I will be in Southwest Germany visiting family after a trip to France in early October and was interested in small-ish sized towns that were interesting to visit. We'll be based out of Kaiserslautern and are looking for trips within a few hours driving distance - I've been to Heidelberg and didn't have any problems, so I was thinking that size population or smaller. Suggestions? TIA!

Right nearby you have the Pfälz (Palatinate) region and its Weinstraße.

Towns and villages along the route from Bad Dùrkheim, through Neustadt, down to Leinsweiler would suit your criteria.

Speyer
Worms
Ladenburg
Schwetzingen palace and park
Neckarsteinach
Hirschhorn
Idar-Oberstein
Bad Kreuznach
Erbach/Odenwald and Michelstadt
Rastatt
Bad Wimpfen
Wissembourg (Alsace)
Baden-Baden
Trier
Bernkastel-Kues - the whole Mosel Valley, in fact, and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

Want more?

Lol - I think that is plenty! Thanks so much!

Germany is not that big. Almost every part of Germany is within a few hours driving distance.

That means you get to pick what you want. The Rhine and the Mosel and nice. I like the Necker valley. Rothenberg is worth the trip.

You can make it to the Black Forest, Fussen to see the castles or to Munich. I think the drive from Kaiserstautern to Munich is about three hours.

There are several little charming towns on the Romantic Road. There is a "castle road" that is a fun drive. You have a LOT of options here.

Thanks for the list, Quokka (aka KathrinE!). I haven't been to Ladenburg, Hirschhorn or Ida-Oberstein, so will add them to next year's places to visit!

Idar Oberstein is certainly cute, but only necessary to reserve a few hours for it, max (unless I missed something big).

I second Schwetzingen, Trier, Speyer and Bad Wimpfen.

The weinstrasse is so close and about the most picturesque area you could imagine!

I wouldn't consider Munich a day trip from K-town.

Enjoy - I'll be back over there at the same time. I'm looking forward to Ladenberg on this trip. There's a restaurant there I've been dying to try.

Quokka..... can you tell me about Bad Kreuznach?

I'd add Gengenbach in the Black Forest to the list. Very charming little town.

http://preview.tinyurl.com/34ukrq

Hi octoberinparis, quokka has given you tons of good suggestions. I can only reiterate that you will be perfectly situated to explore the Mosel Valley, one of my favorite parts of Germany (I am living in Stuttgart). Be sure to visit Burg Eltz if you have never been there - one of the most authentic medieval castles I have ever seen (and I've seen a lot of castles!). There are also tons of castles and picturesque towns along the Rhine, which would be within easy driving distance for you.

Trier would be a great place to spend a day - lovely shopping district and lots of Roman ruins (it is considered the oldest city in Germany).

Other towns along the Mosel worth a look are Cochem and, for a wonderful lunch stop, try the tiny village of Beilstein. You can hike up to the castle for a lovely view.

For something a bit different you could also come down to Stuttgart - if you have any interest in cars, the new Mercedes museum here is awesome.

Bad Wimpfen is one of my favorite spots along the Neckar - beautifully restored medieval houses and a spectacular view from the Blauer Turm.

The leaves are changing early this year; if the sun ever comes out again you should be here at a beautiful time of year! Have a great time!