Western Germany??

[Michelle]

Okay, so now I am requesting the help of people who have visited Western Germany. My boyfriend and I want to see something in Germany but definitely don't want to go too far east as our next country we will be visiting is the Netherlands. We were thinking something on the west coast and further north.
Has anyone been in the area? What are some good places to visit, or what are some places worth seeing? We were wondering about Cologne or Dusseldorf?? Is it worth it or should we skip Germany all together?
Any information is appreciated!

[LHR02]

I'd say don't skip it...there are some great things to see there! How long do you have to play with? Heidelberg, Rothenburg, Cologne, the castles on the Rhine, Black Forest region.....what interests you and how long are you planning to be in country?

[omaann]

I have never been to Cologne or Dusseldorf but have been to Bremen and Hamburg. Both are wonderful cities with alot to offer. Both have awesome history, old churches and are on or near the water. Both have websites if you want to check them out. www.hamburg.de and http://www.bremen.de...with a link to the English site.
I love Germany and would suggest you not pass it up. Bremen is about 3.5 hours from Amsterdam....by car.
Happy Travels
Ann

[LHR02]

Ann,
Welcome! Wonderful to have another grandmother on the boards with me!

[Michelle]

Well, I think at the most we would have about three days (2nights) in Germany. It will be sort of a stop on our way to Amsterdam from Paris, but I mean depending on how much there is to see we might stay a day longer or a day less.
My boyfriend is a real history buff and I love castles, so it does sound like it'll be worth the stop.

[BigRay]

For a limited amount of time, Dusseldorf is a good place to be. Right in between Paris and the Netherlands. It's a smaller town, but has a beautiful Old Town right next to a river.

A little further is Cologne and the Black Forest area. Spectacular, but I would give this area a little more time. Either way, I don't think you will be disappointed!

Cheers,
Ray

[karlhoh]

I would make a quick stop in Cologne, to see the Dom, but Düsseldorf? The Ruhr area is densely populated, heavily industrialized, and one of the most polluted areas in Western Europe.

If I was to have a quick look at the wonders of Germany in-between Paris and the Netherlands, I would go further south - Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Worms, Mainz, Cologne, Aachen could be one itinerary, if you have a car and a few days to spare.

The bad thing about that, is that you would miss Trier and the lovely Mosel valley - but you would at least see one of the best parts of the Rhine valley.

A general recommendation for Germany would be: stay out of the big cities. The gems are in the countryside and small towns.

[LHR02]

I have to agree.....my initial thought was Dusseldorf??!! Ray, you are going to have to explain where that came from. ;D And all of the cities Karloh mentioned would be good choices I think. I'd suggest with just a couple of days or so to go to Cologne, hop on one of the river cruises and see a few castles and some gorgeous scenery, head down to Heidleberg and then catch Trier maybe on your way back out of couuntry. It's really difficult to try and decide what to suggest with so much to see in the area and so few days. And you are driving, correct? The drive from Cologne to Heidleberg is a beautiful one, allow time to stop in any of the small towns you will past through.....oh, take "B" roads, not the "A" )autobahns if you have the time. You will be stunned by all you will see.

[Eagle]

My suggestion would be the "Romantic Road" (Rothenburg, etc.) and Munich. There's lots of history in that area, and also a few Castles. Day tours to Neuschwanstein Castle ("Mad" King Ludwig) can be obtained from Munich (check out Radius Tours, they have an office in the Munich Train station). For those interested in WWII history, there's also day trips to Dachau.
Hope you have a great time on your trip. Cheers!!!

[Michelle]

Wow, all good suggestions. I will have to do some research into all those places and pick the best!! And no we aren't driving, we are taking the train, but we will have an unlimited Eurail pass, so we can hop-on, hop-off whenever and wherever we want! Thanks for all the advice.

[LHR02]

Eagle, you listed some of the best sights to my mind.....and if they decide to spend a few more days then all of these should be on your list. But....they are all more central or southern part and she asked for western areas. There really is so much to see in Germany.....it doesn't get discussed here all that much. Why I wonder?

[elviajero]

I live in Freiburg in the Black Forest. It is far south but also, there is a night train that leaves here every day at midnight and arrives in Amsterdam at 9:40am. Freiburg for 2-7 days would be awesome. Of course I've been here 9 months now and I'm still not bored so that should tell you something!

[jennifer]

All the suggestions are great!
I saw in the west part, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Frankfurt, Koblenz, Cologne, Aachen, Dusseldorf
They all are really nice,
Freiburg is very "young studenty" feeling, it's great to walk around!
Heidelberg is history and castle galore!
Frankfurt is not so great as a city, but a little out of the city, you can see the Rhine Vineyards, it's absolutely beautiful!
Koblenz has a nice castle, nice old buildings and charm!
Cologne is a big city, modern and old, a great mix!
Aachen is old, studenty, beautiful Dom!
Dusseldorf is not so stunning, but it's worth a walk around!
I think you should check out all the websites and check pictures and then decide, it depends on your priorities!
don't hesitate to contact me if you want more info on these cities [e-mail]