We're ending a trip to Europe with some extra time in Munich. We'll see most of the sites around Munich at the front end of our trip because two members of our group who are leaving early will be with us at that time. We'll already have seen King Ludwig's castle and Dachau but I'm looking for some other recommendations of day or overnight trips. We have two extra days. What do you think of a quick jaunt to Vienna or Salzburg for a little taste of one of those places?

Depends on what you like...Vienna would probably be tough to do as a day trip, but Salzburg would be close by train. You might consider Berchtesgaden also. However, you're not going to see much if you're just going for the day. If you're driving there's also the King Ludwig II castle at Cheimsee. There's also the Andechs monastery if you have a car.

Here's another vote for Andechs! Great food, beer, scenery, chapel -- and if you take the train (about 30 - 40 min.) from Munich out to Herrsching -- great hike! It's about 1.5 - 2 miles, as I remember, from Herrsching up the hill to the monastery with its fantastic view over Ammersee lake. It's moderately strenuous, but there were lots and lots of seniors making the hike when I was there. If you're in decent shape and the weather's good, give it a try (you can also take a bus from Herrsching.)

What a great opportunity! I'd grab the car and head to Salzburg. It's only a little over an hour to Salzburg from Munich. You may want to stay on the outskirts ot town as driving in the old town is a major pain. Rick Steves lists several great B&B's on Moostrasse. We stayed at Haus Balwien and it was great. You can spend one day in Salzburg and the next day I'd definately head to the Berchesgarten area. Skip the Eagles Nest, but see the salt mines and by all means take a boat ride on the Konigsee. It was definately an "ooh and ahh" trip. We loved the area. <BR> <BR>Vienna is grand but just to far for the time you have to spend. If I can be of any help feel to drop me a line. <BR>

Landshut - - www.landshut.de - - about an hour northeast.

I was in Munich two summers ago and my friends and I took a day trip (via train) to Salzburg. I definitely reccommend it!! the scenery was amazing in itself! We didn't get enough time to see everything we wanted to in the city, but we went to the Mozart museum (which supposedly was the famous musician's home as a youth and toured castle Hohen Salzburg on top of the hill above the city-the tour comes complete with a view of the Archbishop's chambers as well a the dungeon and torture room. From the top of the castle there's a great view overlooking Salzburg and down the river.