michaelshollenberger

Good day, fellow travelers. I am working on a 14-day itinerary to Hungary, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and was hoping for some input.

General Thoughts, Is it too packed/aggressive? Any changes you would recommend?

Thanks for any input!

• 6/6/24 Budapest 7:00 PM Arrive in Budapest/ Check into the Ritz Carlton Budapest
• 6/7/24 Budapest 9AM-12PM Explore Buda Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic castle complex
• The Fisherman's Bastion. Goto left until you see café. Best views of Budapest
• Matthias Church. The panoramic views of the Danube River and Pest side are breathtaking.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the Castle District. Wander along the charming cobblestone streets, and enjoy the medieval architecture.
• 12PM-1PM Lunch New York Cafe in Budapest
• 1PM-5PM Head down to the Danube Promenade on the west side. Admire iconic landmarks such as the Parliament Building and the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
• Cross the Chain Bridge, one of Budapest's most famous landmarks. Enjoy the views of the river and take photos of the Parliament Building.
• Explore St. Stephen's Basilica, a stunning architectural gem. Consider climbing to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
• 5PM-9PM Dinner at Mazel Tov (Pastrami)
• Traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash, chimney cake (kürtőskalács), or lángos are recommended.
• Order Unicum after dinner drink
• Pálinka
• If you have energy left, explore Budapest's unique ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter. Szimpla Kert is a popular choice.
• Ritz Carlton Budapest
• 6/8/24 Budapest 9AM-12PM Start your day with a visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building. Consider taking a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture.
• Explore Margaret Island. Take a short stroll to Margaret Bridge and visit Margaret Island. Enjoy the peaceful parks, historical ruins, and the musical fountain.
• If you enjoy panoramic views, consider taking a ride on the Budapest Eye, a giant Ferris wheel in Erzsébet Square.
• Wander through Gozsdu Udvar, a lively passage with restaurants, bars, and shops. It's a great place to experience the local atmosphere.
• 12PM-1PM Lunch at Menza
• 1PM-5PM Visit the Great Market Hall.
• Explore the Jewish Quarter and visit the Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe. Take a walk through the neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art and unique atmosphere.
• 5PM-9PM Dinner at Twentysix Budapest
• Budapest Prosecco tour boat (Night)
• Sleep Ritz Carlton Budapest.
• 6/9/24 Vienna 9AM-12PM Checkout Ritz Carlton
• Travel to Vienna by train.
• Check into Le Meridien Vienna
• 12PM-1PM Lunch NENI am Naschmarkt. Naschmarkt: Head to Naschmarkt for lunch. This bustling market offers a variety of local and international food options. It's a great place to try some Austrian specialties.
• Traditional Austrian dishes such as schnitzel, goulash, or Apfelstrudel are recommended.
• 1PM-5PM After lunch, take a stroll towards the Vienna State Opera. Admire the stunning architecture and perhaps catch a performance or take a guided tour if available.
• 5PM-9PM Dinner at Steirereck im Stadtpark (Fine Dining).
• Sleep Le Meridien Vienna.
• 6/10/24 Vienna 9AM-12PM Begin your day at the iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Take time to explore both the interior and exterior of this stunning Gothic masterpiece.
• Walk through Graben, one of Vienna's most famous streets, known for its historic architecture and luxury shops. Continue to Kohlmarkt, another elegant shopping street.
• Explore the Hofburg Palace complex. Highlights include the Imperial Apartments, the Silver Collection, and the Sisi Museum. Consider a visit to the Imperial Chapel (Hofburgkapelle) if time allows.
• 12PM-1PM Lunch Restaurant beim Hofmeister. Choose a restaurant in the city center or near Hofburg Palace. Traditional Austrian dishes such as schnitzel, goulash, or Apfelstrudel are recommended.
• 1PM-5PM Head to the MuseumsQuartier, an area filled with museums and cultural institutions. Visit the Leopold Museum or the Kunsthalle Wien, depending on your interests.
• Take a tram or short taxi ride to Belvedere Palace. Explore the beautiful grounds and visit the Upper Belvedere to see Gustav Klimt's famous painting, "The Kiss."
• Walk through Stadtpark, Vienna's city park, known for its greenery and famous statue of Johann Strauss. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• 5PM-9PM Visit Naschmarkt, Vienna's most popular market. Enjoy dinner at one of the many international restaurants or try local specialties from the market stalls. Night*]Head to Karlskirche, an impressive Baroque church. If time allows, take an elevator to the dome for panoramic views of the city.
