Speyer or Heidelberg on the way to Stuttgart?
 

As part of a 9 day driving trip, we will find ourselves on our way to Stuttgart from Nurburg to see the Porsche museum and factory tour. (we are Porsche enthusiasts) By the time we leave Nurburg and arrive in Stuttgart the museum will be closed so we plan to overnight along the way. Speyer or Heidelburg look like good stops. Which would be better overnight stop (and possibly early morning sight seeing??) Also, could you make suggestions on where to stay? We are 2 mid-30s couples who want an easy stop, easy parking and something in the 65-100 euro range. Night life is not needed, convenient eats would be appreciated though. Thanks.

I trust you have the factory tour reservations all made; you're gonna love it!

Sorry I don't know a specific answer to your overnight stop question - - but a quick internet search suggests that this might fit your criteria - - http://www.goldener-engel-speyer.de

Number one (of three) on trip advisor for Speyer, and fit your price range.

More choices (and cheaper) on http://www.speyer.de/de/tourist/hotels

Best wishes,

Rex

Been to both and love both...
I don't think you could go wrong with either choice, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be Heidelberg. Heidelberg is gourgous with the river and the mountains, and there would be plenty to do in the morning. Castle, Cathedral, Walking the pedestrian street, grabbing a beer at the university, morning hike up the mountain. Speyer would be a little more low key. My husband and I loved the Dome (Cathedral in Speyer) We also went to a Plane, train, automobile museum while we were there and a great little beer garden. Both had great places to eat..Unfortunately I can't help with places to stay as we were with a German Family. Have a blast!

Both cities are worth a stop. If you get into the area sufficiently early (which should be no problem coming on the A-6 Autobahn from Nuernberg), you actually can visit both cities, by staying in Hockenheim. The city is known for its Hockenheim Ring GP and Formula One racing track. It is about midway (20km) from each Heidelberg and Speyer, on good roads.

Because of its racing schedule, Hockenheimhas an unusual large number of good hotels for a city of its size.

Among them, there is a Ramada and a Best Western. I hav stayed at the Ramada on business. It's fine.

If you want to spend a little more time driving and stay in Heidelberg (which is closer to the Stuttgart Autobahn), get off the A-6 (Nuernberg autobahn) at Heilbronn (Exit 37) and take the section of the Deutsche Burgenstrasse (German castle route) that goes along the Neckar to Heidelberg. The route is numbered B-37.

Heidelberg is one of the finest cities in Germany - one of few not decimated in WWII (because Ike wanted it for his HQs so the story goes - don't know bout that) the castle and old town tucked in below are so romantic all strung out along the Neckar River. Speyer, also with a riverfront setting, the Rhine, is like all German towns nice but not intact old like Heidelberg - it does have a fantastic cathedral but to stay in don't think it holds a candle to Heidelberg - though you couldn't go wrong with either.

I haven't been to Speyer but Heidelberg is stunning. It's extremely beautiful with the riverside setting, old buildings and the castle looming over the town, and small enough to see most of in an overnight stop. Don't miss it!