Need help with itinerary for Switzerland, Germany or Austria
Oct 6th, 2010, 06:36 PM
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Need help with itinerary for Switzerland, Germany or Austria
Family of 4 (two boys 12 and 10) are cooking the idea of a 2-week trip to central Europe in the summer. Tentative thoughts are: Switzerland, southern Germany and Austria.
My original plan is to visit Switzerland and Austria. After consulting the map, Geneva and Vienna are at the opposite end of the continent. For Switzerland, definitely Bern, Zurich, Bernese oberland. Not sure if it is wise to visit Geneva, since it is kinda out of the way. Same question for Vienna. If we rule out Geneva and Vienna, maybe we can include southern Germany: Munich, black forest, can probably include Salzburg.
Seek your expert opinion on what is the most efficient itinerary, i.e. not spending too much time on the road. We have not seen much of Europe, so it really does not matter which cities to visit, as long as it makes sense logistically. There is always the next Europe trip that will allow us to visit, say Geneva with Eastern France or Vienna with Hungary and Czech.
We won't rent cars, will mainly rely on trains while in Europe or maybe low cost regional flights.
My original plan is to visit Switzerland and Austria. After consulting the map, Geneva and Vienna are at the opposite end of the continent. For Switzerland, definitely Bern, Zurich, Bernese oberland. Not sure if it is wise to visit Geneva, since it is kinda out of the way. Same question for Vienna. If we rule out Geneva and Vienna, maybe we can include southern Germany: Munich, black forest, can probably include Salzburg.
Seek your expert opinion on what is the most efficient itinerary, i.e. not spending too much time on the road. We have not seen much of Europe, so it really does not matter which cities to visit, as long as it makes sense logistically. There is always the next Europe trip that will allow us to visit, say Geneva with Eastern France or Vienna with Hungary and Czech.
We won't rent cars, will mainly rely on trains while in Europe or maybe low cost regional flights.
Oct 6th, 2010, 06:51 PM
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With two weeks, I would stay in Switzerland, get a Swisspass (plus the free family pass you can get for your children). You can use the Swisspass to travel on the trains, boats, and buses, so consider basing yourself in 2 one week rentals and daytripping from your 2 bases. You'll find lots of rental appts/chalets that would be suitable for a family. The only problem with Switzerland is that it is super expensive, but the Swisspass and renting an apt where you can eat breakfast/prepare lunch will help a lot. We based ourselves in Meiringen for 8 days, which was a great location for the Berner Oberland, hiking, etc, and not too exorbitant. We did not do Geneva; rather we moved to Zermatt & Zurich.
Oct 6th, 2010, 06:52 PM
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Check out the bahn.de website for rail timetables throughout Europe - a great website, we print out timetables and take them with us. Check out Ryan Air for regional flights - often at extremely low prices. We flew from Rome to Frankfurt (to the regional airports) for $26 for 2 people - airports are often in somewhat out of the way places, so check before booking.
After a few trips through the region, I would recommend focusing on 3 or 4 places in two weeks, that gives you 2-3 nights per place plus two days of flying. We loved Berner Oberland, but it is a bit far from Bavaria via train.
With younger kids consider staying on a farm in Bavaria or the Tyrol area of Austria for a few nights.
Night trains work well and save daylight hours for exploring.
You might consider a London-Paris-Bruges itinerary with the kids - plenty to see and do, easy connections, three countries, a nice mix of city size and cultures. Alternatively, you could hit Salzburg, the Bavarian Alps/Tyrol and Munich in 2 weeks without too much rushing around.
After a few trips through the region, I would recommend focusing on 3 or 4 places in two weeks, that gives you 2-3 nights per place plus two days of flying. We loved Berner Oberland, but it is a bit far from Bavaria via train.
With younger kids consider staying on a farm in Bavaria or the Tyrol area of Austria for a few nights.
Night trains work well and save daylight hours for exploring.
You might consider a London-Paris-Bruges itinerary with the kids - plenty to see and do, easy connections, three countries, a nice mix of city size and cultures. Alternatively, you could hit Salzburg, the Bavarian Alps/Tyrol and Munich in 2 weeks without too much rushing around.
Oct 10th, 2010, 04:49 PM
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Skip Geneva,Vienna, Black Forest. They are all too far from you main track.