• Sleep Le Meridien Vienna.
• 6/11/24 Lake Hallstat 9AM-12PM Checkout Le Meridien Vienna.
• Travel to Hallstat (3.5 hour Train Ride)
• 12PM-1PM Lunch Bräugasthof. Enjoy local Austrian cuisine while taking in the beautiful views.
• 1PM-5PM If you're interested in history and local traditions, consider visiting the Hallstatt Salt Mine. It provides insights into the region's rich salt mining history.
• Take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt. Enjoy the serene waters surrounded by mountains. Several boat operators offer short tours, providing a unique perspective of the town from the lake.
• Explore the Museum Hallstatt to learn more about the region's history, archaeology, and culture. The museum provides a deeper understanding of Hallstatt's UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit the Ice Cave or 5 Fingers Viewing Platform.
• While at Lake Hallstatt, you can take a short hike to the Hallstatt Skywalk "World Heritage View" for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains
• 5PM-9PM Dinner at Seehotel Gruner Baum
• Sleep Heritage Hotel Hallstatt.
• 6/11/24 Salzburg 9AM-12PM Travel to Salzburg by train.
• 12PM-1PM Augustiner Bräustübl: For a unique experience, visit this brewery located in a monastery. It's one of the oldest breweries in Salzburg and has a large beer garden where you can enjoy a variety of local beers and hearty snacks.
• 1PM-5PM The Original Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg
• 5PM-9PM Braurestaurant IMLAUER. Try kasnocken or apple strudel.
• Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg
• 6/12/24 Salzburg 9AM-12PM Spend your morning at Hohensalzburg Fortress. Take the funicular or walk up for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps.
• 12PM-1PM Enjoy lunch at the Panorama Restaurant within the fortress while taking in the breathtaking views.
• 1PM-5PM Head to Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the beautifully manicured gardens and the palace itself.
• Take a stroll in Mozart Square, surrounded by impressive architecture, and you'll find a Mozart statue at the center.
• 5PM-9PM Wrap up your Salzburg experience with a Mozart Dinner Concert. Enjoy classical music in a historic setting while savoring a delicious dinner.
• 6/13/24 Munich 9AM-12PM Travel to Munich by Train (1.5 Hours)
• Start your day with a traditional Bavarian breakfast at Café Frischhut, known for its delicious pretzels and pastries.
• Head to Marienplatz, Munich's central square. Witness the Glockenspiel show at the New Town Hall at 11 AM. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
• Explore Viktualienmarkt, Munich's famous food market. Grab some snacks or fresh produce.
• Climb the tower of St. Peter's Church for panoramic views of the city and the Alps.
• 12PM-1PM Lunch Augustiner Klosterwirt. Choose a traditional Bavarian restaurant in the area for lunch. Try classics like weißwurst (white sausage) or schnitzel.
• 1PM-5PM Visit the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace, and explore its opulent rooms and extensive art collections.
• Take a leisurely stroll in the English Garden. Visit the Chinese Tower and enjoy the serene surroundings.
• 5PM-9PM Head to the Hofbräuhaus, Munich's famous beer hall, for a hearty Bavarian dinner accompanied by live music and a lively atmosphere.
• ROOMERS MUNICH, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
• 6/14/24 Munich 9AM-12PM Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at Café Luitpold, known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious pastries.
• Explore the Pinakothek der Moderne, one of the largest museums for modern and contemporary art in Europe.
• Visit Nymphenburg Palace, the Baroque palace surrounded by beautiful gardens. Explore the palace and the extensive grounds.
• 12PM-1PM Lunch Königlicher Hirschgarten Restaurant & Biergarten.
• 1PM-5PM Head to Olympiapark, the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics. Climb the Olympic Tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Visit BMW Welt and the adjacent BMW Museum if you're interested in automotive history and innovation.
• 5PM-9PM Dinner HANS IM GLÜCK - MÜNCHEN Leo 250
• If you're up for it, explore Munich's nightlife. The Schwabing area has many bars and clubs.
• ROOMERS MUNICH, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
• 6/15/24 Wengen 9AM-12PM Travel to Wengen
• Check into Beausite Park Hotel (4-star).
• 12PM-1PM Lunch Bergrestaurant Allmend. Enjoy lunch at one of the mountain restaurants at Kleine Scheidegg. Swiss specialties like fondue or raclette are highly recommended.
• 1PM-5PM Take the Wengen-Männlichen Aerial Cableway or the Wengen-Männlichen Mountain Railway to Männlichen. The journey itself offers panoramic views.
