During our trip through Bavaria next summer, I was looking for a base from which to visit Munich for a day trip (not particularly interested in spending the night), Garmisch, Oberammergau, Mittenwald, Andechs, and perhaps Linderhof. My original thought was Garmisch as a base and that may be a better choice. I guess I backed away from that after reading comments about how touristy it is. Hubby and I have never been to Germany, if that makes a difference. Any other suggestions for a convenient base are appreciated. We will have a rental car, but will consider taking the train into Munich for our day trip. Thanks!

Hi fan! For all things Bavarian, be sure to check out Bavaria Ben's noncommercial site at: http://www.bensbauernhof.com. He's contributed much to this board. Also type <Wes Fowler> into the search box for much great info about the area. Wes was our resident Bavaria expert until his death last year.

Checked your other posts and agree with the suggestions you've already been given. I'd spend at least a couple of nights in Munich, which sort of sets the stage for Bavaria. The heart of Munich is very walkable and, IMHO, much less touristy than you'd expect. We visited Bad Tolz on one of our trips to the area, and while it's a beautiful town, I'd prefer to do it on a day trip from Munich.

I would also be interested in the reply to this thread. Can't make up our minds between basing in Garmisch or Mittenwald.

We stayed at Landgasthof Osterseen in Iffeldorf. I consider this one of the greatest (if not the greatest) finds in 40 years of traveling. Iffeldorf is tiny but on glacial ponds. It is immediately off the autobahn, 20 minutes between Garmisch and Munich. I went to Garmisch, Bad Tolz, etc on day trips. There are cows in the "houses" on both ends of the main street. German business associates had made our reservation at the inn. The hotel is small, but the rooms are large, comfortable, but not elaborate. The restaurant is EXCELLENT!!!! The hotel is very inexpensive. It also has bicyles to use and I rode about the neighboring towns on them. In 2000 a double room was 182 DM including an "extensive breakfast buffet". The telephone is 0 88 56/92 86. It was the real experience.

URL for Elainee's post above: http://www.landgasthof-osterseen.de/index.htm

I based in Garmisch in September 2003 I found it to be a good central location for day trips to Oberammergau,Etal,Linderhof,Weirkirche,Mitenwald,I nnsbruck,Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein. Prior to MY trip I had to choose between Garmisch and Mittenwald both towns offer stunning views of the alps but IMHO Garmisch offered more dining, shopping and night life options. I daytripped to Lindau in hindsight I should have spent two nights there.