I am planning a 10-14 day trip to Germany next year. Definitely want to see Berlin. Am also considering Prague (if I can figure out how to get there :) ). Have been to Hamburg before. I really like big cities - history - art - food - gardens - commerce - whatever. Places that are fun to walk around. I also like luxury hotels. My husband really really likes beer - it takes something like the pyramids to entice him to countries with bad beer ;). But I know that won't be a problem in Germany - anywhere.

Munich seems like a must. What other cities should I be considering? The airline I'll be using flies to Berlin - and Frankfurt and Cologne as well (Hamburg too - I liked Hamburg but I'm not sure it's worth another visit). As between Frankfurt and Cologne - is there any reason to prefer one over the other?

As for cities outside Germany - I looked at Budapest (mostly because it has a Four Seasons) - but that seems kind of out of the way. I'd rather spend less time "on the road" and more time at my destinations. Note that I have spents lots of time in Italy and Switzerland - but have never been to Austria. Robyn

One question that might factor in to people offering ideas - do you contemplate a trip facilitated mainly by rail travel between cities, or are you interested in travelling and touring via rental car?

Definitely rail. Robyn

Pretty much anywhere in Germany is served by rail. But, at 10-14 days, that is a lot of luggage to lug around Europe. You might want a car for this one.

Look at Stuttgart. It is a large city with many cultural things to do. It is also relatively close to the French border. If you visit the French regions (not departments) of Alsace and Lorraine, you will find art, history, pseudo German culture, and beer. Perhaps not quite the German beer your husband might be looking for. The French make outstanding beer as well. If not a biere de garde, your husband might like one of the other regional hits, such as Fischer (from Strasbourg), or Pelfourth. The biere de gardes tend to be very flavorful and high in alcohol.

Munich is a smash hit; so is Köln, Düsseldorf, Regensburg, Karlsruhe and Mainz. Frankfurt is large and seemingly impersonal, but it also has a large cultural side, with many museums and a sound tourist attraction base.

Also, don't forget Luxembourg.

Prague is a good choice...train or car from Berlin will work. You can even make a stop-over in Leipzig, which is on the way either by car or train. Munich is also a good choice. Not much happening in Frankfurt. Brussels is very nice...museums, art and beer, all in plentiful supply...and a bit different from some of the other places you've been. But, it's a hike by train or car from Berlin...might be worth checking into flying if that's your choice. Happy travels...

I was in Hannover a couple of years ago and thought that it was a neat city. I stayed in the Sheraton on Pelikanstrasse (Pelikanplatz?) and there was a neat street of shops along the way to the main train station. (It's a little hazy.) I'm also a VW driver and took a day trip out to Wolfsburg to go to Autostadt (and by judging attendance on that day...I'm one of the few to do so).

That said, my parents are from northwest Germany and I think that Oldenburg and Bad Schwischenahn are great areas to go to.

I just spent around the same time in Europe on a business trip ( ok, some private stuff too ) and can only warn on trying to see too much. We were pretty exhausted after those 14 days.

From Berlin there is a new fast rail connection to Hamburg, but if you'd rather head south, you could for example do like this:

Berlin - Dresden : If there is one city worth seeing in the former GDR, then it must be the "Florence on the Elbe".

Dresden - Wuerzburg : A beautiful city with the "Residenz" as the number one sight.

Wuerzburg - Nuernberg : You'll have to try the real "Bratwurst" here. And lots to see.

Nuernberg - Munich : The Bavarian capital is still one of the northenmost cities of Italy, or is it Cologne...

From Munich I would take a flight ( either LH or one of the LCCs, for example Germanwings ( http://www.germanwings.com ) or HLX ( http://www.hlx.com ) ) to Duesseldorf or Cologne. If you want to continue to Austria, flight connections from Vienna, Graz and Salzburg are quite convenient also.

Both cities ( Ddorf and Cologne ) are good bases to tour the Rhineland on day trips. Plus you get a lively arts scene and some of the best and most innovative restaurants in Germany.

If your return flight is from Berlin, you could either fly there from the Rhineland or maybe first to Leipzig and then take a train to the new old capital.

