6 Nights In Bavaria....what would you do, and why??
 

I'll be arriving in Munich on December 19 and will have 6 nights in the region before heading to Venice. Our group definitely plans to absorb the sights of Munich, including the Christmas markets. We'd also like to see Neuschwanstein and do a day trip to Salzburg.

We will likely leave Munich on Christmas morning to head down to relatives in Feltre, Italy.

Any recommendations for the Bavaria segment are greatly appreciated. We wouldn't mind doing a "loop" trip with trains and busses....really looking for a memorable trip.

Thanks everyone!

Nurnberg is a fascinating city - if into Third Reich relics it claims to have the most of any German town - Hitler's parade grounds just south of town evokes so so many terrible things - you can see the balcony that he famously was on when reviewing zillions of goose-stepping troops - the parade street is still there and there is a museum of Third Reich history here in an epicenter of Nazi exuberance and excess.

Nurnberg also has one of the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany and the town center is a delight - just an hour or so from Munich by train.

For lots of great info on German trains check out these superb sources: www.ricksteves.com; www.seat61.com; and http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id9.html.

For a circular tour take a train to Fussen for the castles - be sure to book a time slot ahead of time or face a long line - I was there in November and there were long lines - lots of American GIs and families flock here - then take a bus over to Garmish-P and train back to Munich - overnighting in Garmish - at the foot of the Zugspitze would be special at this time of year.

Look at a map. If you really wanted to you could include Salzburg on your trip to Venice.

There are four different Ludwig "castles" to choose from; you might consider visiting the Nymphenburg "palace" which is located in Munich itself as well as the Resdienz.

http://www.bahn.com/i/view/DEU/en/pr...r-ticket.shtml

All your trips in Bavaria can be done with the bargain bavarian lander Card where for 26 euros 2 people can do unlimited trips by train or bus or Munich city transports for an entire day - starting after 9 am - good to Fussen, Nurnberg, Dachau and even Salzburg (though in Ausria considered a German Bavarian rail station for this ticket) - anywhere in Bavaria - Rothenburg, etc.

You must take local trains and cannot take the ICE or express trains but though about up to an hour slower say to Salzburg for 26 euros for two (22 euro for one person) yu can't beat the price.

I like Dukey1's idea, Salzburg on the way to Venice, however I also think Salzburg deserves more than just a day. If you have any wiggle room in your itinerary I would suggest adding a day or two in Salzburg. I love Venice and think it is one of the most unique cities in the world however, I really think there is more to see and do in Salzburg... it is one of my favorite European cities!

I agree that Salzburg deserves more than just a day trip. try to spend an overnight here. We visited Salzburg in '10 for the Christmas markets. Loved it!

Paul

One other observation. Those Christmas markets...in Munich. I don't know about anybody else but it will not take even 1/2 day IMO to see what that is about. Sometimes I think it is more colorful to go to them after dark when the lights are on, etc., etc. And I cannot imagine spending more than three full days in Munich DEPENDING upon your interests, how fast you move about, etc.

An overnight in Salzburg sounds like a good idea to me. You can see a lot of the old town, etc., if you are willing to get up early, onto the train, and out of Munich. Once it is over, well, it is OVER. You can sleep in at home.

Thanks, everyone for your excellent advice! I think we'll spend 3 nights in Munich, which should allow time for the city's main sights, the Christmas markets at night, and a possible day trip to Regensburg. From Munich, we'll head to Fussen and Neuschwanstein, then overnight in Garmisch-P. From there we'll head to Salzburg for 2 nights before taking the train to Venice.

When in Venice, we can take the train up to Feltre for a day trip to see the cousins.

Sounds like a plan. Now....to make hotel reservations!!

I went on a Christmas markets trip to Germany and Austria in 2011, and it was wonderful.

My favorite Christmas market was the one in Munich. And, the mulled wine was awesome. We did a day trip to Linderhof and Oberammergau, which may be the most "magical" day of my life.

The Christmas market in Salzburg is very lovely, too. Below is a link to a photo:
http://flic.kr/p/gdwaJb

The Bavarian Pass - sold locally I talked about above actually only costs a few euros more for first class and IME of regional trains that can get very crowded - especially ones that act like school buses for kids going from a big regional town to their smaller towns and can swarm on all of a sudden - I am always glad to be able to sit in first class with empty seats whilst 2nd class could be chock full - so for several euros extra consider a first-class Bavarian day pass - for like 34 euros for two all told vs 26 - well worth the exra mone.

Just a word about your schedule. Bavaria (and Salzburg) close their Christmas markets the afternoon of Christmas eve and then things are Very quiet for the next few days. Christmas day is a good day for travel to Italy. If you spend Christmas eve in Salzburg you will be that much further down the road. Also the midnight service at the cathedral in Salzburg is very special. The place hold about 10,000 but there are more yhan that for that service. Arrive at least an hour early to get a seat, otherwise it is standing room only.

They start the service with a casual choir singing Christmas carols. The lifesize manger scene has an empty manger until midway through the service when a priest brings in the baby. A formal orchestra and choir include some Mozart (he was born in Salzburg). Silent Night was written about 15 miles from Salzburg. They finish the service with a quartet with guitar singing Silent Night. As the final notes fade a huge bell right over your head starts to welcome Christmas. As you leave the cathedral all the churches in Salzburg answer the cathedrals bells with their own bells. It makes your walk back to your hotel in the snow a lifetime memory.

. They finish the service with a quartet with guitar singing Silent Night>

very special it twas when in Munich on the night before Jan 6 - a Holy Day the choir was singing Silent Nighyt - so so special as is the Salzburg experience AisleSeat had.

ttt

SALZBURG: Great area. Deserves more than a day trip. We enjoyed staying in the BRISTOL HOTEL in 2007. It is across from Mozart's house and an easy walk across a bridge to Old Town.

GARMISCH: We will be back there in late November for the 2013 markets. Again will be staying at the HILLEPRANDT HOTEL. Small, near the ice stadium and town. Nice people and includes breakfast. Google the hotel and you will get more information.

Salzburg as an area could use several days but if you can only do a day trip to the city itself then as it is compact and not that big - nothing like behemoth Munich - then one day is good enough to get a great taste of the place (and plan to return!)