I would like thank everyone answering my Switzerland question, we are staying in Wengen. We will also be in Fussen and Garmisch Germany area around the first of August. Just wondering if I need to rent a car to see all the attractions or would public transportaion be available.
thank you;
Gerd
Depends on what attractions you have in mind. If you mean just the Zugspitze and hiking attractions in and around Garmisch (plus perhaps Linderhof and Oberamergau), public transportation is probably sufficient. However, if you want to go a little farther afield, like to Innsbruck, Mittenwald or the castles at Schwangau, a car would be worthwhile.
There is direct rail service from Garmisch to Mittenwald and Innsbruck, also a pretty little town called Seefeld, on the summit between Mittenwald and Innsbruck. There are several ways to get from Garmisch to Hohenschwangau including a regular bus via Oberammergau and rail to either Pfronten or Reutte and buses from there. Look at schedules for both on the German Rail website.
...but you definitely do NOT need a car for Wengen and the surrounding area. Switzerland has magnificent public transport that will deliver you to most any place you want to go. Lastly, you can't drive to Wengen so you would have to pay to park your rental car in Lauterbrunnen where it would sit not being used.
I highly recommend renting a car, because you will have much more flexibility. Trains are not as accessible in the Alps; they do not run as often and will not take you anywhere off the beaten path. I have been to Garmisch-Partenkirchen many times via both train and car, and I would never again go via train. There are too many beautiful things to see away outside of the city, and you would not be able to do any of them without a car.
Amy, just because YOU don't know the area well enough to find your way around via public transportation, yes, trains and buses, doesn't mean it can't be done.
Here is a map of the bus routes in Oberbayern. (It's a big file, 2.5 MB).
Yes, I'm sure there are a few places you can't get to by public transportation, but first figure out what you really want to see, then look for how to get there. I think you will find most places are accessible. There are few train routes without hourly, at least every other hour, service. I'm sure you'll find ways to get there. Renting a car is a pain: it costs a lot more, you have to worry about the liability, you have to drive it yourself, you can get lost, you have to look at the road instead of the scenery.
