Kaka

I have booked my flight to Munich. I am departing on Mon. Sept 3 2007 and spending approx. 18 days in Germany. I have chosen to travel alone and not join a tour group, (although I can be convinced otherwise if you have any tips)

My main focus for this trip is to shoot photos and do lots of walking (hence I didn't think being on a bus tour would allow for that)

So far my stay in Germany is as follows:

Munich 4 nights
(this includes recovering from jetlag, day trip to Dachau, free city walking tour, hop on and off city tour, evening beer sampling, along with wandering around and shooting pics on my own)

Fuessen 2 nights
I figured one night may be a hassl Where would I put my bags when I check out and go and see the castles. Plus I don't want the trip to be hurried or rushed.

Rothenburg 2 nights
Or any other cute Bavarian town - maybe Bamburg

Koln 2 nights

Hamburg 2 nights

Berlin 5 nights

Dresden 1 or 2 nights

QUESTIONS:
1)Should I tag onto an organized tour to avoid hassles and ensure safety?

2)Should I just stay in Munich for an extra night and do a day trip to Fuessen?

3)Is there another Bavarian town I should consider instead of Rotheburg?

4)Is 5 nights in Berlin too much? Day trip to Postdam is part of this total

5)Is it worth staying in Dresden for 2 nights?

6)Am I missing something crucial from my itinerary?

yk

1) Germany is very easy to travel around and very safe, no need to tag on to any "tour groups".

3) Bamberg is beautiful - try to fit it in if you can.

4) No, 5 days in Berlin is not too much.

J_Correa

Tour vs. independent - I would go independently unless you would like the social interaction you would get on a tour. Your itinerary is pretty straightforward and Germany is a really safe country. We spent 5 days in Munich, a couple around Fussen, went to Rothenberg (plus Nuremberg and Ansbach) and I never felt the least bit unsafe anywhere. Obviously you need to pay attention, but it seems to me that Germany is probably one of the safest places anywhere. So I wouldn't go with a tour for safety or logistical reasons. And given that you want to wander around and take pictures, I think the pace of a tour might be to fast.

For Fussen - I was thinking that you might want to do that as a day trip from Munich. It is a couple hours away by train and there is a bus from the Fussen train station to the Lugwig castles. We spent 3 nights in the area, which was fun. There is some good hiking if you are interested in that. Just depends on what you want to do.

Rothenberg or ? - We went to Rothenberg as a day trip from Nuremberg. We thought it was a lot of fun, very storybook type of place and I imagine that in the evenings once the day trippers have gone away, it would be really magical. We liked Nuremberg more than Rothenberg though - it is a city rather than a small town, but the old town is really cool. It doesn't have the same quaintness that you get in Rothenberg though. Bamberg was our other possibility for that day trip - the Rothenberg train was leaving momentarily and the Bamberg train didn't leave for awhile, so we went to Rothenberg - LOL. If we make it back to that part of the world though, we are definitely going to Bamberg.

Berlin - I have not been, but am considering a trip there, so I have done some preliminary research. It seems to me that 5 nights is definitely not too many because it is a big place with a lot to see and do. But of course, with a finite amount of time, you have to make trade offs.

We had 2 weeks in Germany and barely scratched the surface of places we wanted to see there. So we will just have to go back Among the places I'd like to see that we didn't - Bamberg (as mentioned), the Mosel Valley, the Black Forest, Berlin, the east German countryside.

victoria_reynolds

Consider the Black Forest area. Freiburg is the city with the cathedral, but there are some lovely towns and lakes and mountains in the area. And a cool "open air museum" with the characteristic farmhouses, etc restored for public touring.

Also, you could do the castles as a day trip from Munich (and leave your things there). Your hotel will have info and be happy to arrange a bus or more private tour if you would prefer.

lorelle

question # 1: Unless you like tours, there is no need to tag onto one. Germany is very easy and safe to get around in.
question #2: If you are renting a car from Munich to go to Füssen, consider this one day trip: get up early, drive to Füssen and see Neuschwanstein Castle early (I think it opens at 9:00)
before the crowds arrive. Then drive to Ludwig's second great castle: Linderhof (just outside Oberammergau), but do stop briefly on the way at the beautiful Wieskirche, a beautiful barooque/rococo church set in a meadow. It is right on the way from Neuschwanstein to Linderhof. Instead of returning to Munich, consider staying that night in Oberammergau, a town of houses that have beautifully painted facades, and don't miss the Red Riding Hood House. (The story of Red Riding Hood is painted on the sides of the house). Four nights is too long for Munich, I think.
question # 3 If you have never been to Rothenburg it is a must. Be sure to go on the very entertaining Night Watchman's tour, which is in English.
One night here is probably enough.
question #4. Five nights in Berlin is way too long. Cut that down to two or three, then go visit Lübeck, Bremen or Hamburg, or save time for Prague.
question # 5 I would think one night in Dresden should be enough, if you have one full day to spend.
Dresden is so close to Prague--if I were you I would fit in a day or two there. I know that Prague is not in Germany, but we were there last summer and it is one of the most spectacular cities I have ever visted. It is safe and clean, too. You'd never regret it. Then take the train from Prague back to Munich for your flight home.

