Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland itinerary help appreciated. Family of 7 would like help on possible mode of transportation for our trip in 2017. Our flights are limited to flying in/out from Munich or Frankfurt (no other options are possible for our situation). Tentative itinerary is Munich, Salzburg Area (salt mine tour is our only interest), Innsbruck, Venice, Zermatt, Interlaken, and return to either Frankfurt or Munich. Is this trip possible via trains/buses rather than a rental van? Kids ages between 13-18. What is the most economical transportation option? Any suggestions are welcomed.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Is this trip possible via trains/buses rather than a rental van?
That is back-to-front. Of course this is possible by train, that would be the "normal" way to do such a tour. Doing it by car may not be sensible.
Go to the German railways site ( https://www.bahn.de/p_en/view/index.shtml ) to get some sample times. This will give times throughout Europe, but only fares within, to or from Germany. Times for 2107 may not yet be available, instead look up times for late November, they will not change much.
If you want lots of info about how the trains work, read this website: http://www.seat61.com/
You have 6 places listed, I hope you have allowed enough time (at least 2 weeks).
In most big cities you cannot use a car to get around, local public transport is the only option. City hotels often do not hae parking. And in some places (Venice, Zermatt) there are no cars at all, you have to park outside.
Finally, Interlaken. Do not stop in Interlaken, but further into the mountains (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, ...); and Mürren has no road access.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I just going to throw in a random recommendation. If you fly into or out of the Munich airport, consider spending the first or last night at Therme Erding, which is one of Europe's largest indoor waterpark/spa/resort complexes. It's a 15 minute drive from the airport. A great place to work off jet lag or relax before flying home.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
When considering the prices of train tickets, balance that against the costs of renting a van large enough to hold 7 people plus their luggage (or, two smaller vehicles), plus gas and parking (much more expensive than you're used to), plus the highway vignette for Switzerland and the one for Austria.
For 7 people, I'm not sure which one will come out ahead financially. Hassle, of course, is a different issue. You may think driving has fewer hassles, and it may, but do take into account Chris's points about not being able to enter some places at all with a vehicle, and the problem of finding parking for other places. Many who do drive in Germany, and like it (cities included), have said Munich is an exception, with nasty traffic and difficult parking.
Do definitely heed his advice about not staying in Interlaken - please.