I’m planning a 12 day itinerary for my 27 yr old daughter and a friend who will be traveling by train. I have spent a significant amount of time in Germany and Switzerland but haven’t traveled by train in ages. They are flying in and out of Munich and want to visit Rothenburg, Baden Baden, Zurich, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald and Fussen. Since some of the cities are small, they don’t have great train connections (eg. Rothenburg!). I’d welcome recommendations on building an efficient itinerary. There is room to add more stops and are open to suggestions to swap out a city or two on the list in order to make a better route. Also, I’m wondering whether a Eurail or German train pass would be worthwhile. I appreciate any tips you have!
Posted by
Paradise
7202 posts
They are flying in and out of Munich
I have questions.
They need to toss Baden-Baden on the basis of its location - or substitute something in its place. Why do they want to go there? Do they require a spa treatment? High-stakes gambling? I am sure their wishes could be fulfilled in many other places.
What time of year is this trip?
Munich airport is WAY outside Munich. Do they want to visit Munich? You didn't mention it as a destination, just an airport. They needn't go there at all if they don't want to.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks for your response. They are going in April. They do want to see Munich. I’m not sure why they want to see Baden Baden, but I am glad to hear that you think they should skip it. I was thinking the same. They like to hike and be active and would enjoy charming, walkable towns.
Posted by
Paradise
7202 posts
Here's what I'd suggest for the first part as far as Zurich. I have swapped out Füssen for Mittenwald as it's a more attractive mountain town that is strategically located right on your route south to one of Europe's great railways heading to Zurich... the Arlberg Railway. Only the Day 7 ticket must be pre-purchased.
Day 1: MUC > Nuremberg for 2 nights. Staying here breaks up the long trip to R'burg. 2.5 hours by direct train at 9:16 or 11:37. Direct trains like this mean no missed connections. No advance purchase needed for these regional trains, so they won't have a train to miss if the flight is late; once they are through security and arrive at the MUC rail station, they can buy tickets and leave on the next train; Bayern Ticket for two is €42. Do some afternoon sightseeing in this very nice, very walkable town.
Day 2: Day trip to Rothenburg: 8:37 - 9:51; return 15:05 - 16:16. Buy a Tagesticket Plus day pass for the regional trains at €25.50/2, good for the round trip. It's a small town that does not require all that much time. Map: http://www.mappery.com/maps/Rothenburg-Tourist-Map.jpg
Evening in Nuremberg, a town with many nice pubs.
Day 3: Stay a while in Nuremberg or not depending on your interests. There is a lot there, Kaiserburg Castle, many museums of all sorts. Use the Bayern Ticket day pass again to reach Munich (about 2 hours by regional train.)
Days 4&5 in Munich.
Day 6: Direct train to Mittenwald for one night with the Bayern Ticket (1 hr. 50 minutes.) M'wald is an alpine town on the way to Innsbruck with scenic lifts, river gorges: https://hastingshouse.typepad.com/hastings_house_us/2007/04/mittenwald_germ.html
Day 7: Train to Zurich, make a stopover in Innsbruck if interested. Pre-purchase this ticket, probably at DB, with a stopover period if desired. Arlberg railway information, Innsbruck to Zurich:
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/zurich-to-innsbruck-via-the-arlberg-railway.htm
Posted by
OP
5 posts
This is very helpful! Thank you so much for the route suggestions and detailed info about the trains. I really appreciate it.