Garmisch-Partenkirschen: About an hour south of Munich, by rail. Absolutely stunning, gorgeous alpine town. Take the cogwheel train up to the Zugspitze (the highest point in Germany) from the station downtown. This town is a must, I've been there three times and would go back in a minute. Also, for more jaw dropping scenery, take the train from Garmisch, to Innsbruck. It's about a two hour ride, magnificent world class scenery.

Ulm is not far from Munich, worth at least a day trip for the cathedral, one of the tallest spires on the continent.

Heidelberg (closer to Frankfurt) is a busting university town. Very picturessque, and a lot of fun with all of the kiddies.

I am planning a 10-14 day trip to Germany next year. Definitely want to see Berlin. Am also considering Prague (if I can figure out how to get there :) ). Have been to Hamburg before. I really like big cities - history - art - food - gardens - commerce - whatever. Places that are fun to walk around. I also like luxury hotels. My husband really really likes beer - it takes something like the pyramids to entice him to countries with bad beer ;). But I know that won't be a problem in Germany - anywhere.

Munich seems like a must. What other cities should I be considering? The airline I'll be using flies to Berlin - and Frankfurt and Cologne as well (Hamburg too - I liked Hamburg but I'm not sure it's worth another visit). As between Frankfurt and Cologne - is there any reason to prefer one over the other?

As for cities outside Germany - I looked at Budapest (mostly because it has a Four Seasons) - but that seems kind of out of the way. I'd rather spend less time "on the road" and more time at my destinations. Note that I have spents lots of time in Italy and Switzerland - but have never been to Austria. Robyn
I have lead numerous tours of Germany. I suggest the not to be missed sites that make a neat curcuit are(# of days listed):
Berlin-2/Dresden-1/Prague-2/Vienna-2/Salzburg-2/Munich-2/Fussen(Neuschwanstein)-1/Rothenburg ob der Tauber-1/ add the Rhine Valley if you have the time(Rudesheim).All are Michelin 3* rated. Gute Fahrt!(Have a nice trip)

My 2 cents...

Munich
Dusseldorf (esp. the Altstadt)
Bamberg (somewhat famous for so-called smoked beer)
Mittenwald (consider as an alternative to Garmisch)
Frankfurt (Sachsenhausen section) try the apfelwein (like hard cider)
Take a KD cruise for 2-3 hrs, e.g. Koblenz-Bacharach along the Rhine or Mosel, can do as a day trip from Frankfurt
Rothenburg odT

Salzburg. Not to be missed. Stay at the Hotel Goldener Hirsch.
Hamburg. I like this city a lot. Even though you've been there I think it merits a revisit to discover what's new.
Prague??? Yawn, bypass it unless you love brit bachelor parties and other drunkin holidaymakers. Yes, lots of history here, charming city, but currently not worth the visit due to being overrun.
Vienna. Worth the drive. Period.
Any city in eastern France. No, not worth the drive.
Ditto for most cities of Switzerland.
Berlin. Really, worth a pass. I've tried to get my arms around Berlin but just cannot come to appreciate it for some reason. And goodness knows I've tried over two in-depth visits.

Berlin. Really, worth a pass. I've tried to get my arms around Berlin but just cannot come to appreciate it for some reason. And goodness knows I've tried over two in-depth visits.After many trips to Berlin (I'll be there next week), the thing I've learned is to take small-to-medium "bites", otherwise it overwhelms the rest of the trip.

I'll make suggestions for the first half of the trip only - the idea would be to head west and eventually work your way back to Berlin for the trip home. I'll pick up on the OP's desire for luxury hotels - and I'll point out that some of them are quite reasonably price, considering the value received:

Arrive TXL:

Berlin - stay at the newly-opened Hotel de Rome in the Mitte district - make the easy walk to Museum Island, where the highlight is the just-reopened Bode Museum:

http://www.signandsight.com/features/1007.html

Attend a performance at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (especially if music director Daniel Barenboim is conducting) - it is literally across the street from the de Rome.


Train to Dresden - stay at the Kempinski Taschenbergpalais (try to book a deluxe room with Semperoper view - it's magical at night) - another easy walk to the sights, especially the restored Frauenkirche and especially the just-restored Green Vault:

http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=7905259

A vocal or orchestral performance at the Semperoper would be a highlight, and again, it's across the street from your hotel.

Note: If you really want to go on to Praha, this is the perfect point to make the side trip. But frankly, there is so much to see in Germany itself, I'd save it for another trip.


