Rick Steves - Rick Steves Snapshot Rothenburg & the Rhine

SNAPSHOT

Rothenburg & the Rhine

This Snapshot guide, excerpted from my guidebook Rick Steves Germany,introduces you to some of the most romantic and historic parts of Germanyincluding the medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the most picturesque stretch of the mighty Rhine River.

In Rothenburg, you can immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. Wander the towns mysterious and well-preserved ramparts, marvel at its churches grand Gothic altarpieces, shudder at its creatively sadistic Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum, and do some of the best souvenir shopping in Germany. With extra time, explore the Romantic Roads scenic route through the lovely countryside and time-passed towns of Dinkelsbhl and Nrdlingen.

Along the Rhine, you can enjoy a self-guided tour of this scenic stretch of riverwhether youre on a speedy train or the deck of a slow steamboatas you compare stately castles, storybook villages, and silly legends. Listen for the intoxicating songs of the mythical Mdchen at the Loreley cliff. Hike to a pair of the best castles high above the river: the evocative ruins of Rheinfels Castle, and the well-preserved, fully furnished Marksburg Castle.

Then explore the other delights of this region. Wrzburg is a university town with an impressive, fun-to-tour Residenz palace (with manicured gardens and a dazzling Rococo chapel), a hilltop fortress, atmospheric wine bars, and a bridge thats perfect for strolling at sunset. Frankfurt is the countrys bustling banking center, with a skyscraping skyline, giving you a good look at modern Germany. The Mosel River Valley, near the Rhine Valley, harbors wine-loving cobbled towns, such as handy Cochem and tiny, quaint Beilstein. Nestled within a forest is my favorite European castle, Burg Eltz, which feels lived in, because it is. And busy Cologne, on the Rhine River, has a spectacular Gothic cathedral looming over its train station, making it a rewarding, quick stop thats especially convenient for train travelers.

To help you have the best trip possible, Ive included the following topics in this book:

Planning Your Time,with advice on how to make the most of your limited time

Orientation,including tourist information (abbreviated as TI), tips on public transportation, local tour options, and helpful hints

Sights,with ratings and strategies for meaningful and efficient visits

Sleeping and Eating,with good-value recommendations in every price range

Connections,with tips on trains, buses, and driving

Practicalities,near the end of this book, has information on money, staying connected, hotel reservations, transportation, and other helpful hints, plus German survival phrases.

To travel smartly, read this little book in its entirety before you go. Its my hope that this guide will make your trip more meaningful and rewarding. Traveling like a temporary local, youll get the absolute most out of every mile, minute, and dollar.

Gute Reise!Happy travels!

The Romantic Road takes you through Bavarias medieval heartland, a route strewn with picturesque villages, farmhouses, onion-domed churches, Baroque palaces, and walled cities.