S Germany Itinerary: PLEASE HELP.
Nov 17th, 2008, 05:27 AM
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S Germany Itinerary: PLEASE HELP.
I borrowed 8 books from the library. Have checked this site out till my eyes are bugging out of my head 
. We are taking an 11 day FEb. trip to Germany. We have NEVER been before BTW. I finally talked DH into going,,,gave him a DK guide and I am planning the trip now. I want to spend 4 days in Munich(side trips to Salzburg. Should we just fly into FR and out of Munich? Or fly into Munich...rent a car...see Wurzburg, Bamberg, Rothenburg and Ludwigs castle...return car to Munich airport..do Munich and fly home? How do I sort this out? I wanted to stay in Nuremburg, but the toy fair expo is on..and the place is packed. Please help me FINE TUNE this a bit. I wanted to stay in bigger cities,,,cause ya never know about the weather.
. We are taking an 11 day FEb. trip to Germany. We have NEVER been before BTW. I finally talked DH into going,,,gave him a DK guide and I am planning the trip now. I want to spend 4 days in Munich(side trips to Salzburg. Should we just fly into FR and out of Munich? Or fly into Munich...rent a car...see Wurzburg, Bamberg, Rothenburg and Ludwigs castle...return car to Munich airport..do Munich and fly home? How do I sort this out? I wanted to stay in Nuremburg, but the toy fair expo is on..and the place is packed. Please help me FINE TUNE this a bit. I wanted to stay in bigger cities,,,cause ya never know about the weather.
Nov 17th, 2008, 05:39 AM
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You should decide if you want to spend time north of Munich or south of Munich.
I recommend going south to the southern Bavaria region. There are many beautiful small towns such as Oberammergau, Mittenwald, Garmische-Partenkirchner, and many more. You could combine it with Salzburg and even see the Neuschwanstein area and the castles of Mad Ludwig. If you choose this option you fly in and out of Munich.
If you choose to visit areas north of Munich, maybe along the Rhine River area, fly in or out of Frankfort.
Both areas are within 1-3 hours drive from Munich.
I recommend going south to the southern Bavaria region. There are many beautiful small towns such as Oberammergau, Mittenwald, Garmische-Partenkirchner, and many more. You could combine it with Salzburg and even see the Neuschwanstein area and the castles of Mad Ludwig. If you choose this option you fly in and out of Munich.
If you choose to visit areas north of Munich, maybe along the Rhine River area, fly in or out of Frankfort.
Both areas are within 1-3 hours drive from Munich.
Nov 17th, 2008, 05:54 AM
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I should have said our preference is to base our time in one larger city, then do day trips. I had thought of Nurenburg..but the toy fair is going on then. But I think spending 2 nights in Wurzburg, then what? 2 nights in Colburg (the Castle) the down to Lugwigs area... and back to Munich????
Nov 17th, 2008, 06:41 AM
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Judy, I see that your orientation is north Bavaria but I prefer south of Munich. I have found Salzburg to be the most charming small city in that region, and find Oberammergau to be a terrific location for day trips to the castles. With 11 days I might consider this:
Land Munich--2 nites
Get car--to Salzburg area--3 nites--to include lakes region
Drive to Ober.---2 nites--see castles & Weiskirche
Drive to Rotherburg via RR--2 nites---see Wurzburg as day trip
Drive to north of Munich for last nite--perhaps Freising.
Hope this helps !
Land Munich--2 nites
Get car--to Salzburg area--3 nites--to include lakes region
Drive to Ober.---2 nites--see castles & Weiskirche
Drive to Rotherburg via RR--2 nites---see Wurzburg as day trip
Drive to north of Munich for last nite--perhaps Freising.
Hope this helps !
Nov 17th, 2008, 06:57 AM
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Bob's ideas are good ones. I'd like to add that the Berchtesgaden area is one of the most scenic in all of Europe, IMO.
Regarding day trips, bear in mind that the daylight hours are short at that time of year. Also getting in and out of 'one larger city' is likely to be time consuming...
Regarding day trips, bear in mind that the daylight hours are short at that time of year. Also getting in and out of 'one larger city' is likely to be time consuming...
Nov 17th, 2008, 08:56 AM
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Hmmm, very nice Bob. Do you think 3 days in Salzburg is too much? I am afraid if we have dreadful weather...that our outside activities will be limited. Tuck, I did not really think of that...about the daylight and the cities, etc. I was thinking that a city that had decent museums, indoor oriented castles etc, could be used.
Nov 17th, 2008, 09:47 AM
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I cannot speak for winter weather, but we really enjoyed staying in St. Gilgen on the Wolfgangsee and doing day trips to Hallstatt and into Salzburg. If you stay in the city then I feel 2 nites is enough. BettyK has a great trip report for this area if you can find it.
