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6 Days - Munich, Germany, Austria and surrounding area

The wife and I are planning a trip the week before Christmas. Flying in and out of Munich. Will have a car. We would like to visit Salzburg, and Liechtenstein and allow adequate time for Munich before our return flight. We will have 6 full days. Any recommendations on other places we should visit? Hotels? How much time do I need in each city? Any ideas on travel time between locations?

Posted by
2898 posts

Hi KC,

You had asked this question a while back, so here's my suggestion again:

I'll be blunt, skip Liechtenstein unless you absolutely need to visit a relative there. Not worth your limited time at all. Even if you had a couple more days, I still wouldn't go all the way to Liechtenstein for...?? The Christmas Markets make the towns even more attractive during this time of year. Lights, decorated trees, singing, stalls selling goods and food and hot drinks. The holiday atmosphere is absolutely magical. We took two 8 night trips (with a rental car flying into/out of Munich) in early Dec. 2010 and 2013 to visit during the markets. We based in the Berchtesgaden area for 4 nights and the Innsbruck are for 4 nights on both trips. Did day trips from these bases. While I love Salzburg (been 5 times), I have to say I'd pick Innsbruck (been 6 times) at this time of year. Not only did I like the markets there better, but being surrounded by high, snow capped peaks just put it over the top in my opinion.

My advice, pick 2, maybe 3 at most, locations to stay. Since Salzburg and Munich are on you list already, maybe add Innsbruck. Leave Munich for last, as you can return the car upon arriving and then stay a night or two before taking a train to the airport.
Again, I wouldn't even consider going to Liechtenstein.

Between Munich airport and Salzburg or the general area, about a 3 hour drive.
Between Salzburg area and Innsbruck, about 2 to 2.5 hour drive.
Innsbruck and area to Munich airport, about 3 hour drive.

Paul

Posted by
10 posts

Thank you, Paul for the suggestions. We just decided yesterday to book a trip to see the Christmas Markets in Austria. Five years ago we spend two weeks visiting the German Christmas markets and drove the glastrasse route.

Posted by
5 posts

Paul, thanks for the advice, again. I couldn't find my original post and now its crunch time to get all of this booked. Your suggestions are very helpful!

Posted by
2898 posts

Hey KC and jaimedp1,

If you're looking for places to stay in the Berchtesgaden area (we stay here for visits to Salzburg, 30 min. away by car) and the Innsbruck area, we have a few favorites.

In Ramsau bei Berchtesgaden (10 min. from Berchtesgaden) we have stayed at the Pension Mayringerlehen 3 times.

www.mayringerlehen.de

We stayed in Schonau am Konigssee (5 min. from Berchtesgaden) at the Guesthouse Friedwiese twice.

www.friedwiese.de/enska/isl.htm

In Hall in Tirol (10 or so min. from Innsbruck) we stayed at the Gasthof Badl 5 times.

www.badl.at

If interested, we have some pic's at:

www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassplyr/sets

Paul

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks Paul for taking the time to provide the links.

Posted by
2898 posts

Hi KC,

My main advice would be to not try to see too many places. A great day in Innsbruck for instance would be, if it's a clear day, take the Nordkettenbahn funicular/cable car trip. Maybe see Schloss Ambras, have dinner and visit the markets in the evening. Just my opinion. Take your time. You only have 6 days. Make them memorable. Enjoy the festive atmosphere. Share an outdoor table for a hot drink, snack and talk with people. It really is a lot of fun if you're not in a rush.

Paul