Driving Germany/Austria
Nov 28th, 2006 | 03:47 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Nov 2006
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Driving Germany/Austria
I'm flying into Frankfurt on December 25th and driving the Romantic Road down to Fussen area. I then wanted to drive from Fussen area to Innsbruck and then Innsbruck to Salzburg, then Salsburg to Munich. However, I have a bit of vertigo and anxiety driving on mountain roads and high places--especially if weather conditons are poor. I know nothing about any of these roads between the aforementioned city/towns. Can someone tell me what I'm in for? Suggest an alternative if they are bad.
Nov 28th, 2006 | 06:38 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
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My suggestion would be to avoid Füssen. If you go there from the north, then don't drive from Füssen to Innsbruck. The road winds a bit particularly crossing the Fernpaß where the road on the map looks like it has a knot tied in it.
I suggest going to Munich from there and taking the autobahn to Innsbruck and then take the autobahn to Salzburg. However, to go that way will involve considerable backtracking because you cannot drive from Innsbruck to Salzburg on the autobahn without it.
If you look at a map, you will see what I mean. The autobahn route from Munich to Innsbruck branches off of the route from Salzburg and Munich.
Taking the most direct route in terms of linear distance involves traversing even more wiggling around on mountain roads.
I drove over Fernpaß in the summer and did not think the road was all that bad.
That said, I am reminded of the time I gave advice about a trail in the Canadian Rockies to a gentleman in the parking lot. I told him that it was an easy walk except for one scramble up a rocky step that was about 4 feet high. Being a little more mindful of just what that trail traversed the next time I walked it, I concluded that if the man took that trail he probably thought I was either ignorant or a liar.
I suggest going to Munich from there and taking the autobahn to Innsbruck and then take the autobahn to Salzburg. However, to go that way will involve considerable backtracking because you cannot drive from Innsbruck to Salzburg on the autobahn without it.
If you look at a map, you will see what I mean. The autobahn route from Munich to Innsbruck branches off of the route from Salzburg and Munich.
Taking the most direct route in terms of linear distance involves traversing even more wiggling around on mountain roads.
I drove over Fernpaß in the summer and did not think the road was all that bad.
That said, I am reminded of the time I gave advice about a trail in the Canadian Rockies to a gentleman in the parking lot. I told him that it was an easy walk except for one scramble up a rocky step that was about 4 feet high. Being a little more mindful of just what that trail traversed the next time I walked it, I concluded that if the man took that trail he probably thought I was either ignorant or a liar.
Nov 28th, 2006 | 06:50 PM
#3
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,936
Likes: 8
Hi,
I can't help with the Romantic Road part, but we have recently done the same trip that you are doing from Fussen, Innsbruck, Salzburg to Munich (except in reverse). I believe you won't be going over "mountain roads" from Frankfurt to Fussen, as the Alps pretty much begin there. The only pass which you'll probably need to travel is the Fern Pass between Fussen and Innsbruck, which is very good main road and not a switchback laden road as other passes can be. Between Innsbruck and Salzburg, you never have to leave the highway if you don't want to, although if the weather is good, you should, as the scenery is great. Same between Salzburg and Munich. It can be all highway if you choose. Check www.alpineroads.com for pass info.
We rely on Michelin Maps bought at Barnes and Noble. Picking up the Germany and the Austria maps will cover your trip.
In or around Fussen, stop at a gas station and make sure to buy a "vignette" sticker for your windshield. This is cheap and is needed for driving on Austria's highways. Driving in the places you mention is very easy. One rule to follow on the Autobahns and highways, stay to the right unless passing, and check your mirrors before passing! I don't think you'll have anything to worry about. If I can be of further help, just ask, as we have been to these area's a few times as recently as this Oct. By the way, your route sounds great, but maybe I'm biased as it's so similar to the one I planned out a few years ago!
Oh, while in Innsbruck, check out Hall in Tirol, 6 miles to the east, one of our favorite places. Beautiful old town which is nicer and bigger than Innsbruck, in our opinion of course.
www.regionhall.at
www.badl.at
Paul
I can't help with the Romantic Road part, but we have recently done the same trip that you are doing from Fussen, Innsbruck, Salzburg to Munich (except in reverse). I believe you won't be going over "mountain roads" from Frankfurt to Fussen, as the Alps pretty much begin there. The only pass which you'll probably need to travel is the Fern Pass between Fussen and Innsbruck, which is very good main road and not a switchback laden road as other passes can be. Between Innsbruck and Salzburg, you never have to leave the highway if you don't want to, although if the weather is good, you should, as the scenery is great. Same between Salzburg and Munich. It can be all highway if you choose. Check www.alpineroads.com for pass info.
We rely on Michelin Maps bought at Barnes and Noble. Picking up the Germany and the Austria maps will cover your trip.
In or around Fussen, stop at a gas station and make sure to buy a "vignette" sticker for your windshield. This is cheap and is needed for driving on Austria's highways. Driving in the places you mention is very easy. One rule to follow on the Autobahns and highways, stay to the right unless passing, and check your mirrors before passing! I don't think you'll have anything to worry about. If I can be of further help, just ask, as we have been to these area's a few times as recently as this Oct. By the way, your route sounds great, but maybe I'm biased as it's so similar to the one I planned out a few years ago!
Oh, while in Innsbruck, check out Hall in Tirol, 6 miles to the east, one of our favorite places. Beautiful old town which is nicer and bigger than Innsbruck, in our opinion of course.
www.regionhall.at
www.badl.at
Paul
Nov 28th, 2006 | 07:06 PM
#4
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,936
Likes: 8
Hi,
To Bob_Brown...No disrespect intended but ..."avoid Fussen"? We've stayed there twice and we love Fussen and the surrounding area. Did you mean to avoid it to skip the Fern Pass maybe? I've driven the Fern Pass 3 times during trips in late Oct. and for the most part it didn't seem like other passes (Timmelsjoch, etc.) at all. Best thing to do is check current forcasts before leaving home.
Paul
To Bob_Brown...No disrespect intended but ..."avoid Fussen"? We've stayed there twice and we love Fussen and the surrounding area. Did you mean to avoid it to skip the Fern Pass maybe? I've driven the Fern Pass 3 times during trips in late Oct. and for the most part it didn't seem like other passes (Timmelsjoch, etc.) at all. Best thing to do is check current forcasts before leaving home.
Paul
