As I'm reading about Germany, Austria and Switzerland I'm reading that some train stations &/or towns have lockers for travelers, how true is this? How big are they- do they fit luggage and how common are they?

Many train stations have them. I specifically remember them in Salzburg and Rothenburg. The usually come in different sizes, and are meant for luggage. We fit 3 carry-on size bags in one locker in Salzburg.

Most German railway stations of any size have luggage lockers. As the previous respondent said, the lockers come in different sizes and prices. You usually pay for 24 hours and may have to pay more after that. Check the station's opening hours if you want to retrieve your luggage late at night or early in the morning. They are very useful, allowing you to break a journey and spend a few hours exploring a town.

Once you have your itinerary worked out, you might ask about specific stations. There are contributors here who will likely know the details about most stations.

During October 2002, I used lockers in Berlin Zoo, München Hbf, Köln Hbf, Brussel Centraal and Airport.
Around 2 € for less than 6 hrs in Germany and different sizes available.
A little bit more expensive in Belgium.
A minimun fare of 7€ (!!!) at Brussel Airport.

How' bout Freiburg, Germany?

You should also be aware that a number of the larger rail stations will also offer an attended luggage storage service which usually charges reasonable rates although they might be slightly more expensive than using lockers. Some of the lockers are totally automated (the main station in Cologne has such a system) and some are the usual coin-operated affairs of varying sizes. In some smaller stations the lockers are outside and can be accessed 24 hours per day.

I was thinking of stops along the rhine in particular, if we take a boat ride and get off will we be able to see a castle leaving our bags somewhere ? thanks

I was also planning on using a locker at the Munich Haupbahnhof during Oktoberfest . I read on another board about problems with luggage being stolen from train station lockers (not specifically Munich). Does anyone know if the Munich Haupbahnhof has an attended luggage check?

I've used luggage lockers from one end of Europe to the other, and never had any problems with anything being stolen. The lockers are designed to be secure and work very well.

Yes, Munich does have a stored luggage room as well as lockers. If you decide to use it make sure you check the opening hours as I do not think it stays open around the clock.

I am also looking to use a locker, to store my snowboard, preferably longer term, up to 1 month. I am flying into Frankfurt then travelling around Europe. I was hoping to store it at Frankfurt airport, as i will also be departing from Frankfurt airport, if anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated, and any ideas on costs.

I don't think you'd be able to snowboard in any locker I've seen in Germany. Also, I don't think they'd allow for up to 1 month storage. However, there is baggage storage at the airport. (See http://www.frankfurt-airport.de/b2c/...area=departure.)
However, you could be looking at spending up to €6/day (if it's classed as bulky).

Enjoy your trip,
Paul

Oops,

That should be: ... be able to FIT A snowboard ...

I can guarantee you would not be able to snowboard in any locker I've seen.

Paul