My husband and I are in the initial planning stages of our first trip to Germany. We are flying in and out of Munich with FF miles and I need advice on lodging in Munich. We will be renting a car upon arrival and heading to Rothenberg for a couple of days to explore the area, then on to visit friends in Prague for a few days. Our last days will be spent in the Munich area, and this is where I need help. We will be there during Oktoberfest, so I’m not sure if we should stay in Munich, or outside somewhere. Here is what I would like to do:

Saturday 9/23 – Leave Prague in AM.

Sunday 9/24 – Visit Neuschwanstein area – don’t plan to tour castles, just see them

Monday 9/25 – Oktoberfest (we don’t plan to spend all day/night partying in the tents, just want to experience it)

Tuesday 9/25 – Open to explore Munich

Wednesday 9/26 – Depart for USA

I know we don’t have a lot of time here, but since we are restricted by our travel dates and our plans to visit friends, this is all we can do at this time. We are not interested in spending time inside museums, I just want to enjoy our limited time there taking in the sights.

Because Oktoberfest is going on, I know I need to book a room quickly. I’ve got a couple of places in Munich that are available, but should we stay all four nights in Munich, or perhaps stay closer to the castles on Saturday & Sunday night (Fussen, Garmisch, etc), then stay in Munich for the last 2 nights? Should we avoid staying in Munich altogether? I’ve read about terrible traffic problems because of the festival, so maybe we should stay somewhere else and take the train into the city?

The more I research, the more confused I get! I’d love to see Berchtesgaden, but is it too much to fit in on the trip from Prague to Bavaria? I’m open to any advice or suggestions. Thanks in advance!

We booked our hotel, parking and tickets to a tent at Oktoberfest at this website. It worked great! We were within walking distance to the fest grounds and sites. Driving wasn't too bad, having a co-pilot helps.
www.oktoberfest-info.com

You will love Rothenburg ob der Tauber - be sure to do the Nightwatchman's tour!

My best advice would be if you haven't already booked your hotel accommodations for Munich, please do so immediately. Hotels for the Oktoberfest period book up sometimes a full year in advance.

I suggest you stay closer to the castles (Fussen or Reutte) Saturday and Sunday---that way you can enjoy the surrounding area as well. You could even ride the lift to the top of the Zugspitz (assuming it is running then) and enjoy a beer at Germany's "highest Bierstube". Then head for Munich and turn in your rental car. You won't need it once you get to Munich; you can easily get to the airport on the S-Bahn or the airport bus.

Thanks for the tips! Since we love to take pictures, I like the idea of Zugspitz - what great photo opportunities if it's a clear day. I'll also check on that Oktoberfest booking site.

If we decide to keep the car until we head home, is there anything I should be aware of when dropping it off at the airport before our flight (different than what I would expect here in the States?) I want to make sure I allow enough time.

If you want my honest opinion, I would get rid of the car the minute you get back to Munich; se if your agency will allow a drop off at somewhere such as the main rail station.

You will NOT need the car in town and you'll end up with the additional expense of parking.

The airport is easy to reach from the center either on the S-Bahn or on the Lufthansa bus service.