swisschocolate

We are planning a trip for next September 2013 to Bavaria. We have been to Fuessen before but only briefly to see the castles. We loved the area and want to return. Although it seems most people feel only a couple of days is sufficient, we would like to base ourselves there for 10-11 days and explore the area more. We're considering Fuessen as our base since we will not have a car and will rely on public transportation.

Some of the areas we've researched are:

Plansee
Forggensee
Tirol
Pfronten
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Lermoos
Hopfen am See

We would like to do some hiking, biking and just enjoying the region more as a local than a tourist only there for one day. We like cable car rides and beautiful views, hearty regional cuisine and of course stopping randomly for coffee and cake. Oh and this trip is to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary - so we want just a nice, slow pace to enjoy our time together.

So - any other ideas for this region - places to see or activities not to miss? What are your thoughts on spending this much time in this area?

PalenQ

Reutte, thru the gap from Fussen is a sweet old town - just a few minutes by bus from Fussen's train station - you can connect there as well with trains to Garmisch-P - the best way to get to Garmisch from Fussen and to the Zugspitze - get off at a station before Garrmisch-P for the train up the Zugspitze.

Personally I think a base in Garmisch-P is better located for easier trips to many nice places, including Innsbruck just a short train ride away.

Dukey1

Since Fuessen sits at the end of a rail line you may find yourself using the local bus network to get a lot of places.

padams421

I have been to almost everywhere on your list. It was a wonderful trip, and our days were as you describe. We did, however, have a car. I agree with the poster above that without a car, you should stay in Garmisch so you have more transportation options.

swisschocolate

Thanks for the replies so far. I'll look more closely at Garmisch to base - here are a couple of places that look like they are in our budget. Has anyone stayed at these before?

Gastehaus Zufriedenheit
Hotel Maier

We like smaller B&Bs rather than large hotels. Breakfast included is a must.

PalenQ

We had exactly such a hotel or really guesthouse in G-P that you are looking for - was several years ago and do not remember the name but the point is that G-P has zillions of such cozy family-run places with humongous breakfasts - you cannot go wrong IMO.

pja1

Hi,

With 10 to 11 days, I would suggest splitting the time between 2 locations.

Garmisch is a good base for using public transportation.

Places of interest in the area:

The Zugspitze
Mittenwald
Karwendelbahn (Mittenwald)
Ettal Monastary
Linderhof Palace
Oberammergau
Innsbruck

I'd also suggest either the Zillertal in Austria (not far from Innsbruck) or the Berchtesgaden, Germany area near Salzburg. The alpine scenery in the Zillertal is simply spectacular! Also, many cable cars run into early October.

www.zillertal.at/en/summer/home

Paul

swisschocolate

Thanks Paul - we have been to Berchtesgaden twice already, so not heading that direction this time, although we do love that area also! We'll have to decide if we want to base somewhere else too. The Zillertal does look stunning.

pja1

Sorry, I didn't realize that. The Zillertal is stunning. We stayed in Finkenberg overlooking Mayrhofen. We've also stayed twice in Mittenwald for a total of 7 nights.

If interested, here's some pic's of the Zillertal we took in 9/09:

www.worldisround.com/articles/355538/index.html

and a few from Mittenwald, etc.:

www.worldisround.com/articles/324763/index.html

www.worldisround.com/articles/343800/index.html

swisschocolate

Nice photos, Paul. We have also been to Mittenwald.

Now I'm doing more research for accomodations in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We need something close to either a bus stop or the train station.

swandav - if you're around, I'd love your recommendations since you live in the area - at least you would know the locations of some places even if you haven't stayed there.

Thanks!

violetduck

Have you been to the Lake Konstanz area? I believe it is about a 2 hour drive from Fuessen area. We stayed in Lindau for a few days prior to going to Fuessen. Lindau has a maze of streets with a charming old town center , a lovely lakeside promenade and busy harbor with Bavaria's only lighthouse. Beautiful area and charming villages around lake easily reached by boat.