Hi! We are flying to Munich for Oktoberfest next week but are also planning on visiting the Eagles' nest and then staying the night in Kufstein before returning to Munich. 1) There are 6 of us so we were planning on renting a van but all the blogs I read say to take the train. With that many people, it seems cheaper to rent but didn't know if it would be a huge hassle? 2) Do we need to book a tour guide at the Eagle's nest? I've seen people comment both ways on whether or not it would be worth it. 3) What is the most scenic route to drive from Berchtesgaden to Kufstein? I would prefer not to just drive back the way we came. Any additional tidbits would be appreciated as this will be our first time in Germany / Austria!
Posted by
Augsburg, Bavaria
2333 posts
3) What is the most scenic route to drive from Berchtesgaden to Kufstein?
Follow the so-called Deutsche Alpenstrasse from Berchtesgaden to Reit im Winkel where you will go over into Tyrol. For the Bavarian leg the road number is B 305, for the Austrian one B 172.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1550 posts
We visited Kufstein but not from Berchtesgaden. It takes quite a bit of time to get there by train from Berchtesgaden. Kufstein has a nice old town and riverfront, a splendid fortress, good hiking and chair lifts close by.
Regarding the Eagle's Nest, I never use tourist guides unless it's part of the entrance, so can't help you there. I believe you get to see more buildings and a historical overview of the region with a tour. It was easy enough to get there.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1529 posts
You can take whatever road you want, Upper Bavaria is everywhere scenic and they are all a pleasure to drive. The fastest one would be via Lofer and St. Johann in Tirol and it is not bad at all.
My favourite one would be driving the motorway for the initial section, get out at Bernau, then Aschau (nice castle if you have time), and the small road to Niederndorf. Before entering the motorway again, stop at the M-Preis supermarket exiting Niederndorf (whose front with raw tree logs is a small masterpiece of modern architecture) and buy a stock of sandwiches (that sometimes come wrapped up in paper printed with small poems).