The Haribo outlet was easy to get to. It felt like it was in the middle of nowhere, and it had a free, convenient parking lot.
Haribo Outlet, Gebr. Schmidt road 14, 97350 Mainbernheim
The Haribo outlet looks like an office building
It seemed to be a distribution center.
Except for one out-of-place older gentleman, there was no one in the store, not even a sales clerk.
There was every type of gummy candy! The regular 200g bags were 0.82 euro. The 1200g buckets were 4.99 euro. A 1000g bag of gummy bears was 3.95 euro. There is also a bulk "Candy Bar" wall where you can select individual types of candy.
The kids said we got enough candy to last us a few days. I think it will last longer than that.
Jeremy has been eagerly anticipating driving on the autobahn. Since it wasn't raining and there weren't a lot of cars, he got his chance.
Jeremy felt the need to go 150 kph (93 mph). Our C4 is not meant to move that fast, and loses stability over 80. What do you want to do next, Jeremy? "100."
My mom recommended we go to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and I am so glad she did. It is definitely a trip highlight! It is said to be the "best preserved medieval town in Europe".
Everywhere you look are quintessential medieval buildings.
The town is surrounded by ramparts that you can walk on.
We didn't walk its ramparts, go to the kriminalmuseum (crime and torture), or even go on the Night Watchman tour. We just had a great time walking around and enjoying the shops.
Rick Steves recommends you save money by shopping at Anneliese Friese. The 88 year old woman was a hoot! She gave the boys a free map of the city, telling them to bring the map back on their honeymoon and they will receive a free wedding cup. Then she turned to Jeremy and told him to "get married fast because I don't know how long I will be here." If old age doesn't kill her, driving her Harley will!
I had read to "expect crowds" but it didn't have any.
Kathe Wohlfahrt is the largest year round Christmas shop in Germany. It is absolutely amazing! Jeremy and Christopher were walking on each side of me, oblivious that they were making the same comments - how expensive it was, and how it isn't even Christmas.
"You must try a schneeball." Even though most tourists say they are disgusting, we had to try one. We managed to finish two small ones - they aren't disgusting but I don't need another one.
Greg and I found the Burggarten. It was beautiful and peaceful, and would be a perfect picnic spot on a nice day (if they ever have any).
At the Burggarten's far end is a great viewpoint of the lush Tauber River Valley below. You can see the ancient double-vaulted bridge.
Greg and I thoroughly enjoying the peaceful view - and our beers!
We discovered the best beer here - "Black" beer. Delicious! And you can even close it back up - how handy!
Our hotel is pretty cool. It was right in the center, and we had two large rooms.
They gave us two rooms on the top (3rd) floor at the end of the hallway looking out towards Market Square.
I was looking forward to the Night Watchman tour. Apparently so were 250 other tourists. It was raining and we couldn't see or hear the guide over the umbrellas. We gave up.
Avoid timing your visit with the massive "Nebraska Ambassadors of Music" group who overtook the night tour. At least they weren't staying overnight within the walls.
Logistics:
- There are two Rothenburgs in Germany so make sure you get the right one!
- I had no idea which parking lot (outside the walls) to go to. We basically followed the GPS towards our hotel, and picked one near there: parking lot #5 was a good choice! We paid 6 euro. Parking is 5 euro (per day 9a-6p) but I failed to warn Greg that the machine does not give change. (It also only takes coins.) Pay the automat, then display the ticket in your car.
- We received a 10% discount for mentioning Rick Steves at Anneliese Friese. We also received a discount for paying cash. (Their credit card machine is from Medieval times.)
- Rick Steves says that Rothenburg is one of Germany's best shopping towns. "Do it here, mail it home, and be done with it." What he doesn't tell you is the shipping cost - 40 euro for one stein.
- We are staying at Hotel Reichs-Kuchenmeister.
