isibaker

Hi all!

I am planning a trip to Germany (this is just one segment of my trip) for this coming April, and since I've never been to Europe before, I'd like some tips and comments on my itinerary. I'm a college-aged female, and I will be traveling solo. From what I've researched, Germany is very safe for solo travel if you take reasonable precautions, but any tips regarding female solo travel? The main portion of the trip is following the Romantic Road, and I haven't decided if I will take the train or rent a car. I'm nervous about renting a car since I've never even been to Europe before and since I'll be alone, so any opinions on this would be awesome. The trip will be about 2 weeks. Here's my in-progress itinerary:

Fly into Frankfurt
Frankfurt - 1 night
Wurzburg - 2 nights (or another town at the start of the Romantic Road?)
Rothenburg - 2 nights
[Romantic Road - 4-5 nights... this part I have yet to fill in with specifics since I don't know if I will be renting a car... any ideas?]
Munich - 3 nights
Fussen - 2 nights

I'm then continuing on to Innsbruck or Salzburg, but I want to focus on one country's itinerary at a time. Thanks for reading through this, and any suggestions you may have!

FuryFluffy

Yes, it is generally safe for female traveling solo in Germany. Just take usual precautions and don't walk in the dark alone. Avoid football stadiums during the weekend. (I imagine you wouldn't be interested in football, and no offense to German football fans, they are mostly nice for what I've seen, but they can be very enthusiastic, and there would be tens of thousands of them around the stadiums at match time, so if you see any football stadium on your way during the weekend, try to not linger there for too long.)

Don't tell any stranger in bars and clubs that you're traveling alone.

There are drunken people in every country, if some run to you and start to say unpleasant things, a firm "No" would put them back into their places. I have encountered several, all over Europe, and they were pretty much harmless.

Hope that I haven't spoiled your mood ^^
As for driving way, I'll wait for others to comment as I have no idea.

Fussgaenger

Romantic Road: OK to Würzburg and Rothenburg. But while some of the towns are pretty nice, it's really NOT all that Romantic as regards scenery to follow this tourist route. And it cannot be done by train. I strongly suggest you look into some more interesting places that neglected to line up on the Romantic Road (heh.) From Würzburg you could day trip to top-notch Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city with a medieval old town.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/624

Nuremberg is also very close - day trip or see it on the way to Munich or stay over.

http://media.belocal.de/120712/1152x768_0,0c.jpg
http://www.europeanbeerguide.net/nurnpubs.htm

Iphofen is adorable. Photos below. Very close to Würzburg.

http://www.stadtbild-deutschland.org...c04d6138b54a6f

Marktbreit is south of W'burg on the train route to Rothenburg. But everyone passes it up because it's not on the RR. What a shame. It doesn't take long to see.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...breit_BW_6.JPG

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...breit_BW_3.JPG

Bad Windsheim's open-land museum is outstanding:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...e_Francon.html

Every one of these places can be reached easily by train. Not enough time for all of them perhaps but surely for most.

marvelousmouse

I'm in Rothenburg tonight, and while I like it, I think 1 night/two half days is enough unless you're a big shopper. This is my second night and the only reason I haven't seen all of the museums is that I've been distracted by the Christmas market. The town is very pretty and fun to walk around in the evening, and that's been my favorite time of the day here.

You're smart to fly into Frankfurt and stay that first night. I did not do that and my first day felt pretty brutal. You may even want to stay a second night, especially if you live on the west coast. Jet lag does not usually get to me but it hit me hard this time with such a large time difference. 4th night in Europe and I'm finally feeling somewhat normal.

