KDJ823

My wife and I are flying into Munich and taking the train to Salzburg. After we have finished our time in Salzburg, we plan to take the bus to Berchtesgaden for several days. We would like to rent a car there so we can travel around the area. On our way back to Munich, we plan to stop to see Herrenchiemsee. My question is should we rent the car in Salzburg instead of taking the bus and return the car there (to avoid drop off fee in another country) before taking the train back to Munich? I don't know what to expect during Octoberfest in Munich in terms of traffic. Or is there somewhere where we can drop the car somewhere just outside Munich and stay with the plan of renting in Berchtesgaden?

pja1

Hi,

See if you can pick up the car in Freilassing, Germany, just outside of Salzburg and drive the very short trip to Berchtesgaden. Renting in Germany is usually cheaper than renting in Austria. Dropping the car in Munich shouldn't be a problem. We've used www.gemut.com for our rentals during our last 3 trips to Germany. Ask Andy Bestor at Gemut for alternatives to returning in Munich if you'd rather do that.

Paul

Rastaguytoday

I don't think traffic will be too bad, as most folks use public transportation to get to Oktoberfest.

Germany has very strict alcohol level limits for drivers.

I've rented cars in the Munich area more than 10 times. My personal favorite is Hertz. They are a no hassle company internationally, unlike some other car rental agencies.

They have an office in Freilassing.

Driving is a lot of fun in Germany, particularly on the Autobahn. You just need to know the the rules of driving in Germany and in Europe.

The fastest I've ever gone in my life is 149 mph on the Autobahn. I feel safer at 100 in Germany than I do at 60 in the U.S.

treplow

If you rent a car through www.gemut.com you will get a car from one of the big companies, Hertz, AVIS, etc. at a discount and with excellent backup service. You can pick up the car in either Freilassing (almost a suburb of Salzburg, but In Germany, reachable by a short train ride), or in Berchtesgaden.

Considering tyhat you willprobably travbelwith luggage, I would take thetrain from Salzburg to Freilassing, return to Salzburg to pick up the luggage and commenmce to Berchtesgaden. It is 45 minutes drive, on the B-305 once you are in Germany.
Later, upon leaving B'gdn for Munich, I would continue on the B-305, which in B'gdn becomes part og the Deutsche ASlpenstrasse network

treplow

Oooops, someone else started using my computer, and cut me off. Let's repeat te last paragraph and continue. Later upon leaving B'gdn for Munich, pick up the B-305 at the B'gdn RR station, from where it will be part of the Deutsche Alpenstrasse network (German Alpine Highways). Take it to Reit im Winkl, all a very scenic trip on an excellent highway.

In Reit continue on the B-305 north, through Unterwoessen, Marquartstein, Grassau, Bernau toward Prien. After you passed underneath the A-8 Autobahn, continue to Prien, but at the first traffic circle take the first turn right and follow the signs to the Chiemsee or See. This will take you to the boat landing for the Herrenchiemsee Palace.

Afterward, return to the A-8, the Autobahn to Munich.

nytraveler

Driving on the autobahn be very careful of speed limits. While there are still areas without limits they are gradually being restricted, especially as you get nearer larger cities.

Agree that driving in Germany is fun - good roads, fast cars (DO get a fast car) and generally other drivers are very good. But there are rules you must follow. The left lane is for passing ONLY. You cannot drive in the left lane. If you do, cars will come up behind you honking and flashing and running up your tail until you move over. And you don;t want this to happen when you are doing 120 and they want to do 180. (The most I have every done there is about 125 - in an Audi - but I have been passed by large Mercedes and Porsches going flat out - and had them pull right in front of me to let a Ferrari or similar pass - again flat out.

Oh - and if you're not willing to do at least 80 - stay off the highway.

And this is mph - not kph.

pja1

Just wanted to say I normally don't do 80mph on the highways in Germany and Austria and I'm certainly not alone. Usually have a small car (Ford Fiesta or something similar) and never had any problems. There are plenty of highways where the posted speed limit is between 100kph and 120kph, which is roughly 60mph and 75mph. Yes, many people drive way above that, but for the most part stay to the right and you'll be fine.

Paul