• Embark on a scenic hike from Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. The trail is relatively easy and provides stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)*]5PM-9PM Dinner at Beausite Park Hotel's restaurant (Fine Dining).Sample traditional dishes such as rosti, cheese fondue, or Swiss chocolate desserts.
• Sleep at Beausite Park Hotel.
• 6/16/24 Lauterbrunnen 9AM-12PM Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe or your accommodation. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Lauterbrunnen.
• Begin your explorations with a visit to Staubbach Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen. Take a short walk from the town center to reach the viewing platform.
• Head to Trümmelbach Falls, a series of impressive waterfalls inside the mountain. Explore the caves and tunnels that showcase the power of glacial meltwater.
• 12PM-1PM Lunch Restaurant Weidstübli. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Lauterbrunnen. Many establishments offer outdoor seating with views of the surrounding mountains.
• 1PM-5PM
• 5PM-9PM Dinner Restaurant Schützen. Sample Swiss specialties or international cuisine while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of Lauterbrunnen. Night*]Rest at Beausite Park Hotel.
• 6/17/24 Murren 9AM-12PM Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in Mürren. Enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
• Take the Allmendhubel Funicular for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, explore the flower-filled meadows and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
• If you're up for an adventurous excursion, consider taking the cable car to the Schilthorn. The revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, offers stunning 360-degree views of the Alps. Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)*]12PM-1PM Lunch Stägerstübli. Have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Mürren. Many places offer Swiss specialties with a view.
• 1PM-5PM Take the Schilthorn Cable Car from Mürren to the summit of Schilthorn. The cable car ride itself offers breathtaking views of the Alps.
• At the summit, visit Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant that featured in a James Bond film. Enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the panoramic views.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Mürren. Explore the wooden chalets, flower-filled balconies, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• 5PM-9PM Dinner Restaurant Winteregg. Try traditional Swiss dishes or international cuisine while enjoying the alpine ambiance.
• While Mürren is a tranquil village, some establishments may offer evening entertainment. Check if there are any local events, live music, or cultural activities taking place.
• Sleep at Beausite Park Hotel.
• 6/18/24 Grindelwald 9AM-12PM Travel to Grindelwald.
• Check into Hotel Belvedere (4-star).
• 12PM-1PM Lunch Bebbis Restaurant
• 1PM-5PM Head to Grindelwald First and experience the First Flyer, a thrilling zip line ride offering panoramic views of the Alps. Don't miss the opportunity to try the First Flyer Thrill Walk for an adventurous experience.
• After the hike, spend some time exploring the charming village of Grindelwald. Visit local shops, take a stroll through the picturesque streets, and soak in the alpine atmosphere.
• 5PM-9PM Dinner at Restaurant Barry's (Fine Dining).
• Rest at Hotel Belvedere.
• 6/19/24 Interlaken 9AM-12PM Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café de Paris, a cozy spot in the heart of Interlaken.
• Depending on your preference, take a boat cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque landscapes.
• Take a leisurely stroll through Höheweg, the main boulevard in Interlaken. Admire the flower gardens and sculptures with the backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
• Explore the charming shops along Höheweg for Swiss watches, chocolates, and souvenirs.
• 12PM-1PM Lunch Hüsi Bierhaus. Consider trying fondue or raclette for an authentic experience.
• 1PM-5PM Take the funicular to Harder Kulm, Interlaken's local mountain. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Jungfrau region from the viewing platform.
• If you're feeling adventurous, Interlaken offers various outdoor activities such as paragliding, zip-lining, or boat rentals.
• Explore the western part of Interlaken, where you can find charming streets, cafes, and more shopping opportunities.
• 5PM-9PM Have dinner at The 3 Tells Irish Pub for a relaxed and casual atmosphere. They offer a mix of Swiss and international dishes.
• If you enjoy gaming, consider a visit to Casino Kursaal Interlaken for some entertainment.
• Wind down your day with a nightcap at one of the lakeside bars. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere with the mountains reflecting in the water.
• Sleep xxx
• 6/20/24
• Travel to Bern

