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Advice for two-week Trip in europe (Munich to Zurich) - Christmas with teen!

Hello, fellow travelers!

We're planning an exciting two-week trip starting, getting into Munich on Christmas eve and flying back from Zurich two weeks after early Jan. Exact 14 days/13 nights. It’s a mother-teenage kid adventure, and we’re looking for some guidance on where to spend our time!

We love history, culture, and authentic experiences, long walks, wandering around, some museums. We also like to try local food along the way, though we’re not exactly foodies, and not into partying/nite life. We are also not planning to skiing, but some snow fun would be fun. We usually travel very light but I guess that's not going to happen in winter!

We realize that the Christmas markets will be winding down in Germany, so we’re open to exploring other destinations. We’re thinking about spending some time in Salzburg and maybe biking around Neuschwanstein castle if that's still possible in winter. We’d love to incorporate one larger city and then explore some charming smaller towns or villages before we get to Zurich. Pretty open to any good suggestion as long as it doesn't involve driving. I would also like to avoid flying it possible. Buses and train will be best!

Any recommendations for places to visit, hidden gems, or unique experiences? Your insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

Posted by
684 posts

I'll chime in on suggestions for the German-Austrian leg of this trip.

In Munich, Nymphenburg Palace and the Pinakothek Museums are my favorite museums. For food and the local atmosphere, go to any of the Augusteiner or Paulaner brewery restaurants in the city. IMO they are a little less touristy than the Hoffbrau House. Have good boots for walking around this great city.

From Munich, head to Salzburg. Then on to Innsbruck or Garmisch-Partenkirchen You could day-trip to/from G-P/Innsbruck if visiting the other. Ditto for the Zubspitze. Finally, Fussen, which is also home to Neuschwanstein. Then on to...

Posted by
1346 posts

ladydem,
I second JHK on the two Munich museums. And I add the Deutches museum (science and technology) as well. Fascinating artifacts of scientific history, and not just for science geeks!

Posted by
1346 posts

ladydem,
Forgot to add...our two kids after college graduation individually went to Europe and when in Munich they did day trips to Dachau. All of us (in different visits) felt it was one of our most worthwhile stops. You might consider it if you are ready for a discussion with your teen.

On another note, don't miss the glockenspiel at Marienplatz. and try to find a puppet show. You will also eat very well, from roast chicken to jaegerschnitzel to wurstsalat to really good pommes frites!

Posted by
684 posts

@Judy,

You are my kind of foodie!

Have you had roast chicken in the Netherlands? Its nearly all I eat when there.

Posted by
1346 posts

Yes I have. To be honest, they do roast chicken really well in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and France. Haven't tried it in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Great Britain or Ireland. Not too bad in Czechia.
Now I have to plan on roast chicken for dinner one night this week!