Well, folks, we have our lodging reserved - 8 nights just outside Erfurt in September. Because this is a very specific trip for our family, I know that there are 7,000 fabulous places that we will simply not get to. Our priorities are Luther sites (family history), some Bach sites (we're big fans, plus they're right there), and maybe some WWII/Bonhoffer sites.

Here are my "must see" places - Erfurt, Eisenach, Wittenberg.

Others that I really, really, really want to fit in - Eisleben, Leipzig, Buchenwald, hiking a trail

Would be great, but we're running out of time - Quedlinberg, Weimar, and so many more.

Because we have several children (aged 2-16), it will likely take us twice as long to do everything, and we don't want to spend our entire trip running a marathon. Our apartment is on a family-run horse farm, and we'd like to be able to spend time there relaxing and playing. So...if you have any suggestions, cautions, dire warnings, or encouragement, please let me know!

P.S. We're also spending our first and last days along the Rhine, and 4 nights in the Romantic Road area (ala everyone's favorite Rick Steves ), so our little "prince and princesses" will hopefully get their fill of castle adventures! My oldest is mainly interested in seeing churches.

When in Eisenach, be sure to visit the Wartburg Unlike Neuschwanstein/Fuessen, this is a huge and REAL castle, full of German history, with great views of the surrounding countryside.

22km north of Fuessen, along the B-17 route is Steingaden. From there you can take a short (about 20km) round trip to the Wieskirche. As the name implies, it is located in the maedows, with the Fuessen alps in the background. It's pure Bavarian baroque, all in white and gold and as big as a basilica. For your oldest, it may also be of interest that it is dedicated to Youth.

It's a Luther trip - I think the Wartburg probably made the first cut, and they aren't going to be anywhere near Fuessen.

If you want a little bit of q Luther/Reformation break, I would really try and head west a little to Quedlinburg - you can hike in the Harz.....

If you get the time I'd prioritise Quedlinburg over Weimar. Both are great (and different to each other) but Quedlinburg a little more special. That said, I think this looks like a stunning trip - I love Thüringen and hope you have a blast!

Lavandula

Thanks - yes, Wartburg is definitely in.

Do you think it would be possible to drive to Wittenberg early in the morning and tour 'til lunch, then spend the afternoon in Leipzig before heading home that night? That would be a pretty long day, but I'd like to visit both places, and they are both quite a trek from Erfurt.

Lavandula, were those your pictures of "Quedlinburg in September" that I saw somewhere in a link? Whoever they belong to - just lovely. We may need that break! Oooh - I just saw that you can take a steam train into the Harz Mountains - OK, this is too wonderful!

treplow - we are planning to spend a day down at the Ludwig castles, so maybe a detour to the Wieskirche wouldn't be a great stretch?

Wittenberg and Leipzig in one day - now that's tough. Leipzig cannot be "done" in a few short hours. For a city that size, plan a full day.

If you want another place to combine with Wittenberg, here are two options nearby: a) the Garden Realm of Wörlitz (http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/f86bd/1633/) or b) Torgau, with the castle and the castle chapel that Luther himself inaugurated, a pretty little old town, and some WWII history as this is the place where American and Soviet troops first met.

Erfurt - Wittenberg is about 2 hours. Sure, if you start early you can tour Wittenberg in the morning, then head to Leipzig and spend the afternoon there. But - both places deserve a full day. And you said the kids will slow your sightseeing down ...

I'd rather combine Wittenberg with Eisleben, which is sort of enroute back to Erfurt. Except for the two Luther houses and that one church where he was baptised there's not much to see in Eisleben.

Of course, if you're a Bach fan then Leipzig is a *must*.

HI Moselle,

No, not my photos online; maybe they were bettyk's photos as I know she has been. I am a bit technologically challenged and so don't upload photos (even have trouble attaching them to emails).

Post a trip report when it's over, I love reading about people's experiences.

Lavandula

Thanks again - it is so helpful to get advice on timing - the places that we'll want to spend more time and the places that we'll likely get through more quickly.