well by train? What are good towns to sleep in? Can I rent bikes in October in this region? I don't particularly want to stay in Heidelberg, and don't know if I will have time to spend south of Tubingen. Which areas are the most spectacular?<BR>Thanks for your advise.

I'm only familiar with the river between Heidelberg and Heilbronn. This stretch seemed quite accessible by train, with frequent runs in both directions. Moving east from Heidelberg, the tracks run first along the south bank of the Neckar, then along the north (and east) banks of the river after Neckargem&uuml;nd. Hirschhorn (and the castle-hotel of the same name) was very attractive. Bad Wimpfen (reached via Bad Friedrichshall by connecting train) was an outstanding old town full of Fachwerk and cobbles. Everything between Heidelberg and Bad Wimpfen is truly picturesque. I didn't have time to go castle snooping there, but there are a couple, I understand. I overnighted in a hostel in Neckarelz with my family - terrific as hostels go - an old mill turned into a hostel, actually, with a lovely setting on a stream feeding the Neckar; had a private room with good breakfast, but I imagine you're looking for something a bit more special. Hirschhorn castle hotel looks really terrific. We did a side trip to Michelstadt (an old walled town with lots of history and an unusual Rathaus) which we enjoyed, and stopped in Erbach, just south of Michelstadt, for a look around too (pretty town.) With 3 days, you might want to do a short train trip to Miltenberg and Wertheim, on the Main River to the northeast of Bad Friedrichshall, or to Schw&auml;bisch Hall, northeast of Stuttgart, all very attractive, well-preserved towns good for strolling and all accessible by train.<BR><BR>Russ <BR>

Russ:<BR>Thanks very much. Sounds like great advise. Actually my choice of hotels will include rooms with inexpensive to moderate rates. Also, from what I hear, rooms are much more plentiful, and inexpensive at this time of year. I may not reserve any ahead of time, and see If I can find some good deals.<BR>Thanks again

hi there,<BR>Russ is right, this area is very nice to travel to. And easy to do by train. If You go a little close to Stuttgart, You can take the D-train (S-Bahn) starting in Marbach (also a nice place and the birthtown of Friedrich Schiller). Coming a little to south You will head into Besigheim and Bietigheim. Both are nice to take a little walk and enjoy the old houses and castles and walls. In Octonber there are a lot of wine festivals in this area, just ask the hotel or the tourist office which one is near. And, I'm not shure how long they run, a cruise on a ship is the best way to see the valley. You can also do this one-way, so You dont have to go back. Best place is from Marbach to Besigheim. Enjoy<BR>Gar

Cycling form Heidelberg to Bad Wimpfen is nice. Bad Wimpfen is a nice town to stay in. Stayed at the Hotel SOnne several years ago. (I mentioned this in a previous post and someone replied that they had also stayed there and liked it.)

I agree with Steve that Bad Wimpfen, maybe the most attractive town along the river, would be a good place to overnight, as long as you're looking for somwhere fairly quiet. It's relatively central to the area. By train, it's slightly inconvenient because you will often need to connect to the main line at Bad Friedrichshall.<BR><BR>Here's a list of accommodations there with links (German)<BR><BR>http://www.badwimpfen.org/hotels.php4<BR><BR>At the bottom is a link to B&B options (Privatzimmer) but make sure if you go this route that your room isn't way out of town somewhere.<BR><BR>If the weather is good, try to have a beer or Kaffee on the terrace overlooking the Neckar at Burg Hirschhorn. What a view.

Thanks for all of your ideas. It sounds like this will be a great trip. I can't wait.