My husband will go on a 4-5 day business trip to Munich this October (I'll be going, too). Over the next months, I'll surely ask for restaurant recommendations, etc., as we've gotten helpful advice on this site before.

Meanwhile, we'd like to think in broader terms: Where else to go on this trip? We will likely tack an extra 5-7 days on (on our own dime), to have some fun. But what would be the most fun? I haven't been to Germany in over 20 years, and I've never spent much time in Bavaria. Most of my husband's experience was making visits, years ago, to an elderly aunt in a small Bavarian city.

So, if anyone who knows the region could give us general pointers, we'd appreciate it. What would you do with a few extra days in/around Munich? Stay in Bavaria? Tour the Black Forest? (I don't even know what that entails.)
Or leave Germany and go to Switzerland or Austria?

I'm grateful for any thoughts on the matter.

Added note--Possibly we could put our personal time on the front of the trip and make it to the last days of Oktoberfest. Might that be our best option?

All of what you suggested is possible but I think you might get better answers if you mention what your particular interests are.

One thing..in terms of putting the personal time at the beginning and experiencing Oktoberfest...the only foreseeable probelm there <b> might be </b> getting hotel space.

You're right about mentioning our interests, Intrepid, but I was afraid my message would get too long. DH and I are middle-aged, relatively sedate people (DH loathes nightlife) whose usual travel experience involves going to museums, churches, and the like, to look at art and architecture.

Often we'll wander aimlessly in a new place to pick up on some of the local atmosphere, but we're hardly adventurous sorts and not athletic at all. At home, we play bridge and chess, and don't do anything more sports-related than watching a baseball game.

And on vacation I am always much too eager to form a close acquaintance with the local cuisine. This is vital research, crucial to expanding my knowledge, I'll tell DH, as I have dessert AGAIN. Unfortunately, my knowledge isn't all that expands.

Some history is important, too, in our choice of where to visit. Of course, that's more or less impossible to avoid at any European destination, so it would be well to focus our historical interests in one direction. (For instance, last year in Greece, I sought out Byzantine attractions much more avidly than classical ones.) But my knowledge of German history is sadly lacking, so I can't be specific about what we want.

If, in spite of my vagueness, anyone can offer us any information, I'd appreciate it.

I'd go to Garmische because so many people rave about it. But maybe October isn't the right time to go? I'd also try to go to Berschertsgarten and then down to Salzburg.

Definitely Salzburg, and of course King Ludwig's castles near Munich.

Thanks for the suggestions! Any more?

I assume you plan to rent a car. Here is what I would do. Head Southeast toward Salzburg and stop at Chiemsee to see the Ludwig castle Herren Chiemsee on the island in the lake. Then drive on to Salzburg. Spend a day or two there then backtrack to Bertschesgaden and Konigsee. visit the salt mines there. After that go to Oberammergau and maybe Garmish. Make a side trip to Linderhoff castle and the Wieskirche then go to Fussen to see Neuschwansteein and Hohenschwangau. You can then complete the circle back to Munich to fly home.

Wow, AisleSeat! That would make a full itinerary! Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions!

If you are in Berchstesgaden don't miss a trip to the Eagles Nest - if the weather is clear. Absolutely stunning!

And there is a gorgeous mountain restaurant nearby - can't remember the name but they are famous for serving something called 'windbeutals' - translates as 'windbags'. Very large choux pastry concoctions with cream and fruit. We shared one but others were tucking into their second one! Don't know how they managed it. The rest of the food is quite good for an alfresco luncheon on the deck (I had the 'bauernfruestueck' - translates as 'farmers' breakfast' and it was good)and the view is to die for.

Sounds great! Thanks!

Justlooked up that restaurant name for you - Windbeutelbaron, Gasthaus-Cafe Graflhohe. Truly memorable.

Yummy Windebeutals...when you go to this area you must enjoy at least one. This is a bavarian speciality and is available at most mountain &quot;huttes&quot; and restaurants in this area. Generally you will see a wooden sign outside of the establishment advertising these fattening delicacies!This is similar to having Key Lime Pie in Florida.

Windbeutals...windbags, eh? I can already imagine jokes about cannibalism at my husband's expense...

Thanks for the info!