romantic road honeymoon help
Jan 8th, 2007 | 09:10 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2006
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romantic road honeymoon help
ok. fiance and i are taking our honeymoon to germany. had previous plan...but have other ideas. here it is in a nutshell..she wanted hawaii..i wanted germany...i won. gotta make it work. please help. we're flying into frankfurt on 6/11. flying outta munich 6/22. get a car in frankfurt and stay in rudeshime for 2 nights. really want to see the rhine, taste the wine and see the castles. then stay 2 nights in heidelburg. everyone i've talked to says i can't pass up heidleburg. then i would like to spend the night near lake konstanz. i've had lufthansa pilots tell me meersburg is the place to stay (1 night) but i'd love some input. then from lake konstanz we have 3 days to drive up the romantic road. like to see neuschwanstein but not stay in fussen. then we'll stay in munich for 3 nights with a day trip to salzburg. any recommendations on towns to stay at on lake konstanz and on the romantic road. one town i've found on the romantic road is lauda-konigshofen that looks really interesting. our interests are extremly wide. anything from john dowland to the killers...from grungy pubs to fine winerys. we just want every taste of germany that we can get without cramming it in. thanks for your help...gustave
Jan 9th, 2007 | 01:32 AM
#2
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,214
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Rhine valley: Stay in any other place but not in Ruedesheim (sp) - it's the worst tourist trap around.
Check out Oberwesel, Bacharach, St. Goar... Anything, but not Ruedesheim. Seriously.
Best website on the Rhine valley: http://www.welterbe-mittelrheintal.d...id=318&L=3
The further route has some zigzags in it. But since distances aren't that long, it doesn't matter. You chose a lot of nice areas to see. The Black Forest is missing, but since you have only 10 days, there is nothing to do about it.
Heidelberg (sp) tourist office: http://www.cvb-heidelberg.de/index_eng.html
I'd cut Heidelberg down to 1 night - you'll be there by car from the Rhine within less than 2 hours, so that leaves almost the whole day for sightseeing, which is enough to see the palace and the old town IMHO - and rather spend 2 nights on Lake Constance (Bodensee). This would give you a) time to pass through the Black forest on country roads instead of the highway and b) a full day for a trip by boat on the lake. Meersburg will indeed be the most romantic place to stay. From there, take the boat to the island of Mainau and enjoy the wonderful park.
Meersburg tourist office: http://www.meersburg.de/c-sys/module...veLanguageId=2
Mainau: http://www.mainau.de/htdocs/en/start.htm
Romantic Road: most people just go for Neuschwanstein and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Since you have 3 days, you'll have enough time to stop at some other, lesser known places, too, Like Dinkelsbühl, Weikersheim with its palace, etc.
http://www.romantischestrasse.de/?lang=uk
3 nights in Munich make 2 full days. I'd cut out Salzburg and dedicate both days to Munich. There is more than enough to do and see for weeks. Since this is your honeymoon, you'll want time for just the two of you. A visit to a beer garden, for example, is a must in Bavaria and a very relaxing way of spending a summer evening.
I've given you a few links. In general, the local tourist offices will be the best source of information on any German city and town. They have a complete list of all kinds of accommodation available, booking can usually be done online, they provide detailed info on sights, opening hours, etc. etc. etc.
Enjoy!
Check out Oberwesel, Bacharach, St. Goar... Anything, but not Ruedesheim. Seriously.
Best website on the Rhine valley: http://www.welterbe-mittelrheintal.d...id=318&L=3
The further route has some zigzags in it. But since distances aren't that long, it doesn't matter. You chose a lot of nice areas to see. The Black Forest is missing, but since you have only 10 days, there is nothing to do about it.
Heidelberg (sp) tourist office: http://www.cvb-heidelberg.de/index_eng.html
I'd cut Heidelberg down to 1 night - you'll be there by car from the Rhine within less than 2 hours, so that leaves almost the whole day for sightseeing, which is enough to see the palace and the old town IMHO - and rather spend 2 nights on Lake Constance (Bodensee). This would give you a) time to pass through the Black forest on country roads instead of the highway and b) a full day for a trip by boat on the lake. Meersburg will indeed be the most romantic place to stay. From there, take the boat to the island of Mainau and enjoy the wonderful park.
