Christmas compares

I was wondering if the Christmas markets in the cities throughout Germany are about the same- I know they will each have their own special touches- but we are headed to Nuremberg for the few days leading up to Christmas to experience that market--- prior to that is it worth stopping in on other markets or should we stick to the other sights in those cities? Cities such as Dusseldorf and Frankfurt--we only have a few days before we have to be in Nuremberg.

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Depends on where you are landing, etc.

The Christmas markets pretty much have the same kind of food and drink, and offer the same items to buy, but it is the setting that makes them different. Most of them are in the town squares, surrounded by historic buildings and churches. This is what gives them their atmosphere. What some people like to do is go to the smaller towns that may have their Christmas market in their castle or on the castle grounds, they may use real lanterns and torches. This will definitely give you a wonderful atmosphere. Most of these markets are only on for a weekend though.

So, tell us when and where you arrive in Germany, and we can give you some suggestions.

The Frankfurt market is very pretty and every evening at 20:00, they have a traditional brass band play from the gallery of the Alte Nikolai church that overlooks the Christmas Market.

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Thanks- that is the info. I was looking for- to see if there were different types of merchandise or food/drink-- I do think the smaller towns would be nice to see- the atmosphere would make it worth the stop for us. This advice will save us from trying to fit in the other bigger city%26#39;s markets as well.

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I made a mistake about the brass band playing on the Alte Nikolai gallery. They just do this on Wed. and Sat. at 1800. Here is the website for the Frankfurt market:

http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de/cms/tourismussuite/en/events_trade_fairs_messe_frankfurt/christmas_market_Frankfurt_xmas.html;jsessionid=6F662BF53DA4B8EFAEE655E0C1AC0A87

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I like to go to all the different Christmas markets, but there certainly is a certain sameness, although the merchandise and the food and the drink varies--somewhat. You will either love them, or they will leave you cold. If you find that you love them, I definitely would go see some others.

8 days in Germanry

Fellow Travellers,

I am looking at this itinerary from January 16 - 24th in Germany.

I would appreciate your comments on, how feasible, hotel/hostel suggestion.

Day 1:

Koblenzo, Colongne , Bonn

Stay: Koblenzo

Day 2:

Worms, Heidelberg

Stay:Heidelberg

Day 3:

Munich Surroundings

Train from Heidelberg to Munich

Stay: Munich

Day 4:

Munich Surroundings

Stay:Munich

Day 5:

Nuremburg

Stay:Nuremburg

Day 6:

Wurzburg,Rothenburg

Stay: Nuremburg

Day 7:

Berlin

Stay: Berlin

Day 8:

Berlin Surroundings

Stay:Berlin

Day 9:

Fly back home

Thanks

Deepa

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Are you planning to see these towns and cities, or just rush past them to tick off a list? For this itinerary you need a helicopter. Cut out one half, better two thirds of the destinations. I hope you are aware how short daylight hours are in January?

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Agreed, it´s going to be run, run, run all the time with that short time frame and depending on time tables for the trains.

And yeah, with the daylight hours in January you won´t have much time to see things unless you really go into the city centres.

Can´t comment much on hotels/hostels as while i have seen most cities on your list it was mostly for day trips, in hostels or mostly staying with friends.

So if you want to do it my proposed adjustments :

Day 1: There is no way to do these 3. Plus, to be honest there´s really no need to see Bonn (no offense to people from there ;)) even if it´s close to cologne. Just go to Cologne and be happy with it as it´s a great town with lots to do and see. Koblenz is beutiful as well, but in cold weather maybe less attractive.

Day 2: Doable, but i would stick to either one. It´s not a long commute between the 2 but 50 minutes 1 way, 50 minutes the other way, getting to the hotel and back, waiting for the train etc and suddnly you have 3 hours of commute on top of the 2 hours from Cologne/Koblenz to Heidelberg at the start of the day.

Heidelberg propably better place to stay in case of bad weather here.

Day 3 + 4 : ok

Day 5 : works, but don´t expect to see everything of Nuremberg in a day.

Day 6 : I would recommend Bamberg instead of Würzburg/Rothenburg as it´s more of a unique experience compared to the other cities on your list. Just a beautiful old town center build on a couple of hills (think rome but smaller) and across a river.

It also is closer to Nuremberg (you can do the trip in about 45 minutes by train. It´s only a short walk to the city centre, starting with the newer one and about 10-15 minutes to the historic part. Very walking-friendly town)

Day 7-9 : ok

|||

Thanks a lot for both of you. Really appreciate your input.

Good to know that Bonn can be skipped.

Is Ludwig castle worth going at that time of the year ?

Thanks

Deepa

|||

i would say yes, the Ludwig castles are worth a trip at any time of the year. it will sure look great with the snow topped mountains in the background!

europeancastlestours.com/tours/christmas/gal…

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If you are serious about this itinerary, don%26#39;t go until next June. You will only have only 64 hours of daylight, total, for 8 days in January. Mostly you will be on the road, and if that is the whole point of your trip, it should be fine. I would limit to Koblenz, Cologne, Bonn, Munich, and even that is ambitious. They countryside won%26#39;t be too exciting to your eyes if you%26#39;ve seen much of the US; you will like the towns and they will be very different. If you want to cover more territory, I would think you would be better on a bus tour.

Karlsruhe-Baden to Stuttgart

Hi,

I am looking to spend the weekend 28-30th November in Stuttgart and can purchase flights with RyanAir for £10 from London to Baden.

The flight gets to Baden at 6.30pm, but on bahn.de it says the last journey to Stuttgart is at this time, which I would not make with security etc to go through!

Is this the only option or does bahn.de not include buses which run to baden baden because it did surprise me that there are not any trains later than 6.30!

Thanks

Calum

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Do you see the little red arrow next to the word %26quot;Later?%26quot; Click on that. That should solve your problem.

Mar/Apr 2010 Rhineland/AMS/Belgium trip assistance

Here is an outline of a Mar 25-Apr 8 rail trip for my wife and me (60/61) that I would appreciate suggestions on lodging, transportation, things not to miss, etc

-Thurs DC overnight to FRA then ICE to Amsterdam 3 nights using Hotwire

best place to see tulips?

-Monday, to Ghent w/stopover in Antwerp (luggage storage?) 3 nights @ Marriott

tues to Bruges for the day, wed (maybe) a quick trip to Brussels

-Thurs to Boppard w/stop in Cologne (luggage storage?) 3 nights @ Garni Gunther

fri visit koblenz/cochem/trier, sat train to Bacharach and cruise back (available?)

-Sun to Rothenburg 2 nights @ Gasthouse Golden Grieffen

-Tues to Bacharach 2 nights @ ???

-Thurs morning to FRA for flight home that afternoon

Is this all sensible by train or should we get a car? Are day cruise boats on the Rhine and Mosel this time of year? Can we drop off luggage in Antwerp and Cologne if we day visit? “Best” (easiest/cheapest) way to purchase tickets? We have booked nothing but a flight, so any and all suggestions are appreciated.

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%26quot;-Thurs DC overnight to FRA then ICE to Amsterdam 3 nights using Hotwire

best place to see tulips?%26quot;

Keukenhof Gardens is great. While in A%26#39;dam I%26#39;d recommend Zaanse Schans too, a nice outing from there by train.

%26quot;tues to Bruges for the day, wed (maybe) a quick trip to Brussels%26quot;

I%26#39;d stick with Bruges if only 2 nights.

%26quot;-Thurs to Boppard w/stop in Cologne (luggage storage?) 3 nights @ Garni Gunther%26quot;

Lots of lockers in Cologne.

%26quot;fri visit koblenz/cochem/trier, sat train to Bacharach and cruise back (available?)%26quot;

There%26#39;s a lot to do on the Mosel. One day won%26#39;t be enough. Burg Eltz Castle (near Cochem) opens April 1 - it%26#39;s excellent: www.burg-eltz.de

Trier is full of stuff! Plan on a full day there.

Cochem%26#39;s Reichsburg Castle is open too: reichsburg-cochem.de/english/business_hours.…

I think Cochem is a better base than Boppard if you want to see both Cochem and Trier. You can stop in Boppard for awhile on the way to Rothenburg, or see it when you return to Bacharach.

%26quot;-Sun to Rothenburg 2 nights @ Gasthouse Golden Grieffen

-Tues to Bacharach 2 nights @ ???%26quot;

Great site with accommodations reviews:

bensbauernhof.com/accommodationsrhinemosel.h…

%26quot;Is this all sensible by train or should we get a car?%26quot;

I%26#39;d do it by train. It%26#39;s a healthy walk to Burg Eltz from Moselkern station, but it%26#39;s lovely:

bensbauernhof.com/burgeltzfrommoselkern.html

%26quot;Are day cruise boats on the Rhine and Mosel this time of year?%26quot;

Rhine: I think you%26#39;re looking at April 10:

k-d.com/englisch/…fahrplan-rhein-off.html

Mosel boats from Cochem not yet operational during your visit.