Unfortunately, I can't tell where your home is. If overseas or UK, fly into Zuerich, visit Bernese Oberland, perhaps also Luzern. Then take train to Munich. Spend some time there, the kids will love it. Also visit Salzburg, Garmisch Partenkirchen and possibly Fuessen from Munich and return home from Munich. Salzburg, Garmisch, Fuessen can all be visited on the Bayernkarte day pass, for EUR28 for the four of you.
Unfortunately, I can't tell where your home is. If overseas or UK, fly into Zuerich, visit Bernese Oberland, perhaps also Luzern. Then take train to Munich. Spend some time there, the kids will love it. Also visit Salzburg, Garmisch Partenkirchen and possibly Fuessen from Munich and return home from Munich. Salzburg, Garmisch, Fuessen can all be visited on the Bayernkarte day pass, for EUR28 for the four of you.
Oct 10th, 2010, 04:58 PM
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I think boys would enjoy Switzerland, Bavaria/Munich, and Salzburg over Vienna and Geneva.
With 2 weeks I would do 1 week in Switzerland (max 2 bases) and 1 week in Germany (Munich and another town in Bavaria). You can easily do a daytrip to Salzburg if you are interested in that.
With 2 weeks I would do 1 week in Switzerland (max 2 bases) and 1 week in Germany (Munich and another town in Bavaria). You can easily do a daytrip to Salzburg if you are interested in that.
Oct 10th, 2010, 08:46 PM
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That covers a lot of ground for just two weeks. Let's hope that you at least have a full two weeks on the ground, not counting the days of travel to (takes two days) and from Europe. I would reduce it geographically, for less moving around and more staying put, there is so much to explore in each location.
But for now, I'm going with your stated plan.
Book a multi-city ticket (not two one-ways, not a return - see multi-city at www.kayak.com etc.).
Fly into Geneva (GVA), stay the night and walk off the jetlag. Train to Zermatt, stay two nights. It doesn't get more awsome than that, especially if you go up on the Gornergrat. http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/aus...hp?ausflugid=1
Trains are at www.sbb.ch/en
Then train to Bernese Oberland
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/dest...tml?region=007
Pick a location according to what you find you'd like to do and which of the many targets you'd like to pick.
After a few days, take the train to Munich (München). It is a long trip, can't be helped, around 7 hours from Interlaken-Ost, longer from locations up in the valleys, and there are no direct ones, you'll change trains en route.
From Munich you can make daytrips into Austria, even to Salzburg if you can get out of bed early and don't mind coming "home" late.
Fly home from Munich.
But for now, I'm going with your stated plan.
Book a multi-city ticket (not two one-ways, not a return - see multi-city at www.kayak.com etc.).
Fly into Geneva (GVA), stay the night and walk off the jetlag. Train to Zermatt, stay two nights. It doesn't get more awsome than that, especially if you go up on the Gornergrat. http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/aus...hp?ausflugid=1
Trains are at www.sbb.ch/en
Then train to Bernese Oberland
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/dest...tml?region=007
Pick a location according to what you find you'd like to do and which of the many targets you'd like to pick.
After a few days, take the train to Munich (München). It is a long trip, can't be helped, around 7 hours from Interlaken-Ost, longer from locations up in the valleys, and there are no direct ones, you'll change trains en route.
From Munich you can make daytrips into Austria, even to Salzburg if you can get out of bed early and don't mind coming "home" late.
Fly home from Munich.
Oct 13th, 2010, 08:44 AM
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We did this trip several years ago when our son was 10 years old. Arrived in Zurich and immediately took the train to Interlaken. Having been back in the OB area several times since then I would stay in Lauterbrunnen for easy access to all the sights. Our son loved going up to the Jungfrajoch. We continued on to Montruex to visit Chillon Castle, Gruyere, and Broc (chocolate factory). Trained to Zermatt where our son raved about going up on the cable cars to Klein Matterhorn. Took the Glacier Express (you can skip that)to Chur and then on to Vienna. We all agreed that Vienna was our least favorite city on our itinerary. On to Salzburg. While there we visited a salt mine and slid down the rails getting from one area to another. My son (he's 21 now still talks about it!) On to Munich. Rented a car for a week to visit Rothenburg (son still talks about the night watchman tour) the Rhine and the Mosel River areas.
We bought rail passes for Switzerland & Austria. Separate train ticket to Munich and then rented a car. In hindsight, I would skip Vienna, not worth the travel time. No need to go over to the Mosel River area (nice but we did it because my great grandparents emigrated from there).