Nov 17th, 2008, 02:17 PM
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Judyrem - I visited Northern Bavaria (aka Franconia) in April 2007. At that time I based in Nuremberg and visited Bamberg & Wurzburg. Here's my TR if you're interested:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34991739
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34991739
Nov 17th, 2008, 02:26 PM
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I liked Bob's idea too. The 3 days in Salzburg could include a daytrip to Hallstadt. On the other end, we loved Dinkelsbuhl on the way to Rothenburg. At least amke a stop there.
The February part makes the weather iffy. For $20/day extra you and rent a car with snow tires to make sure you have good footing.
Unless you have a smokin' airfare there is no reason to go to Frankfurt. Fly in and out of Munich. Rent the car at at lot away from the airport or train station to save a 19% surtax. You can return it at the airport with no penalty.
The February part makes the weather iffy. For $20/day extra you and rent a car with snow tires to make sure you have good footing.
Unless you have a smokin' airfare there is no reason to go to Frankfurt. Fly in and out of Munich. Rent the car at at lot away from the airport or train station to save a 19% surtax. You can return it at the airport with no penalty.
Nov 17th, 2008, 03:27 PM
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yk, I read your report and it was very good! Thanks for the link. Aisleseat, yes, I think we will go in and out of Munich,,,easier with rentals and all. I definitely, want to see Rothenburg and Dinkensbuhl.
Nov 17th, 2008, 03:59 PM
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Just my two cents - I think you'd be better served basing yourself OUTSIDE the big city (Munich or even Wurzburg) and staying in nearby hamlets and villages. Much cheaper and more "authentic" experience. Big city hotels usually lack the charm of the smaller Gasthofs, Pensions or Zimmer Frei. I highly recommend the following website for some suggested itins and interesting accomodations:
http://www.bensbauernhof.com/
I think you'll find some very charming places on the outskirts of all the places you hope to see.
Another consideration might be to fly into Munich. Spend a day or two there to see the many sights, AND THEN pick-up your rental car. Why pay for a rental you don't need to use when staying in the city? You will also save money on taxes by picking-up at a non-airport, non-train station pickup location.
http://www.bensbauernhof.com/
I think you'll find some very charming places on the outskirts of all the places you hope to see.
Another consideration might be to fly into Munich. Spend a day or two there to see the many sights, AND THEN pick-up your rental car. Why pay for a rental you don't need to use when staying in the city? You will also save money on taxes by picking-up at a non-airport, non-train station pickup location.
Nov 17th, 2008, 04:18 PM
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We were in Germany for Christmas in 2005 and definitely needed the snow tires. There was tons of snow that year. We opted for chains, and spent loads of time trying to figure them out. So I recommend you pay the extra for snow tires.
We love Berchtesgaden and the surrounding towns and villages. the Konigsee trip in the Bavarian National Forest is our number one favorite. The electric boats run as long as the lake is not frozen. We saw elk at the two boat landing areas. the local history museum is informative, and has a great gift shop!
We also found a different area at Hirschbichl in Ramsau where you can walk a mile or so to see the wild elk being fed--a rare treat!
You can drive easily from Salzburg--it is only about 12 miles, as I recall. Salzburg is a great base. Berchtesgaden has a good website and if you contact the TI they can put you in touch with people who run the Pensionen. Ask for people who speak English.
Salzburg is a two hour drive from Munchen, so not really worth a day trip to me. We also love St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, and Hallstatt. St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang are good day trips from Salzburg--Hallstatt is a bit further.
I agree with the person who recommended that you don't need a car in Munchen. Do your visit there at the beginning or the end of the trip, then use the car for other travel.
We have learned to resist driving into the cities. Traffic is terrible, we are constantly getting lost, and it is not worth the time. I'd stay outside the city, and take public transportation in.
Have fun!
We love Berchtesgaden and the surrounding towns and villages. the Konigsee trip in the Bavarian National Forest is our number one favorite. The electric boats run as long as the lake is not frozen. We saw elk at the two boat landing areas. the local history museum is informative, and has a great gift shop!
We also found a different area at Hirschbichl in Ramsau where you can walk a mile or so to see the wild elk being fed--a rare treat!
You can drive easily from Salzburg--it is only about 12 miles, as I recall. Salzburg is a great base. Berchtesgaden has a good website and if you contact the TI they can put you in touch with people who run the Pensionen. Ask for people who speak English.
Salzburg is a two hour drive from Munchen, so not really worth a day trip to me. We also love St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, and Hallstatt. St. Gilgen and St. Wolfgang are good day trips from Salzburg--Hallstatt is a bit further.
I agree with the person who recommended that you don't need a car in Munchen. Do your visit there at the beginning or the end of the trip, then use the car for other travel.
We have learned to resist driving into the cities. Traffic is terrible, we are constantly getting lost, and it is not worth the time. I'd stay outside the city, and take public transportation in.