Train to Leipzig - stay at the Furstenhof Hotel (be sure to ask to see the marvelous Serpentine Room banquet hall) - see the Bach-related sites, attend an orchestral or vocal performance by the Gewandhaus Orchestra (especially if Riccardo Chailly, the Music Director, is conducting)


Train to Weimar - stay at the Hotel Elephant, featured in Thomas Mann's novels - explore the Goethe House and related sites. Visit the Bauhaus museum. Take the short trip to the countryside to Buchenwald, in rememnberance. Check the progres of the rebuilding of the Anna Amalia library:

http://www.anna-amalia-library.com/

Considering these itineraries - I don't think you have to tell me not to try to do too much ;) . My husband and I are really "slow down and smell the flowers" travelers. And when we arrive in Europe - with the jet lag - it is all we can do to get ourselves out of bed before 9 or so. Heck - I just started reading about some of the art museums. Could spend 2-3 hours in lots of them (and only because after 2-3 hours - everything starts to blur together - some would require multiple trips to do them justice).

My tentative itinerary is Berlin/Munich/Cologne (or the other way around - CO flies into Berlin and Cologne so I will have to check out which flights work best). With some side trips outside these bases. That's it. And it's plenty for us for about 2 weeks. Decided to stick just with Germany because my husband wants to study only 1 language (which will obviously be German) - we will deal with 1 rail pass - 1 currency - etc. And there is simply so much to see in these 3 areas that I'd hate to shortchange them.

Someone mentioned that rail might be difficult with luggage. We took trains in Japan - once with our luggage (basically we each have a large rolling piece). Any problems doing that on the trains in Germany? We'd only be doing 2 high speed trains.

Also - any votes for spring versus fall travel? I tend to like the foods of spring better than those of fall - and I'm reluctant to leave home during hurricane season after 2005. But I understand the weather may be better in fall. What is May like?

Finally - are any of you familiar with the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg or the Schlosshotel Lerbach (homes of 2 3 star Michelin restaurants outside Cologne). Any comments (they look lovely on paper)? Robyn

My tentative itinerary is Berlin/Munich/Cologne (or the other way around - CO flies into Berlin and Cologne so I will have to check out which flights work best). With some side trips outside these bases. That's it. And it's plenty for us for about 2 weeks. Decided to stick just with Germany because my husband wants to study only 1 language (which will obviously be German) - we will deal with 1 rail pass - 1 currency - etc. And there is simply so much to see in these 3 areas that I'd hate to shortchange them.

Note that Germany has a pretty good fast train system -- with the fastest connection, MUC-CGN is a mere 4h40 by train. www.bahn.de is your friend.

On that trip you will inevitably go through the Frankfurt/Mainz area. My recommendation would be to look at a fast train connection from Munich to Mainz, and to then change to the slower "IC" train down the Rhine valley from Mainz to Cologne. Make sure you do that segment at daylight (maybe late afternoon if you catch a sunny day); it's quite beautiful sights from the train.

The ICE fast train from FRA to CGN avoids the Rhine valley and goes straight north; that is a convenient and extremely quick way to travel, but it's rather boring.

Speaking of the Rhine valley, I'd avoid Rüdesheim.

When you're in Cologne, make sure you also visit neighboring Bonn (25 minutes by train).

Finally - are any of you familiar with the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg or the Schlosshotel Lerbach (homes of 2 3 star Michelin restaurants outside Cologne). Any comments (they look lovely on paper)? Robyn

Bensberg is a bit outside, but well-connected to the city (take subway line 1). You might need to rely on shuttle services or a rental car or taxis to get away from the Schlosshotel Lerbach.

For luxury hotels with good restaurants in Cologne I would recommend either the Excelsior Hotel Ernst (http://www.excelsiorhotelernst.de/ ) next to the main railway station or the Hotel im Wasserturm ( http://www.hotel-im-wasserturm.de/ ) in a central but quiet location.

The Ernst has the Franco-German gourmet temple Hansestuben and the quality Asian fusion Taku while the La Vision offers Michelin starred French on top of the converted water tower (Wasserturm ) and the W innovative "Modern German" downstairs.