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What you are missing is the major sights. With 3 nights in Boppard, 2 in Rothenburg, and 2 nights in Bacharach, I hope you are packing board games, cards, and DVD%26#39;s. Meanwhile, you are zooming past some fabulous sites and nearly ignoring Bruges, Brussels, and slighting Cologne. I understand that you may want to go totally medieval, but I would do some more research and reading before you start booking hotels. While all these places have reasons to recommend them, they are mostly minor sites that I am afraid will disappoint if so much time is spent there.

Bicycle Question

There will be 14 of us staying at the Hotel Helmerhof in nearby Schwangau-Horn for 2 nights next June. I know from previous stays that the Helmerhof has a few bicycles (3 or 4) but not enough for our entire group. Is there a place nearby to rent additional bicycles for the day?

I know the Hotel Rubezahl next door has plenty of bikes for their guests, and I wish we could stay there, but it%26#39;s just SOOO outrageously expensive. Helmerhof is about 1/2 the price.

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Hi tmynatt,

We usually %26quot;meet%26quot; over at the CH forums, so it%26#39;s nice to see you over on the Bayern boards! Hope my former home of Knoxville is still treating you well!

Anyway, here are a few resources for your trip:

/www.rad-ostallgaeu.de/

Site for cycling in the Allgäu Alps

Jeti´s Bike Shop, Füssen

Edgar Andrej

Abt-Heß-Str. 11

87629 Füssen

Tel:08362-39712

http://www.jetisbikeshop.de/

Markus Hönle und Verena Stitzinger, Füssen

Verena Stitzinger

Tiroler Str. 45

87629 Füssen

Tel:08364-986335 Fax: 08364-986334

http://www.2radfreun.de/

Hope you find what you need!

s

Reasonably priced central hotel for 2 mature ladies please

My Mum + her friend (both late 60%26#39;s) are staying in Munich for 3 nights next May (en route to Oberammageau!). They are hoping to find somewhere with easy access from Munich airport, fairly central, preferably in a nice traditional building. Probably mid price range, and easy walking to restaurants at night-time. We have found a few options but not many recent reviews on this site, so dont know where to pick ! Suggestions gratefully received!

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Hello ladies. Both of these places should easily meet you requirements.

Hotel am Viktualienmarkt

www.Hote-Eder.de

Happy trails!

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Sorry:

www.hotel-eder.de/

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Thanks very much, have looked at both of them, I like the look of Hotel Eder, but we%26#39;ll see what the ladies think! Thanks again.

|||

I%26#39;d suggest staying the main train station for great airport access as well as convenience.

We like Le Meridien and Softel for all the creature comforts and good service. If they are sharing a room Le Meridien is a good choice and they have been offering excellent rates.

A more traditional option in the same convenient area is Hotel Excelsior. It is older, cozy and has nice fireplace in the lobby and a nice restaurant on property. They can cross the street and have access to the Lufthansa bus to and from the airport. And they are right at the station with excellent access to public transport.

|||

Der Excelsior is gorgeous, but perhaps a bit more than the ladies were looking to pay. LeMeridien is definately more pricey!

|||

Le Meridien is widely available for USD 160 these days on many of the discount sites - and I have seen it for even less. That%26#39;s a bargain IMO!

|||

Only 160 EUR per night? That is a DEFINATE sign of the world economic slowdown! LeMeridien was charging 299 to 349 EUR a few years ago.

|||

No, 160 USD per night, about 120 E.

|||

I could suggest either the Europäischerhof (right across from the main train station), or Hotel Mark on Senefelderstrasse, again, very close to the station.

Both hotels are around €80-85 for a double and the breakfast is very nice. For either hotel, I would advise a courtyard room unless they are fairly heavy sleepers. If you book early via the web, there are discounts.

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Thanks to all of you, I think the Hotel Viktualienmarkt is looking promising, but they have a few pointers now to help !

Any Self drive companies to recommend

Hi all,

I would be heading to Germany sometime next April and would be starting out form Cologne.. would like to know if there are any good self drive companies that allows u to customise ur travel destinations instead of the pre determined self drive itenerary that the tour company usually provides.

Would be of great help. Thanks!

Cheers,

Sacha

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Good german self drive companies are Europcar and Sixt .

You find them in every airport

May day festivities in Rothenburg?

Going to be in town on 1 May next spring. Does anyone know of any particular May Day activities that take place? I checked the town%26#39;s web site but its English version is off line at the moment and my Germain aint THAT good.

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I can%26#39;t find something special on 1 May in German website . I

Haus Felsenfast family Walters

Somewhere in here I read about a lovely place to stay in Wallgau Germany, the Haus Felsenfast run by the Walters Family, Sonnleiten 4, 82499 Wallgau, Bavaria, Germany. Can someone tell me how to get in touch with them by fax, email, or website. Thanks in advance. Dave

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They seem to have no website :

phone :+49 8825 694

Fax: +49 8825 694

Stuttgart November 1-6

Can anyone tell me what is going on in Stuttgart this week? Reason I ask is I was there last month and the hotel I stayed at was ~50 Euro a night, going back next week and the same hotel/same room is 200 Euro.

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I really don%26#39;t know what is happening over this time period. Large trade fairs typically raise hotel rates, but usually not that much. Prices for hotels very near the Cannstatter Volksfest in late September and early October can triple, but not very far away there is little difference in price, so perhaps it might be the proximity of this hotel to a special event. The German Masters Equestrian Event is occuring, so perhaps your hotel is near it. There is also the Horse Stuttgart 2009 trade show from 29Oct to 1Nov and Animal 2009 from 31Oct to 1Nov. I can%26#39;t find the date of the German Masters, but my guess is that it coincides with these trade fairs or follows it.

Black Forest area, before train to Zurich

Hi,

hoping someone can help finalise this part of our Germany trip.

We plan to Travel by train from Heidelberg to Baden-Baden, then Baden-Baden to (? help is needed), which will then give us ag ood connection to Zurich by Train.

Can someone suggest a good middle point that helps us see the %26#39;black forest%26#39; area by train and connects with our other stops.

We will be using Eurail, but plan to purchase the Bahn? pass also for Travel in Germany.

|||

I suggest Freiburg .

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There are direct trains from Baden-Baden, Offenburg, Freiburg and Rottweil to Zurich.

Gengenbach is a quaint small town near Offenburg:

http://www.stadt-gengenbach.de/

From Freiburg there are frequent trains to Titisee and Schluchsee.

From Baden-Baden there are direct trains to Offenburg, Gengenbach and Freiburg. For Rottweil you%26#39;d have to change in Villingen.

www.rottweil.de/ceasy/modules/cms/main.php5…

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Most interesting would be to cross the Black Forest by train on the route Baden-Baden - Offenburg - Gengenbach - Triberg - Villingen - Donaueschingen - Singen - (Konstanz or Schaffhausen) - Zürich

bahn.de/regional/view/mdb/pv/deutschlanderle…

Offenburg - Donaueschingen is esp. around Triberg the most interesting regular railroad in Germany.

www.badische-schwarzwaldbahn.de/swbtab.jpg

Gengenbach

http://www.stadt-gengenbach.de/

Triberg

http://www.dasferienland.de/e/

This is the most %26quot;direct%26quot; route to Zürich from Baden-Baden. Albeit not the fastest (due the landscape, i.e slower trains). And you have to change trains at least once. Direct trains to Zürich exist only from places at the periphery of the Black Forest. Not from places really inside the Black Forest.

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I agree, the Schwarzwaldbahn route abalada described will be the most interesting and still easy route. You can board these trains (the RE or IRE to Konstanz) in Baden-Baden.

The disadvantage of Gengenbach is that only local trains stop there so you%26#39;d have to change in Offenburg for the Ortenau S-Bahn to get there, and then again in Hausach for the faster train to Donaueschingen/Singen, or back to Offenburg to catch the ICE to Zürich.

The Schwarzwaldbahn IRE%26#39;s stop, however, in Triberg which is a bit touristy (bearable though) but will give you a taste of the Black Forest if you stop for 2 hours. According to www.bahnhof.de the station in Triberg has luggage lockers (can anyone confirm?). Walk the village, see the %26quot;world%26#39;s biggest cuckoo clock%26quot; and the waterfalls, try the famous Black Forest cherry cake... then hop back on the train.

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Thank-you all for you tips and information.

With the slightly longer trip that Abalada has mentioned - how long would this take?

We have one planned night in Baden-Baden, and the 2 nights before the 4th night is planned around being in Zurich.

