Travel through Germany
Jun 10th, 2005, 08:59 AM
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Travel through Germany
Hubby and I will be driving from Lake Constance through to Copenhagen and a bit beyond..Ballerup..in August. if you had a 10 days to drive there and return to Munich..what route would you take?
Jun 10th, 2005, 10:07 AM
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This is just a rough outline. There are many interesting places between these major points of orientation.
Lake Constance - Freudenstadt (Black Forest), Heidelberg, Speyer, Trier, along Mosel to Koblenz (short 60km roundtrip detour south along the Rhein) Koeln, Muenster, Bremen, Hamburg, Luebeck, Kobenhaven.
Return:Ferry to Rostock - Berlin - Dresden - Nuernberg - Munich.
Lake Constance - Freudenstadt (Black Forest), Heidelberg, Speyer, Trier, along Mosel to Koblenz (short 60km roundtrip detour south along the Rhein) Koeln, Muenster, Bremen, Hamburg, Luebeck, Kobenhaven.
Return:Ferry to Rostock - Berlin - Dresden - Nuernberg - Munich.
Jun 10th, 2005, 02:08 PM
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That's quite a bit of driving--about 11 or 12 hours up and 10 or ll hours back by the most direct routes. An average of 2 or 3 hours on the road a day each way--if you drive every day.
But, if you have to, then you might as well add a couple of more hours driving time on the way up and do something similar to what treplow suggests.
On the way back I'd also agree pretty much with treplow, including a stop in Bamberg, just north of Nuernberg.
But, if you have to, then you might as well add a couple of more hours driving time on the way up and do something similar to what treplow suggests.
On the way back I'd also agree pretty much with treplow, including a stop in Bamberg, just north of Nuernberg.
Jun 10th, 2005, 02:25 PM
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One more point: What time of the year will you be doing your travel? During the peak summer vacation times, you may have to allow more time. You are likely to encounter some pretty bad "Staus" (traffic jams) on the autobahns. As rule of thumb: I figure an average of 80km/h on the autobahns (including "pit stops"
, about 60km off autobahn.
Yes, I know the country quite well, was born and grew up in southern Germany (near Lake Constance) but have also travelled extensively in the north. The only stretch in my outline I haven't driven is from Luebeck to Kopenhaven and Rostock - Berlin.
You may want to check out ferries from Luebeck or Kiel to Denmark, and from Denmark to Rostock, to save you some driving.
Also, see if you can find on the web a reference to the "Deutsche Ostsee-Alpen Ferienstrasse", that is the recommended north-south vacation route.
, about 60km off autobahn.Yes, I know the country quite well, was born and grew up in southern Germany (near Lake Constance) but have also travelled extensively in the north. The only stretch in my outline I haven't driven is from Luebeck to Kopenhaven and Rostock - Berlin.
You may want to check out ferries from Luebeck or Kiel to Denmark, and from Denmark to Rostock, to save you some driving.
Also, see if you can find on the web a reference to the "Deutsche Ostsee-Alpen Ferienstrasse", that is the recommended north-south vacation route.
Jun 10th, 2005, 04:46 PM
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Thats some great advice. We are going in August after a week in Austria..near Grundlsee. So we're looking at Aug.1 to the 12 for this trip. I know, its crazy with tourists just like us but we had to go this time of year for personal mundane reasons.
Jun 10th, 2005, 11:41 PM
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treplow's route suggestion is excellent.
However there are no ferries between Luebeck and Denmark that you could take. Just make it about 45 minutes further North from Luebeck on the A1 Autobahn to the German island of Fehmarn (bridge). In the North of the island there is the port of Puttgarden from where ferries cross over to Danish Rödbyhavn 24 hours a day every 30 minutes. The crossing takes 45 minutes (and costs dearly at around € 45.- for the single trip). It does save a lot of time, though, as compared to driving all the way up to Flensburg and proceeding into the Danish mainland before crossing over via bridge to the island of Fyn from where you could proceed to Sjaelland, where Copenhagen is situated. I'd definitely recommend the ferry - its very relaxing, too and should be a nice, if not memorable break in your driving.
See
http://www.scandlines.de/en/main.htm
for info on prices, times etc.
If you feel inclined to speed things up a bit, though, which you very well might, as 10 days certainly isn't much, you might consider a slightly different route:
<b>Day 1:</b> Drive from <i>Konstanz to Wuerzburg (300 km, approx. 3 hours)</i>. Sightsee Wuerzburg and its tremendously beautiful Residenz Palace with the Tiepolo exhibition. Relax in the evening over a nice dry glass of Franconian White Wine e.g. from Juliusspital.
<b>Day 2:</b> Proceed North to <i> Hamburg (approx. 500 km, 4 hours)</i>.