Another very special hotel and restaurant is the Burg Crass castle ( http://www.burgcrass-eltville.de/cms/index.php ) in Eltville close to Wiesbaden. It has maybe the most beautiful summer terrace in the whole of Germany overlooking the Rhine.

The Burg Crass makes also for a nice break on the Munich - Cologne route.

Quick question - some reward ticket availability came up tonight and I grabbed the tickets without looking at the dates. When I went to make a hotel reservation in Berlin - it said the rates were "special event rates". So I tried to find the special event. We'll be arriving on Sunday May 27 and the only thing I could find that sounded like a special event was something called the Soccer DFB Cup (Men's and Women's) on May 26. Any ideas what else it could be? What is the Soccer DFB Cup? Robyn

Seems it's the DFB Cup Finals that weekend, which is a special event indeed in a country that's crazy about soccer.

What is the DFB Cup? A competition run by DFB (Deutscher Fußballbund = German Soccer Association) that runs throughout the whole season in addition to the normal League rounds (Bundesliga etc.). All clubs/teams in the upper 4 Leagues can participate, and it's a k.o. system. The winner of a match reaches the next round until only 2 participants are left who are playing the final. Sometimes there are real surprises, when a club from a lower, perhaps even amateur league beats one of the big teams. Schalke 04 has been kicked out this week, for example.

Would definitely visit Munich especially at Oktoberfest time if you can arrange it. (Day trip to lovely Starnberg on the Starnberg See should be strongly considered.)

Also Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria and by all means Vienna as well, just for the Schoenbrunn castle grounds and the sacher torte at Hotel Sacher. Museums in virtually all of these cities.

Meersburg, Germany on Bodensee with its annual wine festival mid September also loads of fun. Tiny Alsatian town of Obernai outside Strasbourg, France just across the Rhine has a delightful town center with al fresco dining everywhere and a 4/5-star renovated hotel, a real stunner, just off the city center.

And near Munich and Garmisch is of course the Mad Ludwig castles of Neuschwanstein, always breathtaking in architecture and scale. Further north would also second Heidelberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the fantastic vehicle & air technology museum at Sinsheim.

Northern Italian cities of Bolzano and Lago di Garda near Como and Tuscany if you can swing that far south. Bellissimo.

Bon voyage, bon chance.

Thank you for all this information. We managed to get our reward tickets. Flying into Berlin - out of Cologne. Plan to stay in Berlin - Munich and Cologne with some side trips - although the specifics can be changed once I start reading in depth. We won't be leaving until May 2007 - so if anyone stumbles on this thread a couple of months from now - please feel free to chime in with suggestions. Robyn

Thank you for all this information. We managed to get our reward tickets. Flying into Berlin - out of Cologne. Plan to stay in Berlin - Munich and Cologne with some side trips - although the specifics can be changed once I start reading in depth. We won't be leaving until May 2007 - so if anyone stumbles on this thread a couple of months from now - please feel free to chime in with suggestions. Robyn

If you take a boat ride up the rhine valley: take the boat down stream and a train upstream. I'd suggest, if coming from Cologne, take the train to Bingen, at the south end of the rhine valley, and then take the boat from there only to Koblenz. You might want to stop in Bacharach & St. Goar. There's not much to see north of Koblenz from the boat, so I'd get off there and take the train back to Cologne.

David

I would highly suggest Salzburg. It is easy train access from MUC. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, a large Beer Manufacturer, and lots of musical heritage. I loved it myself!

If you take a boat ride up the rhine valley: take the boat down stream and a train upstream. I'd suggest, if coming from Cologne, take the train to Bingen, at the south end of the rhine valley, and then take the boat from there only to Koblenz. You might want to stop in Bacharach & St. Goar. There's not much to see north of Koblenz from the boat, so I'd get off there and take the train back to Cologne.

David

I second this suggestion. It is possible to get food and drink on board, but you might prefer a meal in one of the towns on the way as the food choices are limited. Here are some links for some of the companies which operate day trips on the Rhine.

K-D Line (http://www.k-d.com/)
Primus Line (http://www.primus-linie.de/007/)
Bingen-Rüdesheimer Ferry (http://www.bingen-ruedesheimer.com/)


Incidentally, I have seen people carry significant amounts of luggage on board so they seem to actually be using it for transportation between cities/towns, not just as a day trip. That might not work for you (too many changes between Munich and Cologne, but just in case anyone else is reading this thread for ideas.