Meersburg tourist office: http://www.meersburg.de/c-sys/module...veLanguageId=2
Mainau: http://www.mainau.de/htdocs/en/start.htm
Romantic Road: most people just go for Neuschwanstein and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Since you have 3 days, you'll have enough time to stop at some other, lesser known places, too, Like Dinkelsbühl, Weikersheim with its palace, etc.
http://www.romantischestrasse.de/?lang=uk
3 nights in Munich make 2 full days. I'd cut out Salzburg and dedicate both days to Munich. There is more than enough to do and see for weeks. Since this is your honeymoon, you'll want time for just the two of you. A visit to a beer garden, for example, is a must in Bavaria and a very relaxing way of spending a summer evening.
I've given you a few links. In general, the local tourist offices will be the best source of information on any German city and town. They have a complete list of all kinds of accommodation available, booking can usually be done online, they provide detailed info on sights, opening hours, etc. etc. etc.
Enjoy!
Jan 9th, 2007 | 08:38 AM
#3
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,094
Likes: 1
Lauda-Konigshafen? Have I got the place for you:
http://www.weinbau-schillinger.de/gasthaus.htm
When I read your post title, I thought of recommending it, but most people seem to rather want to stay in the thick of things in Rothenburg. So I thought otherwise until I read Lauda.
Zum Lamm is a very cozy pension, recommended to us by a friend who teaches German here in the states, and annually unwinds there after placing her senior students on their immersion trip in the hands of the exchange-parents. So we've stayed there twice ourselves. Great cooking (excellent wildschwein, spatzle, rehbraten). The managing couple often winter in Florida, so their English is good, as is their son. It's maybe 45 minute drive to Wurzburg, 8 minutes to Bad Mergentheim, 20-30 minutes to Rothenburg. Good shower, nice beds. They make their own wine, too, altho I never tried it. The above website has an e-mail link in the bottom left corner (KONTAKT), feel free to use English as Claus reads it well, as noted. Feel free to ask any questions of me if you're interested. If you can't decipher the website, try using http://translation.langenberg.com/to decipher; otherwise ask.
http://www.weinbau-schillinger.de/gasthaus.htm
When I read your post title, I thought of recommending it, but most people seem to rather want to stay in the thick of things in Rothenburg. So I thought otherwise until I read Lauda.
Zum Lamm is a very cozy pension, recommended to us by a friend who teaches German here in the states, and annually unwinds there after placing her senior students on their immersion trip in the hands of the exchange-parents. So we've stayed there twice ourselves. Great cooking (excellent wildschwein, spatzle, rehbraten). The managing couple often winter in Florida, so their English is good, as is their son. It's maybe 45 minute drive to Wurzburg, 8 minutes to Bad Mergentheim, 20-30 minutes to Rothenburg. Good shower, nice beds. They make their own wine, too, altho I never tried it. The above website has an e-mail link in the bottom left corner (KONTAKT), feel free to use English as Claus reads it well, as noted. Feel free to ask any questions of me if you're interested. If you can't decipher the website, try using http://translation.langenberg.com/to decipher; otherwise ask.
Jan 9th, 2007 | 09:28 AM
#4
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 0
zobtraffic, thank you for talking your fiancee into Germany. This is a beautiful country and you will have a great time. Much more unique than Hawaii! quokka and tomboy made some great suggestions.
I agree that you only need one night in Heidelberg. It is mobbed with tourists (especially in summer) and from the sound of things I think you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path. It is a beautiful town with a great castle, but can be "done" in a day.
A nice town on the Romantic Road is Landsberg am Lech. We stayed at Hotel Goggl (www.hotelgoggl.de) right on the main street through town (the picture on their website doesn't really do it justice). It is the kind of place that really goes back to the locals at night. Well worth a stop and a stroll along the river, or up the hill to the beautiful medieval stone gatehouse.
For a special night, you might consider Burg Colmberg, a true castle-hotel, about 15 minutes from Rothenberg. (www.burg-colmberg.de) You can either eat at their restaurant or go into Rothenberg for dinner (a nice option, so you can see the town at night without all the crowds and maybe do the night watchman tour).