Have fun!
Nov 17th, 2008, 07:29 PM
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Just one more place to add to your trip. Make at least a stop in Mittenwald (the violin maker's village). It is about 10 miles south of Garmish. A chaming village even if you don't play the fiddle.
Nov 18th, 2008, 03:58 AM
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Judyrem - While most people prefer to rent a car to tour the southern Bavaria region, my husband and I opted for public transportation as a means of getting around.
You can read my trip report from October 2007 at the following link, particularly if you decide not to rent a car because of the weather:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35116484
We visited most of the cities that you have an interest in, and found the trains to be very efficient (considering we travelled during a rail strike), and a great way to meet the local folks.
Robyn>-
You can read my trip report from October 2007 at the following link, particularly if you decide not to rent a car because of the weather:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35116484
We visited most of the cities that you have an interest in, and found the trains to be very efficient (considering we travelled during a rail strike), and a great way to meet the local folks.
Robyn
>-
Nov 18th, 2008, 06:33 AM
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OMG,arstuff, what a fab Report!!! At times when I was reading it, I decided to train it...then other times, rent a car ! I don't think I can be as organized as you however. You are a force of nature! leibebayern, yes whatever the plans, we will not drive in Munich proper. I STILL am thinking about going a few days later, and staying in Nuremburg and training it for day trips. I daytripped like crazy from London, and loved it. Yikes, sometimes, I think I nedd a travel agent for THIS trip. I have never been so confused with what I want to do, and how to do it! Yikes!
! I don't think I can be as organized as you however. You are a force of nature! leibebayern, yes whatever the plans, we will not drive in Munich proper. I STILL am thinking about going a few days later, and staying in Nuremburg and training it for day trips. I daytripped like crazy from London, and loved it. Yikes, sometimes, I think I nedd a travel agent for THIS trip. I have never been so confused with what I want to do, and how to do it! Yikes!
Nov 18th, 2008, 08:30 AM
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A few years ago we did a similar trip using a combination of train and rental car, which worked out very well for us. We had a few more days than you do. It's been a while, so my day count might be a bit off here and there, but essentially:
Day 1 arrived FRA and took train to Bamberg. Stayed 3 nights in Bamberg. Loved Bamberg.
Day 4 train to Munich. Stayed 3 nights in Munich. Could have used another day, but I'd rather leave a place wanting more than be bored at the end.
Day 7 rented a car for the rest of the trip. Drove to Hohenschwangau with stops at Oberammergau, a couple of towns I don't remember the names of, and Linderhof Palace. Had lunch along the Plansee in northern Austria, then drove on to Hohenschwangau where we toured Neuschwanstein Castle that afternoon. Spent 2 nights in Hohenschwangau-visited the Wieskirche & Hohenschwangau Castle.
Day 9 drove up the Romantic Road stopping at Dinkelsbuehl and Nordlingen. Toured Rothenburg for a couple of hours that evening. Spent 2 nights in a castle hotel (Berg Colmberg) near Rothenburg. Took a convulted, ad hoc, meandering, daytrip drive that ended up in Coberg.
Day 11 drove to Beilstein (Hotel Haus Lipmann) on the Mosel River on a day that hit 100 F. Sure glad the car had A/C. 3 nights exploring along the Mosel.
Day 14 drove to Walldorf by FRA via the Rhine River valley. Spent night in Walldorf--visited Holocaust Memorial Woods. Drove 10 minutes to airport the next morning and returned the car.
Day 1 arrived FRA and took train to Bamberg. Stayed 3 nights in Bamberg. Loved Bamberg.
Day 4 train to Munich. Stayed 3 nights in Munich. Could have used another day, but I'd rather leave a place wanting more than be bored at the end.
Day 7 rented a car for the rest of the trip. Drove to Hohenschwangau with stops at Oberammergau, a couple of towns I don't remember the names of, and Linderhof Palace. Had lunch along the Plansee in northern Austria, then drove on to Hohenschwangau where we toured Neuschwanstein Castle that afternoon. Spent 2 nights in Hohenschwangau-visited the Wieskirche & Hohenschwangau Castle.
Day 9 drove up the Romantic Road stopping at Dinkelsbuehl and Nordlingen. Toured Rothenburg for a couple of hours that evening. Spent 2 nights in a castle hotel (Berg Colmberg) near Rothenburg. Took a convulted, ad hoc, meandering, daytrip drive that ended up in Coberg.
Day 11 drove to Beilstein (Hotel Haus Lipmann) on the Mosel River on a day that hit 100 F. Sure glad the car had A/C. 3 nights exploring along the Mosel.
Day 14 drove to Walldorf by FRA via the Rhine River valley. Spent night in Walldorf--visited Holocaust Memorial Woods. Drove 10 minutes to airport the next morning and returned the car.
