Germany: Munich dream daytrip, w/only 1 day in total, to see scenic beauty?
Sep 30th, 2010, 05:14 AM
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Germany: Munich dream daytrip, w/only 1 day in total, to see scenic beauty?
My hubby and I will be back in Germany for the first time in decades. I studied near Dusseldorf when just barely 17...so once was fluent. Sadly, haven't made it back
since college due to circumstances beyond our control.
(20 yrs now!)
Forgive me if this post is elsewhere, as I thought I tried to query this perhaps
in August, but can't seem to find it anywhere! So apologies in advance,
if someone else *can*. It's been too long since I posted to Fodors, to be
adept at using it, anymore.
We were only able to arrange the briefest of layovers in Germany,
on our way to my DH's home country. Will be arriving around dinnertime
on a Friday in mid-October...and then, need to leave Sunday early afternoon.
I know most would say, there's *plenty* to see & do in Munich
itself...so just make things easy & less expensive, and stay there
two nights. (vs. renting a car, etc.)
However, this is our only chance for a little getaway, as my mom who is in her late 80's
hasn't been well this Fall. And my hubby & I gravitate normally
to natural areas for hiking, etc. (eg. the Canadian Rockies)
I realize there's NO time for hiking, but...still have hopes pinned on
perhaps seeing a little of the Alps' scenic beauty, and if pretty villages/castles/churches are along the way, so much the better!! Would love to see some autumn colors,
as well.
We *did* tour Neuschwanstein when I was 20. Only had a night in Munich,
then, too! So, don't remember much at all. But I *have* read here about Ettal
& things to do in the area. (as I mull a mini 'adventure' for us
before returning to see his family in Scandinavia)
But, sadly, we have to narrow it down greatly. (whatever that 'adventure'
might be) And would appreciate any driving route recommendations,
most esp.
I don't believe it's too feasible to do both the castles' region/Fussen
plus Garmisch...or Mittenwald, etc. (forgive spelling here...hurrying this note out,
as time is closing down on us for planning) :-{
But would so appreciate it, if anyone here is willing to post
their all-time 'ideal' or 'fantasy' daytrip from Munich!
I assume most would say, if indeed even attempting a daytrip,
to simply lodge both nights in Munich, and only venture out
for the driving tour?
But, I have to say...even tho' I feel no need to tour *inside* the castles
near Fussen, it wouldn't be bad either to see them from the outside again...
esp if the surrounding mtns would be pretty in October!
Noticed a neat hotel close to them which would certainly provide some atmosphere/ambiance where we'd know w/out a doubt that we *are* indeed in Germany. (w/a view of the castles possible, for instance)
But, I worry staying there might be too risky before the fly-out day? But I also can't see us driving there in the dark, all jet-lagged on the arrival night. (so am tempted
to do on Night 2)
Is it 2 hrs from there to the actual airport in Munchen....or perhaps the airport
is further out of town? (away from this area?)
Whatever the case, any & all recommendations would be most welcome! Thanks in advance...Vielen Dank!
since college due to circumstances beyond our control.
(20 yrs now!)
Forgive me if this post is elsewhere, as I thought I tried to query this perhaps
in August, but can't seem to find it anywhere! So apologies in advance,
if someone else *can*. It's been too long since I posted to Fodors, to be
adept at using it, anymore.
We were only able to arrange the briefest of layovers in Germany,
on our way to my DH's home country. Will be arriving around dinnertime
on a Friday in mid-October...and then, need to leave Sunday early afternoon.
I know most would say, there's *plenty* to see & do in Munich
itself...so just make things easy & less expensive, and stay there
two nights. (vs. renting a car, etc.)
However, this is our only chance for a little getaway, as my mom who is in her late 80's
hasn't been well this Fall. And my hubby & I gravitate normally
to natural areas for hiking, etc. (eg. the Canadian Rockies)
I realize there's NO time for hiking, but...still have hopes pinned on
perhaps seeing a little of the Alps' scenic beauty, and if pretty villages/castles/churches are along the way, so much the better!! Would love to see some autumn colors,
as well.