Incidentally, I have seen people carry significant amounts of luggage on board so they seem to actually be using it for transportation between cities/towns, not just as a day trip. That might not work for you (too many changes between Munich and Cologne, but just in case anyone else is reading this thread for ideas.

Is there not IC or ICE service between those two cities? I recall going from Munich to Mainz without changing trains. I agree with the luggage issue, though. Short trips with maybe one checked bag and my backpack are fine, but longer trips usually call for a small car.

I just found this thread..... It was kinda' helpful since I'm going to Berlin this month for a few days. Any suggestions on day trips from Berlin? Also, best way to get from TXL - staying at Marriott....

Thanks in advance

I just found this thread..... It was kinda' helpful since I'm going to Berlin this month for a few days. Any suggestions on day trips from Berlin? Also, best way to get from TXL - staying at Marriott....

Thanks in advance

http://marriott.com/property/mapandnearbyairports/default.mi?marshaCode=bermc

I'd take the U-bahn. It looks like Potsdamer Platz station is about 1/10th of a mile to your hotel. Take the X9 bus from TXL to Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten. There is a subway (U) station there. Here is a map link...

http://www.bvg.de/index.php/en/Bvg/Index/folder/670

You might also want to double check the bus line, but I think it is the X9.

Is there not IC or ICE service between those two cities? I recall going from Munich to Mainz without changing trains. I agree with the luggage issue, though. Short trips with maybe one checked bag and my backpack are fine, but longer trips usually call for a small car.

Sorry, I think I should have been clearer. The OP is traveling from Munich to Cologne. To do that in conjunction with a Rhine Cruise would involve at a minimum:

Train to Mainz
Overnight stay in Mainz
Transport luggage to boat
Boat to Cologne
Transport luggage to Hotel

but adding in the suggestion that you might want to skip the boat from Koblenz to Cologne because it isn't as interesting, this would add yet another transfer of luggage at Koblenz.

That said, if you were spending a couple of days in Mainz and then going to Cologne or one of the intermediate points, it would be a good way to combine a day cruise with actual transport. I did see people do this with a standard bag + carryon each.

The other point that I was making was not that you could not or would not take the train, but this way you combine transport with the tourist activity rather than spend one day getting to Cologne and another doing the Rhine cruise. Again, this as a general idea (which would not work in the specific case of the OP).

http://marriott.com/property/mapandnearbyairports/default.mi?marshaCode=bermc

I'd take the U-bahn. It looks like Potsdamer Platz station is about 1/10th of a mile to your hotel. Take the X9 bus from TXL to Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten. There is a subway (U) station there. Here is a map link...

http://www.bvg.de/index.php/en/Bvg/Index/folder/670

You might also want to double check the bus line, but I think it is the X9.


Thanks !

I know everyone has their own tastes, but we just absolutely loved Berlin when we were there last summer. I know a previous poster said he couldn't see the appeal, but I can't imagine who it couldn't appeal to since it seems to offer everything imaginable. Granted, we were there in the run up to the World Cup and the electricity in the air was just amazing. The modern with the historical is such a winning combination in my opinion, and that is Berlin personified. Great hotels too. We thought the aquarium inside the Radision SAS was just so cool, and had a room facing it. Waking up to that was crazy, especially with the scuba divers swimming around in it.

Sorry, I think I should have been clearer. The OP is traveling from Munich to Cologne. To do that in conjunction with a Rhine Cruise would involve at a minimum:

Train to Mainz
Overnight stay in Mainz
Transport luggage to boat
Boat to Cologne
Transport luggage to Hotel

but adding in the suggestion that you might want to skip the boat from Koblenz to Cologne because it isn't as interesting, this would add yet another transfer of luggage at Koblenz.

That said, if you were spending a couple of days in Mainz and then going to Cologne or one of the intermediate points, it would be a good way to combine a day cruise with actual transport. I did see people do this with a standard bag + carryon each.

The other point that I was making was not that you could not or would not take the train, but this way you combine transport with the tourist activity rather than spend one day getting to Cologne and another doing the Rhine cruise. Again, this as a general idea (which would not work in the specific case of the OP).

