I love the drive from Munich to through the alps, but would like to take a train for a day trip on December 22, 2018, weather permitting. (The first time I went to the alps there was so much fog I didn't see anything.) Is the train ride as scenic as driving down through those valleys?
Any recommendations on stations? I thought of Berchtesgaden but am not set on it. Thank you.
Posted by
Berlin
3016 posts
Even if you do not speak German this video on YouTube will give you some impressions of tracks in South Bavaria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KVpD8tmS-g
Also some historic impressions.
Posted by
Bavaria
2481 posts
Remember, december 22nd is one of the shortest days of the year (daylight from 9am to 4pm) so day tripping to far away destinations like Berchtesgaden or Oberstdorf is not worth it. Among the closer destinations, I would find these most rewarding for such a short day:
train bound to Bayrischzell as far as Osterhofen, then cable car up to the Wendelstein (alternative for the return journey: cog railway to Brannenburg, 20 min walk to the train station, return via Rosenheim).
train to Kochel (Lake Kochelsee) and then by bus to Urfeld to Herzogstandbahn cable car. Above the mountain station there is a belvedere. Then hike around the Walchensee or Kochelsee. In Kochel is a good spa.
train via Prien to Aschau, 1.5 km walk to the Kampenwandbahn. Nice views on lake Chiemsee and the Tyrol mountains (inn at the mountain station).
train to Lake Tegernsee, bus to the Wallberg cable car.
Train to Oberammergau, then walking or bus to Ettal (unfortunately, the Laber cable car will be closed)
If you are interested in the train ride as such, Route 1 might be the best. The area is flat and unspectacular until Holzkirchen, but then the route goes through beautiful Alpine foothills and reaches the edge of the Alps at Schliersee. With a Bayernticket you can drive without additional costs to the end of the line in Bayrischzell and on the way back you could take a bus from the station Fischhausen-Neuhaus up to the small but beautifully located Spitzingsee.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8898 posts
Garmisch-Parkirchen is a great choice for day trip by train from Munich.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you very much for your suggestion. I appreciate it.
Posted by
Green Bay
21184 posts
I was going to suggest the following circular route.
Munich to Reutte in Tirol. This passes through Garmisch-Partenkirchen, past the Zugspitze to Reutte.
Reutte to Kempten.
Kempton back to Munich.
That could be done using a Bayern Ticket for 25 EUR. You could leave at 9:13 and be back to Munich by 3:09 pm, so it would be daylight all the way.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for your help. My granddaughters have looked up the towns mentioned and are excited to visit.