Hey, seeking input on my itinerary for southern Germany. My wife and I are currently flying in and out of Zurich (due to cheap flights). Our itinerary currently looks like this.

September 3rd- Leave RDU
September 4th- Arrive in Zurich at 1300. Take train from Zurich to Freiburg
September 4th- 6th stay in Freiburg
September 6th-8th- Stay in Rothenburg.
September 8th- Travel to fussen via the romantic road
September 8th-11th stay in fussen, visit castles/ zugspitze
September 11 travel to Salzburg (3 hour drive)
September 11- 14 stay in Salzburg. Visit hallstatt and Berchtesgaden
September 14 travel to Munich
September 14-17 stay in Munich
September 17th travel to/ stay in Zurich
September 18th fly home

My question is would it be better to just skip Rothenburg and opt for either more time in each of the other locations or pick a midway point between Freiburg and Füssen to spend the night? I had picked Rothenburg earlier in the initial outline and now I’m having second thoughts I’m mainly worried that I may be cramming to much into the trip. My wife and I both enjoy the outdoors and the older/ Bavarian architecture. Any input is appreciated!

Hi kyleburke9234,

You have listed many days twice, and that can give you an unrealistic idea of your time; it's best to list each day one time and show what you'll do that day.

You say you're taking the train from Zurich but driving to Salzburg -- so, are you using the wonderful rail system or driving for this trip?

Have fun as you plan!

s

September 4th- Arrive in Zurich at 1300. Take train from Zurich to Freiburg

Which Freiburg?

Zurich to Freiburg im Breisgau is ~2 hours on a train
Freiburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is many more hours on a train.

Perhaps map this out so helpful advice can be dispensed?

It looks as though flying in and out of Munich would have been advantageous here, so if your tickets aren't already set in stone, you might consider that.

I see there are a few two-night stays back to back which is something I'd try to avoid, but that's just a preference, as are the locations you choose. One suggest is that I'd put Fussen and Munich next to each on your list. Traveling Salzburg > Munich > Fussen > Zurich makes sense unless there are specific dates you need to be somewhere.

Skipping Rothenburg o.d.T would give you extra days in Salzburg, which would be better for seeing Hallstatt and Berchtesgaden.

Stay tuned, my response is in Moderation.

What have you posted, Trophywife, to send your posts into moderation?

Lol, I've no idea, nothing controversial or nasty. No links. (Sounds a bit boring in retrospect!) I mostly suggested putting Fussen and Munich back to back would make for less back tracking. Flying in and out of Munich if possible seems simpler that Zurich in this case. Additionally, omitting Rothenburg would free up days for the Salzburg day trips to Hallstatt and Berchtesgaden. That's about it in a nutshell if they let this one through.

Response is also in Moderation. The plot thickens.