Trains are so efficient in Switzerland. With the rail pass, entrance into many museums, using post buses and community transit buses are included in the pass.
Your idea of Switzerland, Salzburg and southern Germany is very doable. Fly into Zurich and out of Munich or Frankfurt.
Get the boys involved in the planning. It really helps to have them on board. I had my son watch Rick Steve's Europe on PBS so he knew a little about where we were going. He helped choose some of the places to visit. You will see the world through their eyes. That in itself is eye opening!
We bought rail passes for Switzerland & Austria. Separate train ticket to Munich and then rented a car. In hindsight, I would skip Vienna, not worth the travel time. No need to go over to the Mosel River area (nice but we did it because my great grandparents emigrated from there).
Trains are so efficient in Switzerland. With the rail pass, entrance into many museums, using post buses and community transit buses are included in the pass.
Your idea of Switzerland, Salzburg and southern Germany is very doable. Fly into Zurich and out of Munich or Frankfurt.
Get the boys involved in the planning. It really helps to have them on board. I had my son watch Rick Steve's Europe on PBS so he knew a little about where we were going. He helped choose some of the places to visit. You will see the world through their eyes. That in itself is eye opening!
Oct 14th, 2010, 06:54 PM
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Yes, we live in Green Bay, WI. Since the trip is in the summer, we can spend more than 2 weeks. I like DalaiLlama's idea of at least 2 full weeks of ground time. The open jaw itinerary (O'Hare to Zurich, and Munchen to O'Hare) should work out nicely. Tentative itinerary:
Zurich, Bernese Oberland, Bern, Munich, Bavaria, Salzburg
DalaiLlama mentioned long train ride from central Switzerland to Munchen. Will it be faster if flying those low cost airlines?
Also, while in Munchen, does it make sense to station there, and daytrip around? I am not sure how long from Munchen to Bavaria/Salzburg by train. I like to think daytripping does not make sense with >1.5hr one way ride.
Zurich, Bernese Oberland, Bern, Munich, Bavaria, Salzburg
DalaiLlama mentioned long train ride from central Switzerland to Munchen. Will it be faster if flying those low cost airlines?
Also, while in Munchen, does it make sense to station there, and daytrip around? I am not sure how long from Munchen to Bavaria/Salzburg by train. I like to think daytripping does not make sense with >1.5hr one way ride.
Oct 14th, 2010, 08:28 PM
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I think your revised itinerary is a good one with a few exceptions. I'd skip Bern and add Zermatt. Also, I'd go to Salzburg after Switzerland and before Munich mainly because the flight home options are better in Munich.
Overall, I'd do something like:
2 days Zurich
5 days Berner Oberland
1 day Zermatt
2 days Salzburg
4 days Munich & Bavaria
Plus 2+ days travel in between. If you have more time, I'd add Appenzell after Zurich or another day in Salzburg.
Overall, I'd do something like:
2 days Zurich
5 days Berner Oberland
1 day Zermatt
2 days Salzburg
4 days Munich & Bavaria
Plus 2+ days travel in between. If you have more time, I'd add Appenzell after Zurich or another day in Salzburg.
Oct 14th, 2010, 08:28 PM
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Hi travellerGreenBay,
I live in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (about 90 minutes south of München) and travel often to Switzerland. No, it won't be any quicker flying, once you take into consideration getting from the Oberland to the airport (3h, probably Zürich), waiting for security (2h), flying (1h), waiting for your bags (20 minutes) and getting from the airport to the city itself (45 minutes). Plus, flying is boring and aggravating, while on the train you get to see cities and countryside and a whole mix of interesting people. It's also likely that your boys will make a friend or two during the trip!
You can get great discounts if you buy your tickets early; you can buy them from the Swiss rail site or the German one. At either one, you can get a pdf of each ticket and print at home. Here are the sites:
www.rail.ch (Swiss)
www.bahn.de (German)
You can use these sites to look at the travel time from München to Salzburg, as well.
BTW, I usually figure a day-trip to be two hours of transport in each direction. Remember that you'll lose time when you move bases, too, with packing up and checking out, then checking in and unpacking. That may be even more time-consuming if you need to supervise your sons as well.