We *did* tour Neuschwanstein when I was 20. Only had a night in Munich,
then, too! So, don't remember much at all. But I *have* read here about Ettal
& things to do in the area. (as I mull a mini 'adventure' for us
before returning to see his family in Scandinavia)
But, sadly, we have to narrow it down greatly. (whatever that 'adventure'
might be) And would appreciate any driving route recommendations,
most esp.
I don't believe it's too feasible to do both the castles' region/Fussen
plus Garmisch...or Mittenwald, etc. (forgive spelling here...hurrying this note out,
as time is closing down on us for planning) :-{
But would so appreciate it, if anyone here is willing to post
their all-time 'ideal' or 'fantasy' daytrip from Munich!
I assume most would say, if indeed even attempting a daytrip,
to simply lodge both nights in Munich, and only venture out
for the driving tour?
But, I have to say...even tho' I feel no need to tour *inside* the castles
near Fussen, it wouldn't be bad either to see them from the outside again...
esp if the surrounding mtns would be pretty in October!
Noticed a neat hotel close to them which would certainly provide some atmosphere/ambiance where we'd know w/out a doubt that we *are* indeed in Germany. (w/a view of the castles possible, for instance)
But, I worry staying there might be too risky before the fly-out day? But I also can't see us driving there in the dark, all jet-lagged on the arrival night. (so am tempted
to do on Night 2)
Is it 2 hrs from there to the actual airport in Munchen....or perhaps the airport
is further out of town? (away from this area?)
Whatever the case, any & all recommendations would be most welcome! Thanks in advance...Vielen Dank!
Sep 30th, 2010, 07:07 AM
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Are you open to renting a car? I've posted a trip plan looping from G-P. http://www.thirdmansystems.com/vacat...20Garmisch.htm
It's 80 miles from Garmisch to the airport, but Friday traffic will slow down your drive.
My thought: Arrive at the airport, take the S-Bahn to Starnberg and pickup and return a rental car there. This will bypass any driving issues through the Munich area. I'm not sure on the times the car agency is open though. It may not work out. You can also pickup/return a car at the Hauptbahnhof
It's 80 miles from Garmisch to the airport, but Friday traffic will slow down your drive.
My thought: Arrive at the airport, take the S-Bahn to Starnberg and pickup and return a rental car there. This will bypass any driving issues through the Munich area. I'm not sure on the times the car agency is open though. It may not work out. You can also pickup/return a car at the Hauptbahnhof
Sep 30th, 2010, 09:22 AM
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Seems Garmisch/Mittenwald is one place that will fulfill your dreams of being in the heart of the Bavarian Alps - in Garmisch you can take the mountain climbing train to the top of the Zugspitze and on another day take a day trip to Oberamergau and Linderhof - another of Mad Ludwig's fantasy castles nestled in a verdant setting - easy to do by bus so you do not need a car - ditto for getting to Garmisch and the Zuhgspitze summit.
Garmisch is full of cozy guesthouses - down comforter equipped and a haerty breakfast to get you started.
Garmisch is full of cozy guesthouses - down comforter equipped and a haerty breakfast to get you started.
Sep 30th, 2010, 09:24 AM
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The Munich Airport is 45 minutes from the Main train station.
It is a little less than 3 hours by train from the Airport to Mittenwald, where you could spend a night and the next day, getting in a casual walk into the mountains. Then catch an evening train to Munich or to a hotel near the airport.
It is a little more than 3 hours by train to Füssen for a night and day to see the castles and walk around a lake at their base. Then catch an evening train back to Munich or the airport.
I would hate to rush like this; but it might be worth it to you.
Regards, Gary
It is a little less than 3 hours by train from the Airport to Mittenwald, where you could spend a night and the next day, getting in a casual walk into the mountains. Then catch an evening train to Munich or to a hotel near the airport.
It is a little more than 3 hours by train to Füssen for a night and day to see the castles and walk around a lake at their base. Then catch an evening train back to Munich or the airport.
I would hate to rush like this; but it might be worth it to you.
Regards, Gary
Sep 30th, 2010, 10:42 AM
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Being jet lagged, I don't know if I'd want to make the drive, but taking the train is a good idea. You'd arrive in Mittenwald, Fuessen, or wherever you decided in the dark and then wake up in that magical place the next morning.