janisj

Welcome to Fodors. Sorry -- but I'm just not up to reading any posts with hundreds of bullet points. Maybe after my first cup of coffee -- maybe.

Is it copied from some group tour itinerary -- It is cramming 4 countries into 12 usable days. But without reading any of it I can almost guarantee it is too complicated, you are trying to squeeze in too much, and if it is as regimented as I think (otherwise why sooooooo many bullet points?? ) it will likely go pear shaped more than once.

KTtravel

This does seem like a pre-planned itinerary that someone else has devised. I like to get guidebooks or read multiple itineraries/trip reports for places I plan to visit and decide my top priorities. I try to plan for those and fit in other activities around my main plans. In other words, I try to have some structure but also leave room for spontaneity.

swandav2000

Hi,

Almost all of your travel days have you arriving at 12.00, then having lunch 12.00-13.00, then continuing on with tourist activities. You have no time to check in & unpack. And each day, you are assuming that you'll be able to walk into a restaurant, be seated, look at the menu, order, eat, and pay within one hour. That's not going to happen.

They list your journey from Munich to Wengen as 3h, when in fact it is 7 or 8 hours.

Scrap this and start again.

Best of luck!

s

michaelshollenberger

It's an itinerary I pulled together from various sources. It's a first draft...It would be nice if I could share the link to the google sheet but I have to post 10 ten times first.

michaelshollenberger

It's something I pulled together from various sources and my research.Yep, it's just a guide. We will do what we have time for. I think the travel times may be off in a couple of spots.

michaelshollenberger

Good points. It's a first draft for adjustments. Need to build in more cushion time.

michaelshollenberger

Summary:

• 6/6/24 Budapest
• 6/7/24 Budapest
• 6/8/24 Budapest
• 6/9/24 Vienna
• 6/10/24 Vienna
• 6/11/24 Lake Hallstat
• 6/11/24 Salzburg
• 6/12/24 Salzburg
• 6/13/24 Munich
• 6/14/24 Munich
• 6/15/24 Wengen
• 6/16/24 Lauterbrunnen
• 6/17/24 Murren

bilboburgler

I gave up after the first ten lines, I was especially un-impressed by the first meal in a NewYork restaurant in Budapest when you will be a few steps away from one of the oldest places to eat in Budapest.

I advise a lot of people, this one is the first I've ever walked away from.

janisj

OK -- that's better -- but still a lot of duplicate bullets

You have:

Arrive June 6 Budapest
June 7-8 Budapest
June 9 Travel to Vienna
June 10 Vienna
June 11 Travel to Salzburg - Lake Hallstat en route
June 12 Salzburg
June 13 travel to Munich
June 14 Munich
June 15 Wengen
June 16 Lauterbrunnen
June 17 Murren
June 18 Grindelwald
June 19 Interlaken
June 20 travel to Bern

Now maybe you can see how rushed this is

SusanP

I'm exhausted just reading this. I agree, it seems like you cut and pasted it from an itinerary for a group tour. Glad you're looking to adjust it. Way too regimented. Figure out what YOUR must-sees are and start from there.

Melnq8

Just no.

Four countries in 14 days is nuts.

Vicky

The New York Cafe is quite a distance from Castle District.
this itinerary would kill me in 24 hours.

Sassafrass

Your proposal looks as if it is the brochure advertising a bus tour, especially when it describes views and recommends specific foods. In general, individuals cannot duplicate that because the driver comes to pick you up, takes you to the sights, etc. As an individual, you will be using public transport, trains, etc., so you will have to figure those things out, plus you would not likely even want to duplicate such a tour. You will probably want to choose sights that most interest you personally and take whatever time you need for them. You might want to eat in small, local restaurants and use small locally owned hotels rather than big chains. In other words, you might want a more unique experience instead of a cookie cutter tour. Try to spend more time sight seeing and less time traveling. Do some research using guide books and the internet, travel forums, history articles, personal recommendations, etc., not tour and glib advertising brochures. OTOH, if you like the tour and it suits your budget, you could just take a tour, easy and all done for you.

neckervd

...and it's just not feasible. Just 1 exemple:
If you leave Munich June 15th at 9am, you will arrive at Wengen at 15.42 and check into hotel Beausite (700 m from railway station) at 16.10. You want then to "enjoy lunch at one of the mountain restaurants at Kleine Scheidegg", but you cannot arrive there before 17.08. You plan to stay there for 1 hr. You will then be back at Wengen at 19.10, a bit late for your planned gondola ride to Maennlichen and hike to Kleine Scheidegg (again?).

wildiowa

I rarely, rarely offer advice here ...ask more questions...but my friend, this is way way ..way too much it will kill you all. Hard to do, you want to see so much, but choose like three locations..maybe four..spend a few days in each one, unpack and relax. Get a base and explore and take day trips etc. To me with limited time it's better to be in the mountains and smaller venues avoiding the large capitals and cities ...you get a better feel and experience for where you are visiting....but you may feel differently. You will be running your buns off and have no fun.

KTtravel

Every time you travel to a new location you lose both time and the cost of transport. Two nights in one location really only give you a day or day and a half of sightseeing depending on how short your travel time is. Which places are your top priorities?

lavandula

With 12 days I would cut out at the very least one country. You could spend 4 days in Vienna or Munich alone. I also would not plan down to hour blocks what you will be doing, because inevitably travel doesn't work like this, things go wrong (missed train, illness, road accident, shoe loses its sole). If you really want to follow a plan like this then I would join a tour group, because this pace is sustainable with tours but if you want to do it on your own, being an inexperienced traveller you won't be able to keep up the same pace. Can I suggest you look into a tour, or pare back your plans significantly. Maybe three cities?

Lavandula