We have tickts to see both Neuschwantstein and Hohenschwangau at 9:30am. The plan is to then drive to Rothenburg, where we're spending the night. It looks like it's about a 2.5 hour drive if google maps is correct.

Is the drive much longer than that in reality? I don't want to be terribly rushed, but am hoping we get there in time to check in, enjoy a leisurely dinner, and still make the 8pm Nightwatchman's tour if we're not both utterly exhausted.

thoughts?

and I just realized I commited a huge Fodor's faux paus in not putting more detail (such as country) in the subject. so sorry!

Use Viamichelin.com to see how long they say the drive is. A good bit of it can be on the autobahn so you should make good time. If you see Neuschwanstein at 9:30 then Hohenschwangau at 11:00 you will be out of there easily by early afternoon. Assuming even 3.5 hours that could put you in Rothenburg by 5 or 5:30. Even if you factor in an hour extra, you are there by 6:30.

No more than 2.5 hrs. It's about 160 miles almost all on the A7. Maybe enough time to stop in Ulm to see this:http://www.letsgo-europe.com/Germany/Ulm/ulm_pan.html
We've done this drive the opposite way your are going.

norrisken is absolutely right. No more then 2:30 hours. Easy drive on the autobahn. Low probability for congestions. Do not make the mistake to drive the Romantic Road - the road is not romantic at all, it is a normal highway with trucks and everything.

On the way, Ulm is a good place to see. Here is another tip for a short and easy break:

http://www.abtei-neresheim.de/

This is a working convent with a most beautiful baroque church by Baltasar Neumann. There is also a small shop where they sell the convent's products and a rustic restaurant. Take exit 116 and drive just a few kilometers.

perfect! You all are the best at easing stress about this stuff. thanks so much!

Hi trav,

>Here is another tip for a short and easy break: abtei-neresheim

About how long to visit the Abbey?

To visit the abbey church, just a few minutes.

I mean, you just leave the autobahn, drive a couple of minutes to Neresheim Abbey, park your car in front of the Abbey, walk into the building, visit the church and, if you want, the shop, and drive again. No hassle with manoevering in a town, finding a place for parking, walking to attractions, buying tickets etc.

It is a suggestion for a short break of 15 to 30 minutes.