Just to add to this general idea: It used to be that you could use your train ticket to ride the Koeln-Duesseldorfer boats instead of taking the train. However, I don't know if this is still true.

Check out the web-site of the German Railways. www.d-bahn.de. They have very atractive offers for tourist from outside Europe.
Every German state has special regional train-tickets which let you travel all day for a fixed price.

When visiting Germany, most Americans never travel to Freiburg im Breisgau.
It's at the very edge of the Black Forest. A city with a Cathedral / Dom / Basilika, in Germany called 'Muenster', in beauty outranking the Koelner Dom, Strasburger Muenster and/or many other Gothic Churches.
Freiburg and its vicinity of maybe 50/60 miles, is know to have one of the largest concentrations of Gourmet Restaurants in Germany. Freiburg has a sunny microclimate and popular opinion has it that Freiburg is the warmest, sunniest city in Germany.
The only city in all of Germany having a daily, yes daily Farmer's Market.
No privat Automobile traffic in the inner city and maybe one of the best Universities of Germany.
It is of no coincidence that at Disney World in Orlando, at the German display/depiction area, that the "Kaufhaus' of Freiburg is replicated. A medieval building at it's time hosting a variety of Heads of "Guilds".
Freiburg is a mere hour away from Basel Switzerland, and three hours from Frankfurt am Main (all bei Train)
Click here for more : http://members.virtualtourist.com/vt/gm/63182

The OP mentioned Schloss Lehrbach und Schloss Bensberg...

Both are one of the best in Germany and both are in Bergisch Gladbach, Heidi Klums and my hometown :D

If you need any help to reach those Hotel (both including restaurants with Michelin Stars - 2 and 3), just send me a PM...

Cologne has plenty of stuff to see. You can also do a daytrip to Aachen, the first city the Americans entered in WWII on German ground and very important for the German history... The train from Cologne to Aachen takes an hour and you can do everything by foot in Aachen, especially in May... Don't forget to buy "Printen" in Aachen, world famous bakery product...

A lot of posters suggested to stop on your way from Munich to cologne to do a rhine tour... You can avoid that stop and do the tour also in Cologne... Take the boat up the river to Bonn, the former capital of Germany...

When you are in Munich, spent at least a day in the Alps... They are georgeous and easy to reach by train...

Germanwings (Low Cost Carrier, daughter company of Lufthansa with really good fares, if you book early enough) as mentioned has both flights between Berlin and Munich and Munich and Cologne (also Cologne and Bonn) Flying is much more convenient than traveling by train... On the other hand it can be quilte relaxing just to sit in the train to watch the passing areas out of the window...

If you need any help feel free to contact me by PM... I have a lot information about Munich (lived in that area for 18 years) and Cologne (lived there for four years) There will be other experts around for Berlin, have there been just once for a week...

Have fun and save travels...

The OP mentioned Schloss Lehrbach und Schloss Bensberg...

Both are one of the best in Germany and both are in Bergisch Gladbach, Heidi Klums and my hometown :D

If you need any help to reach those Hotel (both including restaurants with Michelin Stars - 2 and 3), just send me a PM...

Cologne has plenty of stuff to see. You can also do a daytrip to Aachen, the first city the Americans entered in WWII on German ground and very important for the German history... The train from Cologne to Aachen takes an hour and you can do everything by foot in Aachen, especially in May... Don't forget to buy "Printen" in Aachen, world famous bakery product...

A lot of posters suggested to stop on your way from Munich to cologne to do a rhine tour... You can avoid that stop and do the tour also in Cologne... Take the boat up the river to Bonn, the former capital of Germany...

When you are in Munich, spent at least a day in the Alps... They are georgeous and easy to reach by train...

Germanwings (Low Cost Carrier, daughter company of Lufthansa with really good fares, if you book early enough) as mentioned has both flights between Berlin and Munich and Munich and Cologne (also Cologne and Bonn) Flying is much more convenient than traveling by train... On the other hand it can be quilte relaxing just to sit in the train to watch the passing areas out of the window...

If you need any help feel free to contact me by PM... I have a lot information about Munich (lived in that area for 18 years) and Cologne (lived there for four years) There will be other experts around for Berlin, have there been just once for a week...

Have fun and save travels...

Thank you very much for this information. I am not up to planning sightseeing yet (will do that in 2007) - but I'll make a note of your suggestions.