FauxSteMarie

I have home exchanged 4 times in Germany and gotten to many of the major sites and cities except Munich.

I do agree that the castles in Fuessen are best done as a day trip from Munich. There is not much to do in Fuessen in the evening and, as a single person, you would probably be bored.

I gather you are not renting a car. Without a car, much of the Black Forest is impossible to see. Moreover, the Black Forest is a destination in itself and I would save it for another trip.

5 days in Berlin merely will scratch the surface. There is so much to do there.

I don't know Dresden, but I gather that is worth a lot of time as well.

SAnParis

Hamburg will be a bit out of the way, particualrly for the time allotted. Squeeze in Salzburg from Munich...or Wurzburg or Bamberg or Dinkelsbuhl (near Rothenburg) (sp?) instead. I always suggest a meander up the Mosel as well, if possible.

Ingo

I personally think you cover too many places with too short stops. 2 nights Köln, 2 nights Hamburg, 1 night Dresden - that sounds like a nightmare to me.

I think you should drop at least one, if not two destinations from your itinerary and add the one or two or three nights to other places. Köln is a favourite of mine to drop.

It is beyond me why you plan to stay two nights in Rothenburg and Füssen, but ask 'if it's worth staying two nights in Dresden'. Hey, I'm biased since I live in that city, but friends of mine have been here for many more days and still find it worth to come back.

Just my 2 cents.

Ingo

Mary_Fran

I would drop Berlin, Hamburg, and Koln from my itinerary for this trip, were I you. They are too far out of the way, and there is too much to see in Southern Germany, plus, it's amazingly photogenic.

Be sure to spend enough time in fussen or another town at the foot of the Alps such as Garmisch-Partenkirken, where you can be fully awed by the alps and by the beautiful green valleys.

Don't miss Linderhof! I was happy to see Neuschwanstein from the outside but mixed reports of the interior, together with jams of tour busses outside made us decide to give it a pass except to admire from afar.

We loved Bamburg, and another city we loved was Regensburg, which was largely untouched by untouched by WWII bombing. We also were enchanted by the Wurzburg's Residenz and its amazing bishop's chapel. Kloster Ettal is also fabulous, incredible baroque.

I was underwhelmed by Rothenburg, because it was so jammed by tourists and tour busses. I'd suggest a less trammeled town like Bamburg.

I've never been to Dresden but have heard great things about it and would try to fit in a couple of days there as well.

ira

Hi K,

No need to join a tour.

Have you looked at the train schedules?
It is 5 hr from Fuessen to Rothenburg. It's almost 5 from Rothenburg to Köln.

You are losing about 6 days traveling on trains.

In addition, you are missing some very good sites/sights in Bavaria.

May I suggest that you stay south of Frankfurt?

You could visit Salzburg and the Salzkammergut and the Romantic road at a reasonable pace.

From where are you flying home?

Russ

Sounds like a nice trip, basically. Should be easy to do alone with those destinations.

Still, you're a bit stretched for time. I agree with eliminating Cologne; aside from the Cathedral, it's not that impressive overall and well off your route to Hamburg. That said, Hamburg is seriously off your route to Berlin. If you don't have compelling reasons to go to either of these places and no interest in staying long, they may not be worth the mileage.

I think you'll find better sights between Rothenburg and Berlin. The whole area around R'burg is pretty impressive; Weikersheim, Nuremberg, Würzburg, and Bamberg are worth some time. Hildesheim (on the train route north to Hanover) and surroundings - would be good too: Goslar (near Harz mountains, lots of hiking) and Hameln (Weserrennaisance architecture) are good possibilities too. Not far to Berlin from here.

Hiking option: while in Füssen, you might want to take the very scenic Fürstenweg hike (2 hrs.) It passes through Unterpinswang and past Alpsee lake to the Füssen-Ulrichsbrücke train stop. From there, you can daytrip by train through Austrian Tyrolea behind Germany's highest peak - the Zugspitze - through more lovely scenery into Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Return to Füssen by bus or back the way you came.

Gary_Mc

Everyone has their likes and dislikes. It mainly comes down to what you want to do.

You will spend a lot of time on a train with this itinerary but that is not all bad. It is a chance to sit back, collect yourself and read a bit. And, train travel does immerse you in the society.

Americans are generally more disposed towards traveling in Bavaria; but, with an open mind, northern Germany has its own culture worth visiting. It can also be nice to escape the heavy American imprint on Bavarian tourist sights.

Füssen would be worth a couple days to me just to get in some walks through the woods and by the Alpine lakes in the area.

Regards, Gary

MarkvonKramer

Good suggestions so far. I just returned from a 2 week adventure in Germany and Switzerland so I'd like to offer some more advice.

2 Days in Köln? After photographing the Dom and surroundings, what will you do with the other 1.85 days? Don't miss the Kolsch beer, it was fantastic!

Drop Hamburg and Dresden, save them for your next trip.

