Munich and what else at Christmas?
 

Hello,

My husband and I are flying RT to Munich from 12/25-12/31. We definitely want to explore Munich and neuschwanstein and are currently looking to add another destination or two. We are thinking about Salzburg, and then adding Vienna or Prague. Any suggestions? We are in our 20's and move quickly, trying to take in as much as possible without spending the whole trip traveling. We just want to explore parts of Europe at Christmas time and see what the cities have to offer.

Here is a rough itinerary:
12/25: land in Munich at 8:00a.m.; explore the city
12/26: Neuschwanstein
12/27: train to Salzburg; stay in Salzburg
12/28: train to Vienna or Prague
12/29: Vienna or Prague
12/30: Munich
12/31: Fly home

I know Vienna is more on the way than Prague, but if Prague is superior to Vienna, we can adjust our schedule.

Thanks so much!

At 2:30 to Vienna and about 7 hours to Prague, you should probably save the extra day of sightseeing - you only have 5 full days - and head to Vienna. It will be easier to get back to Munich, too.

"12/26: Neuschwanstein... We are in our 20's and move quickly, trying to take in as much as possible without spending the whole trip traveling."

You're correct that N'stein requires most of a day from and back to Munich. But this day will have you doing just what you don't want to do - spend the whole day traveling. It's 5+ hours round trip by public transport, with an overcrowded, 30 minute tour that punctuates all the buses and trains. And it's not a castle. Ludwig II built a fake castle to live in and did so for just 6 months. I'd suggest visiting a real castle or a real palace where history reveals itself - where something actually happened. Munich, Vienna and Salzburg offer these.

Of course you think you'll vanquish Munich on your first day (after a transatlantic trip when you'll likely be jet-laged or drowsy) but you won't. Skip N'stein and spend your time with your feet on the ground in Munich on 12/26; if you at least gave yourselves most of the day there, then left for Salzburg in the pm, you'd have a real chance to see a few things - AND extra time for Salzburg, Prague or Vienna, which you desperately need.

Have no idea what will be open in Munich on 12/25 - have you checked. Many cities are fairly well shut don on the 25th, including restaurants.

Agree on Neuschwanstein - IMHO famous only because Disney copies it for his castle. (Not really a castle - just looks like one.) If you want to see a Mad Ludwig palace I would do Herrenchiemsee instead (much longer tour, furnished and decorated versus empty and in a charming setting on an island in a lake) or even Linderhof. If you do Herrenchiensee you might do it on the way to Salzburg - a great place to spend a night - and which has both a real castle and also a lovely palace.

Or you can see the Residenz in the center of Munich and Nymphenburg palace in the suburbs.

Prague is too far for your short trip and I would be hesitant even to do Vienna - but would check out Salzburg instead (be sure to stay in the old town).

Just checked and the Residenz in Munich is closed on Dec 24/25 and 31. Assume it will be the same for many other places. I would start searching for places open on the 25th. And organize dinner in advance - perhaps through your hotel.

Things are pretty quiet for the period between Christmas and New Years in Bavaria. The Christmas markets in Munich and Salzburg (and probably Vienna) close December 24th but the one in Prague is open till New Years if that interests you.

I agree with NYTraveler above that Neuschwanstein is kind of like a stage or movie set. Ludwig died shortly after it was finished. On the opposite hill, however, Hohenschwangau castle is the real thing where real people lived, and you can buy tickets to see both.