Christmas in Europe
 

I posted before but didn't get many responses. I have been investigating the possibility of spending Christmas in Europe, namely the area around Munich and Garmisch.

I have a choice of staying 8 nights or 12 nights due to air travel arrangements. After reading on some posts, I realised that my initial plan of 6 nights in Garmisch and 6 nights in Munich might be a bit too long since most travellers to Munich stay only a couple of nights unless they are doing day trips, some of which we will do from Garmisch.

Now, if I am thinking of 6 nights in Garmisch (including Christmas) and 2 nights in Munich and go home or 8 nights in Garmisch and 4 nights in Munich (is that too much time in Garmisch?). Or should we consider a third base (I am actually trying to limit moving, though)?

We are looking for Christmas atmosphere and we want to do some day trips to surronding towns, like Mittenwald, Innsbruck, the castle, etc. No particular interest, just want to spend Christmas in a nice place, preferably with snow (not guaranteed, I understand). We have 2 young children (6 and 7) and will depend on public transportation, so, we will probably not go too far for day trips.

Can you help to give me some ideas about the number of days in each place? Thanks.

If I were going to Europe at Christmas, I would rent an apartment for 12 days in one small city. Salzburg is one example. Sure, it is touristy, but without tourists, nothing will be open between the 24th and 26th.

That way you can settle in, set up a small tree, bake cookies, attend church or whatever your personal traditions may be.

I think that gives you and your kids the chance to have the best of both worlds.

You did get several responses. It might be better to to you previous thread rather than start a new one so folks know what was suggested before.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-christmas.cfm

We've had some wonderful Christmas trips to Europe.

We spent five nights in Munich this past December and had no trouble filling our time. It included a day trip to the Zugspitz, which of course you'd do while you were in Garmisch.

Mittenwald and Berchestesgaden are lovely at Christmas and of course Rothenburg ob der Tauber is Christmas nirvana. You can easily get to Austria from Berchestgaden as well.

The fear of staying "too long" in a large city like Munich, which could keep you busy for weeks and months in a row, is alien to me... There surely is enough to fill 6 days each in both Garmisch and Munich, there is nothing wrong with that original plan. Should you want a change you have plenty of day trip options. Don't let those who know little more than the top sights listed ina "See Europe in 14 days" guidebook scare you off.

Salzburg is great. I find Garmisch overrated and don't really know why everybody on Fodors wants to go there but it is nice.
Keep in mind: the longer you stay in one place the deeper the experience.

There are two good things about staying in Munich. 1) It is large with a great diversity of sights, museums, etc. 2) It is a transportation hub with access to several other very nice towns. We have visited 3 cities a short train ride north of Munich that we really liked: Freising, Landshut and Regensburg. There are other choices in every direction.

http://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Christm...0635634_WwvXRT

http://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Advent-...5028020_t5NQGm


We had snow a couple times in that area but you can not count on it over Christmas.

Thanks for all your replies, information and photos!

I am feeling more secured about my plan now. I will research a bit more about places to go.