This leave our Black Forest travel plan looking something like this:

Baden-Baden

FREE

FREE

Zurich

If we decided to fill the two nighs up, would you suggest spending another night in Baden-baden or/and one night in each of Freiburg or Triberg

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%26gt;We will be using Eurail, but plan to purchase the Bahn? pass also for Travel in Germany.

What do you mean? If you have a Deutsche Bahn railpass you don%26#39;t need an Eurail pass and vice versa.

|||

Thanks altamiro ,

I thought I read somewhere that the Eurail pass does not cover all of the train network in Germany and the local card network card - Bahn needs to be purchased.

|||

%26gt;I thought I read somewhere that the Eurail pass does not cover all of the train network in Germany and the local card network card - Bahn needs to be purchased.

Yes, it doesn%26#39;t cover the entire network. Just 99% of it.

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Most (all?) private train companies that operate in the former West have mutual agreements with DB and use the same tickets and fares as DB. There are some newer private train companies in the former East that have their own fare structures and their own tickets, don%26#39;t accept DB tickets on their trains and vice versa. I assume those are the ones which don%26#39;t accept Eurail passes either (experts please?) You won%26#39;t encounter any of those in the Black Forest, though.

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A rail pass covers in Germany

- all DB trains

- all trains where the DB tariff applies. These are all normal regional trains run by private companies.

Not covered are far distance trains run by private companies. There are to my knowledge only 2 of them: InterConnex and VogtlandExpress. But their routes are in the east and there are only a few trains per day.

Not covered are also a few special/touristic train lines. E.g. the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, the Zugspitzbahn. And museum railways, like the Wutachtalbahn in the Black Forest.

But overall the coverage is more like 99,8% than 99%.

%26gt; the local card network card

Tickets covering local public transport can still make sense. They cover besides regional trains and S-Bahn trains also U-Bahn (metro), trams and buses. And the latter 3 are not covered by a rail pass.

If you want/can use on a day only regional trains anyway a local public transport offer will be the cheaper option compared to using a pass day of a rail pass.

If you stay directly in the Black Forest (e.g. Gengenbach or Triberg - NOT Baden-Baden or Freiburg) you%26#39;ll get a card (called KONUS) covering local public transport in the Black Forest even for free.

http://www.blackforest-tourism.com/konus

Train journey Christmas Eve to Verona

Hi I am planning to travel from Füssen to Verona on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately looking at www.bahn.de the only train that I can find gets into Verona at 2:30 AM, which is not ideal as I have family who I am going to stay with just out of Verona. However, if I select the 3/12/09 there appears to be trains every two hours all day for this same route.

Does anyone know if there are going to be more trains running on Christmas Eve than the current one shown? And if so when will these tickets be released?

Thank you

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The Italians have not yet released there 2010 timetable (which is valid from 13. Dec. 2009). This should happen in the next few days. You have just to check this again.

Currently only the CityNightLine train is shown, as CityNightLine is a subsidiary of DB.

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Thanks for the prompt reply. I%26#39;ll keep an eye on www.bahn.de then.

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The timetable is now up online for this journey. However, there appear to be no savings fares available for any day past 13/12/09. Are the savings fares released at a later date?

What would your advice to me be in order to get the best deal and not missing out on a ticket?

1. Buy the standard fare and cancel it to get a full refund at a later date to purchase a savings fare (if one available)?

2. Wait a few days for the release of savings fares and hope that these train tickets don%26#39;t sell out on what I presume would be one of the busiest transport days of the year.

Thanks once again for your help

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While Xmas Eve is indeed one of the busiest days of the year, it is not so busy that tickets are sold out MONTHS in advance. The German and Swiss parts of the journey cannot %26quot;sell out%26quot; per se, only in Italy the reservations are mandatory - and even then only on high-speed trains. It is however possible that the savings fares (of which there are usually only a few per train) are sold out. Wait for a week or two and see whether new savings fares are offered. if not, there is no reason not to buy a full fare.

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The saving fares have just been released online for 59 euro. I%26#39;ve booked my seats so I don%26#39;t have to worry about it now.

Thanks

restaurants and thing of interest

Hi ,

I am heading to Munich on 27-30 November with my mum and Dad as a surprise. We are staying in Hotel Cocoon Lindwurmstrasse 35, 80337 Munich. We get in late on the Friday night and just wondered if anyone could recommend a good german restaurant near to this area. Also I know it is going to be cold over there, is it still possible to do day trips at that time of year. Also possibly a concert in a local church? I know we also have the christmas markets, are they in one area or are they several. Also looking for suggestions for real german cusines restaurants where it is more locals than tourists. any suggestions.

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There are many markets: discover-munich.info/munich_christmas_market…

We have been 3 x at that time of year and it is great for day trips - lots of options depending on your interests. We are going again this year and will head to Mittenwald for a day and Regensburg for another.

There are some very good restaurants so hopefully someone can hep with recommendations on those serving German cuisine.

As to concerts, we have found our hotel concierges to be a great source of info.

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For good food and a lovely atmosphere, try Hotel Mariandl (also known as Cafe am Beethovenplatz) . In the last week the temperature has really dropped (we even had snow) so bring gloves, a scarf and hat and good shoes. Munich has several Christmas markets, spread over the city and in the suburbs. In Munich, the main one is centred on Marianplatz, although if you go further afield you will escape the tourists. I live in a place called Pasing - just a few stops from the city centre - and the market is very traditional. the omly language you hear is German. If you wanted to check this place out I could give you a few suggestions for good places to eat and drink. Be sure to try the hot wine punch - Gluhwein - and the gingerbread cookies- lebkuchen. A church concert is probably doable as well - the cathedral here really has fantastic acoustics, but as for times and dates, I couldnt tell you at the moment. Hope this helps.

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agree on Mariandl, down Lindwurmstrasse..

Another is to go into town up L%26#39;strasse, through SendlingerTor to Altes Hackerhaus. www.hackerhaus.de

Has English language menus, but mainly locals.

A good beer hall is up Bayerstrasse about 10 mins from main station to Augustiner Bräustuben. good food, not many tourists- menu on website

http://www.braeustuben.de/

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Here is a page of Munich%26#39;s website about Munich%26#39;s Christmas Markets that has links to individual markets:

muenchen.de/Rathaus/…Christmas_Markets.html

Regards, Gary

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do you want tourist restauarants with english menus? or do you want to try your luck in a proper restaurant with germans?

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Ideas for Munich restaurants:

• Zum Alten Markt (at the Viktualienmarket)

Dreifaltigkeitsplatz 3

Am Viktualienmarket

Reservations (recommended): 089/29-99-95

http://www.zumaltenmarkt.de/

Although this is billed as a Gaststätte it is actually a restaurant (at least inside; there is a small patio as well that is less formal). Zum Alten Markt is one of the best restaurants in Munich, in my opinion. The food is fantastic, ultra-fresh cuisine with ingredients from the nearby market. Bavarian food with a creative, lighter touch. The interior decor, with its intricately coffered wooden ceiling, came from a 400-year-old Tyrolean castle. It’s a small restaurant that is very popular with locals so reservations are recommended. Spaten beer and a nice wine list. Herr Josef Lehrner (owner) is out-going and fun, speaks perfect English.

•Andechser am Dom

Weinstrasse 7a

49- (0)89/29-84-81

Credit cards accepted

Just behind Frauenkirche. Fabulous dunkles and helles bier, possibly best in town. Very nice meals – typical Bavarian and a variety of lighter dishes as well. Always mobbed, but can sometimes find a place at the outdoor tables (inside is really jammed).

•Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom

Frauenplatz 9 (facing Frauenkirche)

Credit cards accepted

Great Nürnburger sausages (small, lean, grilled sausages) served with either kraut or potato salad and fantastic Augustiner beer. Traditional Bavarian, some English spoken. Nice patio. Very good lunch spot. Self-seating.

•Weinhaus Neuner

Herzogspitalstrasse 8

U-Bahn Karlsplatz

Credit cards accepted

Munich%26#39;s oldest wine tavern. Food is very good, extensive wine list. Three venues: the wood-panel restaurant (more expensive, reservations required), the Weinstübl (less expensive), and the small bistro. The choice of food ranges from nouvelle German to old-fashioned country. Specialties include home-smoked beef and salmon. Excellent food. Closed Sundays. Wait to be seated.

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defintely german restaurants with locals.

Cologne, Germany, weather around christmas

Hello!

I was wondering how the weather in cologne is like, towards the end of December. Does it rain a lot? My family and I are planning a two weeks visit.

You did say that during the first days of december it rains a lot. I was just wondering if it was like that during the whole month.

Thank you!! :)

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Anyone who knew to predict the weather months in advance would make a fortune...

It may rain any time of the year in these parts of the world. It may just as well be sunny. It may snow in December, it may be grey and overcast, foggy, etc. It won%26#39;t rain for two entire weeks and it won%26#39;t stay sunny for two entire weeks. You will most likely expect a bit of everything. Pack rain gear ands pack warm winter clothes. Bring shoes that survive a walk in the rain and that keep your feet warm when standing on a Christmas market for hours in frosty conditions.

