Please Vote: Munich, Colmar, or Salzburg for 2 days in December

Will you be traveling by train? I ask because all of the places you list are cities rather than cute, charming, smaller towns. We based in Garmisch-Partenkirchen one year for Christmas/New Years and went to Neuschanstein from there. We liked GAP better than Munich. We also did day trips to lovely small towns from GAP--Oberammergau, Mittenwald, Ettal. Next year we went to Salzburg and loved it at Christmas as well. Spent endless time debating which experience was better. Each of us has vascillated in our opinions. For more than you ever wanted to know about experiences in both GAP and Salzburg check out my 2005 and 2006 trip reports on these trips by clicking on my name and then looking through the list of trip reports. The one about New Years in Salzburg concludes with our thinking at the time about the comparative merits of the two destinations.

We've never been to Colmar/Alsace area in the winter but I would guess that it's equally lovely. When we have been there in warmer weather we've stayed at both Colmar and the small town of Obernai closer to Strasbourg on the northern end of what I think of as the Alsation Romantic Road. We loved the Parc Hotel in Obernai. You might also want to check out the cute places Grandmere found in Alsace in Riqwihr. Her thread is currently on here called Musing about Recent Trip to France. She gives a link to the lodging site she found. It looks great. In GAP I think you'd like the Partenkirchener hotel. It's kind of the grande dame of places in Partenkirchen and very nice with old world charm though we loved the little homey Edelweiss where we stayed there. Latter has buckets of charm but is not equivalent to a 4 star hotel. I go on and on about it in my trip report entitled Winter Wonderland.

I notice that you don't list Nuremberg which has, as I understand it, the mother of all Christmas markets. You might want to add it into your mix. We were there fairly recently during the fall and found it really great. There's another trip report about that as well.

So to answer your actual question rather than just continue to feed you more information which you may not be able to use, among the three choices you list, I'd pick Colmar. It's the smallest of the three and for winter, smaller always seems cozier. It's also very cute in that kitschy Alsacien (sp?) way. But if you have the option to drive, I'd look at other small town alternatives in the areas you're considering. Happy to provide more lodging suggestions if you narrow your choices down.

Also, I notice you live in Zurich. Our Christmas/New Year trip this year is to Geneva, Chamonix and Annecy. I could use some help making some decisions about what to do in these various stops (son will be skiing in Chamonix) Are you quite familiar with them and if I start another thread, might I prevail on you to answer some of my questions? Thanks. Julie

Dear Julie,

Thanks for your very nice and informative reply!

I can either drive or train. I prefer the train as I find it more relaxing, but if we go to Neuschwanstein, I will drive as the Romantic Road on the way back is lovely.

With Colmar, it is really close enough for a day trip... I nixed Nuremberg because it seems a bit further afield (but then so is Salzburg) and also not so many people seemed so enthralled. I'm not really a big shopper, so for me it was more the atmosphere than the number of booths - I hear Nuremberg is quite big.

Zurich itself is actually quite small and we will do some more local things here and that was the attraction of Munich - a bit larger and more exciting at Christmas perhaps?

I will get back when I chose a location as I would love lodging recommendations and I will check out your trip reports as well as Grandmere's.

Now, regarding your trip... I wish I could help!! Geneva is one are of Switzerland I really have not visited so I don't think I can help at all. I know quite a bit more about the Engadine, Berner Oberland, Luzern, Bern, Basel....even Lausanne...But sorry to admit after 3 years we have not been to Geneva and we are not skiers so not helpful there either. I do know there are other experts here on Fodor's that can help if you start your own thread. (I shall look forward to learning a few things myself!)

Thanks again Julie for a great reply and best wishes with your trip!

gruezi

Hi G,

I suggest Salzburg.

Stay at http://www.ammoos.at/main.php?language=en&m=home)

Enjoy your visit.

Thanks for your vote Ira!

I saw a few threads with your hotel recommendation here on Fodor's.

