We're looking into using miles to fly to Amsterdam on Thanksgiving day, then from Amsterdam to Munich 3 days later, renting a car and driving around Germany, down into Austria (mainly Salzburg and Hallstatt - not crazy about Vienna) and then back up through Germany to Frankfurt where we fly back to Chicago on December 10th. So this will put us in Germany/Austria from Dec. 2 through Dec. 10th.

I know this time will be great for the Christmas markets, but what are the downsides of going at this time of year? (aside from it being cold out, which we don't mind) Will a lot of things be closed? For example, I want to do the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg but I'm not sure if it even runs then. We also would like to drive portions of the Romantic Road.

If we find there are too many drawbacks to going at this time, we'll try to go in October, although mileage tickets are very hard to come by then.

Thanks!
Jennifer

Another thought we had was to fly into Brussels rather than Amsterdam - then we'd train it directly to Brugge.

The thought of Amsterdam in the winter - I'm not sure about it? Whereas Brugge I'm sure is gorgeous at that time of year (but when isn't it?).

My wife worked for American Airlines in the 80s. We used to be stationed in Germany in the 70s while I was in the Army. We used her "space available" tickets to return to Germany over Thanksgiving in 1988 as the US generally travels domestically at that time so we could easily get first class seats. We found we enjoyed going at that time of the year. We did it again in 89,90,91 and 92...again in 98 and 01. We do the Christmas markets and enjoy the cold.

You can get real cold weather and snow or nice clear days. We have had both. Take long johns..they help.

Hotels are really no problem. We have made many trips at that time with zero reservations and found no place sold out. Some are closed, but the open ones have rooms. Check out Karen Brown's books on small inns and itineraries. We use the recommendations and they have worked well.

Downside: The days are short. It gets dark early unlike the nice long summer days. You need to get up and start early in the day to use the sun light. Find your hotel early in the day.

Upside: The Christmas markets seem to have caught on in the last few years. The small towns are as much fun as the large towns. Check the schedule online for the opening days and try to attend one. Rothenburg has a small town feel to it. Nuremburg is large and crowded.

All in all....a great time to see Germany and enjoy the markets.

The Munich market is one of my favorites, as is Saltzburg in Dec. The atmosphere is wonderful. Just dress appropriately. Don't miss the skating rink at the opposite end of the walk street from the market (toward the train station.) Enjoy, I think you will love it. CJ

jenblase - we've done the Sound of Music tour Bob's Special Tours, here is their website:
http://www.bobstours.com/main.php

By looking at their website it looks like the tours may be offered throughout the year. We enjoyed the small group size (6), had a very enjoyable guide and thought it was a good tour. Hope this helps,
enjoy your trip.
Susan

It is right that it gets dark already after 4:30 p.m. But it is part of the charme to stroll through the illuminated streets in old towns and villages. It is the special pre-christmas atmosphere. When you are cold, have a cup of hot chocolate or Glühwein and a piece of Lebkuchen. You will enjoy this time of the year.

However, be prepared for rainy weather. Dress properly and take an umbrella with you.

Caveat: The Romantic Road is not romantic at all. The towns along the road are fantastic, but for some sections it is wise to take the autobahn.

For the Romantic Road, you may look here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDet...o_History.html