A nice place to stay at Neuschwanstein is one of the hotels right beneath the castles - again, it's great to see them lit up at night without all the crowds, and they will arrange for your tickets to the castles. We stayed at Hotel Mueller and it was wonderful.
A lesser-known alternative to the Rhine valley is the Mosel valley - the valley itself is narrower, with dramatic vineyard slopes, dozens of small towns, and lots of castles including the amazing Burg Eltz. Just a suggestion - I understand if you are set on seeing the Rhine!
Salzburg is great - if you are into castles and history then be sure to take the audio tour of the fortress.
I agree that you only need one night in Heidelberg. It is mobbed with tourists (especially in summer) and from the sound of things I think you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path. It is a beautiful town with a great castle, but can be "done" in a day.
A nice town on the Romantic Road is Landsberg am Lech. We stayed at Hotel Goggl (www.hotelgoggl.de) right on the main street through town (the picture on their website doesn't really do it justice). It is the kind of place that really goes back to the locals at night. Well worth a stop and a stroll along the river, or up the hill to the beautiful medieval stone gatehouse.
For a special night, you might consider Burg Colmberg, a true castle-hotel, about 15 minutes from Rothenberg. (www.burg-colmberg.de) You can either eat at their restaurant or go into Rothenberg for dinner (a nice option, so you can see the town at night without all the crowds and maybe do the night watchman tour).
A nice place to stay at Neuschwanstein is one of the hotels right beneath the castles - again, it's great to see them lit up at night without all the crowds, and they will arrange for your tickets to the castles. We stayed at Hotel Mueller and it was wonderful.
A lesser-known alternative to the Rhine valley is the Mosel valley - the valley itself is narrower, with dramatic vineyard slopes, dozens of small towns, and lots of castles including the amazing Burg Eltz. Just a suggestion - I understand if you are set on seeing the Rhine!
Salzburg is great - if you are into castles and history then be sure to take the audio tour of the fortress.
(I've been living in Stuttgart for the last 17 months - and loving it!)Trending Topics
Jan 9th, 2007 | 01:27 PM
#8
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
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Meersburg would be a wonderful place for a honeymoon. Get one of the corner rooms at the Gasthof zum Baren, take the boat to Mainau, back in Meersburg walk along the lake for hours (make sure you take one of the side paths inland from the lake a bit and then walk along the top of the hill amongst the vineyards and orchards), and after dinner walk around the town and enjoy the street entertainment. Its wonderful. We have been the last two years with my teenage kids and are going back again this July. My kids have become friends with the "Crepe-man" who has a shop on the main little street going down the hill from the hotel.
Jan 10th, 2007 | 03:56 AM
#9
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,366
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Seriously Z - do some research on the Rhine and compare it to the Mosel. Don't go on name value alone. The Rhine is an industrial bargeway with rail tracks down both sides and not in the least bit romantic. If you look at pictures you will probably find that the Mosel is what you are hoping for when you think of the Rhine.
Meersburg IS the place to be on Lake Konstanz - do not pass it up.
Meersburg IS the place to be on Lake Konstanz - do not pass it up.
Jan 10th, 2007 | 05:00 AM
#12
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,052
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DanB, no way! I'm a young woman (and have been married 6 years) and no way would I have let my husband alllow me to pick the honeymoon destination. Its all about compromise and making sure that both parties are happy with the decision. After all, the honeymoon is for the both of you.
Just my .02.
Tracy
Just my .02.
Tracy
Jan 10th, 2007 | 05:02 AM
#13
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,314
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zobtraffic, as you can see, we all think the Mosel is wonderful. It really is amazingly romantic. I have also stayed in Beilstein and can vouch for the Hotel Haus Lipmann. www.hotel-haus-lipmann.de
(I think they might possibly get a fair share of their business from Fodorites!)
(schubert, I would be more than happy to provide some guidance on Stuttgart and the surrounding area. There've been a few threads recently about Stuttgart that I have posted on, so you can start there. My husband is in the auto industry so I can give you lots of info on the museums. I'll drop you an email. I have indeed gotten to do a bit of traveling while I've been here, mainly to Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy. But I'm just now planning my first-ever trip to the U.K.!)