Have you been in Salzburg at Christmastime?

gruezi

I haven't been to any of those spots at Christmas time, but I'd vote for Salzburg, too. I've always heard it was lovely then.

If you decide to go to Alsace instead, I'd stay in Strasbourg and visit Colmar as a daytrip. Many of the smaller towns supposedly have atmospheric Christmas markets, too, so that may be an option.

Re: Alsace: I think it would be lovely at that time of year, but Colmar was the least favorite of the towns/villages we visited this recent trip. If you want a village instead of a large town like Strasbourg, we really liked Kaysersberg.

Interestingly, we've just returned two weeks ago from a trip that included Colmar (and Strasbourg), Salzburg and Munich. It's really a toss-up as they are all attractive places, but for a two-day trip from Zurich, I'd opt for Colmar.

Some people seem to be down on Colmar for whatever reason, but it's a lovely town and perfect for a two day visit, especially if combined with a couple of nearby villages on the Route du Vin or with Strasbourg, my favourite French city. As for the time of year, I lived not far from Colmar for 3 years and it's still attractive in winter (as are Salzburg and Munich). I don't know if it has a Christmas market, as most cities seem to have these days, but that's not something I'd go out of my way for in any case. If you do want one, Strasbourg is very close.

Hi Gruezi,
I was a little underwhelmed by Colmar and it is close enough for a day trip. To go a bit farther afield, I'd suggest Nancy instead. It has a Christmas Market, the Place Stanislas is a knock-out, interesting museums (if you like Art Nouveau and Beaux Arts), good food. 4 hours travel time if you do the TGV to Strasbourg, then change to the local to Nancy. Or take a train to Basel, then catch the RE train straight to Nancy (3 hours from Basel).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy
The Hotel Crystal was very pleasant; we found doubles/twins for under 100 euro a night.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187162-d198182-Reviews-Best_Western_Hotel_Crystal-Nancy_Lorraine.html

My other rec would be Baden-Baden, if you feel like relaxing, taking in the spa, eating good food, shopping. The Queens Hotel has rooms for under 100 euro a night; it's newly renovated, pleasantly located, and has a pool.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187278-d233954-Reviews-Best_Western_Queens_Hotel_Baden_Baden-Baden_Baden_Black_Forest_Baden_Wurttemberg.html

However, sticking to your list, I would say Salzburg, esp. since you can catch a direct (no changes) train from the Zurich main station all the way to Salzburg.

Thanks everyone for your input. It is very much appreciated. I am now leaning more toward Munich or Colmar as I just checked the train to Salzburg is almost 6 hours - so quite a long way for just one night. Munich is closer to 4 which is more doable for me.

I will say I was in Colmar last December and it has a lovely Christmas market for which it is famous. Additionally there is the Musee d'Unterlinden which is also worth a visit.

We could still go to Colmar as a daytrip another day as the train is only 2+ hours...

I've only been to Salzburg in the summer and that's why I wondered if anyone had been at Christmas. I wonder if it is really, really crowded or more manageable. It can get overrun in the summertime. Although, I can imagine it would be charming in December...

gruezi

We stayed in Colmar at a charming hotel called Le Marichal... correct spelling I hope. It also had a fine restaurant. Rooms were small but the place had so much charm.

Should check BEFORE I type... is Le Marechal (on a canal in Petit Venice)

bookmarking!

It's been a long time since I've been to Munich, so it's hard for me to fit that into the mix, but I, too, am not a big fan of Colmar (and I've been there in the winter, when it SHOULD be cute). I think Salzburg is perfect.

Thanks everyone for your input.

I have decided on Munich at this point because I am afraid Salzburg is a bit too far by train for just one night.

I think Salzburg would be my first choice otherwise...

I will definitely be going back to Colmar and Salzburg at other times, so I am so happy and grateful to have the recommendations for the hotels and such.

Many thanks....

I will let you know how the Christmas Markets were in Munich.

