Leave early to comfortably cover roughly 5.5–6.5 hours driving to Rothenburg ob der Tauber; plan pet breaks every 2–3 hours and carry water/blankets for cold December weather.
Check into a pet-friendly hotel such as Hotel Eisenhut or Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister which accept dogs with prior notice; confirm pet fees and arrival time.
Stroll the compact medieval center (Plönlein, market square, narrow lanes) — great for photos and short walks with a dog on-leash; the town is mostly open 24/7 though shops/museums have limited winter hours so check before entering museums.
Walk a section of the well-preserved town walls for views over the town and countryside — outdoors and pet-friendly on a leash; note some wall sections may have stair access only.
Dinner at Reichsküchenmeister or Zur Höll (both near the market square) offering hearty Franconian dishes in a cozy, winter-friendly setting; call ahead about pet arrangements if you want outside/covered seating with your dog.
If your visit overlaps Rothenburg's Reiterlesmarkt (early December), enjoy the market in the old square — check exact dates and opening hours, as the market runs on specific Advent weekends.
Light hotel breakfast or cafe pastry (many cafes open from ~8:00–9:00); grab extra snacks and water for the drive. Confirm café opening times in December.
Stay two nights in a pet-friendly hotel such as Hotel NH Heidelberg or boutique pensions that accept dogs; contact ahead about any extra fees and kennel rules.
Lunch in Heidelberg's Altstadt at Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus or Kulturbrauerei for regional food and beer; most lunch kitchens operate from 11:30–14:30 but check winter hours.
Visit the ruined hilltop castle for sweeping Neckar valley views and its castle museum; the courtyard and grounds are open on most days, but the interior museum and pharmacy may have winter hours — typical ticket ~EUR8.
A scenic, mostly outdoor walking path above the city with excellent views — perfect for a winter walk with your dog on a leash; accessible year-round but can be muddy in wet weather.
Explore the Altstadt, take a riverside walk along the Neckar and see the Hölderlin Tower; outdoor public areas are open year-round but some museums and the Stocherkahn boat rides operate seasonally (boat rides likely closed or limited in December).
Drive ~2.5–3 hours (~200–230 km) southwest to Freiburg im Breisgau; plan a pet break en route and consider a quick stop at scenic Baden towns if desired.
Check into a pet-friendly hotel such as Hotel Oberkirch or an apartment-style accommodation; Freiburg is a great base for exploring the Black Forest and is generally dog-friendly in outdoor areas.
Lunch near Freiburg Münster at a cafe such as Hausbrauerei Feierling or Rathausbrauerei; most places serve lunch from 11:30–14:30 but check winter hours.
Visit Freiburg’s cathedral square, historic lanes, and the Bächle (little streams) — outdoor walking is perfect for pets, though the cathedral interior has visiting hours (often 10:00–16:00 in winter).
Take a short drive or cable car to the Schlossberg for city views or head up to Schauinsland for panoramic vistas; cable car and attractions may have reduced winter hours — verify before you go.
Dinner at Hausbrauerei Feierling (brewpub) or a Black Forest restaurant for regional specialties; ask about outdoor covered seating if bringing your pet.
Drive approx. 45–60 minutes to Todtnau (about 35–50 km) — the Todtnau Waterfall is one of the highest in Germany and offers a short, scenic trail; paths can be icy in December so wear sturdy shoes and check trail access.
Short hike to/view of the multi-tiered waterfall; outdoor and dog-friendly on a leash, but paths may be slippery in winter — check local trail/access notices.
Continue up to Feldberg (highest Black Forest peak) for winter scenery or stop at Titisee lake village for a lakeside walk and lunch; attraction facilities and lifts have seasonal hours — verify before travel.
Lunch in Todtnau or Titisee at a local Gasthaus serving Black Forest specialties such as Käsespätzle or Schwarzwälder Schinken; expect typical lunch hours 12:00–14:00 but confirm locally.
Relaxed dinner back in Freiburg; consider trying regional desserts (Black Forest cake) and ensure the restaurant’s pet policy if you want to sit in a tiled outdoor area.
Stop for a relaxed lunch and dog walk in a riverfront town (e.g., Koblenz or Cologne outskirts) — check restaurant midday opening times; allow 45–75 minutes.