would you rather stay in rothenburg or munich for a week?...and why? we intend to do bike rides, take photos, admire art. also, please recommend an apartment.
thanks.

There really isn't enough to do in Rothenburg for a week. A lot of people do it as a day trip. We were there for 2.5 days last Christmas and that was a little too long. You do want at least 1 night there to enjoy the Nightwatchman's Tour - great fun! It's nice to stay overnight to see what the place is like when the big tour buses leave!

So - go for Munich!!! I can't recommend an apt - but there is plenty to do there. And don't forget to allow a good part of a day at the science/technology museum! It is incredible!!!!

I'm intending to spend a week in Rothenburg in 2008 so i think there is enough to do, especially if you are going to be doing some bike riding as will I.

check www.rothenburg.de for info on apartments.
for bike riding www.fahrrad-tour.de, www.germany-tourism.de/biking for some info on biking

There is enough to do from Rothenburg for a week. Especially for bikers. It's a good base for exploring the Northern half of the Romantic Road, the Tauber valley etc. Bikes can easily be transported on local trains, so you are not limited to the closer surroundings of Rothenburg.

A big city like Munich as a base means that you'll have a long ride through suburbs till you reach the open countryside. As a base for biking, I'd always prefer a small place.

Google for a) Romantic Road and b) Rothenburg ob der Tauber tourist office (attention - there are several Rothenburgs in Germany).

Didn't realize the focus was on biking! I guess that would make a difference! I LOVED Rothenburg, but wouldn't stay there a week as a "regular" tourist.

I certainly wouldn't stay there a week as a regular tourist, either, but I have enjoyed it in the morning and evening when the day trippers are gone.

I also enjoyed the night watchman's tour, and it's fun just to wander around the streets and on the wall when there's no one else around.

Unless you are locked in on staying someplace the entire time I would spend a little time in each. Particularly if you are flying into Munich. Rothenburg is at teh end of the line so to speak so if you are traveling by train it does take a little time to get in & out. Based on what you want to do, I'd probably stay in Munch a few days, then head off to Rothenburg for the remainder. Can't help w/apartments though.

I would choose Munich. It has more art. I wouldn't be surprised if you can take your bike on the S-Bahn to get to the outskirts of the city, I know that this is common in Berlin.

An entire week in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a bit much - but I must add, however, that if you are to bike, do it in the day - that way when the hoards of Japanese tourists are invading the city walls - you will be escaping into nature. The BEST time to be there is early in the morning and at sunset. Everyone is gone, except for the lucky few who stay within the city gates. Another note: the nightwatchmen's tour: very disappointing. Then again, I just don't like the big throngs of people that show up for it - that's what turned me off, at least.

The Hotel Gerberhaus is wonderful - and reasonable. I know you're looking for an apartment, so I'm sorry I cannot help you there.