We are visiting Munich and the Reutlingen area over the next couple of weeks. We originally planned to visit Praguea also in the early part of September, but obviously will likely need to cancel that. Any ideas for places to visit in the Alsace region, or the parts of Switzerland that are near SW Germany?

Cara,<BR><BR>You might want to consider the Lake Constance (Bodensee) area. Lots to do and see. The lake borders Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Lots of sight-seeing boats, ferries, etc. that ply the lake. It's a very large lake. I believe it is the largest lake in Europe.<BR><BR>Meersburg is a great town on the lake. You might want to do a search on Lake Constance for more info.<BR><BR>Dick

Lake Constance/Bodensee is great.<BR><BR>Easy trips from Munich also Garmisch or Berchtesgaden/Salzburg. Both area highly recommended.

Agree with Bodensee. We were in Lindau for a day trip in May and wished we had more time to explore the region. Many beautiful towns along the Lake. Also, Strasbourg is not that far so you could spend a couple of days there too if you have time.

My husband, 18 yr-old daughter and I were in Munich in June - during the heat wave! We took a day trip to Fussen, and visited Mad King Ludwig's castle. It's the one that Disney fashioned Cinderella's castle after. It was absolutely beautiful, very quaint. AND, it only cost US$ 7 each in train fare. We highly recommend it.

In addition to the Bodensee (lived there for several years, and there's LOTS to see and do around the lake), give Salzburg a try.<BR>Also (not in any geographical order), continue past the Bodensee to the Black Forest (Titisee, Freiburg). In Alsace, start at Colmar and take the "wine road" up to Strasbourg (plan on day in Colmar, and a couple of days on the road and in Strasbourg).<BR>Or take the ferry from Meersburg to Konstanz, then travel west along the north shore of the Bodensee to St. Gallen (visit the library there).<BR>You'll definitely run out of time before you run out of things to see.

I you decide to head to Meersburg (which I loved) it's another 3 hour drive to Colmar, France which I highly recommend. When I went they had a tram that took you around the town (you can get off anywhere). The Unterlinden museum on the main platz was one of the nicest museums I've visited in Europe. Another choice would be Oberammergau - very picturesque town. Near to a lovely church in Ettal and the Linderhof castle which was my personal favorite of King Ludwig's many.

The Alsace region is wonderful. Kayserberg, Riquewihr, Strasbourg, Colmar etc. All are worthwhile. Follow the Route de Vin and do some wine tasting. Don't forget to visit Freiburg. Luzern is 2 1/2 South of that area. It is also worth a trip. Other suggestions:<BR>Bern<BR>Berner Oberland ( 1 1/2 hours S. of Luzern)<BR>Zurich<BR>As well as seconding the other's suggestions! Believe me, there is a ton to do here.<BR>Enjoy!<BR>Jan