Have fun as you plan!
s
I live in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (about 90 minutes south of München) and travel often to Switzerland. No, it won't be any quicker flying, once you take into consideration getting from the Oberland to the airport (3h, probably Zürich), waiting for security (2h), flying (1h), waiting for your bags (20 minutes) and getting from the airport to the city itself (45 minutes). Plus, flying is boring and aggravating, while on the train you get to see cities and countryside and a whole mix of interesting people. It's also likely that your boys will make a friend or two during the trip!
You can get great discounts if you buy your tickets early; you can buy them from the Swiss rail site or the German one. At either one, you can get a pdf of each ticket and print at home. Here are the sites:
www.rail.ch (Swiss)
www.bahn.de (German)
You can use these sites to look at the travel time from München to Salzburg, as well.
BTW, I usually figure a day-trip to be two hours of transport in each direction. Remember that you'll lose time when you move bases, too, with packing up and checking out, then checking in and unpacking. That may be even more time-consuming if you need to supervise your sons as well.
Have fun as you plan!
s
Oct 14th, 2010, 08:56 PM
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Your boys will travel for free in Switzerland on trains, boats and lifts if you get a Family Card with your Swiss passes. Three-day Saver passes are often the best deal for an itinerary tht takes you from Zurich to the Berner Oberland, then several days there, then to Germany or austria.
I like Parrothead's suggested itinerary, except for the 1 day in Zermatt. That is a long way out of your way to see the Matterhorn, which may be hiding in clouds anyway. Add that day to Bavaria, and be sure to spend a couple days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is one the way between Innsbruck and Munich.. Your kids will love the gorge hikes there (and so will you).
I like Parrothead's suggested itinerary, except for the 1 day in Zermatt. That is a long way out of your way to see the Matterhorn, which may be hiding in clouds anyway. Add that day to Bavaria, and be sure to spend a couple days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is one the way between Innsbruck and Munich.. Your kids will love the gorge hikes there (and so will you).
Oct 20th, 2010, 10:27 AM
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Thanks to all your kind replies, I have the general itinerary down pretty much. I have been reading the other similar posts regarding specifics.
One more general question - when in the summer is the best and cheapest time to visit? We can pretty much go any time betw June and August.
One more general question - when in the summer is the best and cheapest time to visit? We can pretty much go any time betw June and August.
Oct 20th, 2010, 11:44 AM
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If you are going to the Bernese Oberland, you definitely want to stay in Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, or Murren. I would pick Wengen. This is the REAL Switzerland.
Some good hotels in Wengen include the Alpenrose, Baeren, Schonegg, and Bellvue. Check them out at tripadvisor.com
www.bellevue-wengen.ch Unbelievable views of Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfraujoc from the back terrace of this hotel.
I would get a half-fare card for the trains, not the Swiss Pass, because you only get half off some transportation (like the cable car to the Schilthorn or the trip to the Jungfrau from Kleine Scheidegg) with the Swiss Pass. The half-fare card is 99 Swiss Francs for 30 days of travel. The Swiss Pass is over 350 Swiss Francs for 8 days of travel.
A good hotel in Zurich is the Pension St. Josef. This hotel is a treasure. Check it out on tripadvisor.
Lizzy
Some good hotels in Wengen include the Alpenrose, Baeren, Schonegg, and Bellvue. Check them out at tripadvisor.com
www.bellevue-wengen.ch Unbelievable views of Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfraujoc from the back terrace of this hotel.
I would get a half-fare card for the trains, not the Swiss Pass, because you only get half off some transportation (like the cable car to the Schilthorn or the trip to the Jungfrau from Kleine Scheidegg) with the Swiss Pass. The half-fare card is 99 Swiss Francs for 30 days of travel. The Swiss Pass is over 350 Swiss Francs for 8 days of travel.
A good hotel in Zurich is the Pension St. Josef. This hotel is a treasure. Check it out on tripadvisor.
Lizzy
Oct 20th, 2010, 08:12 PM
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Hi again,
The tour busses come in full force in August, but that will be when the best weather is likely to come too. You'll have to balance which is most important to you.
You can avoid much of the bus traffic and the downloaded hordes if you stay in a car-free town like Wengen or Mürren in the Oberland.
The cheapest time to visit might be June, if you can find a hotel that considers this the shoulder season. But June might be still cold in the mountains. I think I would aim for June to try to cut down on seeing too many tour busses and to try to catch a deal on hotels. Just dress warmly!
s
The tour busses come in full force in August, but that will be when the best weather is likely to come too. You'll have to balance which is most important to you.
You can avoid much of the bus traffic and the downloaded hordes if you stay in a car-free town like Wengen or Mürren in the Oberland.