In the afternoon, enjoy Germany's second largest city, possibly do a boat tour of the bustling port (if not on a Saturday or Sunday) or take a relaxing cruise on one of the boats on the Alster Lakes right in the center of town. Have a nice meal at one of many excellent restaurants (I shall be happy to recommend some) and/or see a Musical or a performance of the Hamburg Ballet at the Opera, which has been led to world-class by American director John Neumeier.
<b>Day 3:</b> <i>Hamburg to Copenhagen (470 km, 4 to 5 hours)</i>. Start early and definitely include a stop in Luebeck on the way. Luebeck is a mere 60 km from Hamburg (approx. 45 minutes). Allow for 3 hours to tour the medieval Old Town with the majestic Holstentor at its entrance.
Proceed to Copenhagen via the above mentioned ferry.
<b>Day 4:</b> Take your short excursion to Ballerup; sightsee Copenhagen with its stately center of town, the famous Ströget pedestrian zone, the little Mermaid, Tivoli Gardens in the evening etc.
<b>Day 5:</b> <i>Copenhagen to Berlin (389 km, 4 to 5 hours)</i>. Leave Copenhagen. Drive to the port of Gedser and proceed to Rostock by ferry. This one is again operated by Scandlines, though not as frequently as the one to Puttgarden. Thus, you should check the schedules in advance through the link indicated above. The sailing takes approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Proceed to Berlin. Germany's capital is bustling with life and awaits you offering all kinds of lodgings and nightly activities. I shall be happy to make some suggestions for lodging, dining and miscellaneous activities, if you wish.
<b>Day 6:</b> Spend the day in Berlin. Lots to see. Lots to do. Probably also a short excursion to Potsdam and its famous Sanscoucis Palace.
<b>Day 7:</b> <i>Berlin to Dresden (200 km, 1.5 hours)</i>. After spending the morning in Berlin, hop over to Dresden. Sightsee the city in the afternoon. Indulge in the beautifully restored Old Town. Fellow Fodorite Ingo should be able to tailor an excellent schedule according to your needs. Stay the night and do some more sightseeing the next morning.
<b>Day 8:</b> <i>Dresden to Munich (460 km, 4 hours)</i>. Drive to Munich. Stop in Nuremberg, if you like, for a stroll of Old Town and a quick view from its castle. Proceed to Munich.
<b>Day 9:</b> Sightsee Munich with its idyllic center of town, spend time in the Englischer Garten Park, relax in one of the many beer gardens and enjoy one of the thirst quenching brews with some hearty food.
<b>Day 10:</b> I left this one out, because I suspect you might have some interests along the way where you might want to spend more time than accounted for in my rough draft.
Have a fun trip - and do get back here should you need any further info.
hsv
However there are no ferries between Luebeck and Denmark that you could take. Just make it about 45 minutes further North from Luebeck on the A1 Autobahn to the German island of Fehmarn (bridge). In the North of the island there is the port of Puttgarden from where ferries cross over to Danish Rödbyhavn 24 hours a day every 30 minutes. The crossing takes 45 minutes (and costs dearly at around € 45.- for the single trip). It does save a lot of time, though, as compared to driving all the way up to Flensburg and proceeding into the Danish mainland before crossing over via bridge to the island of Fyn from where you could proceed to Sjaelland, where Copenhagen is situated. I'd definitely recommend the ferry - its very relaxing, too and should be a nice, if not memorable break in your driving.
See
http://www.scandlines.de/en/main.htm
for info on prices, times etc.
If you feel inclined to speed things up a bit, though, which you very well might, as 10 days certainly isn't much, you might consider a slightly different route:
<b>Day 1:</b> Drive from <i>Konstanz to Wuerzburg (300 km, approx. 3 hours)</i>. Sightsee Wuerzburg and its tremendously beautiful Residenz Palace with the Tiepolo exhibition. Relax in the evening over a nice dry glass of Franconian White Wine e.g. from Juliusspital.
<b>Day 2:</b> Proceed North to <i> Hamburg (approx. 500 km, 4 hours)</i>.
In the afternoon, enjoy Germany's second largest city, possibly do a boat tour of the bustling port (if not on a Saturday or Sunday) or take a relaxing cruise on one of the boats on the Alster Lakes right in the center of town. Have a nice meal at one of many excellent restaurants (I shall be happy to recommend some) and/or see a Musical or a performance of the Hamburg Ballet at the Opera, which has been led to world-class by American director John Neumeier.
<b>Day 3:</b> <i>Hamburg to Copenhagen (470 km, 4 to 5 hours)</i>. Start early and definitely include a stop in Luebeck on the way. Luebeck is a mere 60 km from Hamburg (approx. 45 minutes). Allow for 3 hours to tour the medieval Old Town with the majestic Holstentor at its entrance.