Passerine - Nice to hear from you!! I like your trip idea to Nancy and may go there in the next few weeks myself. Thanks!! How are you??

gruezi

Salzburg! It's beautiful and small enough to enjoy in 2 days. Have a good time.

I'd also pick Salzburg. It's a good size for two days and an amazingly beautiful little city.

Where did you end up going?

Dear MomDD -

Thanks for asking! I gave you a little nursing school pep talk a while back on another thread but I think you never saw it. Hope you are doing well and hanging in there at the end of the semester.

Dear all -

My friend and I ended up spending 2 days in Munich last week - Thursday and Friday. I decided on Munich as I thought we could do Colmar as a day trip if we wanted more Christmas spirit and because Salzburg was just too far by train from Zurich for just an overnight. The train to Zurich is a relaxing 4 hours with no changes if you take the proper one. Of course, it is cheaper to fly, but I love training and find it so much more fun and relaxing especially with a good friend along for company.

I really love Munich for the charm, the friendliness of the people, and there is a lot to do. We had two full days of rain with one hour of brilliant sunshine thrown in for photo ops. The markets were nicely done, the city was very Christmasy and we enjoyed the Bavarian food and beer. We spent one evening at the Hofbrauhaus sharing a huge mug of beer and people watching. It was great fun. We made a few friends there and the friendly spirit was in great abundance. A British couple we sat with told us they hit a lot of Christmas markets and that their favorite was in Stuttgart. I had to laugh as my husband goes there a few times a month and I always decline to tag along - maybe I will say yes next time!

We also did a lot of 'shopping' but not very much buying. We had a fantastic lunch at the Dalmayr cafe.

One morning we visited the Residenz and although I am a bit glazed over by grand palaces by now, having seen so many this past few years, my friend very much enjoyed this. We stayed at the Platzl and I was not expecting too much but this hotel has a fabulous location, our rooms were very updated with every amenity, and they served a full and hearty breakfast in a pretty room. The staff was young, professional, friendly and helpful. I read about it here on Fodor's (of course) and I would definitely recommend this hotel.

This was my second trip to Munich (last time I spent 2 weeks in a language class) and both times I left this city saying I will go back again soon.

Thanks everyone for all your help. If anyone reading this has any questions just let me know.

gruezi

Thanks Gruezi - I think I must have missed your post - and I should be studying RIGHT now... see :avoidance.

Munich and that area is high on my want to go list...so thank you for reporting back. I was curious.

I too love training and think if I lived where you do I might never fly! (except to cross the Ocean of course)

Mom -

You would love Munich/Bavaria, Salzburg and surrounds... I always underestimate Germany as my first love is France but I always have a wonderful time! Plus, the costs are much more reasonable.

Study hard!!

g.

We've been traveling to Europe at Christmas as a family for the past ten years and the place we always return to is Salzburg (usually via Munich). In my mind nearby Berchtesgaden is the most beautiful spot on earth whether it's Summer or Winter. If you can somehow take in both places I think it'll be a Christmas you'll never forget.

Colmar is nice, but half a day is about all you need there unless you plan to sit around and sip wine the whole time.

Don't forget Basel. Very nice old city, great Munster, best museums.

I haven't been to Colmar during Christmas, so I can't help you with that, but I have been to Munich and Salzburg. Munich is the place you want to be for Christmas. It is a huge city, but seems small and friendly. There are several Christmas markets to choose from.

I'm going to be there next December. We should start organizing a big GTG.

Okay Dutch - see you there!

Elaine -

I agree I love the Basel museums.

g.

Salzburg(and perhaps Sound of Music country mini bus tour?or drive) - as good as Christmas Market they say as in Germany

Strasbourg and possible Colmar - a few hours in the latter enough in winter -but if you have a car the Alsace Wine Strasse just north of Colmar meanders thru famous and cute wine villageslike Riquehwar (sp?) - Strasbourg to me is one of Europe's vastly underrated tourists by foreign tourists

Munich

But Neuschwanstein is bound to revel practically anybody