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Funny that I can answer that question from Chicago where the weather absolutely sucks. The weather can be very changeable in December, but it is moderate, not like Chicago. Yes, it can rain, and might even snow, but the snow will melt very quickly. You should dress in layers, and can always buy an umbrella. December is a great time to visit because of the Christmas markets. Cologne has easy public transportation, great museums, and is really festive around Christmas in the pubs.

ZB

From Amsterdam to Dortmund

i need to get from amsterdam to dortmund airport. i have flight at 14-50.

there is train to duisburg and from duisburg to dortmund but the difference between them is 9 minutes. isnt it to litte?

what can be other option to get from asterdam to dortmund in the morning, not expensive?

Munich in December

Never been to Germany before and will be spending the weekend of Fri 18th Dec to Mon 21st Dec 2009 in Munich.

I want to see to Christmas markets WHICH ARE THE BETTER ?

and id like to take a day trip with great views and a bit of romance ?

I was hopeing for Snow ? but after reading some reviews it isant looking good ?

So maybe a trip with all of the above and a bit of snow on the hills

Any idears ?

|||

There may be snow in Munich, maybe not. Nobody can predict this.

However yu%26#39;ll certainly find snow in the Alps. I was on a hiking tour on Tuesday and even on the sunny southern side we had a lot of snow (50 cm and more) starting at an altitude of 1700m. We needed our snowshoes to get further up. On the top at 2200m we found more than 1m snow.

|||

For a daytrip:

Go up the Wallberg:

nice views (…flickr.com/1419/538653330_68435f26c0.jpg)

It%26#39;s near the town of Rottach-Egern

http://www.wallbergbahn.de

|||

All Christmas markets in Munich: muenchen.de/Rathaus/…Christmas_Markets.html

My favourite ones are:

Medieval Christmas Market (everything is medieval, a lot of handmade articles like leather bags, bows+arrows, everybody dressed in medieval clothes, even the prices are in Gulden, 1 Gulden = 1 Euro)

Brienner Str. 6-10 (near subway station Odeonsplatz on subway line U3, U6, U4, U5, 10 minute walk from Marienplatz)

mittelaltermarkt-muenchen.de/web/index.html…

open: 11am - 8pm

Schwabing Christmas Market (artistic, a bit mad)

on the square above subway station Münchner Freiheit (subway line U3, U6)

schwabingerweihnachtsmarkt.de/index_en.html

Haidhausen Christmas Market (with pony carriage rides for children)

on the square above S-Bahn stop %26quot;Rosenheimer Platz%26quot; (all S-Bahn lines stop there)

photos of that market: muenchen.de/Stadtleben/…index.html

map of Munich public transport: mvv-muenchen.de/web4archiv/objects/download/…

|||

The Alps sound great but where ?

Train from Muich i understand?

where will i find the great views?

via cable car?

hike ?

|||

Try Garmisch - lovely small town and great views. Also Mittenwald, two hours by train from Munich. Garmisch is in between so you can visit both in one day.

from duisburg hbf to dortmund airport the cheapest way

from duisburg hbf to dortmund airport the cheapest way from 09:30 A.M. on 5 august

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DB timetable

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

From: Duisburg Hbf

To: Dortmund Flughafen

And select as means of transport %26quot;only local transport%26quot;.

VRR single ticket price level D EUR 10,50.

With 4 or 5 persons a mini group day ticket is with EUR 32,30 cheaper than singles.

The VRR ticket does however not cover the shuttle bus from Holzwickede station (shown as product %26quot;BusAirSh%26quot; in the DB timetable. EUR 1,50.

And also not the airport express bus from Dortmund Hbf (product %26quot;BusAirEx%26quot;). EUR 5,50.

U-Bahn and the other buses are covered by the VRR ticket.

Thus you have to check out which bus option is suggested. Click on %26#39;%26gt;%26#39; to see such details.

|||

on bahn.de when i chose detinations Dortmund Flughafen and Holzwickede Strasse it said the wrong query.

in fact i need to get from amsterdam to dortmund airport. i have flight at 14-50.

there is train to duisburg and from duisburg to dortmund but the difference between them is 9 minutes. isnt it to litte? what can be other option to get from asterdam to dortmund in the morning not expensive?

|||

%26gt; on bahn.de when i chose detinations Dortmund Flughafen and Holzwickede Strasse it said the wrong query.

For Holzwickede stations just use %26quot;Holzwickede%26quot;. Do not select anything from the drop-down list coming up.

%26gt; there is train to duisburg and from duisburg to dortmund but the difference between them is 9 minutes. isnt it to litte?

No. With 9 minutes I squeeze even a visit of a bakery in the station in between. If you skip this part you%26#39;ll be fine. And apart from this there are trains from Duisburg to Dortmund every few minutes.

A few days in Berlin

My best friend and I are going to be in Berlin in mid Nov. We are staying at the Agon Olivaer Apart. What are some cheap but good places to eat in that area?

|||

i am sorry, but i have no idea where theses partments are...do you have an dress to see in which area this is located?

|||

AGON Olivaer Apart

Konstanzer Straße 1

10707 Berlin

|||

%26gt; AGON Olivaer Apart

Olivaer Platz - along the Kurfürstendamm

kurfuerstendamm.de/en/berlin/kudamm_begehung/

After the 2 Java applets have loaded, select from the 2nd drop-down list %26quot;Olivaer Platz%26quot;

kurfuerstendamm.de/en/berlin/essen_trinken/

(does not appear complete to me)

Savigny Platz - 2 blocks across the Kurfürstendamm from your location - is one of the nightlife areas of Berlin.

visitberlin.de/english/berlin-erleben/e_be_n…

Kurfürstendamm itself is in first place a shopping street.

Have we got the location right?

Hi; We have booked a weekend (three nights) at hotel Mondial, Kurfürstendamm 47.

We are going sightseeing (already booked the Insider Tours), shopping, dining and hopefully we%26#39;ll have time for one of the Christmas Markets as well.

1. Do you think this will be an ok location for what we plan to do?

2. Is there any good shopping opportunities nearby? (preferably woman%26#39;s clothes), or should we go to some other are?

Three weeks to go - can%26#39;t wait!

/sun

|||

Kurfürstendamm is the main shopping street of Berlin.

http://www.kurfuerstendamm.de

There is also a Christmas Market around the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church at Breitscheidplatz - the eastern end of Kurfürstendamm.

www.visitberlin.de/kultur/index.en.php…

|||

Thanks for your prompt reply abalada!

Sounds good. It%26#39;s nice to know we seem to have chosen the right place to stay since we are visiting for the first time and only have 2 1/2 days.

We%26#39;ll keep the reservation for Mondial then!

/sun

Which Tram Ticket to get?

Hopefully someone can reply to this by tonight as we fly in the morning.

When we arrive at the airport in Bremen we know we need to get Tram 6, but on the ticket machine what option do I press if I simply just want 2 adult singles to Hauptbahnhof?

Thanks

Matthew

|||

You need 2 single tickets for EUR 2,20 each.

ticket buying animation

www.bsag.de/service/Touchbill/tobi.html

Click after the introduction video on the Union Jack.

You can even %26quot;pay%26quot; by moving the coins with the mouse from the touchscreen to coin slot. You can also pay with a note. But more than an EUR 5,00 note won%26#39;t be fun, as the change is in coins only.

You cannot pay by card as I assume you don%26#39;t have a GeldKarte (or even know what this is).

|||

%26gt; if I simply just want 2 adult singles to Hauptbahnhof?

For any trip inside Bremen you only need a ticket for 1 zone. On the ticket is only the point and date/time of purchase. Not the destination.

|||

thanks guys. thats really helpful. Looking forward to my first trip to Bremen tomorrow.

Movies Theatres in Bremen

Are there any theatres in Bremen where you can see movies in English?

|||

not really... The major cinemas in the city are showing movies in original language only once a week.

|||

Once a week is good for me - I%26#39;ll contact the theaters in the area to see what day of the week they show films in the original language. Thank you.

transfers from airport to city by taxi?

can someone please advise on prices for private transfer from Frankfurt (FRA) airport into the city? there are 6 of us and we prefer not to have the hassle of public transport on our first ever visit to Frankfurt. Are there mini-bus or large taxis available ? Should we book in advance or just at the airport on arrival?

Any info most welcome, thankyou!

|||

%26gt; Are there mini-bus or large taxis available ?

Yes.

%26gt; Should we book in advance or just at the airport on arrival?

No. This is not common in Germany at such locations. Bears also the risk that you have to pay for the waiting time.