Proceed to Copenhagen via the above mentioned ferry.
<b>Day 4:</b> Take your short excursion to Ballerup; sightsee Copenhagen with its stately center of town, the famous Ströget pedestrian zone, the little Mermaid, Tivoli Gardens in the evening etc.
<b>Day 5:</b> <i>Copenhagen to Berlin (389 km, 4 to 5 hours)</i>. Leave Copenhagen. Drive to the port of Gedser and proceed to Rostock by ferry. This one is again operated by Scandlines, though not as frequently as the one to Puttgarden. Thus, you should check the schedules in advance through the link indicated above. The sailing takes approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Proceed to Berlin. Germany's capital is bustling with life and awaits you offering all kinds of lodgings and nightly activities. I shall be happy to make some suggestions for lodging, dining and miscellaneous activities, if you wish.
<b>Day 6:</b> Spend the day in Berlin. Lots to see. Lots to do. Probably also a short excursion to Potsdam and its famous Sanscoucis Palace.
<b>Day 7:</b> <i>Berlin to Dresden (200 km, 1.5 hours)</i>. After spending the morning in Berlin, hop over to Dresden. Sightsee the city in the afternoon. Indulge in the beautifully restored Old Town. Fellow Fodorite Ingo should be able to tailor an excellent schedule according to your needs. Stay the night and do some more sightseeing the next morning.
<b>Day 8:</b> <i>Dresden to Munich (460 km, 4 hours)</i>. Drive to Munich. Stop in Nuremberg, if you like, for a stroll of Old Town and a quick view from its castle. Proceed to Munich.
<b>Day 9:</b> Sightsee Munich with its idyllic center of town, spend time in the Englischer Garten Park, relax in one of the many beer gardens and enjoy one of the thirst quenching brews with some hearty food.
<b>Day 10:</b> I left this one out, because I suspect you might have some interests along the way where you might want to spend more time than accounted for in my rough draft.
Have a fun trip - and do get back here should you need any further info.
hsv
Jun 11th, 2005, 12:40 PM
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Without provoking an argument, I think hsy's driving times are too short. I have yet to make Konstanz - Wuerzburg (my birthplace) in 3 hrs, or Wuerzburg - Hamburg in 4 hours, or Dresden - Munich in 4 hours. Can't comment on the other segments.
Perhaps the problem is that, once in a while, I drive in the right lane! (It's a Joke: In Germany, if you dwadle in the left - passing - lane, some Mercedes or BMW will come right up to your tail, horns blaring, lights flashing,and sometimes giving you the finger. But, don't let that bother you. Just get back into the right lane - it's the law. You will catch up with him at the next Stau, especially in August.)
Perhaps the problem is that, once in a while, I drive in the right lane! (It's a Joke: In Germany, if you dwadle in the left - passing - lane, some Mercedes or BMW will come right up to your tail, horns blaring, lights flashing,and sometimes giving you the finger. But, don't let that bother you. Just get back into the right lane - it's the law. You will catch up with him at the next Stau, especially in August.)
Jun 11th, 2005, 01:00 PM
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Suggestions for places to stay, even though this has been many years for me:
in Hamburg, Hotel Hanseatic - - a home converted to small hotel; lovely.
And, though they are indeded close together, I think that Luebeck is quite worthy of an overnight. I think that I stayed a Best Western which was not so memorable - - but the town rates a thumbs way up from me.
And for an alternative en route from Rerlin back south, let me recommend the town of Weimar (generally), and Hotel Elefant, specifically. I'm not saying it's better than going via Dresden (I have never been to Dresden), but certainly a solid alternative. From there, you could go onward to Munich via Wuerzburg.
Best wishes,
Rex
in Hamburg, Hotel Hanseatic - - a home converted to small hotel; lovely.
And, though they are indeded close together, I think that Luebeck is quite worthy of an overnight. I think that I stayed a Best Western which was not so memorable - - but the town rates a thumbs way up from me.
And for an alternative en route from Rerlin back south, let me recommend the town of Weimar (generally), and Hotel Elefant, specifically. I'm not saying it's better than going via Dresden (I have never been to Dresden), but certainly a solid alternative. From there, you could go onward to Munich via Wuerzburg.
Best wishes,
Rex
Jun 11th, 2005, 01:05 PM
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Others might flash their lights and honk their horns to get you out of the left lane, but don't you do it. It is now against the law--it is considered aggressive driving and there are stiff penalties.
Jun 11th, 2005, 05:19 PM
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treplow,
I don't think driving times are too short. I actually tried to be somewhat conservative. I have driven many of those segments myself and more than just a few times - and I do believe that if you are driving reasonably quick, these times should be feasible. And even if you'd add another hour a day, the schedule should still hold.
