Hi everyone - <BR> <BR>My brother and I will be going to Bavaria in late November (I know, I know, but it's the only time possible because it coincides with Thanksgiving). Kempten is a must see for us, because our grandfather was from there, but I prefer to use a prettier, more "Alpine" town as a base. We will also be going to Neuschwanstein. Here's the question - which town, Garmisch or Fuessen, is the more interesting/charming for a few nights? I know that Fuessen is the more convenient for our purposes, but there's something appealing about Garmisch, what with the Zugspitze towering above it and all. Mountains are important. Also, a hotel recommendation would be appreciated. Looking for something under $100 a night, typical Bavarian charm, perhaps even a bit rustic. <BR> <BR>As alternatives, I have stayed in Reutte, Austria before and found the town to be ok but a little uninteresting. Ehrwald looks good but may be too small. <BR> <BR>Any suggestions are well appreciated. Thanks!

Have been to both and enjoed both. Also have been to both over Thanksgiving holiday. Iffy for weather, a bit cold and possible chance of snow in the mountains. I personally would recommend Fussen due to closeness to castle. The Zugspitz could possibly be shrouded in fog that time of year and there's nothing like missing a great view due to bad weather.

I've been to both while living in Germany years ago. Neusshwanstein is great and you can easily get to it from Garmish-Partenkirchen. Garmish is such a charming town with the houses decorated so nicely, I would stay there. I remember a charming hotel right on the main square (if its still there). Have a great trip, its a beautiful area. (If you have time also visit Hohenswangau (where Ludwig was born) and especially Linderhof (Ludwigs 2nd castle). <BR>Art <BR>

Rob, <BR>I agree with Art's opinion. Garmisch is so quaint and picturesque. We just drove around until we found a good looking B&B. <BR>It was Gasthaus Inge Hofherr. Plenty free parking, good breakfast, and the rooms are clean with an upright shower(a rare find in Europe!) and it was $65.00 per night (this was May 1999). <BR> <BR>The drive to Neuschwanstein from the inn was so pretty. Passed fields of buttercups and beautiful mountains. <BR>Go see all the castles - they are all marvelous and close by to each other. <BR> <BR>Have a great time. <BR>Lynn

Is it the Post Hotel in Garmisch? We stayed there about 10 years ago and it was super. There are a lot of other hotels in the area. The Zugspitz is great, but the day we took the tram to the top it was so foggy we didn't see much of anything (that was in early October) Still, we drove down from Munich and visited Oberammergau on the way and then the castles of the crazy Ludwig. A wonderful part of Germany. Have fun.

I've been to both and stayed in both -- in May, however. My vote is for Garmish-P. Fussen has interesting aspects, but it is also the only place in Germany where we had a really miserable meal -- in a very nice-looking restaurant in the center-of-town area -- the chef was, quite simply, not skilled. In Fussen we stayed at the Hirsch Hotel -- with the deer statue in front -- you can't miss it -- the hotel was OK and the restaurant there was good. Garmish-P, on the other hand, was very, very good -- and we were there at an unfortunate time -- the spring floods of 1999. There we took an apartment for a week and got a good feel for the town. It is an excellent "base" for touring surrounding areas, including Fussen. Mittenwald and Obermergau are both close by and well worth visting. Even if you do not venture more than a few miles outside Garmish there is plenty there to occupy several days. A nice, small-town museum; several good Gasthouse/Restaurant/Beer Halls; a little botanical garden; and a small casino. You can easily visit Neuschwanstein from Garmish. Also, after seeing Castle N, stop by Castle Linderhof (???)on your way back to Garmish -- much smaller, but in my opinion, nicer.

Hi Rob: <BR> <BR>In my opinion there is no contest...Garmish is the town. Plenty of great resturants and plenty of places to stay. In November you should have your choice of nice places. Just use the Large tourist reservation board just outside the town of Partkinkirchen. <BR> <BR>JOHN

Rob--- The (other) great thing about G/P is that it has the ambience of an alpine resort with the charm of a small bavarian village. We noticed many small inns and places to stay as well as lots of skiers, hikers, etc. We also had an excellent dinner at a restaurant called Flosserstuben near the town center. Great selection of Bavarian dishes, very reasonable prices. We had company and none of us had a bad meal at this place.