The cheapest time to visit might be June, if you can find a hotel that considers this the shoulder season. But June might be still cold in the mountains. I think I would aim for June to try to cut down on seeing too many tour busses and to try to catch a deal on hotels. Just dress warmly!
s
Feb 18th, 2011, 06:36 PM
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We have decided on the timing at least, will visit those countries last two weeks of August.
New question - After talking to a few friends, we are contemplating renting a car. Is that wise? My concerns are 1) language barrier. I had 3 years of German in graduate school (20 years ago, meaning I can't carry a simple conversation, only recognize a few words). We will certainly rent a GPS that talks in English. People there probably speaks English, but signs are in German? 2) Parking. How easy is it to find parking in tourist areas? 3) Driving habits - my understanding is Europeans drive more aggressively than Americans. Living in Green Bay, Wisconsin, day to day, driving around is pretty easy, not used to 80mph bumper to bumper type of driving (can handle it if have to, though). These are the reasons we initially ruled out renting a car. The plus side is it is a lot quicker to get from here to there with a car. Train systems are good in those countries, but then we still need to take buses to get to the site after the train ride. How are the highway systems, compared to US interstate? Financially, it is probably a wash, since there are 4 of us (2 kids 10 & 12), those inter-country trains are not cheap. I am having a hard time deciding to rent a car or not. Help!
New question - After talking to a few friends, we are contemplating renting a car. Is that wise? My concerns are 1) language barrier. I had 3 years of German in graduate school (20 years ago, meaning I can't carry a simple conversation, only recognize a few words). We will certainly rent a GPS that talks in English. People there probably speaks English, but signs are in German? 2) Parking. How easy is it to find parking in tourist areas? 3) Driving habits - my understanding is Europeans drive more aggressively than Americans. Living in Green Bay, Wisconsin, day to day, driving around is pretty easy, not used to 80mph bumper to bumper type of driving (can handle it if have to, though). These are the reasons we initially ruled out renting a car. The plus side is it is a lot quicker to get from here to there with a car. Train systems are good in those countries, but then we still need to take buses to get to the site after the train ride. How are the highway systems, compared to US interstate? Financially, it is probably a wash, since there are 4 of us (2 kids 10 & 12), those inter-country trains are not cheap. I am having a hard time deciding to rent a car or not. Help!
Feb 18th, 2011, 10:47 PM
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I am sure a lot of people will respond re your car query (especially the highway system) and its efficiency.
However - we have traveled a number of times with three children in Europe and sometimes the train rides - even longer ones - provide that much needed down time!
On the trains our children watched the passing scenery, ate yummy things, read, listened to music, filled in travel journals or slept.
I am not sure what part of your train travel will require a bus ride as well?
The trains in Switzerland are amazing and if you select Wengen or Lauterbrunnen you won't be needing a car.
Happy travel planning.
However - we have traveled a number of times with three children in Europe and sometimes the train rides - even longer ones - provide that much needed down time!
On the trains our children watched the passing scenery, ate yummy things, read, listened to music, filled in travel journals or slept.
I am not sure what part of your train travel will require a bus ride as well?
The trains in Switzerland are amazing and if you select Wengen or Lauterbrunnen you won't be needing a car.
Happy travel planning.
Feb 18th, 2011, 11:00 PM
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Hi again,
I used to drive in Germany and drove in Switzerland a few times -- these days I always take the trains.
First of all, 80 mph will put you in the slow lane. Cars routinely go over 110 mph on the autobahn; when I had my BMW, I regularly cruised at 110. And got passed.
I don't know why you think you'd have to take a bus after your train rides -- ?? Have you already looked at the schedules to see how many changes there are? I usually go for the connections with the fewest changes.
Yes, parking is hard to find and expensive in European cities and in resorts. Of course, if you stay in a car-free town, you leave your car in a (paid) parking lot for the whole time.
Also remember that European cities were built for medieval "traffic" and are not wonderfully engineered for cars. There are lots of tiny, winding streets, and you'll be trying to dodge trams, busses, and pedestrians too.
In Switzerland, your children will travel on the trains for free. Children under 16 years old travel for free when travelling with their parents.
You'll have more opportunities to interact with local residents and other travellers if you take the trains; you won't be isolated inside your private little bubble!
Also -- using the trains is more **green** yaay!
Good luck as you plan!
s
I used to drive in Germany and drove in Switzerland a few times -- these days I always take the trains.
