The Romantic road area of Germany sounds interesting. Many years ago I was in Rothenburg but I have never seen other towns in this area such as Norlingen and Dinkelsbuhl. Can people please tell me what they enjoyed seeing in this area and what small hotels (or private rooms), restuarants and sightseeing highlights are to be found? <BR>Rothenburg seemed overrun with tourists even 10 years ago so I would like to know about towns that get less tour bus groups that are worth a visit.

The trick with Rothenburg is to go when the summer buses are less likely to be there and not to go for the major events. Go in the Spring or the Fall or in December. The other locations on the Romantic Road are charming, but Rothenburg is the jewel. I'm afraid that it has been too long since I visited most of the other villages for me to give recommendations about them. You might consider visiting Weikersheim (North of Rothenburg) which has a little palace which is nice until you get to the Knight's Hall - it is the MOST amusing Knight's Hall we ever saw in Germany! You can find Weikersheim on the web, but I can't find a big photo of the Knight's Hall anymore. Don't overlook the Bishop's Residence in Wurtzburg or Nurnberg (German National Museum, beautiful medieval market square and other buildings reconstructed).

I agree that Weikersheim makes for a great visit. It's quite small, not nearly as overrun, and it has a very pleasant and attractive town center. Here's a link to the palace with photos, including the Knight's hall (Rittersaal). <BR> <BR>www.schloesser-magazin.de/eng/wk/wkthe.htm <BR> <BR>Also agree that Wütrzburg's Residenz is very much worth your time, even if W'burg is a pretty big place. <BR> <BR>The RR from Rothenburg south is overhpyped, in my opinion. You'll find equally interesting small towns both to the east (try the Altmühl Valley) or the west with far less competition from other tourists.

We'd highly recommend the Gastof Zur Sonne, in Dinkelbuhl at the intersection of Elsassergasse and Weinmarkt.

I was in Germany about two years ago and visited Rothenberg and Norlingen. I loved the Diddl shop in Rothenberg and there was a great place in the square for ice cream- best I have ever had! There is also a Krimnal museum that was an interesting find. My tour group took a tour of the city at night with a guide which was a really nice way to see the city. Norlingen on the other hand, I really found nothing of interest there. There is a wall that completely surrounds the city and although its a long walk its a nice way to see the city. Norlingen is a nice quiet stop, but don't expect to be too awed or entertained.

Dear Ramon, <BR> <BR>I agree with the other posters that the Romantic Road below Rothenburg is definitely overhyped. <BR> <BR>In the summer months, the traffic is fierce and drivers'tempers short (same can be true on weekends even during the spring and fall). <BR> <BR>We've overnighted in Nordlingen and found that three to four hours of just walking about the altstadt, which included browsing time in the shops and daily vegetable market, was sufficient. It is quaint, but doesn't hold a candle to Rothenburg. <BR> <BR>I would also vote for Wurzburg and Bamberg --even though they are not small villages.

Amy, should that maybe be 'Dirndl' shop and 'Kriminal' Museum?