So, I just got back from the airport in MSP. My flight to ORD was cancelled so they couldn't get me to Frankfurt for tomorrow morning. Therefore, I'm losing a day in my trip. I had planned to stay my first night in Rothenburg because I was supposed to arrive in Frankfurt mid-day. Now I'm getting land 7am which should put me in Rothenburg around 11am, so I think I can just spend the day in Rothenburg (you can see it in a day, right?) and keep driving south to stay somewhere else on the Romantic Road the first night. Any suggestions for nice towns to see/stay in the first night? I'm heading to Schwangau after that.

BTW - I'm leaving first thing Sat morning 5/10, so any last minute input or feedback is GREATLY appreciated.

And a special ^#*&$%! thank you American Airlines for screwing up my perfectly planned itinerary.

I would stay in Rothenburg anyway. You need to be there at night to really enjoy the town and take the Nightwatchman tour that leaves at 8pm from the Rathaus.

The drive from Rothenburg to Schwangau is not that bad and you will be happier with the one night there. This from someone who has done this trip about 10 times.

stay in Rothenburg

This shows that you should plan on dooing nothing on your first day. Something always seems to go wrong.

Some of my examples:
1. Airline misplaced my bicycle (put it in the cargo area rather than the luggage area) found 1 day later

2. British air traffic controllers go on strike. Get to London at 3 PM rather than 9 AM

3. Airlines have to replace an engine on the plane. Get to Frankfurt at 3 PM rather than 9 AM

4. All sorts of things go wrong, get to Paris hotel at 5 PM rather than 10 AM

Yeah, the more I think about it I should probably enjoy Sunday in Rothenburg, and I was really looking forward to the Nightwatchman's tour in the evening. Also, if it's anything like York (which I suspect it is) the town empties out in the evening and it's quite enjoyable and quiet.

It sounds like about a 2hr drive to Schwangau from Rothenburg, and I have a full day to do it. I am planning to stop once or twice on the way down to check out some of the other towns on the RR. Any suggestions??

Thanks for your input, and your examples of how things can get screwed up on the first day. I came right to Fodors when I got back from the airport for travel advice because of all the great expertise that is exhibited here. I've had time to cool down since my fiasco at the airport, so am looking at things with a clearer mind now. It's just frusttrating because I should be on a plane to FRA right now, rather than sitting at home with my bags by the door!!