Bavaria in November

Hello Danielle,

No Inernational Driver Permit is needed for Germany. Austria, yes.

I wouldn’t be concerned about road conditions in general.

We’ve been in late November and early December in 2010 and 2013. While we had some snow, it was never a problem getting around and driving. What I’d like to suggest is Innsbruck. Lovely old town, high alpine scenery. BUT the main reason to go would be to experience this beautiful old town during the Christmas Markets, which start November 15 this year. Incredibley beautiful and festive atmosphere. Innsbruck is maybe 1:30 from Garmisch and the Zugspitze. You could do the Nordkettenbahn funicular/ cable car trip from Innsbruck's old town high into the alps instead of the Zugspitze. Just a thought.

https://www.tyrol.com/things-to-do/events/all-events/e-christmas-market-innsbruck

We have photos of the Innsbruck Christmas market and the Nordkettenbahn here:

www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassplyr/sets

Paul

Hi Paul, thank you very much for the helpful information. Should I be worried about what sort of vehicle we rent or would any car be fine on the roads at that time? I will look into the town you mentioned! Thank you!

No particular vehicle is required or better at this time of year.

When renting a car at that time of year you need to check on the snow tire requirement. My understanding is that Germany requires snow tires in certain areas (all?) during the winter months. We had an Audi A4 wagon equipped with snow tires when we visited the end of November in 2007. At that time the roads were wet and snow was on Zugspitze. We were in the Munich, Garmisch, Fussen area at that time. Have you checked ViaMichelin for travel times, toll costs, and gas/diesel estimates?

Be aware that your driving habits need to adapt to Europe. We rent cars occasionally in Europe, and always get 2-3 tickets later on. They are 25-50 E. There are many speed detectors in Europe, and your habits (10 M over the limit OK) may not be OK in Europe. So be aware. Also in many places in Europe, the permitted level of alcohol for the driver is low. In Finland, it is 0 - no drinks before driving of any kind.

IDL - get one if you think there's a chance you might drive into Austria. Innsbruck or Salzburg are both easy from Munich.

No special vehicle is needed, but you will want snow tires on the car. These are mandatory within certain dates in some areas ( including Southern Bavaria). No one can tell you with any degree of accuracy whether you will see adverse road conditions or not. Anything is possible. I won't soon forget our first Halloween in Oberammergau - where we had 6 inches of wet snow that turned to ice before morning. In our area it was mandatory to carry tire chains. But we only had to use them once in the 3 years we lived there. OTOH, hydroplaning due to heavy rain may be more of a risk in Masstricht.

If you decide to make this trip by car, then it will be very important to learn the rules of the road. Don't just skim over them. LEARN exactly what all those road signs mean. KNOW that they are serious about speed limits. And even some autobahn areas have speed limits. Stay out of the Left lane unless passing. Leave your American lead foot at home. We've managed many years of European driving without a single ticket or accident. With a little advance work, you can too.

The roads are kept clean. If you go high alpine, you should be prepared for snow including the possibility of closed roads (but you're a little early for that). Also in Austria you need a carnet, a window sticker, for driving on the autobahn; last time I purchased one, it was about 20 euro. If you only drive on local roads, a carnet isn't required. You also need a reflective vest in Austria. The rental may come with a reflective vest. Some may also have a carnet on them. Ask the agent, they may have one in their garage that still has time on the carnet. If not, you can pick up what you need at the border. They'll have a place that looks like a truck stop where you can buy what you need.