We are going to be traveling from Alsace to Salzburg somewhat following the path of my dad's division in World War II. Right now I have penciled out two nights in Munich, two nights in Salzburg, two nights in Innsbrook area, and then two nights in Switzerland. i'm trying to determine if I should do the Austria Tirol area, or the German Alps and the castles on our way back west to Switzerland, and eventually Paris. Just looking for some thoughts thank you.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1721 posts
The mountains and landscapes are about the same. Just decide if you like more the Garmisch/Füssen tourist sights, or the Innsbruck sights.
My two cents: the Ambras castle at Innsbruck is an authentic Gothic/German Renaissance castle, with a museum of medieval memorabilia and the Hapsburg official portrait gallery; and the Innsbruck Hofburg is a reduced version of the Viennese one. Both are much more authentic than the German Ludwig castles, much easier to visit and not crowded at all.
But I should say that the sheer madness of Ludwig castles - the Versailles-like Herrenchiemsee and Linderhof, and the fairy setting of Neuschwanstein - is remarkable and interesting in itself. But of such three castles, only Linderhof (best reached by car) is an easy visit; Neuschwanstein is too crowded and visits are rushed, Herrenchiemsee long to reach with a ferry ride.
Posted by
NYC area
3001 posts
We just spent a few nights in the area. Schloss Ambras is fascinating and amazing. So much to see inside. We spent much more time here than we had ever expected to. We also took the Nordkettenbahn trip while there. This is a terrific trip.
While we stayed near Fuessen, in Horn…
We didn’t tour Neuschwanstein, but did tour Hohenschwangau just by showing up and buying a ticket. Our group was about 15 people, so a very intimate and personal feeling tour. Oh, Neuschwanstein was already sold out for the day with bus loads of people waiting. Not too far away is the Ehrenberg castle complex, which we did t get to explore.
So while I have toured Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Ambras in the past, yes, Neuschwanstein is all that to see in person, even without a tour. But I’d go with Ambras as far as actually being more interesting than the others.
Posted by
City of Seattle
1959 posts
Either or. Try not to think about Tyrol as an area. It is broken into valleys and villages. One doesn't tour it as much as go to a village for a while. Seefeld region is good, Tannheim valley likewise good. Many others too. Innsbruck is in Tyrol. You could stay in a village near Innsbruck and visit some sites in Innsbruck by train. And then enjoy smaller town life at the beginning and end of the day.
I'm not in love with your schedule. A series of two night stays to my taste is the least best pacing. You have ten nights for Germany, Austria and Switzerland? Munich 3 nights, then overnight Salzburg, then a village near Innsbruck 3 night, then some nice place in Switzerland 3 nights. Maybe! It's s your trip and maybe 1 full day with every other day a transfer day is your happy place :). Have fun
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all you gave me some good ideas and we modified the schedule to spend three nights in three places, with a one night travel stop only once. You can't do it all so we paired it down.
Posted by
City of Seattle
1959 posts
Awesome! You are going to be stoked on that pacing. Have an absolutely wonderful trip :)