Only to collect you from your hotel or at home one calls a taxi in advance.

|||

thankyou. Do you have any ideas about cost please? I have looked at some pre-booking websites which suggest as much as GBP 145.

thankyou

|||

Normal taxi is EUR 25-30. Mini van taxis are normally EUR 5 more.

%26gt; some pre-booking websites ... as much as GBP 145

As I said: this is not common in Germany. If you want something that is not common at all you have to pay a price for this.

|||

thankyou !

Hotel near Gendarmenmarkt

My family and I are looking for a nice 2 * or 3 * hotel near Gendarmenmarkt around Christmas.

Thanks for your help.

|||

Unfortunately that is quite expensive area. But with excellent public transport, try the following: Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz

Dircksenstrasse 36, Berlin, Germany, 10179

1.5 km from Gendarmenmarkt

or Hotel Villa Amadeus

Potsdamer Stasse 91, Berlin, Germany, 10785

Google maps, public transport, website, etc.

Or: pensionamcheckpoint.de/Pensionamcheckpoint-a…

|||

http://www.hrs.com

and give as destination %26quot;Gendarmenmarkt%26quot;. Will list all available hotels by distance.

|||

For the period I queried over Christmas HRS showed

4* Winter%26#39;s Hotel am Gendarmenmarkt for EUR 55,00 (double room per night without breakfast).

|||

For those who don%26#39;t know it: hrs.de is a great booking site we%26#39;ve used quite a lot in the last couple of years. Good for family bookings and good rates.

|||

2-3 stars near Gendarmenmarkt is a tall order - but...

They are opening soon a new Motel One in Spittelmarkt (not far from Gendarmenmarkt) and there is a Best Western Spittelmarkt further down the Spittelmarkt area.

Also - when looking at this list of hotels close to Gendarmenmarkt, http://tinyurl.com/yzfstdg , I saw this one

Checkpoint INN

http://tinyurl.com/yhjsfua

I don%26#39;t know this one, but the location is great and it has good reviews

Other nearby 2-3 star hotels:

- Kubrat

- Hotel M68 (which has pretty tepid reviews)

I wouldn%26#39;t worry o much about being close to Gendarmenmarkt though: there is great public transportation in the city and many nice neighbourhoods.

|||

Lynda, hrs works in any country where they have hotel contact. US: hrs.com

can be used in any English speaking country, hrs.pl (Poland), hrs.cz (Czech) etc. Good booking service worldwide....

|||

Hi,

try Mercure Checkpoint Charlie through accorhotels.com. They are 4-star, but they sometimes have really nice offers.Last December we haved stayed there in a large king room for around 60 Eur per night.

Also mail them directly, if you cannot find a good price, they sometimes give better prices than on the general website. You can find more information and the mail adress, when you click the hotel´s name.

Gendarmenmarkt in walking distance from there.

|||

I%26#39;ve just booked 3 nights in a 4 star hotel which has already been mentioned - Winter%26#39;s Hotel Gendarmenmarkt Berlin Stadtmitte. It looks clean and modern and it%26#39;s in gendarmenmarkt right next to the stadmitte u-bahn station.

I went on expedia, and paid £134 for 3 nights for a standard room with queen bed. It was much cheaper on expedia than anywhere else for some reason!

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|||

Thank you so much for your help!

Zurich Airport to Hintergarten

Is there a bus or train from Zurich Airport to Hintergarten %26amp; would August be a nice time to visit?

|||

DB timetable

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

From: Zuerich Airport

To: Hinterzarten

August is a good time for a visit. Due the rather high location of Hinterzarten (900 m) it does not get there too hot in Summer.

|||

Thankyou so much Abalada for your prompt reply.

Berlin Ghost Walk -

Anyone been on http://baerentouren.de/berlin_citytour.html walks?

They advertise a Ghost Walk, in English on Sunday evenings at 10pm. Looks good from their webpage.

You need to book. Just spoken to guy who runs it and they need 4 people to make a tour viable. My problem is that I will be there for 20th year of Berlin Wall demise and want to go on the walk but nobody else has booked !!

Anyone interested? Or 3 if possible !!! If so, please see website and make a call to them.

Free travel from DUS to Hauptbahnhof

Is it true that, if you arrive at Düsseldorf airport on a Lufthansa plane, your Lufthansa ticket allows you to travel on a regional train or S-Bahn train from the airport to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof free of charge?

|||

If it is true, it something very new.

|||

Could not find any hint on this.

There are only cooperations with some travel agencies. If you e.g..buy a ticket with them for a Lufthansa flight this will work in this way.

vrr.de/de/…index.html

Otherwise a single ticket is EUR 2,30.

|||

Normally, you CANNOT use the local transportation with a Lufthansa ticket.

If your ticket does not include local transportation you have to pay EUR 40 as penalty.

Hotel Bristol or Hotel Victoria?

I am thinking of visiting Frankfurt for a weekend break in March next year and seem to have got down to 2 hotels, the Bristol and the Victoria. Can anyone help me decide? Which is the nearest to the railway station and the most central one for sightseeing? Or any other suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks

|||

Any reason why you have chosen these two hotels? Do they have something specifically that you want or like? Did you get a good price or deal? They are both very near the train station as you can see from their location maps on google or from their websites. Hotel Bristol is about 10 more minutes from the city center than the Victoria, walking.

There are tons of hotels to choose from, and though there is nothing inherently wrong with staying near the train station, some people would like to be in a nicer neighborhood, or in a hotel with more charm. What is your budget?

|||

Thanks for the speedy reply. I suppose it was budget really (£130 for the 2 nights) that steered me in the direction of these 2 hotels, and they seemed to have good Tripadvisor reviews. I chose ones near the station to provide an easy link from the airport, by train and then on foot - we can very easily get lost!! I am totally open to suggestions.

|||

I just looked under www.hrs.com just to get an idea as they usually have good prices and it is easy to see the locations, etc. Don%26#39;t know your dates, so typed in March 19-21.

These hotels looked good and are in nicer neighborhoods and not that hard to get to, as well as being fairly close to the city center.

Art Hotel Robert Mayer - Westend

Hotel Pension Goelz - Westend

Alexander am Zoo - Eastend / Bornheim

Maingau - Sachsenhausen

Ibis - City Center on the River

Steigenberger Frankfurt City - City center, but farther East, and also next to the river

All of these were 71 GBP and under. I think if it was me, I would go for the Steigenberger or the Ibis for the easiest to get to. Alexander am Zoo and the Art Hotel are probably the prettiest. Don%26#39;t go with the prices that are listed here on TA. Do a few searches, look at the hotels own website, and hrs.com of course.

If you don%26#39;t mind a 10-15 min. tram ride straight from the train station, have a look at Motel One too.

Zurich Airport to Hintergarten

Is there a train or bus from Zurich Airport to Hintergarten,also would it be nice to visit in August?

|||

I guess you mean HinterZarten?

www.bahn.de/international/view/en/index.shtml

From: ZRH

To: Hinterzarten

August is ideal, as H%26#39;zarten is situated at an altitude of 900m and a refuge from the sultriness in the Rhine Valley.

|||

Thankyou for your prompt reply.

Christmas markets and vineyards

Hi,

My partner and I are planning to go to Germany at the end of Nov. for a weekend I%26#39;m hoping to visit one of the bigger Christmas markets and my partner would like to visit nearby vineyards for a daytrip (to sample their Rieslings!). I%26#39;m considering Frankfurt as a base and travel to Rheingau for a day. How long will the trip take? Any tours recommendations? Or any other better places as a base?

Thanks a lot!

|||

http://www.rheingau.de/languages/english

Mainz or Wiesbaden would be alternatives as base. Both are (at least some suburbs) vine growing communities.

Frankfurt is more famous for its apple wine.

mainz.de/WGAPublisher/…hpkr-5nkgnz.en.html

http://english.wiesbaden.de

|||

The largest grape growing city in Germany is Stuttgart ( www.stuttgart-tourist.de ), and the vineyards are extensive making it fairly unique for a large European city. There are scenic walks through the vineyards with wineries and places to eat along the way, but certainly not at their best during the time of Christmas markets. Stuttgart is also home to one of Europe%26quot;s largest, oldest, most visited, and most beautiful Christmas markets ( www.stuttgarter--weihnachtsmarkt.de . All the booths are highly decorated and the setting is lovely by the Stiftskirche (old church), Old Palace and New Palace. Essentially, a good portion of central Stuttgart is a contiguous Christmas Market. In addition, there are two other excellent large themed Christmas markets 15 minutes away by S-bahn: Esslingen Medieval %26amp; Christmas Market set in the well preserved medieval center of this town ( www.esslingen.de ); and Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market ( www.ludwigsburg.de ) set close to Germany%26#39;s largest perfectly preserved Baroque palace (in www.schloesser-und-gaerten.de ), the Swabian Versailles, with several days worth of excellent things to see and do.

