HUNGARY (2003): Forget about understanding the language!
Budapest– Magnificent city in need of a paint job when I was there in 2003. Apparently it has gotten one since. Cool Roman ruins at Aquinum. I pretended I was a Gladiator in the amphitheatre. The baths are a must-do. I practically floated out of one. The labyrinths beneath the Buda side of the city are a little touristy, but worth it.
GERMANY (2005, 2007, 2012, 2013): So much more diversity in culture and landscape than the stereotype portrayed in the media. But their efficiency is all true.
Cologne– Awe inspiring huge gothic cathedral, but otherwise a fairly modern city. Loved the Kolsch though.
Bonn– Quaint former capital of West Germany has all the charm nearby Cologne didn’t. Beethoven’s house was very interesting. Good Kolsch there too.
Konigswinter– Cute little Rhineside village. The hike to the Drachenfels Castle ruin has wonderful beer garden rest stops, and you can actually sit, lie, sleep, whatever on the castle ruins.
Munich– Yes the beer halls are fun and a must-do. But the city was so clean and the old town so charming. Also wonderful museums, nice green spaces, and in winter numerous Christkindlesmarkts. I loved this city.
Fussen– Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairy tale, inside and out. Hiking and biking around the Alpine foothills was so much fun. Guided pre-arranged tours are the way to go. We skipped all sorts of long lines.
Berchtesgaden– The Eagle’s Nest offered wonderful views of the Alps and Austria. The small town exuded traditional Bavarian charm, despite its Nazi history.
Oberammergau– Little village of Passion Play fame is also known for its Christmas atmosphere. Felt like I was in a snowglobe.
Nuremberg– This city made me sad. The Christkindlemarkts were the best I experienced in Germany and the Nazi parade grounds were fascinating, but this city, more than any other I have visited in Germany bore the scars of World War II. The rebuilding effort was noble but sometimes there is just too much damage. The old town didn’t feel that old.
Wurzburg– A beautiful lively historic city that seems largely bypassed by tourists. It looked like a mini-Prague, complete with a bridge resembling the famous Charles Bridge.
Rothenberg– Prettiest town in Germany. Charming preserved walled city felt like a Christmas Card in December.
Titisee– After getting a chuckle about the name because of my inner 12 year old, this delightful Black Forest lakeside village was a picture post card of what Christmas should look like.
Schweinfurt– Kind of charming industrial town with no tourists. Cute little Christmas market and one really good local restaurant. Nice enough to spend an evening, but nothing more.
Heidelberg– A splendid, undamaged by WW2 college town among the hills. (Gives Rothenberg a run for its money in the looks contest) Pleasing pristine architecture, very long pedestrian shopping street, lively atmosphere, castle ruin, and great beer and food. Take the funiculars for a wonderful view. I love this town.
Mannheim– Industrial city near Heidelberg. Stay in Heidelberg.