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Suggestions with Germany and switzerland itinerary

Need suggestions for Germany and switzerland itinerary.

Hi,
We are family of 3 (me, husband and 18 yrs old son) planning a trip to Germany and Switzerland August 2026.
I am in the initial planning stage and thinking of following itinerary. I need suggestions if my itinerary doable.

Day 1 - Land in Munich hotel check in and relax( get adjusted to jetlag)

Day 2 explore Munich

Day 3 rent a car from Munich and drive romantic road to Rothenburg ob der tauber. Explore small towns on the way. Stay night at Rothenburg area.

Day 4 Drive to stuttgart. Explore the Mercedes museum and Porcha museum if possible. Stay a night

Day 5 Drop off car in stuttgart and take train to Wengen Switzerland. Is this double?

Stay Day 6 to 8 in Wengen and Explore the area. Need recommendations on the iterinary. We like to do short hikes, few activities and walk around the villages.

Day 9 Lucerne. Stay 3 nights in Lucerne. Need to plan activities for 2 days in Lucerne and surrounding area.

Day 12- fly home from Zurich.

A few questions,
Are 4 nights in Wengen good amount of time?
Should I stay in Zurich instead of Lucerne?
Are there any other ideas I should consider?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Posted by
6860 posts

Maximize your time in the BO. Mountain weather can be moody, so give yourself time if you have a bad weather day. As much as I love Lucerne, I would take a night from Lucerne and add it to the BO. No one is ever ready to leave. It's hard to describe the incredible beauty of the Alps, and the thrill of riding those gondolas to such altitudes! You have come such a long way, so spend it IN the Alps. Plus, you will have been on a pretty hectic pace, so it's time to slow down and breathe and just enjoy being there.
I haven't done the train route from Stuttgart, so can't comment on that aspect.
Lucerne - go to Mt Rigi, via the boat ride, and see the sunset at Mt Stanserhorn, after an open air Cabrio cable car ride.
It's an easy commute to the Zurich airport from Lucerne. The train goes straight into the airport. Swiss trains are the gold standard for dependability.
If possible, can you add a day or two? You won't regret it.
Have a wonderful family vacation!

Posted by
4494 posts

Tip: also Munich has a car museum: the BMW museum and at opposite side the BMW Welt.

Journey planner for train connection (ensure to choose the right Wengen): https://int.bahn.de/en

The first two question will likely get better answers in Switzerland forum.