So by visiting Stuttgart, three large excellent Christmas markets are easily accessible, all different from each other. Stuttgart is accessible from England inexpensively by GermanWings ( www.germanwings.com ) and TUIfly ( www.tuifly.com ).

|||

For the Christmas Market the correct address is www.stuttgarter-weihnachtsmarkt.de which is only in English. For the Stuttgart vineyard walks- www.stuttgarter-weinwanderweg.de . For wines, Stuttgart also has many Weinstuben and Besenwirtschaften where the excellent traditional Swabian food can also be eaten.

Stuttgart also has many other excellent things to see and do, museums such as the Porsche and Mercedes Benz automotive ones, excellent opera, ballet and musical events, many of which may be seasonally related. There is also the world%26#39;s Christmas Circus with famous acts from throughout the world ( www.weltweihnachtscircus.de only in German which should be no problem).

|||

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Thanks a lot for the advice!

We%26#39;ve decided to go for Frankfurt + a day trip to Rheingau. We%26#39;re not planning to drive - would be great if you guys can give us some advice on how to get there by public transport.

There are 5 cities: Eltville, Oestrich-Winkel, Geisenheim, Ruedesheim and Lorch in the Rheingau area. Which one should we go to for a day? (which one is the easiest to reach? or has the most to offer?)

Thanks again!

Want to make it memorable

Hello,

I%26#39;m taking my husband and our four year old daughter to Berlin w/c 26th Oct. It is our first trip there and my treat for his 50th. We are staying at a Marriott because I got a good deal. I%26#39;d appreciate any advice you might have on where to spend our 3 to 4 days. He loves architecture, traditional and modern, is v interested in the history of Berlin particularly the second WW, and the wall and loves art. On the other hand I have a four year old that much prefers swing parks. Thankfully the hotel has a pool! Any advice would be much appreciated. We%26#39;d also like an evening out so some sort of entertainment - we can be pretty daring.

Many thanks!

Allison

|||

Hi Allison,

for history I can recommed %26quot;Story of Berlin%26quot; on Kurfürstendamm.It shows Berlins history from the early beginning to modern times and compares life in the eastern and western part. At some times of the day they walk you through a bunker from the cold war, which is in the next bulding. Very impressive and intimidating imo.

For entertaining: Friedrichstadtpalast! On friedrichstadtpalast.de you find all informations in english.

See visitberlin.de for special programs with kids.In english too.

|||

Hi

thanks so much, that%26#39;s really helpful.

Very excited about our first trip to Germany/Berlin

best wishes

Allison

|||

Architecture isn%26#39;t really my thing, but I can help with the Second World War stuff. For Second World War history, check out some of the walking tour companies (particularly Insider Tours, Brewer%26#39;s, and Berlin Walks) as they offer Third Reich-themed tours of central Berlin with stops at a lot of 1933-1945 sites. If you%26#39;re unable to find such a tour on the day you want, consider taking one of their standard Berlin history walks, which will cover a lot of WW2 sites anyway. Have a look:

http://www.berlinwalks.com/

http://www.insidertour.com/

http://www.brewersberlintours.com/

Take a look at Berliner Unterwelt (Berlin underworld) website. berliner-unterwelten.de/seite-nicht-gefunden…

They offer tours of things like rair raid shelters, etc. This might be a neat experience for a WW2 buff.

The German History Museum is excellent.

Normally I strongly recommend (for those with an interest in the period) a visit to Sachsenhausen concentration camp, but with your young child, perhaps not a good idea, that. For similar reasons maybe not the Wannsee Conference House.

I do think a themed tour would work well for your husband.

|||

DDR-Museum (on Spreeufer opposite the cathedral) is interactive so eg you can sit in a Trabant, look in kitchen cupboards etc. Also good with a small child in that it%26#39;s quite small . The Deutsches Historisches Museum/German Historical Museum nearby is HUGE , so much so that I%26#39;ve still not seen all of it. There you really have to concentrate ona period or two of history.

The Märkisches Museum concentrates on Berlin history in a traditional way (so very different presentation from Story of Berlin). Being a similar age to your husband I preferred it to Story of Berlin%26#39;s flashing lights etc, and my husband also enjoyed it, as captions etc are translated into English . Artifacts from medieval times on, city models, paintings etc.

Depends on your daughter but I%26#39;d have thought the Pergamon altar and Gates of Ishtar (which arevery colourful and very high) would hold some appeal even at her age.

Near your hotel: Lego discovery centre by the Sony Center.The Sealife Center is near DDR-Museum/German Historical Museum if you want an alternative activity in that area.

|||

Cheers all - getting very excited, can%26#39;t wait!

kind regards

Allison

|||

Double decker buses aren%26#39;t a novelty as such to a Londoner but the routes 100 and 200 which both go from Alexanderplatz to Zoologischer Garten and bus M29. 200 and M29 stop near your hotel and all are great cheap alternatives to the hop on, hop off buses.

100 which goes past Reichstag building and through Tiergarten park and 200 (via Potsdamer Platz) are mentioned in all the guidebooks; M29 featured in a %26quot;budget travel%26quot; article budgettravel.com/bt-srv/….

If you need to do any shopping: near your hotel is Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, a nice, midsized shopping centre which also has nice cafes upstairs (wonderful Apfelstrudel in the Viennese cafe) , great ice-cream etc etc. There are two supermarkets among shops in the basement, Aldi, a discounter, and Kaisers. There%26#39;s also an Ampelmann shop with souvenirs featuring the behatted traffic light figures.Lots of Berlin books, and paperbacks in English, in Hugendubel bookshop, upstairs

|||

Hello

thanks so much for your kind and helpful responses. My husband said it was %26quot;the best holiday I%26#39;ve ever had%26quot;. I love Berlin and can%26#39;t wait to go back. It%26#39;s a really great city and the people were super friendly.

We managed to get round to see some of the things we wanted to (as per your suggestions) but didn%26#39;t manage it all. The location of our hotel was perfect for sight seeing.

best wishes

Allison

Hotel Villa Marstall or Gausthaus Hotel Backmulde?

I will be traveling to Heidelberg next summer with my husband and 13 year old daughter. The Hotel Villa Marstall and Gausthaus Hotel BAckmulde have both been recommended to me and get good reviews. I am wondering the following:

1. The Villa Marstall fronts the river, which sounds great, but will it be loud in the evening? We aren%26#39;t ones to stay up that late.

2. What are the pros or cons of either location?

Any advice or recommendations is appreciated! Thank you.

|||

Villa Marstall : next to a main street with traffic . if you book a room to the other side , the location is perfect.

Hotel Backmulde : in the middle of the old town possibly noisy people at night

|||

Although it fronts the river, I believe there is a road in front, then the river. In any case the center Old Town in Heidelberg is fairly noisy, but quaint and lively with restaurants, bars, pedestrians.

|||

Thank you both very much for your help!

|||

Can%26#39;t tell you about Villa Marstall, but we stayed at the Gasthaus Backmulde last month and it was on a quiet street off the main street. If you end up choosing this one, make sure you ask for a room with a private bath. The rooms on the 3rd floor share a bath. I thought the rooms were pretty stark, but worked for one night.

|||

I stayed in Villa Marstall facing the river and road.

The hotel is very well soundproofed both internally and externally.

I don%26#39;t think we had the windows open much, but we had no trouble with noise.

The breakfast was very good, fresh and made up several times.

Hotels in Old Town

Could someone recommend a good hotel in or near Old Town as we were told this is the best spot to stay for restaurants and pubs. Thanks

|||

The first time we went to Dusseldorf we stayed in the Mercure on Stressemann platz. While not in the old town it is only around a 15 minute walk to the heart of the old town. The walk takes you onto the Konnigsalle and it%26#39;s a lovely walk.

The hotel does very good bar food and there is an excellant Thai Restaurant just around the corner called SIla Thai. Also there is a Brauerei just one street behind which also serves really good food.

The Train station is less than 10 minutes walk from the hotel door.

We got a good deal with www.booking.com for this hotel.

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I seldom stay in Best Western Chain in North AMERICA, but I like them in Europe. Usually clean, good location, good breakfast.

Here is one (google translate)...

www.ambassador-duesseldorf.bestwestern.de/

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Take a look at Orangerie which is in a very good location in Altstadt. Right at the edge of Altstadt is Carat, also a good place. We have stayed in both. Orangerie is more modern, but rooms a bit smaller. Carat is a bit more traditional. Both very reasonably priced with good breakfasts included.

ZB

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Thanks very much

Bavarian Alps from Munich

Im looking for some snow a great views in December and im hearing the Alps from Munich are going to be my best bet of breath taking views snow etc etc.

This is only going to be a day trip from Munich bet i can get up early to travel

1.easy way to get there ?

2. what views im i going to see?