The trains are pretty cool, the stations are so central, and from what I've seen so far I wouldn't want to drive (mostly because I wouldn't want to mess with parking). But I'm not one to ask because I don't even like driving on vacation in the US. I have noticed that timetable wise it could help you to drive some - there are a few train routes that go out from hubs, if you know what I mean. Say you're in a town on one branch and you want to get to another town on another branch. In a car, it would probably take you two hours. By train, it might take you six because either the trains aren't very frequent in one part and/or, you actually have to back track through the hub city to get to the second part. That cut a few towns from my list and kind of determined my itinerary because there was only so much time I wanted to spend on a train. I don't think it matters much if this is your first trip, but I think if I come back I'll be renting a car to see some of the countryside and smaller places.

In terms of female solo travel...keep in mind that you may not want to arrive at your destination late, so you may have to adjust your itinerary for that. I usually stay somewhere that has good security and is very central. And that has food nearby- I generally don't like going far from my lodging if I'm eating late.

Have you looked at what you want to see in your top places or are you setting somewhat arbitrary time limits? The reason I ask is that I was planning my trip on the fly with limited days- I have 3 or 4 nights in Munich but unfortunately after I had set that, I realized that with day trips and everything in the city, there's more like a week of stuff is like to see. That was a bit of a bummer.

Lastly...this is probably really obvious...but if you don't speak German, I'd take a beginners course or watch lots of "how to" videos on Germany. The fact that I can recognize some vocab and that I know how pronunciation works has really helped me in terms of transit. Things like train tickets are in German. I mean you can ask someone, and often just logic will get you through, but my limited vocab from college has been surprisingly helpful and calming.

vincenzo32951

If you're college age, check to see the age minimum for renting a car. Sometimes there are big surcharges for under-25 renters.

PalenQ

If spending 4-5 days elsewhere on the not-so-Romantic Road you'll need a car or bicycle or take slow local buses and as Fuss says many of the towns are not that neat compared to many others in Germany.

But trains are great for the rest and the Romantic Road bus runs a few times a day along the Wurzburg to Augsburg/Munich part and maybe once a day to Fussen.

If under 26 look at the Germany Youth Railpass - lets you hop any train anytime just about. For lots on German trains and passes (also Lander Cards can be great for one region) check www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com - use www.bahn.de/en for schedules and sample fares.

isibaker

Thank you all for the replies! I'm getting the feeling that much of the "Romantic" Road is not all that popular honestly, I have only really been researching through Pinterest so far, and since a bunch of posts about that area of Germany have come up, I figured I would travel through there. And hearing from so many female solo travelers is nice, thanks for all the help!

But, another itinerary I was thinking about would have me traveling through the Black Forest instead. I've always wanted to go there, so that would probably make more sense. I've heard good things about Baden Baden and Gengenbach, and I know that I could reach these by train (I've decided against the car). I love forests and farmland, but I want to make sure that if I go there alone, I could access these things (like trails, small villages, and the like). I could also make a possible stop in Strasbourg, France since that is just across the border (would this be worth it?).
Another area I could then explore is the Odenwald... What would be a nice, interesting town to stay in here?

So this new itinerary would be: Frankfurt => the Odenwald => the Black Forest => Fussen => Munich (I am adding more nights to Munich after seeing the enthusiasm for it, and researching more of the sights!)

Again, thanks for any tips!

spaarne

<i> Germany for the First Time
Posted by: isibaker on Dec 13, 16 at 2:45pm</i>

I lived in Germany, in Aschaffenburg between Frankfurt and W&uuml;rzburg. There is no reason to overnight in Frankfurt, unless you want to get drunk in the Sachenshausen district. I would not feel comfortable with my daughter alone in that city, and she has years of European travel experience under her 28 year old feet. I would urge you to find a female friend to go with you. Germany used to be safe, but the influx of refugees from North Africa and the Middle East has really put a damper on the ability for young women to be out alone at night in the major cities and especially near train stations. The Frankfurt central station (Hauptbahnhof) has always been a druggie sewer. I can't believe the things I saw in there.