You can see Füssen easily in a day, the hotel will hold your luggage.

I'd choose Nürnberg over Rothenberg everytime and daytrip to Bamberg and anything else you might find interesting in the area, try for a 3-night stay.

Missing from your list? Berchtesgaden! You can easily day-trip to Salzburg with small (<8 people), personal organized tours, including the Lakes. Take the bus, train or walk, but the area is FABULOUS! It, IMHO, is the best for your main focus (walking and shooting pictures).

You will receive many more helpful suggestions from these folks. Without them, my last trip would have been only 25% of what it actually became. Thanky your VERY much, Fodorites!

MvK

hsv

I quite like your itinerary as it will give you an impression of Germany's diversity - apart from the Bavarian?Mosel image so sought after by many.

And I would not drop any of the cities just because they allegedly are too far apart from each other.

Germany is not a big country - and connections are usually fairly easy and quick.
E.g. Hamburg and Berlin are 90 min. apart by ICE train - and about 2 hours 15 min. by car if you go reasonably fast on the Autobahn.
It is absolutely possible to visit a theatre in the evening in either Berlin or Hamburg and return to the other city afterwards, just to give you an idea.

I would not suggest to join an organized tour. With an open mind, a few guide books and a few hints from here you are perfectly set to go and have fun.

Robespierre

One thing that everyone seems to have overlooked is the Rhine gorge from Mainz to Koblenz - the most scenic part of which is between Rüdesheim and Boppard.

Maybe from a Frankfurt base you could ride a steamer down the river in the morning, take a train from Koblenz to K&ouml;ln, see the Dom and Chocolate Museum and maybe the Ludwig, have a K&ouml;lsch on the river at the Altstadt, and zip back to Frankfurt on the 21:15 (1:19 ETE). If you have time, squeeze in a trip to the top of the <i>Drachenfels</i> in K&ouml;nigswinter. You'll get a hundred-mile vista of the Rhine Valley for your effort.

If you're a foodie, I suggest having that K&ouml;lsch at www.Gilden-Brauhaus.de - a 20-minute ride/walk from the Hauptbahnhof. The <i>sauerbraten</i> is to die for.

yk

Sorry to hijack this threat a little, but...

<b>MvK</b> - how was your trip? Will you be writing a trip report? How did you like Gasthof Pillhofer?

J_Correa

This is a really interesting thread - and as others have said, how long you spend in an area really depends on your travel style. For some, 4 nights in Munich is too long. For us, we were there for 5 nights and didn't see everything we wanted to. For some 5 nights in Berlin is too much, and others say you just scratch the surface in that time. It really depends on your travel style.

MarkvonKramer

yk,

Hotel Pillhofer was fine, just as you reported. The hostesses offered to help with the luggage (up 4 flights) but we declined their offer. As it was near the end of the trip, we could have used one of the MANY cranes in the area. That was my first time in THAT corner of the old city in almost 40 years.

I'll try to set my mind to a trip report this weekend while at work. It took 2 days to copy all the pictures from the camera(s) and semi-organize. It'll take weeks for me to cull through and post on-line.

I hope Kaka can get down to Berchtesgaden and maybe out to Maria Gern. It offered some of the most fabulous scenery I've ever seen. Bavaria Ben's website is a must!
www.bensbauernhof.com

MvK

Kaka

wow. I'm shocked by the responses. Amazing. to add more insight to my travel style, I originally planned on only hitting 2 or 3 cities. A couple of years ago I spent three weeks in Paris. Not France, just Paris, with only one day trip to Versailles. I loved wandering and exploring and getting lost. I loved being able to enjoy the nightlife and nurse a hangover in the morning without worrying about an itinerary.

Obviously, to have posted, I too felt I had to much on the go. Before I even read this thread, I had decided to take Cologne off my list. I want to see different parts of the country but I want it to be at a comfortable non hurried pace.

This Germany itinerary is only a couple of weeks of a 2 month trip (I didn't want to overwhelm all of you with all my questions all at once)

I'm starting in Germany, heading to Prague (3 days) going to Vienna (3 days) 1 day in Salzburg (or as a day trip from Munich?)

From there I'll be flying to Greece for 2 weeks (see family and some sights) and then taking heading to Italy for 18 days - planning so far on Rome, Capri/Sorrento, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre.

Trust me, you'll be seeing ALOT of questions from me. You are amazing!

bobbomper

4 nights in Munich and the surround area is peanuts, especially if u like to photograph and walk.

Day trip destinations from Munich include, Bad Toelz (beautiful small town), Tegernsee (lake surrounded by mountains), Fuessen..etc

Regensburg is also beautiful, and can be reached from Munich in 90min's by train.

Salzburg 2 hrs by train.

If u are in Koeln, then consider popping over to Maastricht in Holland, takes about 90min's on the train. Well worth a visit. You could also hop off in Aachen to see the cathedral (UNESCO site).

To get the Reiselust going and to help u choose what to see, check out the German and Austrian links at,

www.travellingbazaar.com

Have a good trip..