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Free ticket to Munich for 1 week -- what to do in area?

Free ticket to Munich for 1 week -- what to do in area?

Old May 30th, 2011, 01:00 PM
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Free ticket to Munich for 1 week -- what to do in area?

Hi,

My DH managed to use his miles to nab a ticket for me to fly in and out of Munich the 2nd week of June. What to do and see in this area? Interesting in historical sights and spectacular scenery and hikes. Heard about the Sleeping Beauty castle, Black Forrest. From the map it looks like it's close to Austria and Switzerland.

Please suggest an itinerary, including details about how to get around (by train, bus, etc.).

Thanks!
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Old May 30th, 2011, 01:05 PM
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interesting place. How long are you going to stand there
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Old May 30th, 2011, 01:52 PM
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Also, is it very difficult/scary to drive there? More convenient and economical than train? From a quick search on the web, these are the places we might consider outside of Munich:
* The castle
* Salzburg
* Hallstatt -- lake District outside of Salzburg (is this the Sound of Music country?)

Anything else for 1 week? Or alternative places?

Taking the train looks very expensive, like over $100 one way to from Munich to Salzburg? Any less expensive options?

Thanks!
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Old May 30th, 2011, 02:18 PM
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You questions have been answered a zillion times and the answers are very easy to find, just check the Austrian and German formums.
Search for Bayern Ticket (cheap rail), Neuschwanstein (castle) and Salzburg.
Thre are many alternative places, nicer with fewer tourists. You won't go there, stick with the crowds.

Respect the rules for driving and rent a proper (stick shift) car. No problem at all. If there are still questions after you've read what's posted there, do post more specific questions.
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Old May 30th, 2011, 03:15 PM
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It's not difficult to drive in Germany but stay out of the left lane except to pass. Really. You won't believe how fast that dot in your mirror turns into a Mercedes doing 200+ kph! ;^)
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Old May 31st, 2011, 02:27 PM
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Where are you looking at train ticket prices? I just did a quick search on www.dbahn.de for Munich to Salzburg and see a Savings Fare (advanced purchase) for 19 euro and Standard Fare for $29 euro.

I like taking the train in Europe, although I do rent a car when it makes sense - usually when I am going to an out of the way place where public transport isn't convinient or I just want the flexibility of stoping wherever I want along the way. Taking the train is great though - and isn't very expensive. For our trips, train travel has proved to be less expensive than renting a car.
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Old May 31st, 2011, 07:49 PM
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The castle (Neuschwanstein) is very touristy. I'd skip it. I'd also recommend taking the train into Munich, driving and parking in the city will be a major hassle and the Hbf (train station) is right in the middle of the city.
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Old May 31st, 2011, 09:24 PM
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How about this itinerary:
* Fly into Munich
* Drive or train to Salzburg and sightsee surrounding areas for 2 days
* Back to Munich for 3 days (for business)
* Castles area --Bavaria & Tirol -- for 1 1/2 days. Train or drive here?

Is it worth adding 3 more days (next available time using miles)? If so, what else I could add?

Thanks!
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Old May 31st, 2011, 10:02 PM
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Hi JC98,

Yes, I think adding three days would be a good bet, and you could add that time to the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, about 1h30 south of München right at the edge of the Alps.

If it were me, I would go directly to Garmisch upon arrival in München and stay for three or four nights. There is great public transport to Oberammergau (site of the Passion Play), Linderhof, and Füssen; you can also take the train or bus to the sweet village of Mittenwald.

From Garmisch you can also ascend the Zugspitze or the Alpspitz or the Wank; you can take challenging hikes or gentle walks through Alpine pastures, or you can take a nice bike ride through the countryside.

From Garmisch, I would go to München for business. Then to Salzburg for two or three nights.

There's really no reason to rent a car in this area -- parking will be a hassle in Salzburg and in Múnchen, and train transport is easy and convenient (and **green** yaaay).

Hope you're having fun with your plans!

s
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Old Jun 1st, 2011, 09:49 AM
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Thanks, swan and all, for new ideas. How about flying out of Zurich on the return flight? Is it close by? Worth going there, so we don't have to backtrack to Munich?

Thanks!
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Old Jun 1st, 2011, 09:52 AM
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I think swandav's plan is great. And I think you will be quite happy using public transportation rather than renting a car.
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Old Jun 1st, 2011, 10:11 AM
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Swandav was right on the money!! Garmisch for a few days with the suggested side trips and back to Munich for other side trips. There's a lot to see in Munich and Salzburg and the train is a great way to go. Travel 2nd class and you can ride very reasonably.
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Old Jun 1st, 2011, 10:56 AM
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Garmisch is not a must see place, neither is Oberammergau! If you are restrained to public transport you have to stay in the bigger towns like Garmisch. Driving from Munich takes less than one hour. From Garmisch to Füssen, a car is essential.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2011, 11:01 AM
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Thanks, all, for the advice.

Which place is more scenic and worth visiting? Berchtesgaden National Park vs Hallstatt (the lake district near Salzburg)?
Which one is more convenient to go from Salzburg by public transport? By car should be equally fine?

Thanks!
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Old Jun 2nd, 2011, 11:15 AM
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I can't believe that nobody has yet recommended that you visit Dachau, especially since you say you want to see historical sights. I've been there twice and think it is a "must see" site.

Just get a Munich XXL day ticket (7.30 Euros) to get you there and back. The ride is under 30 minutes followed by a bus to the site of the concentration camp.
See: http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/index-e.html
and http://www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/home/index.html
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Old Jun 2nd, 2011, 11:30 AM
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There's a public bus to Hallstatt, the train is not an option from Salzburg. Parking may be a problem during peak season. The lake Koenigssee is not that far, the bus takes forever nevertheless. A car is a better option too.

However, on a guided bus tour, you won't notice the time that much.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2011, 11:41 AM
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logos--did they discontinue train service to Hallstatt? I am going there on Sunday and I usually take the train. But you take a ferry across the lake to Hallstatt. Guess I will find out Sunday. I did this trip last June also, but it could have changed.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2011, 12:10 PM
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Personally I would pick Berchtesgaden and Koenigssee over Hallstatt. I think it is much easier to get to from Salzburg, just take the 840 bus. The town is nice to walk around, and there are the salt mines to tour or go for a nice boat cruise on the Koenigssee which is gorgeous. You can also go up to Eagles Nest for a beautiful view of the lake and mountains.

You can get to Hallstatt by train, however we took the bus but it is a long ride with a couple of changes. And your bus might at times be crowded with schoolkids.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2011, 12:10 PM
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It isn't discontinued, there's just a detour.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2011, 12:38 PM
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Thanks, all, for the good info.

It sounds like Berchtesgaden is easier to get to from Salzburg by public transport. We have only 2 days in Salzburg though.

We have 1 day to visit the mad king castles. Is it worth staying overnight in Fussen the night before, so we could have an early start at the castles? Can we add anything else to that day?

Sound of Music--why is everyone telling you to take a tour? Can't you visit some of the sites on your own?

Thanks
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