Christmas markets: Germany, Austria and Prague

It should be Hallstatt or Berchtesgaden. You cannot do both in one day.

First night in Rothenberg is arrival night. Second night is the night before you move on to Nuremberg .... so in the one day you have in Rothenberg you will spend on trains visiting Stuttgart, Esslingen, and Heidelberg?

Sounds like it might be better to do 3 nights there or even 4 and just visit Nuremberg and Regensberg via day trips?

But you have the same issue in all of your stops. You would be better, maybe, just accepting a series of one night stays and connecting the dots with morning trains. And eliminate half the dots.

Allow an extra day on the first day for flight delays, cancellations, jet lag, etc. Five location in twelve days is too much. These types of trips involve lots and lots of walking and being on your feet. You need slow down days.

Two nights is one full day. So your proposed day trips really aren't possible- pick one, but then you don't have much time for the town you're sleeping in. Download the DB NavigatorTrain app and figure out times on the trains. And remember, you lose time getting to/from the train station, getting orientated, needing nutrition, etc. Stuttgart to Rothenburg is almost three hours each way, just on the train, then cab into the old town, etc.

I'd skip Munich markets, based on the feedback here.

Salzburg is magical, don't skimp on this town.

The nights are really crowded at the markets, especially on the weekends. We would do our shopping when the markets opened, get an overview of the food stands, sightsee early afternoon, then back to the markets for the magical lights, gluhwein, and food.

I'd recommend slimming down your itinerary, establishing priorities, and come back with a revised plan for input. Perhaps also eliminate Prague. Stuttgart and Esslingen are both really great.

You have lots of time to enjoy the planning. Perhaps join the city-specific Facebook groups now for on-the-ground, real-time info.

Happy travelling!

You definitely need to make some changes. Some of the day trips are completely impossible, nevermind "too busy." You cannot just hop on train to Rothenburg from MUC on Day 1. That trip will take 3.5 - 4 hours on 4-5 different trains. You should "go with the flow" of the rail system instead. Major trips with bags should be done by direct train whenever possible to avoid missed connections and minimize delays.

1) MUC > Regensburg: direct train, 1.5 hours. Stay one night.

2) Regensburg > Nuremberg: direct train, 1 hour. Stay 3 nights. Do outings by train to Bamberg, Rothenburg.

3) Nuremberg > Stuttgart: direct train, 25 - 2.5 hours. Stay 3 nights. Do outings to H'berg, Esslingen.

4) Stuttgart > Salzburg: some direct trains, 4 hours.....

Use the DB site to plan the rest, but the above should give you a decent shot at a manageable trip and get you onto the "right track."

https://int.bahn.de/en/