What to see/do in the Blackforest

[rickinva]

No way I can go to Germany without at least one day touring by car. I have an Audi rented, leaving from Stuttgart, and plan to head toward the Blackforest. We've read a few guide books, so we have some idea of what to see/do, but would appreciate any first hand info on what to see, what not to miss, and what is a waste of time.

[Jagermeister]

No way I can go to Germany without at least one day touring by car. I have an Audi rented, leaving from Stuttgart, and plan to head toward the Blackforest. We've read a few guide books, so we have some idea of what to see/do, but would appreciate any first hand info on what to see, what not to miss, and what is a waste of time.

Well, it is probably 3 hours or so from Stittgart, but the Neuschwanstein Castle is spectacular (famous Disne castle was modeled after it).

Perched up in the mountains it is stunning. The town is nice, and good amenities, but it is a bit of a haul. Going to the center of Munich and eating at the Ratskeller and walking the wown center is great to.

The lake town of Lindau is also absolutely beautifull. Lake in the alps, great town, with great food, views and drink. (2 hours from Stuttgart).

My two cents. Plenty of other places but these are the most interesting/beautifull IMO.

[AGF Aarhus]

It's all a matter of personal preference, so don't take my opinions as any more than just that: my opinions.

The places Jagermeister list are the last things I would do. They are overrun with tourists in the best of times, and the WC will not exactly be the best of times. Gazing at Snow White's (or is it Cinderella's, I forget) castle through the haze of Japanese tour buses is not my cup of tea.

I have not been to the Schwarzwald, so I can't offer any advice there.

What I can say, is the sort of triangle between Frankfurt, Heidelberg and Würzberg is very nice, especially along the Main west of Würzberg. Heidelberg is cool, but along the river you have small towns with old castles that have a lot of charm. Miltenberg and Wertheim are beautiful, and at least when I was there, free of tourists.

A lot of people will tell you to go to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Again, this is just my opinion, but I despise this place. Yes, it's a preserved village, but again those damn tour buses. It ruins the experience for me. The towns I mentioned above also have great old architecture (admitadly not on the same scale, though), with the difference being that people actually live there.

That's my $0.02.

[Jagermeister]

It's all a matter of personal preference, so don't take my opinions as any more than just that: my opinions.

The places Jagermeister list are the last things I would do. They are overrun with tourists in the best of times, and the WC will not exactly be the best of times. Gazing at Snow White's (or is it Cinderella's, I forget) castle through the haze of Japanese tour buses is not my cup of tea.

I have not been to the Schwarzwald, so I can't offer any advice there.

What I can say, is the sort of triangle between Frankfurt, Heidelberg and Würzberg is very nice, especially along the Main west of Würzberg. Heidelberg is cool, but along the river you have small towns with old castles that have a lot of charm. Miltenberg and Wertheim are beautiful, and at least when I was there, free of tourists.

A lot of people will tell you to go to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Again, this is just my opinion, but I despise this place. Yes, it's a preserved village, but again those damn tour buses. It ruins the experience for me. The towns I mentioned above also have great old architecture (admitadly not on the same scale, though), with the difference being that people actually live there.

That's my $0.02.

This is very true. Thanks for the reality. These are tourists spots, and because I can pick and choose when I go to these spots, I can usually avoid the crowds, so during the cup it will get ugly. Kind of like Manhattan (or any popular spot). It's a mess, but if you know when to go, you can even go to the tourist spots and get around fairly well.

Must remember however, all decent spots will probably be a mess/overrun then, so choose your poison.
Japanese tourists may hit the big spots, but don't think for one second that all of those Euros will not be on top of most other things.

It's a huge event, and crowds will happen, no matter where.

[Raider Red]

Unfortunately, the Black Forest is not high enough on the priority list, so it was eliminated for logistics (such as going to the three US games instead). We're doing the Rhine and Mosel valleys, along with Munich and Rothenburg.

www.ricksteves.com, yo. Hit the castles early in the morning.

[jorge805]

Rick,

This is isn't first hand, but you should check out Hohenzollern Castle, right outside of Stuttgart, in Hechingen. We're hitting it and staying right at the foot of the castle the night before the US vs. Italy game. It's gorgeous. Check it out at http://www.preussen.de/en/today/burg_hohenzollern.html

[DoctorD]

Neuschwanstein is pretty far. You'd be much better served by starting in Munich to visit it.

Hohenzollern Castle is cool

Also:

Tuebingen

Bebenhausen - beautiful example of a late medieval monastery

Calw - walled city and birthplace of Kepler

Hike around the Schwabisch Alb (beautiful, but unknown)

Ludwigsburg Castle

Tour the Mercedes or Porsche plants

Check if any Stuttgart wineries have tours