I suggest that you take a train from Frankfurt airport (Flughafen) direct to W&uuml;rzburg. Bed down for a couple nights and taste the local wines. Alcohol is legal for "minors" from either 16 or 18 years in Germany and most of Europe. Then rent a car and mosey south toward Munich. For an illustrated introduction to driving in Europe see http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap18/auto-1.htm.

I drove to Rothenburg one time. Unremarkable and I can hardly recall it. Maybe I'm jaded. For driving anywhere in Europe I recommend the Michelin Green Guide series for the country or provinces you plan to visit. These books are invaluable.

isibaker

Another idea would be to land in Frankfurt, then go straight to the Rhine Valley (staying perhaps in Bacharach?), and then heading down to the Black Forest. This is following Rick Steve's itinerary for Germany. Any thoughts?

PalenQ

Cars and hotels can be isolating - instead stick to trains that go almost everywhere and buses pick up the slack. Youth hostels are everywhere too -great place for meeting folk your age from all over the world.

Cars can be much more expensive than trains for what you are doing.

spaarne

<i>isibaker on Dec 13, 16 at 6:28pm
Another idea would be to land in Frankfurt, then go straight to the Rhine Valley (staying perhaps in Bacharach?), and then heading down to the Black Forest. This is following Rick Steve's itinerary for Germany. Any thoughts?</i>

I drove through the Black Forest. If you want to talk to the chipmunks in the Black Forest go with Ricky. Michelin gives Bacharach one star, "interesting." Two stars is "worth a detour" and three stars is "worth a journey."

The Michelin Green Guide Germany has a great map highlighting all of their starred locales, plus suggested driving itineraries. For the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) Michelin gives Baden Baden two stars, which I would certainly agree with. It is sort of like Aix-in-Provence, plus it has a very nice casino but you must be 21 to enter.

PalenQ

plus it has a very nice casino but you must be 21 to enter.>

But just before opening there are tours of the classic ornate ancient casino-better than going in and all ages.

I really like Baden-Baden -walk a few miles thru the park to some old abbey or monastery.

Yeh you can reach Baden-Baden by train but the train station is a few miles or so from the town - buses of course close the gap.

marvelousmouse

I think you need to do a little more research. Buy a few different guide books. Following a tour route is not necessarily the way to go- and you won't know what is of interest until you figure out what really interests you. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of historical sites and museums all over Germany. I don't dislike Rick Steves- some of his practical stuff is really useful- but I tend to like really specialized museums so his actual must see lists aren't very interesting to me.

Then when you've got a list, come back and ask for more help with logistics. You might even find that you want to change the time of year you're coming if there's stuff that really want to do, that you can't do in April. (Or I mean, you could, but it's not all that much fun to hike or hang out in the park if it's cold and wet.)

And I will report back if I spot any marauding immigrants. I don't think I will, but hey, you never know. Spaame...I'm curious, did you actually see violent destructive druggies or just strung out junkies getting high? Because I've travelled solo all over the US and I've seen plenty of the latter and none of the former. Trying decide if you're nuts or if I should be worried here.

mokka4

I think that you're not likely to be disappointed whichever'leg' of Germany that you choose. I stayed in vacation apartments in Bamberg, Gengenbach and Bacharach.
Loved each of these towns.Each had mostly good train connections for daytrips (maybe Gengenbach less so, but yes,Strasbourg can be reached, after changing in Offenburg, and I found both it and Colmar lovely).Solo-traveling female. No problems.

Fussgaenger

About trains:

"Things like train tickets are in German." I really don't think this will be a problem. There might be a ticket machine or two that doesn't have an English option but they are somewhat rare today. The DB (German Railways) ticket machines all have an English option. Train departure signs typically have English assists in small letters:
http://bahnfotokiste.startbilder.de/...014-365423.jpg

Tickets vs. Rail Passes: Passes for Germany can be very reasonable and very CONVENIENT. And your rail pass will be in English. For longer journeys, when you want the high-speed trains, it gets pretty expensive to buy tickets as you go. You can pre-purchase bargain tickets (saver fares) instead - but those lock you into specific travel days on specific trains.

