Rothenburg and Nuremberg
 

I will be going on a 13 day trip to Germany and Austria for my second time in September. I fly into Frankfurt and arrive at 10 in the morning on a Friday and will immediately drive to Rothenburg. I have plans to be in Munich for Oktoberfest by Monday. So for the weekend, I will be in Rothenburg and Nuremburg and need to figure out how many day(s) to spend in each city.

I haven't been to these two cities and they are on my list to visit. I will be with 3 adults and we are there to have a good time and see some cool things. Specifically I want to do the nightwatch tour in Rothenburg and go the the Nuremburg Castle and Nuremberg Trials.

I know that Rothenburg is quite small, so I don't know how much time we should actually spend there. Originally I was thinking of doing two nights in Rothenburg (since we will be tired from the 10 hour flight and 1.5 hour drive) then spend a night in Nuremberg. Or should it be one night then two for Nuremberg. Any suggestions?

If interested in Nurnberg Trials you may also be interested in the largest groupings of intact Third Reich relics just a few miles south of town - the old stadium where Hitler famously stood to review goose stepping troops on the huge parade grounds, which have been restored - plus a museum , etc

http://www.museums.nuremberg.de/docu...y-grounds.html

I'd do two nights in Nurnberg for sure if the Third Riech stuff interests you as it can take much of a day and Nurnberg is a big pleasant city that is a joy to walk around and eat those neat little sausages they city is so so famous for!

I would agree with PalenQ. Jet lag affects people differently, but for me, even though I usually get 4 or 5 hours sleep on the TA flight, the arrival day is kind of jarring and blurry, and I don't register memories as well.

That said, you can stroll around the following day as long as you like, leaving the bags at the hotel after check-out if need be, and leave for Nürnberg when you feel satisfied. Rothenburg is a bit like Disney, except there is only one ride, and when you've enjoyed it as much as you want, you can move on.

Hi,

I was going to post basically what fourth posted. If the hotel in Rothenburg will hold your bags, you can leave whenever you felt you had seen what you wanted in Rothenburg on Sat. afternoon.

Rothenburg is touristy, but we loved our 2 nights (1.5 days) there. The Nightwatchman's Tour was terrific. Don't miss it while there. 2 other highlights for us were the alters by Tilmann Riemanschneider, one in St. Jacobs Church in Rothenburg (it's up a few stairs in the back of the church), the other is in nearby Creglingen at the Herrgottskirche.

www.romanticroad.com/rothenburg/sights.php

http://www.evangelische-kirchengemei...e/index.php/en

www.worldisround.com/articles/338869/index.html

www.worldisround.com/articles/338875/index.html

Paul

Rothenburg, likely most sadly overrun by tour bus groups small towns is much more delightful at night when the hubbub is over and you have the town largely to yourselves IME.

We have been visiting Rothenburg since 1970. Just got back from there in December 2013 to see the opening of the Christmas Market. It is a great little town to explore....tourists and all.

You already have a few suggestions. They are good. A few more:

Visit the park in the back of the city. Nice stroll. Usually some sidewalk entertainers there. Look for the stone outcropping on the wall with a hole in it. It will be to your left as you enter the park from the city gate. This is where the ancient out house stood. The refuse would drop to bottom of the valley. The night watchman will show it to you probably.

Criminal Museum. Interesting artifacts.

Kathe Wohlfardt's main shop...on same side of road as Eisenhut Hotel. Christmas, all Christmas. They have pretty good prices on everything. We have shopped all over Germany and never really felt we overpaid for anything at Kathe. She nows owns shops all over town and in different cities.Good quality stuff, great shipping program.

The outside bar at the Reichs Kuchenmeister Hotel is nice for drinks in the evening and the restaurant is good. We usually stay here and eat at least one meal there in the evening. It is next to St. Jacobs Church and near main town square.

NUREMBURG: The difference in the two cities is that Nuremburg looks old, but is new. It was wiped out in WWII and rebuilt. Rothenburg is mostly original....very little damage. The old Hitler parade ground is worth a visit. You can still stand where he stood to address the troops. Amazing that is it still there.

I appreciate all your feedback! I think we will do what a few of you had mentioned about leaving our luggage at the hotel until we plan to leave for Nuremberg.

Are there any suggestions on hotels for both Rothenburg and Nuremberg that are reasonably priced and have parking?

Hi,

We stayed about 10 minutes outside Rothenburg at the Gasthof zum Rappen. Very nice place. We would certainly stay there again.

www.gasthof-rappen.de

Paul