Where to from Mannheim Germany?
 

My family is visiting Mannheim for a week in July -husband will be visiting the uni. Wehave two daughters aged 7 and 10 and wonder where to go from there. We would like to take them into France maybe for a day!!!Also maybe down to the Black Forest for a day and do some walking. Any suggestions much appreciated. Kate

Kate: Take a day and the train right over to the "sister" city of Heidelburg. Go up to the castle and take the tour. Venture back into town and stroll the quaint side streets full of shops and bakeries and lovely outdoor cafes, etc. The next day, start early and take the train to Fussen and Schwangau. There you will find the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle built by King Ludwig II around 1880. This is the famous "fairy tale" castle. You can take the train back to mannheim that evening. Haven't had enough? Take a trip over to Rothenburg on the Tauber. It's northeast of Mannheim and it is a wonderful medieval town built around the 16th century. You can take another day and venture up to the Rhine River at Rudesheim. you can take the train up to Koblenz (about 70 km) and see the lovely town and many castles perched on cliffs along the river. We did this very same thing last summer on our honeymoon and it was fantastic! I'm jealous. Have a good trip!

The French border is about 1hour 30 minutes from Mannheim via car. You can be in Paris by car (from Mannheim) in 5 hours easily. By train, it will depend on which kind of train you take. I know there's a large station in Mannheim where you can probably hop on an ICE (fastest train). I've driven the route several times, and loved it. If you would like more info on driving, i.e. tolls, gas prices, etc., feel free to email me directly. <BR>

Take your daughters to a real fun place in the Black Forest, the Europa-Park. It's a "mini" EPCOT, where you can "visit" 10 European countries. The park was rated as the best by the ADAC(the german counter part of the AAA). It is about 2 hrs south of Mannheim, off the Autobahn towards Freiburg. <BR>

thanks for all your suggestions - am wishing we had longer. I will follow up with some direct queries about France with you Trina <BR>thanks again <BR>kate

Also Schwetzingen, 15 minute drive at the most from Mannheim has a castle and park worth exploring. Strasbourg, France is close by and you can visit the cathedral, museums, it's where the European Union is headquartered. <BR>Take a boat on the Rhine, do the farmers markets and get your provisions for picnics. <BR>Check if there will be fireworks in either Heidelberg or St. Goar (called The Rhine in flames) both worthwhile. <BR>There is a streetcar called OEG that goes between Heidelberg and Mannheim or trains every half hour.

thanks for all that- some great ideas. Dennis <BR>do you know much about the Black Forest area <BR>thanks again kate

Baden-Baden is a famous spa resort w/casino at the northern end of Black Forest. From there the Black Forest High Street (Scwarzwalder Hochstrasse) winds its way through the hills and pines hence the name Black due to the darkness in the woods from the trees. Freiberg is the main city and of course its famous for the clocks. The only town I know is Baiersbronn which has plenty of Pensions, (like B&B's, many in farmhouses. Great air and plenty of hiking. Most towns have pool complexes open for the summer. I'm sure in Mannheim there is a tourist office and you can obtain more information.