I plan to visit Heidelberg, Germany, and have a few nights free to venture 1-2 hours by train from that location. Can anyone recommend any quaint small towns near Heidelberg where there might be less hustle and bustle? Less tourists?

Thanks.

I have realtives that live in Obersulm, it is an hour away from Heidelberg it is a lovely village sorrounded by vinyards, the houses are beutiful and there is a beautiful castle around that has a beergarten and you can also haver dinner there I can't remember the name but as soon as I find out I will let you know. Also Ludwigsburg it is a nice city and also they have a beautiful palace that you can visit.

Thank you Tribi. After spending 6 days in Heidelberg, I would like to find a quiet place to write, and a pastoral setting, as you describe, sounds very nice. Is lodging hard to find? You mentioned a castle that has lodging. I look forward to learning more.
Thanks..

DoubleUeye

I highly recommend the Flair Hotel Landgasthof Roger it is a 5 minute drive from Obersulm
http://www.landgasthof-roger.de/ I'm still trying to get you the address of the castel.

I forgot to tell you, the hotel is walking distance to a beautiful lake and the owners speak very good english

I highly recommend Bad Wimpfen, which is a little over an hour from Heidelberg. It's like a smaller version of Rothenburg with all of its half timbered medievel buildings, town walls and towers.

In the 3 days we spent there (we also did day trips from BW to Dinkelsbuhl and Schwaebisch Hall), we didn't see any Americans or other tourists either.

Please check out www.badwimpfen.de and do a search here on Fodor's for other comments.

I am with Betty. Bad Wimpfen is a winner as are Schwabish Hall and Dinkelsbuhl. You can't go wrong. BTW, bad Wimpfen has one of my favorite Christmas markets in all of Germany.