Heidelberg or Wurzburg?

Hello,

We will be travelling from Bacharach to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by rental car and may have to choose between visiting Heidelberg or Wurzburg? We like charming architecture and authentic culture. My husb. and I are in our mid 30s and are taking his parents in their mid-50s and who act younger.

Thank you for any input!

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I would pick Wuerzburg. It offers more variety ( impressive INTACT - not ruin- castle, downtown palace, good restaurants, good wine, etc.), and also because it is a more interesting route from Bacharach.

Bacharach, Mainz, past Mainz pick up A-3 and go as far as Exit Stockach (it%26#39;s the one before Aschaffenburg) head south along thje Main river to Miltenberg, a delightful old town. Then along the Main to Wertheim.

Now you have a choice: If you want to spend the night in Wuerzburg, follow the signs to the A-3 and Wuerzburg, and get off the A-3 after you crossed the Main river. It%26#39;s a shorter way into the city.

Spend the next day in Wzbg. Then head out the way you came in, and continue on the road you are on to Ochsenfurt (another nice old town) and on to the A-7 autobahn. Take it south to the Rothenburg exit. For planning purposes, it will take you about 2hrs. to Rothenburg.

Your other choice is to get onto the Romantische Strasse (Romantic highway) in Bad Mergentheimn (a pleasant old spa town), Weikersheim (a little palace) and Rothenburg. I should mention that the Romatic Highway itself really isn%26#39;t that scenic; it the placxs it connects that are. Again, from Wertheim to Rothenburg allow 2 hours.

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I would pick Heidelberg, not that I like it so much (a few hours should be sufficient, see the castle), but because there are interesting places between it and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The drive up the Neckar valley to Heilbronn with its castles and vineyards is nice, and there are also some nice towns such as Bad Wimpfen. From Heilbronn you can ake the A6 autobahn. Off the autobahn, the moated palace at Neuenstein is nice and has a complete medieval kitchen. Waldenburg is a narrow very pleasant village that sits along a ridge with a castle and two churches. But the real reason for my suggesting this route is a visit to the medieval fortified walled Comburg monastery (I consider this a must see) by Schwaebische Hall, this town is also nice to visit with a nice contrast between the new modern art museum and the Altstadt. Vellberg, a little to the east, is a charming small completely walled town.

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Würzburg and Heidelberg both have authentic culture. As much as I like Rothenburg, it has been turn solely into a tourist destination.

I like Würzburg best. In addition to the Residenz there is Marienberg Festung (castle) across the river with two good museums dedicated to the area (Franken) and the town. They are a mix of art, architecture and artifacts. I also like the walk up to Käppele across the river through the wine fields and a depiction of the Stages of the Cross.

Regards, Gary

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Wuerzburg. I have visited both several times because of friends living near both places. As a visitor, I think W. has many interesting places to stroll and enjoy, as already listed by Trikist. It%26#39;s less known to the traveler from outside Germany.

Also, sample the Frankenwein (Franconian Wine).

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I%26#39;d say Heidleberg - went to both last June and Heidleberg is bigger and quite good for a night out!

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Thank you all! I%26#39;m hoping to be able to see both, but if not, I%26#39;m leaning towards going to Wuerzburg.

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Will it be feasible to go from Bacharach to Wurzburg and on to Rothenburg in one day and still see what we need to see in Wurzburg? We have lodging in Rothenburg. I%26#39;m worried about the time it will take to drive to Wurzburg. How many hours? 4? Our accommodations are all set, so can%26#39;t spend the nt in Wurzburg. We leave Sunday, May 13th for Germany (Bacharach- first few nts).

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Heidelberg...hands down. It is a more romantic area and the people are so much more friendly than wuerzburg. Wuerzburgers do not like outsiders.

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Update after my trip... I got to see them both! and can%26#39;t choose which I prefer. Loved them both for different reasons. I was blown away by the Residenz in Wuerzburg and there happened to be a music festival of bands all over town that day, which was great! Heidelberg was charming, fun, full of life and romantic. Spectacular views from the castle of the city and river down below. I%26#39;m glad I didn%26#39;t end up having to leave one out after all, especially after having received so many divided views on T.A. Thank you to all for your input!