(I think they might possibly get a fair share of their business from Fodorites!)
(schubert, I would be more than happy to provide some guidance on Stuttgart and the surrounding area. There've been a few threads recently about Stuttgart that I have posted on, so you can start there. My husband is in the auto industry so I can give you lots of info on the museums. I'll drop you an email. I have indeed gotten to do a bit of traveling while I've been here, mainly to Switzerland, Austria, France, and Italy. But I'm just now planning my first-ever trip to the U.K.!)
Jan 10th, 2007 | 05:51 AM
#15
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,098
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We stayed in Beilstein for 3 nights at Hotel Haus Lipmann 4 years ago and enjoyed it immensely.
Beilstein is a little hamlet, so there is not much nightlife. But we were so tired from sightseeing all day, that we were happy to get back to a quiet oasis. Hovering over the town there is an interesting castle ruin that they were in the process of restoring when we were there.
The restaurant at Haus Lipmann is excellent, and the owners and staff are friendly, efficient, and helpful.
Try to get a room overlooking the river if you do decide on this hotel.
Note that there are other properties in town that are owned by Lippmans. But this is the one we enjoyed:
http://www.hotel-haus-lipmann.com/index.htm
While we enjoyed seeing the sights along the Rhein, we liked the Mosel as an overnight destination much better.
Beilstein is a little hamlet, so there is not much nightlife. But we were so tired from sightseeing all day, that we were happy to get back to a quiet oasis. Hovering over the town there is an interesting castle ruin that they were in the process of restoring when we were there.
The restaurant at Haus Lipmann is excellent, and the owners and staff are friendly, efficient, and helpful.
Try to get a room overlooking the river if you do decide on this hotel.
Note that there are other properties in town that are owned by Lippmans. But this is the one we enjoyed:
http://www.hotel-haus-lipmann.com/index.htm
While we enjoyed seeing the sights along the Rhein, we liked the Mosel as an overnight destination much better.
Jan 10th, 2007 | 05:54 AM
#16
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,098
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Don't know if someone already mentioned it, but if you decide to visit Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, there are some nice pensions (B&Bs) in the village of Hohenschwangau where the castles are located--very reasonably priced and within easy walking distance of the castle ticket office and trails.
Jan 10th, 2007 | 09:38 AM
#17
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,110
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Oh yes - Hohenschwangau is a great suggestion for the night, esspecially with only 1 night. We were in the area for 3 nights and stayed over the border in Austria, going to the castles one day. Our choice was good, but the area around the castles is terrific too. I would have loved to be able to wander around a bit in the evenning after the crowds had gone. There is a really pretty lake just behind Hohenschwangau.
When we were in Munich, some of our favorite times were spent in the beer gardens. Our favorite - by far - was the Hirschgarten near Nymphenberg Castle. Definitely allow time for just hanging out and soaking up the atmosphere. We also really enjoyed the people-watching from sidewalk cafes.
When we were in Munich, some of our favorite times were spent in the beer gardens. Our favorite - by far - was the Hirschgarten near Nymphenberg Castle. Definitely allow time for just hanging out and soaking up the atmosphere. We also really enjoyed the people-watching from sidewalk cafes.
Jan 10th, 2007 | 11:28 AM
#18
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,052
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We stayed at Pension Albrecht in Hohenschwangau for one night a few years ago. The room itself was nice, but the balcony was the best feature as it afforded a wonderful view of Neuschwanstein. However, there has been some complaints about the management lately so I'm not sure what's going on. If you are interested, you can check out http://www.albrecht-neuschwanstein.de/index2.html.
Tracy
Tracy
Jan 10th, 2007 | 11:43 AM
#19
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 63
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I would suggest staying in Bacarach the first night.It is delightful town on the Rhine.Any of the Mosel towns are also great,Beilstein,Cochem,Zell or Trier.On the Romantic road Rothenburg ober the tauber is a great overnight stop.The nightwatchmen tour is great.Also spend a night in Salzburg.Its a great place to stay overnight.best regards.