<b>One important thing:</b> Rufus' advice on staying in the left lane is -I hate to say it- a bad one and actually illegal.
It has always been considered unlawful to tailgate and continuously flash one's lights to provoke the car in front of you to switch lanes to the right. BUT: It is still absolutely mandatory by German law to drive on the right hand side of the road or the right lanes whenever possible. Left lanes are for taking over <b>only</b>. Any violation of the "drive- right- rule" can actually be pursued according to Criminal Law and is certainly not a minor offence.
This said, please stay in the right lane whenever feasible. Only stay left if you are continuously taking over slower traffic. And even then be aware of following traffic. Should anybody be going faster than you, you are required <b> by law</b> to switch to the right.
The penalties Rufus is mentioning are in fact even more severe if you block traffic by staying left!
That said, Rex' advice is sound. I especially like the idea of paying a visit to Weimar.
I don't think driving times are too short. I actually tried to be somewhat conservative. I have driven many of those segments myself and more than just a few times - and I do believe that if you are driving reasonably quick, these times should be feasible. And even if you'd add another hour a day, the schedule should still hold.
<b>One important thing:</b> Rufus' advice on staying in the left lane is -I hate to say it- a bad one and actually illegal.
It has always been considered unlawful to tailgate and continuously flash one's lights to provoke the car in front of you to switch lanes to the right. BUT: It is still absolutely mandatory by German law to drive on the right hand side of the road or the right lanes whenever possible. Left lanes are for taking over <b>only</b>. Any violation of the "drive- right- rule" can actually be pursued according to Criminal Law and is certainly not a minor offence.
This said, please stay in the right lane whenever feasible. Only stay left if you are continuously taking over slower traffic. And even then be aware of following traffic. Should anybody be going faster than you, you are required <b> by law</b> to switch to the right.
The penalties Rufus is mentioning are in fact even more severe if you block traffic by staying left!
That said, Rex' advice is sound. I especially like the idea of paying a visit to Weimar.
Jun 11th, 2005, 06:33 PM
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hsv--I did not advise grebbs to drive in the left lane. What is said was, if grebbs is in the left lane and someone ahead of them is going slowly, grebbs should NOT flash her lights or honk her horn at the slow driver. That is illegal.
Jun 11th, 2005, 06:39 PM
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Interestingly enough, here in Maryland the legislature considered a law making it legal to honk or flash one's lights at slow drivers in the left lane. As far as I know, it wasn't voted on this year.
Jun 12th, 2005, 12:48 AM
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Rufus,
sorry for the misunderstanding and I certainly did not mean to offend.
I find it interesting that you mention such a legislative debate taking place in Maryland. It appears that this is a hot issue everywhere.
Actually it is not illegal here in Germany to once flash your lights if you are approaching someone slower in front of you who would be able to switch lanes without danger - but only then and only once.
Anyway, common sense and good behaviour should be able to solve such situations in most instance.
Have a great Sunday
hsv
sorry for the misunderstanding and I certainly did not mean to offend.
I find it interesting that you mention such a legislative debate taking place in Maryland. It appears that this is a hot issue everywhere.
Actually it is not illegal here in Germany to once flash your lights if you are approaching someone slower in front of you who would be able to switch lanes without danger - but only then and only once.
Anyway, common sense and good behaviour should be able to solve such situations in most instance.
Have a great Sunday
hsv
Jun 12th, 2005, 07:23 AM
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As I was reading the exchange in this thread about slow drivers driving in the left lane, it reminded me of one of the reasons I love Germany - strict adherence to the law. Nothing drives me crazier here in the States than the morons driving 40 mph in the passing lanes. Then I remembered how much I hated living in Maryland where that seemed to be the norm. When I eventually got to Rufus' comments about Maryland trying to put a stop to that nonsense I laughed aloud. Up here in PA the State Police used to ticket those that refused to make way on the Interstates.
Jun 13th, 2005, 03:37 PM
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We Loved Meersburg. It is a little terraced town on the Bodensee. There is one of the olderst in tact mideval castles in Germany.
A lot of it pedestrian only areas,
We stayed at the 3stuben hotel and LOVED it. website - 3stuben.de
I will also post a great testaurant if you are interested. I need to find the name.
A short boat ride you will also be at Insel Mainau. The most beautiful gardens I have ever witnessed - a tropical island in the middle of Lake Constance!!! A MUST-DO.
A lot of it pedestrian only areas,
We stayed at the 3stuben hotel and LOVED it. website - 3stuben.de
I will also post a great testaurant if you are interested. I need to find the name.
A short boat ride you will also be at Insel Mainau. The most beautiful gardens I have ever witnessed - a tropical island in the middle of Lake Constance!!! A MUST-DO.
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