Snow, Water, Villages, Glacier ?

We are fit so can hike a little.

Mountain Lifts would also be great ????

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Garmisch-Partenkirchen (1:25 from Munich)

http://www.gapa.de/

and going up to the Zugspitze

http://www.zugspitze.de

Mittenwald (1:50 from Munich)

http://www.mittenwald.de/

and going up into the Karwendel mountains

http://www.karwendelbahn.de/

Karwendelbahn is cheaper than the Zugspitzbahn. Mittenwald is also the more cute town.

In any case going up to the peaks makes only sense if you have sight there. You can check this beforehand with the above links.

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Your best choice on such day trips will be Bavaria ticket ;)

stay at fuessen town or weissensee

Reaching Fuessen in early September. Found some economical B%26amp;B%26#39;s in Weissensee which is approx. 5 kms from Fuessen. Would anyone have some feedback on any of these B%26amp;B%26#39;s - Berghof Sichler, pension weisser hirsch, hax n wirt, pension garni steigmuehle, seegasthof weissensee. Thanks.

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I haven%26#39;t stayed there, but but have driven through Weissensee. It is along the main road (B-310) coming from the west (Pfronten) into Fuessen and is located a bit above Fuessen, with a nice view of the mountains.

Of the places you listed, only the Seegasthof Weissensee is listed in the red Michelin Guide Deutschland. It is rated %26quot;quite comfortable%26quot;. I generally rely on the Michelin Guide when choosing my lodgings, anywhere. It says in the Guide that there is outdoor eating available as well as a beach/garden. Since the Gasthof is along the B-310 it could be noisy, unless you can get a room overlooking the lake. The hotel is 6km from Fuessen.

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There is also the nearby village of Schwangau-Horn. Very very close by to Fuessen. There are several nice hotels and many of them have a view to the castles which is very pretty at night with all of the lights shining on the castles. Try the Hotel Helmerhof http://www.helmerhof.de/ or the Hotel Ruebezahl http://www.hotelruebezahl.de/en/ if you can afford it.

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Tou could also stay in ohenschwangau itself. We stayed at the Guesthouse Weiher. In the evening, after most of the tourists left, it was magic to sit on the balcony, watching the lighted castle and listening to the cowbells.

Danube River Cruise? Gate 1 Travel?

We are thinking of taking a Danube River Cruise in December. Has anyone used Gate 1 travel to book?

This one is on the MS Amadeus Classic. I can%26#39;t find any reviews--we%26#39;ve never cruised before!

It is Dec. 17 to 23-from Regensburg to Vienna.

I%26#39;ve seen some bad reviews of this company.

Any thoughts?

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I recently booked this cruise leaving on Dec 12th We called Gate 1 and talked to a very nice representative who was able to answer all of our questions and was very helpful. The price is unbelievable for the air and cruise. We are really looking forward to this trip.

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My wife and I took this cruise in December 2008. For a bargain priced cruise we didn%26#39;t know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised. The Gate 1 people were outstanding and provided great service. The ship was very nice and the food excellent. I strongly recommend them as this was the best vacation we have ever taken.

We are going back to Europe this year on Avalon waterways which we hope will be as good as the Gate 1 cruise. Have a nice vacation.

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I took this cruise with my husband in December 2008. For a bargain priced cruise we didn%26#39;t know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised. The Gate 1 people were outstanding and provided great service. The ship was very nice and the food excellent. I strongly recommend them as this was the best vacation we have ever taken.

We are going back to Europe this year on Avalon waterways which we hope will be as good as the Gate 1 cruise. Have a nice vacation.

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We are taking this cruise with Gate 1, Christmas Markets, Vienna-Nuremberg, dep. first week of Dec. I have also been searching for info. and reviews, without much success. Have you been able to find out anything other than 2 replies on this post? If interested, I can let you know of our experience when we return on Dec. 10. We will be leaving Thanksgiving weekend. In the meantime, if you find any other sources of info., please advise. Thank you!

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I haven%26#39;t seen any other reviews, so I am a little nervous. Our river cruise leaves on Dec 18 from Regensburg. I think it will be Ok-it%26#39;s basically for eating and sleeping! We did our own air, since ours was a little complicated-we are meeting our son in Boston and flying with him from there and then return to LA!

Please let us know how yours goes!! i%26#39;ve read mixed reviews of Gate 1-so I%26#39;m hoping all goes well!!!

Frankfurt Airport to Dusselldorf

Hi,

I hope somebody can help me I want to get a train from Frankfurt Airport to Dusselldorf, how do I go about this.

Thanks in advance.

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DB timetable

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

From: FRA

To: D

Check if you can buy from your airline Rail%26amp;Fly tickets.

bahn.de/international/…rail_fly.shtml

Lee Barracks Mainz

Does anyone know what happened to Lee Barracks in Mainz? My husband was stationed there many years ago and we were wondering what happened to it and also Aldo%26#39;s Pizza?

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most off the post in wiesbaden and Mainz are gone since 1995.most of the buisnes are gone too.

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when was your husband stationed at Lee Barracks. I was there from 83-86 in the 2/87 medical corps...it later became known as the 5/8 regiment. I loved Aldo%26#39;s pizza...a friend of mine married a German lady who worked at the schnellimbiss right next to Aldo%26#39;s and I guess that%26#39;s gone too. I have been trying to find them, to see if they are still together. His name is Ron Newman and her%26#39;s was Edel, last known address in the states at the time was Parma Ohio.

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The US Army left Mainz in the mid-90s. Most of what used to be Lee Barracks is now (civilian) housing. But the KFC restaurant is still there :-)

Tom

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I served in Mainz in 1981-1983 at Lee Barracks. I was in Bco

8th Med battalion. My Name is James Woods some of my Friends used to call me big bird because i was so tall and skinny at that time or they used to call me woody if any of u guys and girls read this get in touch with me I can be reached at (734)421-8071 I am still livivng in Michigan my home of record I would love to hear from all of u guys. My E-mail address is Wooj43@yahoo.com.

James woods

P.S i remember aldo%26#39;s pizzia too! It was really good pizza

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Hi,

I was wondering when it was that u were stationed in mainz and what unit u were in ? I was stationed there in the 80%26#39;s

and was assigned to Bravo company 8th Med battalion.

please let me know.

Thank you

James Woods

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I was stationed at Lee Barracks from 88 to 91 with C Co 5/8 Infantry. Last year my wife and I returned for a visit. Basically the entire place went condo. All the barracks have been converted into condos and or dorms. The motorpool is gone as well as most of the buildings on post. The entrance to Lee Barracks, which used to be Bde HQ, is now refugee housing for Turks.

The entire post looks rather nice. They were still doing construction back in 2002.

Thanks.

Kevin C. Morris

(1LT C Co. 5/8 Inf)

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I live and work in Darmstadt. There is still the barracks in Mainz-Kastell and near Mainz-Finthen. Wiesbaden also has a couple barracks, as well as an airfield. I hope this helps.... Prost!

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I too was once stationed at Lee Barracks. I remember Aldo%26#39;s Pizza (good stuff) and %26quot;Cheap Charlie%26#39;s%26quot; Army Store (not so cheap).

I revisited the place in the Fall of 1999 and found the barracks defunct and being converted to housing of some sort.The building which I lived in back in 1979 was still standing but waiting demolition as was most of the 2nd Bn 28th Inf. bldgs.

I found the Army Store sign still there but of course the store was closed. And as for Aldo%26#39;s it was and Arab snack store. In general the area seemed to be economically depressed and the visit somewhat depressed me too.

Gone also is the charm of the old train station downtown and the Weinerwald accross the street(both modernized).

Time changes all!

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I went back in 1999. I was in the 2nd Bn 28th Inf. in 1979.

Aldo%26#39;s in now an Arab snack store. The barracks were being torn down and replaced with housing of some sort.

Cheap Charlie%26#39;s was still there but closed. Overall the area looked economically depressed.

The downtown train station was redone and has lost all of its old world charm. No mor CrazySexy and the Weinerwald has been modernized.

Aint that a shame!

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I was stationed at Wiesbaden Air Base from 85 to 88. I%26#39;m planning on going back in February and taking my wife. I think WAB is still there, but I don%26#39;t know what else to expect. Did any of you guys cross the river into Wiesbaden?

Hal McGinnis

Spring in Franconia???

Had to forego the Franconia portion of a vacation last month. Would like to return in the second half of April or early May instead. Just wondering how is the weather that time of year, which clearly is an impossible question to answer.....Generally, is the weather fairly nice, or dank and dismal? Thanks.

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Usually it%26#39;s fairly pleasant. Franken is very much a wine growing region, so that gives you an idea what the general climate is like.

