Swandav, you have obviously NOT read any of my trip reports. We never "whisk off" in our car. We do linger, usually anywhere from 2 to 4 days in each destination. We pick a base and do day trips from there, but we never try to stop in 3 villages before lunch.

I think your broad brush approach to those who drive is unfair. If we wanted to see 4 countries in a week, we'd take a tour. While some folks may do that, MANY do not.

We drive because we like to linger and we enjoy stopping along the way to take photos, have lunch, etc.

We have yet to have at least a couple of conversations with locals in each of our destinations. Usually we are approached when someone hears us speak English, whether in a restaurant or the local grocery store. But we also speak in German when required. It may not be the best German, but they seem to appreciate our effort.

@singree, we don't usually drink adult beverages but it wouldn't matter, because if we did it would be wine at dinner and we could just walk to our hotel.

I'm not going to indulge the "greener" aspect of trains. Many locals drive, so I'm not going to feel guilty for doing the same.

A little difference of opinion, car vs train. Let's see, 32 trips to Europe of which 26 were driving trips. If the 'train' people were talking about one night stays, I agree with them. But you are talking about mostly three night stays, and what may be good for them, taking a train, was definitely not good for us. People are different and the choice is yours. Going from one town to another, it's great to have the opportunity to make stops in lovely towns. We usually did three night and I always had a couple of stops planned on the way to the next destination. We never have trouble meeting locals or other tourists. ONE EXAMPLE; When we stayed in Garmish for three nights, one easy drive was to the Augspitze. Took the tram up the mountain and then an easy walk almost to the peak. Wife didn't go, but I then walked/climbed to the summit and there was only an iron bar to hold on to. Believe me it wasn't that difficult, but exerlating. Do what YOU feel comfortable doing. The road system is good, Germans are good drivers. Go for it.