Castles in Southern Germany from Zurich
 

We'll be arriving in Zurich for 3.5 days (June 2003). We'd like to go to the Castles around Fussen but I have had a hard time determining how to get there by train. <BR><BR>How do I do it?<BR>Is it too much effort in too little time?<BR><BR>Any alternative ideas?<BR><BR>Thanks...

I checked the bahn.de website, and there is rail service. Looks to be a 5-1/2 to 6-1/2 hour trip with 1 to 4 train changes on the way depending on which train you take.

We just got back from Germany. We actually drove from Zurich to Fuessen. It took about 4 hours I think. We have to factor in LOST time. It was a beautiful drive through the Swiss Alps. If you are planning to stay the night in Fuessen I recommend staying at Hotel Kurcafe.

another option for overnight in Fuessen itself is the Luitpold which is directly across the street from the train station

As to the train connections....here is one definite possibility/routing:<BR>leave Zurich at 7:33 AM on EuroCity train #191 which runs daily. Change ONCE at Buchloe (191 arrives there at 1110 AM) to the regional service #21250 which departs Buchloe at 11:44 AM and gets you into Fuessen at 12:57 PM. Changing in Buchloe is a breeze...not that big a station. the rail line ENDS at Fuessen so you definitely won't miss that stop, either.

you do not say if you are on a pass or buying tickets point-to-point...if you are on a pass it MUST also cover Austria for this route.

Thanks for the replies. We'll be getting in Zurich at 9:00 AM. <BR><BR>5 hours on train seems long for our short time. Is there a good base to do a day trip to Fussen from thats not quite so far from Zurich?

I honestly think most folks would tell you that to do those castles in that area besides being based in Fuessen (which is a nice place but not a lot there other than the castles and surrounding sites) the nearest places in Germany would be Munich followed perhaps by Augsburg (and I mention Augsburg because there is DIRECT train service from Augsburg to Fuessen whereas the service from Munich usually requires a change in Buchloe). I suspect a lot of folks wouldn't even think of doing this trip unless it was part of an ongoing excursion to somewhere beyond.

If money isn't a real concern, you can very easily hop a flight from Switzerland to Germany.

I have never flown in Europe, I am always on the trains, but there appears to be some excellent airfares right now.

Just a thought. It might cut your trip down to 90 mintues.