Since this has changed since my first post with your help, I thought I'd start a fresh post.

Here's the plan so far:

Fly in to Munich.
- 3 nights (2 days) in Munich
- Train to a Bavarian town (Fussen, Oberammergau or Garmisch-partenkirchen) for 2 nights
- Train to Insbruck (Lunch stop - couple of hours).
- Train to Salzburg
- 5 nights in Salzburg
- 1 night in wachau
- 3 nights in Vienna


We need to decide on which bavarian town. We are leaning towards Garmisch-partenkirchen, because of the train station. From Fussen or Oberammergau, one has to bus to a town with train, although they seem to be very charming destinations, especially Oberammergau.

One specific question about all 3 towns - since we will not be driving, is there enough by way of buses etc. to explore the castles etc.?

thanks,

Ahmed

Garmisch would be fine. You'll not need 5 nights in Salzburg though. You may want to extend your stay in Munich & do a daytrip or two - or, stop at some places en route to Vienna (Linz or Melk) perhaps. Or, Extend your stay in Vienna & travel to Bratislava for a day.

Ahmed, I really like your new itinerary. I think you will get a nice flavor of Bavaria and Austria.

I prefer both Oberammergau and Fussen to Garmisch, simply because they are more charming. We had dinner in Garmisch and walked around town a bit. It was very nice and we enjoyed our visit, but it lacked some of the charm. That being said, due to convenience it may be the best option. Since we had a car I can't really comment on the public transportation aspect.

If you like charming towns, I would suggest a stop in Hall in Tirol instead of Innsbruck. Innsbruck, in my opinion, very much lacked in charm. The old town is interesting, but overall we were not impressed and didn't spend much time there. Hall is only a few minutes away and much more charming. It would be perfect for lunch and a few hours of strolling en route to Salzburg. From the German rail website, it looks like the train from Garmisch does include a stop in Hall. Just a suggestion.

Tracy

I'm assuming that the five nights in Salzburg is for daytrips outside of the city. Is this correct? If not, Salzburg itself can be seen in a day or two. The Salzkammergut and Berchtesgaden are both nearby and make great daytrips, but I think I already posted about that on a previous post of yours?

Tracy

>From Fussen or Oberammergau, one has to bus to a town with train, although they seem to be very charming destinations, especially Oberammergau.

Huh? I agree with you about the charm - i was in GAP often enough and it never struck me as particularly charming, just a place to change from the train to the cable car or bus. But why do you want to take a bus to Füssen or Oberammergau? Both these towns are on the train network and served regularly!

Now we're getting somewhere!

Tracy - you're a lifesaver - may I send you an email? Would be a lot easier to get advice. No disrespect to the other, incredibly helpful people!

Yes, Salzburg is for surrounds as well. We are very mindful not to tire our kids to disaster, therefore the number of days there. Plus, given that Salzburg is magic to them (thanks to Sound of Music), I suspect that may be one of the more memorable parts of the trip for them (they are very excited and google searching to perfection) - my 9 year old son is learning german words and keeps saying "danke" at the drop of a hat!

So are you saying GAP is not charming? I was planning a 2-night visit, saying at the Hotel Zugspitze. Should I consider somewhere else as my base in the area?

Ahmed, I would be more than happy to help! Definitely feel free to send me an email any time. My address is [email protected].

Thanks!
Tracy

Sorry...I tried to catch that before it posted but it didn't work. My e-mail address is [email protected].

Tracy

I like GAP & though it may not be as charming as Oberammergau or Fussen it is more easily accessible. I still like it...

Hi,
I would just like to say that IMO I agree that Fussen is more charming than GP. Not to complicate matters, but how about Mittenwald? Very convenient by rail. Very charming village. We've been to Hall in Tirol a few times and highly recommend it over Innsbruck. Again, very convenient by rail on the way to Salzburg.

paul

Oops,
When I mentioned Mittenwald I forgot about exploring the castles. I assume Neuschwanstein/Hohenschwangau and Linderhof. If those are what you want to see, I'd have to say Fussen. We've been to Fussen twice and love it.