And thank you for your kind offer of help with the hotel. But I've already booked the Bensberg for 3 nights (luckily I did that a few weeks ago because it is now sold out for one of my nights in June!) - and dinner at the 2 restaurants (Vendome and Dieter Muller). Just to set the record straight - both restaurants have 3 Michelin stars now. The person who takes care of the reservations at both hotels and their restaurants can be reached by email - and she is very pleasant to deal with. Robyn

When visiting Germany, most Americans never travel to Freiburg im Breisgau.
It's at the very edge of the Black Forest. A city with a Cathedral / Dom / Basilika, in Germany called 'Muenster', in beauty outranking the Koelner Dom, Strasburger Muenster and/or many other Gothic Churches.
Freiburg and its vicinity of maybe 50/60 miles, is know to have one of the largest concentrations of Gourmet Restaurants in Germany. Freiburg has a sunny microclimate and popular opinion has it that Freiburg is the warmest, sunniest city in Germany.
The only city in all of Germany having a daily, yes daily Farmer's Market.
No privat Automobile traffic in the inner city and maybe one of the best Universities of Germany.
It is of no coincidence that at Disney World in Orlando, at the German display/depiction area, that the "Kaufhaus' of Freiburg is replicated. A medieval building at it's time hosting a variety of Heads of "Guilds".
Freiburg is a mere hour away from Basel Switzerland, and three hours from Frankfurt am Main (all bei Train)
Click here for more : http://members.virtualtourist.com/vt/gm/63182

I will have to look this up on a map - and see if we can fit in it. Thanks. Robyn

Thank you very much for this information. I am not up to planning sightseeing yet (will do that in 2007) - but I'll make a note of your suggestions.

And thank you for your kind offer of help with the hotel. But I've already booked the Bensberg for 3 nights (luckily I did that a few weeks ago because it is now sold out for one of my nights in June!) - and dinner at the 2 restaurants (Vendome and Dieter Muller). Just to set the record straight - both restaurants have 3 Michelin stars now. The person who takes care of the reservations at both hotels and their restaurants can be reached by email - and she is very pleasant to deal with. Robyn

Congratulations, good choice. I had been to a dinner about 2 years ago at the Vendome and it was excellent... So is the whole hotel and the bar...
If the weather is good, you can even see the Skyline of Cologne from up there...

Same about Schloss Lehrbach... I have been to their Sunday Brunch ones and to their regular Lunch... Both are amazing.

If you want to have another Michelin Star restaurant experience in that area (just one star), there's a restaurant called "Zur Post" in Odenthal (suburban village of Bergisch Gladbach), which is maybe 15 minutes by taxi from the Schlosshotel Bensberg... This one doesn't have the star that long that's why is relatively cheap...

Congratulations, good choice. I had been to a dinner about 2 years ago at the Vendome and it was excellent... So is the whole hotel and the bar...
If the weather is good, you can even see the Skyline of Cologne from up there...

Same about Schloss Lehrbach... I have been to their Sunday Brunch ones and to their regular Lunch... Both are amazing.

If you want to have another Michelin Star restaurant experience in that area (just one star), there's a restaurant called "Zur Post" in Odenthal (suburban village of Bergisch Gladbach), which is maybe 15 minutes by taxi from the Schlosshotel Bensberg... This one doesn't have the star that long that's why is relatively cheap...

This is the Corona restaurant in the hotel Zur Post - yes? Might be a good choice for our middle night. After looking at the menu written in English though - I realized that I need a German menu reader (didn't recognize a single word except "menu"!). Unfortunately - my favorite menu readers are out of print - but I will try to find one of the German ones on the internet. Robyn

This is the Corona restaurant in the hotel Zur Post - yes? Might be a good choice for our middle night. After looking at the menu written in English though - I realized that I need a German menu reader (didn't recognize a single word except "menu"!). Unfortunately - my favorite menu readers are out of print - but I will try to find one of the German ones on the internet. Robyn

I don't know what you mean by Corona restaurant but here's the link to the menu (German text is printed big, English version is written below and smaler)

menu (http://www.hotel-restaurant-zur-post.de/eng/index_home.php?Rpage=eng_restaurants.html )

I am sorry, there are still some parts which are not translated but the important stuff is in English...