I will be arriving in Munich the 1st week of September and plan on visiting Lower Bavaria, Germany and Austria with a rental car for 4 weeks. I'm not sure if I should start in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to visit Zugspitze and Lake Eibsee, then to Fussen and Lech am Arlberg, before going to Austria. Or should I start in Austria and circle back to G-P and that area of Germany? In Austria I'll be visiting the Innsbruck and Salzburg areas, Salzkammergut region, Mayrhofen, Achen Lake. I'd also want to fit in Berchtesgaden. Is there a preference one way or the other, i.e. weather (snow beginning of October?), less backtracking, etc? Thanks for your advice.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6396 posts
Keep in mind that Munich will be having its Oktoberfest this year from September 21 through October 6. So unless you want to pay sky high prices for a hotel in Munich and the surrounding area, it would probably behoove you to start there and end in Austria. Unless of course, you want visit Oktoberfest. I wouldn't but that's me.
Posted by
Maryland
868 posts
I agree that you should probably begin in Germany to miss Oktoberfest. There is plenty of beer at the Victualenplatz year around. I will assume you plan on flying into and out of Munich. Leaving just when Oktoberfest is liveliest....!
You have outlined a pretty good circle route: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Zugspitze, Mittenwald, Fussen, Lech Am Alberg, Innsbruck, Zillertal,/Mayrhofen, Salzburg and surrounding areas (Berchtesgaden, Salzkammergat, etc.). Then it will be a straight shot back to Munich. You are discussing mountains so rain and or snow in October is to be expected but probably not heavy. Check October in Innsbruck and Salzburg on various weather apps or regional websites.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7327 posts
I also consider Oktoberfest an annoying distraction. But you should look out for wine festivals during the trip, especially the chance to taste Neue Susser, which does not travel well.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1297 posts
Alm will start closing the second week in October. You should check lift closing times too. Lech is in Austria. That might be a good start with a few stops from München (Füssen etc). Work your way east. You have a lot of time and options. Keep the lift opening times in mind for your planning. Not sure Garmisch-Partenkirchen needs to be on your list. Take a good look at a map and the Inn River valley and valleys to the south on the wat to Innsbruck. From Mayrhofen take a look at the Old Gerlos road towards Krimml. Then on to Achensee and Saltzkammergut. I would leave Berchtesgaden last, but check Königssee boat running times. Look for places to stay for like 3 nights that have a resturant for basing in regions. Some may already be closing in October for the between season before ski season opens in December. You will find many Wirt will speak English. Contact them. Look at the Gasthaus pic and rewiews. You can find places like: https://www.finkenhof.at/