For an upcoming visit to Bavaria and Austria, I had decided on Fussen as our family's stop to see the castles. After looking at some posts, though, I saw a lot of people talking about Oberammergau. What are the pluses and minuses of both towns? We are traveling in June and plan to spend three days in one of the towns.

IMO both are fairly well-located for sightseeing in the area (I'm sure someone will bust in here and tell you that Garmisch is the ONLY place to stay) with Fuessen being a bit larger and with more restaurants, etc., but perhaps not as picturesque and "charming" as Ober.

Oberammergau has a wealth of woodcarver shops, an over-the-top (interior) RC church, and all those Bavarian style buildings with the requisite flower boxes full of blooms.

Either way you cannot go far wrong although you might feel as if you are in (stereotypical) Bavaria if you choose Oberammergau.

This is not even close for me: Oberammergau is a much beautiful town. Spend a least an overnight. Fussen has a great location, but if you have a car, it almost becomes a mute point. Strongly recommend a visit to Ettal, Linderhoff Castle, go up the Zugspitze, have a meal at Garmish (great restaurants!), and visit Berchesgaten. Wonderful trip at a great time of the year.

Viajero - any specific restaurant suggestions in Garmisch?

While I'm not a religious person - I'd like to to see the Passion Play at Oberammergau. Has anyone seen this, I've heard it's a long day.

Reservations are not taken until 2008 so I still have plenty of time to plan a trip

Two weeks from today, (woo-hoo!) my family and I will be staying in Oberammergau at the Friedenshohe (http://www.friedenshoehe.de/). I've never been there, but the website looks so darn nice that I'm anticipating a fantastic stay. I recommnded the same place in another Fodor's thread and I'm gonna feel really bad if it's a dump!! But in 25 years of traveling to Germany, I have NEVER found a disgusting or even disappointing Hotel/Pension/Gasthaus/Weingut/Zimmer Frei/B&B.

The name of the restaurant we tried in Garmisch and loved was called Flosserstuben (towards the middle of town). Inexpensive bavarian dishes and very cozy ambience. Bavarian food is very good and I never had an apple dessert in Germany that wasn't out of league. Enjoy your vacation!!

I attended the Oberammergau Passion Play in 1960 with my parents. I mostly remember the seats being very, very hard after a while.

I would stay in Oberammergau as a choice, but Garmisch is usually where we HQ when doing this area as we have a car.

Traveldawg - We will have a car also and were planning on staying in either Fussen or Oberammergau for a few days and visiting Garmisch on a day trip. Do you think it would be better to stay in Garmisch?

I liked Garmisch but if I had to choose, I would choose either Oberammergau or Fussen. Both are certainly more charming and village-like than Garmisch.

Tracy

Is there hotel recommendations from any of you for Oberammgau, we don't need anything fancy, just my husband and me. Something clean with private shower and toilet is a must. Also, Rorothenburg hotel recommendations please.

Our family of five were very happy with the Parkhhotel Sonnenhof last Christmas. We had a lovely large corner room with window seats and a balcony. The bathroom had only a shower (no bath) and was fairly small but quite adequate. The room allocated to the children did come with a full size bathroom complete with bath.