BLACK FOREST
WHY: Picturesque mountain towns; hiking; cuckoo clocks
WHEN: All year round
HOW: Day trip from southern Germany

DACHAU CONCENTRATION CAMP
WHY: First Nazi Concentration Camp; Holocaust Museum; Sobering historical perspective
WHEN: All year round
HOW: S-Bahn from Munich Train Station; day trip from Southern Germany

EAGLE'S NEST
WHY: WWII landmark; featured in "Band of Brothers"; spectacular scenery
WHEN: May to October
HOW: Short trip for those staying in Munich or in Salzburg.  Day trip for those in Southern Germany.
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HEIDELBERG
WHY: Heidelberg Castle; bridge over the River Neckar; university town...
WHEN: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, anytime is a good time to visit.  But the best time could be in the spring or fall (to beat the tourist crowd) or during the Christmas season
HOW: Arrive in town by car, train, or bus; plan to spend the day wandering through the castle and town below

HOHENZOLLERN
WHY: Quick daytrip to a stunning castle
WHEN: Any time of year!
HOW: Short morning or afternoon trip for those in the Stuttgart area

LUDWIGSBURG
WHY:Baroque Palaces and extensive gardens.
WHEN:Any time of year.
HOW: Day trip from Southern Germany. S-bahn from Stuttgart.

MUNICH
WHY: That most "German" of German cities
WHEN: Any time of year, but Oktoberfest is always a highlight
HOW: International flights into Franz Joseph Strauß International Airport, or via train from other European destinations

NEUSCHWANSTEIN
WHY: Perfect fairy tale castle
WHEN: Any time of year!
HOW: Short trip for those staying in Garmisch.  Day trip for those in Southern Germany.

STUTTGART
WHY:Beer Festivals and the Arts
WHEN:Any time of year.
HOW: Flights into Stuttgart International Airport.

ULM
WHY: World's tallest church spire; homey Christmas Market
WHEN: Any time of year
HOW: Day trip for those in Southern Germany.  I usually stopped in Ulm on my way to or coming back from a further destination.  The cathedral does not take long to visit (unless you climb the spire!).