Planning a trip in 2018 for a mid October arrival in Germany with 4 nights in Ulm, 4 nights in Salzburg and then 4 nights in either Strasbourg or Colmar. We are wanting to see the foliage in Austria, especially in and around Salzburg and then Neuschwanstein and Fussen in Germany. Is that a good time to go to these places or should we move it back to Sep 20 to Oct 3? We were trying to avoid the crowds of Octoberfest as well but we don't want to miss the fall colors and don't want to get into some really cold weather either. I was stationed in Neu Ulm back in the 70s and that's why we selected Ulm as our first city. We will travel to Rothenberg, Munich and Neuschwanstein from there. We are renting a car at each city and then taking trains to each city in between. Please let us know if you would recommend the September or Mid-October timeframe. Thanks.
Posted by
NYC area
2908 posts
We've done a number of early, mid to late October trips to the Austrian Alps and Bavaria. We did one mid September trip. October is hands down our favorite time of year for visits.
By the way, once outside of Munich, you'll never even know Oktoberfest is even going on there.
Paul
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1295 posts
The weather in October is a little bit the luck of the draw. Beautiful Goldener Herbst (Golden Fall) days sometimes and then the other... I have been to Neuschwanstein in October and the fog was so thick I could not see the castle two meters away. A bad day at Wolfgangsee near Saltzburg and Hallstatt with Schnürlregen (nonstop straight down rain) this area is famous for was miserable. Be prepared for the best weather and the worst and be clothed accordingly. Be flexible if you can and the car will allow you options as the weather will change every two to five days (usually). Common sense when the weather is good do the outside things and with bad weather visit the city, cafes, mines, museums etc. Check webcams too as the weather can be very different 50 kilometers away.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
I want to thank both of you for your comments and suggestions. I'm leaning toward the mid October arrival and just take our chances with the weather. I believe it will be a lot less crowded as we are avoiding the Octoberfest time period and perhaps our hotel rates will be less at that time. We will definitely bring jackets. If you have any suggestions for restaurants or hotels in Salzburg or close to Neuschwanstein, please let me know. Again, thanks for your advice, we appreciate it.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
"We are renting a car at each city and then taking trains to each city in between."
This does not sound cost effective, versus keeping one rental car for the whole trip. Car rentals often cost the same price for 1, 2, or 3 days and then again for 5, 6, or 7 days. Of course, that assumes that you can both pick up and return the car within one country; it need not be the same city. From where are you flying home - is it in Germany?
www.autoeurope.com is consolidator that works with many major car providers or www.Sixt.com is popular for German rentals.
Posted by
NYC area
2908 posts
Hi again,
Near Neuschwanstein, we stayed twice in Fuessen at the Hotel zum Hechten. Both times in mid October. This is maybe 10 minutes from Neuschwanstein and Fuessen is a charming old town to stroll in the evening. Near the castle ride the luge ride (Sommerrodelbahn) at Tegelberg.
For our visits to Salzburg we prefer to stay in the nearby Berchtesgaden area. This is less than 30 minutes from Salzburg. We stayed 3 times at:
and twice at:
www.friedwiese.de/enska/isl.htm
Both are simply wonderful with friendly owners/ hosts and outstanding alpine views. We give the Mayringerlehen the edge due to all the animals, as it's a working organic dairy farm. Love the goats out front.
Paul