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Impossible to predict. Every year is different. In April you can have all possible varieties of weather within one hour. It changes quickly, that is about the only rule you can rely on. Another rule of thumb is that there usually are a couple of cold, even frosty days in early or mid May, but it is hard to predict when exactly. With the recent changes of climate the old weather rules are not reilable any more.

Tender green leaves will be out, the spring flowers are in bloom, birds are singing and everything is in pretty colours. If you are okay with varying weather conditions and don%26#39;t need summer warmth at all costs, this is a fine season for travelling.

Any idea where to go outside of Frankfurt??

I%26#39;ll be in Frankfurt for 4 days 3 nights. The 1st day on arrival, i%26#39;ll just exploring Frankfurt itself. Then second day plan to go to Heidelberg. However no idea where should i go for the third day and fourth day? Can anyone please suggest it? how about Wiesbaden and Koblenz or Mainz? Any nice suggestion?

Besides that what%26#39;s the cheapest ticket should i get if i want to get to those places? i%26#39;ve heard about Rhineland-Palatinate Ticket. Is it a day ticket and which area does it covered?

Thanks ...

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If you want a romantic little old university town, IMHO twice a s pretty as Heidelberg but half as touristy, have a look at Marburg: http://www.marburg.de/detail/24698

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When will you be arriving here? You might want to leave more than just your arrival day to explore Frankfurt, depending on what your interests are. Many people need a minimum of 2 days just for the museums, galleries, churches and historic sites, let alone exploring any of the neighborhoods or shopping.

Marburg is a great idea. Consider Wuerzburg too. Mainz is lovely and the cathedral there is impressive as well as their Roman ruins. There are many towns along the Rhein or in the Taunus mountains that are interesting. Perhaps get a good map out and take a look, visit some of the online tourist info sites for some of these places.

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Thanks for your suggestion.

But is it worth for a one day trip? I am actually looking for a place that i can spent one whole day walking around.

If I am going to Heidelberg from Frankfurt.. Can I buy Baden-Württemberg-Ticket? it said that EUR 28 for 2 person. I think it%26#39;s cheaper in that way.

Thanks .

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I will arrive in Frankfurt by tomorrow noon. Not so into museums, but will certainly go for churches and some historic sites.

how about Koblenz? I%26#39;ve check the train ticket from Frankfurt to Koblenz, it%26#39;s about EUR 44 ++ . If I take train to Mainz then from Mainz I buy a Rhineland-Palatinate ticket, would it be better?

many Thanks.

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Of course you can spend a whole day in Marburg. See the website I linked for suggestions what to do. Hey, that town kept me busy for 11 entire years!

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haha thanks for the info BlandineForberg.

By the way, u live in Marburg?

Cheers..

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Not any more, I moved away some years ago for job reasons, but I did my entire studies including my doctoral thesis at Marburg university.

Freiburg im Breisgau to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

We are thinking to drive from Frieburg to Rothenburg in early Jan after spending 2 nights in the Titisee region. Is it possible to do in a few hours or should we choose somewhere closer. We don%26#39;t want to spend all day in the car!. We then plan to spend one night in Rothenburg then one night in Bamburg before flying out of Frankfurt on a late flight. Also is %26quot;black ice%26quot; a problem on the roads at that time of year - sorry if it sounds a silly question but we live in the tropics and have never experienced seriously cold weather.

All suggestions appreciated.

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%26gt; We are thinking to drive from Frieburg to Rothenburg in early Jan after spending 2 nights in the Titisee region.

From Titisee you better travel eastbound towards the autobahn A81.

Via Freiburg is a big detour.

%26gt; Is it possible to do in a few hours

Yes.

%26gt; Also is %26quot;black ice%26quot; a problem on the roads at that time of year - sorry if it sounds a silly question but we live in the tropics and have never experienced seriously cold weather.

Of course this could be a problem. As well as snow on the roads. At the altitude of Titisee quite likely in early January.

There can be some snow

www.horst-jeschke.de/BR%2058/img_0010.htm

or a lot of snow

www.hoellentalbahn-info.de/schnee/index.html

You could do this tour as well by train.

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Thanks so much Abalada, will definately visit Freiburg during our stay in the area rather than visiting it enroute to Rothenburg. Thanks for the photos they are fantastic - did you take them? I hope we get lots of snow just like in your shots - very exciting - I can%26#39;t wait!!! We are hiring a 4WD with winter tyres and snow chains and will take it very carefully. Thanks again for your advise. Greetings from a hot and sunny Darwin, NT Aust.

Recommended hotels in Frankfurt

Hi, I am going to Frankfurt next August to see U2 at the Commerzbank Arena, and was wanting advise on a good hotel that is fairly nearby/central to the Arena.

Not too expensive but not shabby either please.

Adele :)

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Hi there. I%26#39;m currently researching exactly the same thing (U2, Aug 10th). The commerzbank arena is on the S-bahn (train) route with station at the arena. 10 minutes into Frankfurt, so any Frankfurt hotel seems appropriate. Hotels.com %26amp; Hotwire seem to have lots of good deals - check the deals then look at tripadvisor to sort which hotel is OK.

Good luck - I%26#39;ll be watching your post before I book (currently looking at a 5* on hotwire for 106 dollars a night - probably the Westin). Movenpick also has good reviews and cheaper.

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Have either of you looked on www.hrs.com yet? It is easy to control what hotels come up, by budget and neighborhood.

Look for hotels in Westend, Sachsenhausen, Ostend, Nordend, Bornheim. Staying near the train station is of course an option, but in the summer it can be noisy down there and many hotels do not have A/C, which I think I would be looking for in August.

Motel One is good one to look at too, as it is a straight shot with the tram #11 from the main train station. No chance of getting lost!

See some of my other posts on the forum here with my hotel recommendations. I usually keep them under 75 euro per night.

Going to Germany for the first time - any recs?

I%26#39;ll be hitting Berlin, Munich and Cologne/Dusseldorf in February. May drive to each city. Any cities along the way that we should hit? Maybe something off the beaten path or not too touristy?

Don%26#39;t they have wine regions in Germany?

Anything else that I should be sure not to miss??

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If you travel from city to city, then driving is definitely not the best option. German cities aren%26#39;t LA.

%26gt;Any cities along the way that we should hit? Maybe something off the beaten path or not too touristy?

It is rather hard to decide as there are too many places where you can stop and visit. Hardly anything here (with a few exceptions like Neuschwanstein or Checkpoint Charlie) is %26quot;touristy%26quot;. But please get a good guidebook for Germany to see all the possibilities.

%26gt;Don%26#39;t they have wine regions in Germany?

Yes we do - for you, the Lower Franconia around Würzburg would be on the route from Munich to Cologne, or alternatively the Palatinate area west of Mannheim/Frankfurt, or Rheinhessen further along the Rhine, or the Mosel valley...

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if you are driving from Munich to Cologne, and can take your time, you might consider the Romantic Road - check this out, if you like:

http://www.romanticroad.com/

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really? you don%26#39;t suggest driving? if we were travelling from Berlin to Munich and wanted to stop at some other cities, is that easy to do by train?

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Sure - trains are fast, comfortable and less stressful than driving - there is also a whole range of train tickets available within Germany that can make your journey a lot cheaper as well europetrainsguide.com/200907153/Countries/Ge…

Remember that many/most German cities are medieval and were therefore not designed for cars - you will find it to be an expensive hindrance in cities.

Just stay clear of Rail Europe!

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You didn%26#39;t tell us how much time you have for this trip. You could easily spend 4 nights in Berlin, 3 in Munich and 2 in Cologne without getting bored. Thus I%26#39;d say if you don%26#39;t have more time then an overnight in the countryside/town along the routes between those cities doesn%26#39;t make sense. For a few hours in a city inbetween you could easily break up the train ride. Leipzig, Bamberg or Nürnberg come to my mind between Berlin and Munich e.g.

Also, would you be prepared to drive on snowy/icy roads? February is still winter here in Germany! Nobody knows about the road conditions in advance. Definitely take trains.

best base for 3 nights - koblenz,cologne,cochem,bacharach,

will be traveling by train in April and want to spend 3-6 nights along the Rhine/Mosel valleys. should we try to numerous overnights in several places or pick one town as a base and just do daytrips?

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I%26#39;d pick one. Koblenz is the train hub for both rivers and easiest for daytrips if you stay near the station; a good place if you want to be in a good-sized city. Cochem is my favorite town of the four and makes for a good base too; I%26#39;ve used it myself on numerous occasions. But it%26#39;s quiet in April, not much to do in the evenings, and you%26#39;ll need to change trains in Koblenz for Rhine journeys - not a major deal and worth it if you want a smaller more scenic and atmospheric place to stay. It%26#39;s very close to Burg Eltz, not far at all by train from Trier.

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For the Moselle and Middle Rhine Valleys choose Cochem or Koblenz.

If you want to visit Cologne I would recommend to stay there before of afterwards.