Hey VGC, Im taking a trip to Europe in the next couple months. My main base will be in Germany.  My girlfriend lives in north western part of Germany (in Melle) and her family lives in southern germany (in Schwäbisch Hall).  I will be there for 2 weeks and want to spend a good deal of it in Germany.  So here's the deal. 

In Germany, should I go to Osnabrück, Baden-Württemberg, or Berlin?

Outside of Germany (for little side trips), should I go to Asterdam, Brussels, Prague, Vienna? (Or do you have another suggestion?) I'll probably go to 2 big cities outside of Germany.

NOTE: I dont want to go too far from Germany.  I will only be riding the trains while in Europe.  And Italy is out of the questiion.  Im going there on a separate trip :)

I would suggest you take a trip to Amsterdam to take in the atmosphere, go out, and visit the Anne Frank house. Oh, and rent a bike. You may run into either me or Kirby which is a bonus. Really!

Second on the trip should be either Prague or Vienna. Rol will probably not agree but both cities are rather similair when it comes to atmosphere and architecture to a degree. PRague is still cheaper though, while Vienna is better "ordered".

Brussels I would advice against... the buildingplans have diminished their historical feel... large office buildings next to the older sections. Antwerp or Brugge would be better Belgian choices.

I recommend Denmark! Although I have no clue what makes all the places you won't go attractive, so perhaps you should just disregard my advice

Koeln is a great city as well. Worth stopping off in for a few hours at least. It shouldn't be too far from where your girlfriend lives either.

Prague and Vienna. Beautiful classic cities that you don't want to miss.

And in Germany choose Berlin of course.

I agree with this.

I've always wanted to go to Germany, but for some reason I've never been. I think I might look into going at some point during Christmas or Easter.

I can suggest doing all the obvious surrounding countries, you could do them with an inter-railing pass over a week or two (Assuming you want to do that). Also, if you fancy going to France, can I suggest going to south France it's much nicer (Marseilles is a great city). Although Paris is ok for a day or two.

If you choose to go to one of the Scandinavian capitals, make sure to choose Stockholm if you're in the mood of seeing pretty things. Second choice Copenhagen (becomes first choice if you're going for the bars and fun), then Oslo tied with Helsinki.

I haven't been to Prague or Vienna, and I was very young when I went to Brussels, so I don't know between those though my parents did love Prague. Amsterdam is a nice city though.

Thanks everyone! Any more suggestions?

No one else? I really appreciate the advice so far. Its been great.