Germany/Austria trip....thoughts??
 

I have a 16 night trip planned with my family for this summer. I am second guessing where to go. How does this sound??
Fly into Munich, stay night leave next day for salzburg.
stay 2 nights salzburg.
stay 1 night krem (maybe do alittle biking)
stay 4 nights Vienna
stay 2 nights Hallstadt
stay 1 night Innsbruck
stay 3 nights Garmish...do some hiking possibly see the castles
stay last 2 nights in Munich.
We will be driving.
My children are teens so they like to do a mixture of things.

Sounds like an exciting trip! We were in Germany for 6 days this past April. Every night we stayed in a different town except in Munich where we stayed 2 nights. We flew in and our of Frankfurt and managed to visit Strausourg, France (for dinner only), Zurich, and Salzburg. It was a lot of driving but we all enjoyed it very much.

Have fun!

I have no negative comment to offer on your plan at all. I would like, however, to make a suggestion for you to consider. I think 3 nights in Garmish will cause you to miss more spectacular mountain views in Austria.

Having been in and through Garmish, I think it becomes a question of priorities and destinations.

You don't describe in detail what you hope to do in Garmish, so I can only surmise that riding or hiking to the top of the Zugspitze is one of them.

That said, let me offer my suggestion.

One of the most dramatic mountain drives you can take in Europe outside of Switzerland is in the Eastern Alps of southern Austria.
The mountain road known as the Grossglockner Hochalpenstraye is a scenic wonder. At the southern end of the road is the picturesque mountain village of Heiligenblut. As a major spur off of the Alpenstraye you drive to the Franz Josef center in the Hoehe Tauren national park. The Franz Josef building itself was sponsored by the Swarovski Crystal company. It provides an enclosed place from which to achieve a panoramic view over the glacier that flows from the flanks of the Grossglockner itself, which is the highest point in Austria.


I think this area of Austria is the most spectacular area with the possible exception of the high ridges of the Oetztaler Alps south and west of Innsbruck near the village of Solden and the ski resorts of Oberguergel, Hochguergel, and Mittelguergel. These ridges however are not nearly as accessible to the tourist in a hurry as are the view points of the Hohe Tauren national park and the viewing areas along the Hochalpenstraye.

Some people will say that the Hochalpenstraye is a too expensive toll road and it is, therefore, not worth the cost. To that assertion I voice strong disagreement. Yes there is a toll, and it is steep. But if you traverse it coming and going over multi day period, you can obtain a multi visit addon that reduces the daily cost drastically.

I first visited Heiligenblut in 2001 and we liked it so well that we returned last year for 3 nights. We stayed in a charming bed and breakfast known as Landhaus Christoff run by Mr. and Mrs. Josef Kramser.
They have 4 children and it is a family business on a quiet side street downhill from the main part of town.
Mrs. Kramser speaks some English and is willing to give all the help she can to her guests. Mr. Kramser works at his job many hours a day, but he is fluent in English. The oldest daughter works at a local hotel, which has the best Wienerschnitzel I ever ate, and that includes Fiegenmullers in Vienna!

And one shop in the village had a very good offering of Swarovski crystal which was packed carefully and thoroughly by the owner, who was wearing white gloves while she handled the pieces.

I would not make this digression, except that for us Heiligenblut was a trip highlight AFTER 4 visits to Switzerland. Despite the glories of Switzerland, visiting the mountains of southern Austria was such a highpoint of our European travels that we elected to return a second time.

If you like mountains, think about going there, and spend one night in Heiligenblut for some of that Wienerschitzel.

I had seriously thought about going to Helingenblut. I will have to read more about it. I decided not to because there will be 5 of us squeezed into a rather small car...the less driving the better. I could easily change the itinerary after Innsbruck ...spend one night there and one night somewhere else before going to Garmish. I had picked staying in Garmisch 3 nights because I do want to do some hiking and it the weather is rainy we could go to the castles. We will try to stop for the afternoon when leaving Innsbruck at seefeld where they are suppose to have Playcastle Tyrol...the kids should like that. I had thought about staying there?? Any other suggestions??

cparis:

Two of my favorite countries! Now here is what I would do....

I like to 'base' and try and 'day trip' to must see sites! That being said:

Two days is Hallstadt might be a tad too long. You can "daytrip" from Salzburg or stay between Salz and Hall. (Maybe at St. Wolfgang) and day trip to both!
I also loved the Gossau region of the Dachstein mountains( near Hallstadt) I think you would too.

I also think that you can do Innsbruck from Garmisch. Insbruck is a big ciy and the pedestrian zone (Old City) is probably the one to visit. If you opt to stay there, take a side trip to Hall im Tirol, a very nice little town.

Seefeld is a great place to base! It is such a beautiful location. You can go up to Mittenwald as well.

Maybe add a night to Munich. Sooo much to see, both for you and the teens!
JOHN

Looks like a winner!