First of all, 80 mph will put you in the slow lane. Cars routinely go over 110 mph on the autobahn; when I had my BMW, I regularly cruised at 110. And got passed.
I don't know why you think you'd have to take a bus after your train rides -- ?? Have you already looked at the schedules to see how many changes there are? I usually go for the connections with the fewest changes.
Yes, parking is hard to find and expensive in European cities and in resorts. Of course, if you stay in a car-free town, you leave your car in a (paid) parking lot for the whole time.
Also remember that European cities were built for medieval "traffic" and are not wonderfully engineered for cars. There are lots of tiny, winding streets, and you'll be trying to dodge trams, busses, and pedestrians too.
In Switzerland, your children will travel on the trains for free. Children under 16 years old travel for free when travelling with their parents.
You'll have more opportunities to interact with local residents and other travellers if you take the trains; you won't be isolated inside your private little bubble!
Also -- using the trains is more **green** yaay!
Good luck as you plan!
s
Feb 24th, 2011, 12:34 PM
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The idea of having to take a bus after train rides is totally baseless (from my US way of thinking, I suppose). I did take a cursory look at the train schedules (quite mind boggling). I was able to decipher there are more than one lines from pt A to pt B, some with more connections than others.
I think the trains in Europe are a lot better than I realize. We had been in Europe two times, first time through cruise, so all excursions were chauffeured. 2nd time, two weeks in London/Paris. Took subway/tube/underground everywhere, absolutely no need for a car. This time, since we will hit smaller places, my US thought process kicks in, assuming a car will be more convenient, and faster (? maybe not?). Trains stop at every small towns, it seems.
I think the trains in Europe are a lot better than I realize. We had been in Europe two times, first time through cruise, so all excursions were chauffeured. 2nd time, two weeks in London/Paris. Took subway/tube/underground everywhere, absolutely no need for a car. This time, since we will hit smaller places, my US thought process kicks in, assuming a car will be more convenient, and faster (? maybe not?). Trains stop at every small towns, it seems.
Feb 24th, 2011, 12:46 PM
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I was able to decipher there are more than one lines from pt A to pt B, some with more connections than others.>
Well not really there is nearly always only one main rail line between main cities and it may well be quicker to take a route that on the map appears longer than sidelines that may go more direct but take ages.
If you are confused by train schdules in those 3 countries you should not be simply because trains travel at least hourly between zillions of places - you only need to know how long the journey takes and sites like www.bahn.de - German Rail stie that is the easiest and best I have encountered for train schedules all over Europe.
If going from Munich to Zurich there is one only logical route to get their the fastest.
Basically my take is if you are going to tourist mecca cities like Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, etc then the train is best as cars can be liabilities in large cities - central aeas often are pedestrianized and off-limits to private vehicles - parking can cost a lot and be hard to find at times - many hotels in large cities may not even offer parking or charge a lot if they do, etc. and public transit in cities is so so superb and cheap - often great deals for families.
Anyway for lots on trains in these countries I always spotlight these fantastic IMO sites - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and for Switzerland www.swisstravelsystem.com.
If you drive and I understand that with a couple of kids that may seem better at least give your kids the experience of one European train ride - trains there have no correlation to the prehistoric in comparison trains we have in America.
Well not really there is nearly always only one main rail line between main cities and it may well be quicker to take a route that on the map appears longer than sidelines that may go more direct but take ages.
If you are confused by train schdules in those 3 countries you should not be simply because trains travel at least hourly between zillions of places - you only need to know how long the journey takes and sites like www.bahn.de - German Rail stie that is the easiest and best I have encountered for train schedules all over Europe.
If going from Munich to Zurich there is one only logical route to get their the fastest.
Basically my take is if you are going to tourist mecca cities like Munich, Vienna, Salzburg, etc then the train is best as cars can be liabilities in large cities - central aeas often are pedestrianized and off-limits to private vehicles - parking can cost a lot and be hard to find at times - many hotels in large cities may not even offer parking or charge a lot if they do, etc. and public transit in cities is so so superb and cheap - often great deals for families.
Anyway for lots on trains in these countries I always spotlight these fantastic IMO sites - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and for Switzerland www.swisstravelsystem.com.
If you drive and I understand that with a couple of kids that may seem better at least give your kids the experience of one European train ride - trains there have no correlation to the prehistoric in comparison trains we have in America.