"I suggest that you take a train from Frankfurt airport (Flughafen) direct to Würzburg." Excellent suggestion here if you decide on Würzburg/Rothenburg. It's only 1.5 hours. And this situation is the perfect one for using a RAIL PASS day. Whether your flight is delayed or you have some other time issue, you can just hop on the next train to Würzburg. If you had a pre-purchased saver fare instead, you might miss the train and forfeit your ticket. That's expensive too.

About your itinerary:

I very like much the Würzburg/Rothenburg option with day trips to the other towns nearby. I also very much like your Rhine Valley + Black Forest option. The Rhine isn't about Bacharach and its one Michelin star - it's about the half-dozen other lovely old-world towns, the real medieval castles, the hiking, the dramatic river scenery.

You have 14-15 nights altogether, right? Here's what I'd do to include most of your targets.

Frankfurt: 0 nights

From FRA 1 train hour to the Bacharach on the Rhine: 3 nights, maybe with an outing to Burg Eltz and/or Cochem on the Mosel; see also Oberwesel and St. Goar (Rheinfels Castle) and take a river cruise. Many other choices as well.

Eltz: https://de.best-wallpaper.net/wallpa..._1920x1200.jpg

3 train hours to Würzburg: 4 nights, day trip to Rothenburg and your choice of 2 other destinations (I'd include Bamberg.)

4 train hours to Gengenbach, Black Forest: 3 nights, day trip to Strasbourg, day trip to Black Forest villages along the scenic Black Forest Railway:

https://www.black-forest-travel.com/...t-railway.html

(Train travel around the Black Forest is free if you stay in Gengenbach, where you get a free KONUS card train pass- not so in Baden-Baden.)

4.5 train hours to Munich: 4-5 nights w/ day trip to Füssen

You would need at least a 3-day flexi youth railpass (€153 at DB) to cover Bacharach-Würzburg-Gengenbach-Munich, your major train trips. All the other trips are "local" or "regional" and covered by inexpensive tickets bought as you go.

But because of the rail pass price structure for the youth pass, I recommend the 5-day pass for this itinerary instead - there's only €23 difference between the 3-day and the 5-day pass! So you could use the pass for 2 of your day outings (like to Burg Eltz from Cochem and back, and from Munich to Füssen and back.)

NO HURRY to buy the rail pass. You can even buy it in Frankfurt when you land - which is often a good idea, getting help from a real person at the FRA airport ticket counter.

spaarne

<i>marvelousmouse on Dec 13, 16 at 7:22pm
And I will report back if I spot any marauding immigrants. I don't think I will, but hey, you never know. Spaame...I'm curious, did you actually see violent destructive druggies or just strung out junkies getting high? Because I've travelled solo all over the US and I've seen plenty of the latter and none of the former. Trying decide if you're nuts or if I should be worried here.</i>

In the men's room of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof I saw men and women crawling and laying on the floor with needles all around. Sort of like the moaning dead. It was so frightening that I didn't pause do my business. It was some years ago but I would never go back. Taking a leak on the train is private and free anyway.

The behavior of young migrant men in Europe has become very disrupting to local mores. The culture clash in Europe is beyond the pale.

marvelousmouse

In the first, they probably were not a threat to you. It was a single visit years ago and because of that you've never tried to use that station restroom again? Seriously? And from what I can tell, the migrant worry in Europe is like Trump's deplorables in the US. They exist but aren't likely a huge threat to tourists. Unless you've got sources you can cite? I'm not even convinced they're necessarily to blame for everything the media blames them for. Migrants- especially young men of color- make excellent scape goats. What does "disruption to local mores" even mean? Because there were drugs and violence and evil and morons in your communities before they came. Disruption to funding, overtaxed social services. That I can believe. But I suspect that's not really what you meant.

