4 days over Pentecost - would I rather be in Munich or Garmisch?
 

We spent a Pentecost weekend in Bordeaux in 2005 when everything was closed on the Sunday and Monday. This year, we will be in southern Germany over the weekend and have a choice between these 2 areas. We will have a car but plan to return it in Munich - which area would you choose?

When is that?

May 19 and 20th for 2013.

As for things being open, the situation will be the same as it was in Barcelona.

If you want a pleasently quiet city, take Munich. If want a more crowded resort area, take onwe of them. Note that on Friday afternoon and Saturday autobahn traffic to Garmisch and in the direction of Salzburg/Innsbruck will most likely be stop and go. The reverse will be true on Monday evening and even on Tuesday. Either take some backroads or travel counter to the prevailing traffic, such as going north of Munich on Saturday, returning on Monday or Tuesday. Is Rothenburg on your trip itinerary? If so, that would be a good time to go. There are not many places in R. where you have to go inside. There are likely some restaurants and hotelks that will be open, R. being a year-round tourist place.

You are very smart thinking of this; few tourists from overseas are probably aware that Pentecost is a holiday, and a 2-day affair at that.

Good advice on the traffic situation. We will be coming from Rothenburg and visiting those 2 areas before dropping off the car and taking the train to Lucerne. Do you think museums and shops will be closed in Munich on the Saturday as well? Thank you for responding.

No, they will be open.