I also would try and add an extra day or night in Munich...I love that city!

US

Be sure to take the kids on the Salt Mine tour in Hallstaat!
It sounds corny, but it's a blast.
They dress you up in the old mining garb, put you on a tiny train and take you deep into the mountain. Inside you slide down a long, wooden slide. You climb onto a raft a cross a small lake INSIDE the mountain. Plus you learn a little. It really is fun though.
Also, Garmisch is a great place to base out of. Not only do you have the Zugspitz, but you have all the castles along with Kloster Ettal, Oberamagau, etc...
You'll love Hallstatt. I would try and spend at least a few hours in Salzburg on the drive between Hallstatt & Innsbruck. In fact, Innsbruck is so close to Garmisch that I might skip Innsburck and spend that night in Salzburg.

Good overall plan with 2 minor tweeks.
No reason to stay in Munich the first nite--go right to Salzburg in 2 hours. Drop one nite from Vienna and add it back in Bavaria. Also, spend some time on the Wolfgangsee as a day trip from Salzburg, or stay there and day trip into Salzburg--hard to beat.

Sounds like a fun trip! I visited Munich, Innsbruck and Zurich and wish I had more time to explore each- especially Munich! What a great city for young and old. My time there was spent at Oktoberfest and the Hoffbrauhaus and in between exploring downtown. Would love to go back gain and explore more of Germany and Bavaria. I personally would cut down the amount of places to visit and spend more time at each, however, your plan is solid to keep the kids interested. Take note of the places you'd like to revisit them t greater length next time. Got a phenomenal Cookoo clock from Innsbruck that is the envy of all my family and friends!

thanks for all the suggestions. Are there any good but not too expensive restaurants that you can recommend in any of these places. Also what are your top things to do in Munich and Vienna??

Those are great suggestions. We have 4 days in Innsbruck because we have free hotel and I have been wondering what is best for day trips. Also, Slappy, where did you get the cuckoo clock? Are the prices better in Innsbruck than in Germany?

The "five of us squeezed into a small car" and "the less driving the better" gives me real cause for concern about this trip. I'm sure you've decided that driving is the best way to get there and some might disagree with that(although the folks here who think driving is the ONLY way to get anywhere in Europebecause that's the way they do it at home won't) but would you consider getting a larger vehicle? A lot of folks who prefer driving will tell you that there will be a lot to see along the way...and hopefully you won't come home saying, "...it was great except for the driving." Just a thought.

I think you've got a great plan, cparris. J. (really just topping this for you.)

We are picking up a BMW 33xi in Munich. The amount we save on the price of the car pays for our flights over and alittle more. They also give insurance for 30 days since we are leasing(if you buy you get it for 3 months I think). It is good because we also save the cost of renting a car. It is a small back seat though and small trunk. That is why I am trying to not drive over 3 hours any day. I was very lucky to find $400 tickets in July to Munich RT. Anyway even if the backseat was hugh traveling with 3 teens has its own...shall I say delights or challenges. I had wanted to do a few more things, like maybe drive up the romantic road or go into Switzerland, but nixed it until another trip.

cparis:

Sweet Ride! As you might guess from my screen name, I have the "grandfather" of your car! I have visited the factory in Spartenburg, SC (where they make the sports car and the SUV) and it was a wonderful experience. I am sure they will roll out the "red carpet" for you in Munich!

Get a "base" hotel in Seefeld. Make sure the kids are occupied, take the wife and take the car for a joyride up rt. 189 to Garmisch!

John

My husband is really looking forward to getting the car and being able to drive it fast. I don't think he will let me drive though. I am sure he will be too excited about driving himself. Now I have to figure out how much luggage will fit in the trunk, or if we will need to tie something on top. We are going to have to pack very very light.

It sounds like all of you are experienced Europian travelers. Can you please give me an advice on how you plan your trips with the logistics: where do you stay at each city, do you make reservations in advance? Where do you rent a car? Why don't you move from city to city by train? And if you do how and where better to buy tickets? Do you do any reservations from the States at all? What is the best time of the year to go there? I've been thinking about this kind of vacation for some time, but not sure how to organize it. PLEASE HELP!!!

Sorry cparis....fauxpaux (sp?) I assumed that you were a male! I have seen your posts before and I should have known.....forgive me!

Now as to agali's post...yikes!
Here you will find all you need. But first, give us a 'bit-o-help' on what is it that YOU want to do!! Then the flood gates of info will open!
JOHN

Drive the Alpenstrasse, it's spectacular.

http://homes.tiscover.com/project/al...e/f_index.html

Have fun.

-- One night in gorgeous Hallstatt is plenty

-- Dump boring Innsbruck -- head the a small town like Hall nearby.

-- Dump touristy Garmisch, or cut it down to one night.

-- Add another night to Munich.

-- Add at least a night to Salzkammergut.

-- Spend your last Vienna night in Klosterneuberg, in the Wienerwald.