I'm asking- because I hear that crap about female travelers shouldn't travel solo all of the time. And usually, 99% of the time, it's not based on anything logical. Yeah, I'd be worried about scams and pickpockets and drunk idiots. But all the worst case scenarios could happen to men or women, solo or traveling in a group. There aren't many scenarios that I can think of that I'd feel safer with a companion. And those are all scenarios that I would do my very best to avoid with or without a companion. The countries that I genuinely would not feel safe traveling to are also probably countries that any tourist should not travel to independently. Like war zones.

nytraveler

Assume you are under 25 and possibly under 21. Have you checked out the possibility - and rates - of renting a car.

I agree that is the best way to travel in Germany - we have done several road trips including it - but always rented an upscale powerful car to be able to keep up on the open Autobahn (we both enjoy driving fast cars fast - impossible in NY We usually end up with a zippy Audi - but they're not cheap).

spaarne

<i>marvelousmouse on Dec 13, 16 at 9:28pm
In the first, they probably were not a threat to you. It was a single visit years ago and because of that you've never tried to use that station restroom again? Seriously? And from what I can tell, the migrant worry in Europe is like Trump's deplorables in the US. They exist but aren't likely a huge threat to tourists. Unless you've got sources you can cite?
The countries that I genuinely would not feel safe traveling to are also probably countries that any tourist should not travel to independently. Like war zones.</i>

Thanks for your brilliant commentary. You were not in the restroom. I was, all 6 feet and 200 pounds of me. A gang or a mob has a character all its own, and totally unpredictable. Having had close encounters elsewhere I am not stupid enough to risk it again. I talked with some Germans about what I saw and asked why the police didn't do anything about it. The answer was that the police did know but they allowed it to continue in the station so they would know where the scum was hanging out. If they made arrests the scum would be gathering somewhere else, perhaps in a place not as controllable.

You should stay with Disney World Florida. Open street crime against women in Germany by mobs of immigrants is a problem.

Citation: Here is a report from Germany of preparations for New Years Eve http://www.dw.com/en/cologne-police-...eft/a-36735806.

Parts of Paris, Brussels, London, and other major cities have become "war zones" in the past decades. The former Protestant ethic has been displaced by masses of highly concentrated immigrants thanks to the policies of PC idiots. Some of the boys break the law. In their home country women are not allowed to even bare an ankle. I lived in Arabia, one of the most gender segregated places on Earth. Women are purchased with camels and goats. And men are allowed to have four wives. Culture clash throughout Europe will get worse as more immigrants are allowed.

Oh, BTW, thanks for bringing Mr. Trump in on this. If you paid any attention to the news you would know it was the protesters who made trouble, not the people cheering.

swandav2000

Hi isibaker,

I'm a 61-year-old American woman (will be 62 years old next month), and I've been travelling alone in Germany by train for 30 years. I have never, ever had any problems with safety for myself or my valuables.

I live in Garmisch, Germany, now, where some refugees are housed, and there are no, absolutely no, problems. There were some fisticuffs in one of the refugee housing buildings a few weeks ago, but it turned out to be some conflict to establish dominance among the males within the group. It didn't spill out to the town. The Germans I've seen in this town are getting used to seeing more folks of color (Turks have been living here since the 1980s, but the sudden influx of a lot of refugees did startle some), and the integration is proceeding.

As for car vs. train -- I gave up my car when I moved here, and I love travelling by train. You get closer to the people because you're not isolated inside your private bubble, and it's prime people-watching time. You can see how the generations interact, and you can imagine where the group of grannies are going or who the pair of matrons are visiting. It's just delightful.

Of course, travelling by train is also more green, so you'll be helping to preserve the beauty you came over to see.

As for your itinerary, I like the Rhine & Black Forest route. I spent several days at Schluchsee in the Black Forest this past summer, and I used the KONUS card to get all around for free. It was a pleasure to hop on a bus, take a hike to another town, then hop on another bus to come home.

Have fun as you plan!

s