Germany /Austria 12 day itinerary with kids

I think the kids would enjoy Rothenberg... I have taken a couple of my grandkids there (young teens) and they loved it. We stayed in Dinkelsbuhl (a much smaller town) and drove to Rothenberg... I have heard the night watchman tour is great for kids. We did not do that, but they loved the town and while it is touristy... we are tourists. The drive was a view of the German countryside and lots of little towns to stop in or places to pull over for a roadside picnic. I think they will also love Salzburg. I would not add a night to Munich as I think you can see everything there in a few days. Now, if they were young adults, I would say add it.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a wonderful destination and there are so many things to see including a walk along the wall for the many plaques from those who donated to bring the city back from the destruction of WWII. One could spend several days there. One of the many things to see is the simply superb masterpiece by the Würzburg scupter Tilman Riemenschneider (1460-1531)

If you get a chance, while in the Salzburg area is to visit Salzkammergut (short distance away) to see the fabulous Hallstatt am Hallstatt See. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salzkammergut#/media/File:Hallstatt_300.jpg

I hope you will share your experiences after your return and pleasant journey.

Have you considered dropping south into Austria and taking a scenic 2 hr, drive through The Alps into Innsbruck? It's just a 2 hr. drive. Garmisch is just a short distance NW of Innsbruck. Western Tyrol is an incredibly beautiful place, and I prefer it to traveling through the Munich metro area. I'd rather spend time in incredible mountains than in Rothenburg--2 hrs or more north or Munich.

Seeing Rothenburg after Neuschwanstein means a long trip to another extra-touristy location.

"We arrive into Vienna for 3 nights, then rent a car and drive to Salzburg for 2 nights. See Salzburg and Berchtesgaden area. Then drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen."

It is the Salzburg/B'gaden area where your time is probably too short. There are several options for adding a day here. Since Ludwig's "castles" are actually not castles but late 19th century palaces, I'd suggest an extra night here and a short drive to a genuine castle; drive south from Salzburg to Werfen for "Burg Hohenwerfen" - Hohenwerfen Castle - which has a 900-year history and a falconry show on offer, among other things. The Clint Eastwood, Richard Burton movie "Where Eagles Dare" was filmed here about 50 years ago.
Burg Hohenwerfen information

A nice trip for kids not far from Garmisch is to take the cable car up the Karwendel at Mittenwald. Partnach Gorge at Garmisch is also great.

HI,

I would add the extra day to Salzburg/Berchtesgaden. While we loved Rothenberg, there's is way too much to see around Salzburg and Berchtesgaden besides the towns themselves, even for 3 nights. Remember that 2 nights means 1 full day, and just trying to see Salzburg and Berchtesgaden will be tough enough.

Paul

If you are going to be near Garmisch, then I would highly recommend you research a visit to the Highline 179 Bridge and the Ehrenberg Castle Ruins. That and the view from the Zugspitze were two highlights of last month's trip to Germany/Austria. The Zugspitze on the Austrian side is very close to the Highline.
http://www.highline179.com/en/the-bridge/

Although it has been a number of years ago we stayed in Schliersee with my 12 year old niece and 6 year old son (my son is now 29) on the way to Munich from Salzburg. We were the only Americans in the small town and we rented an electric boat on the lake. It was a quiet and beautiful setting off the beaten path.

While it would be lovely, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is really too far out of the way for a one night stay ... especially with an 11 and 12 year old in the car. I'd add the extra night in Berchtesgaden. You'll be surprised once you get there just how much variety there is. You won't have any difficulty finding something that appeals to you and your kids. Alternatively, you are very close to the Salzkammergut and could consider visiting there. Adding the extra night to Garmisch would be my second choice, again there is no shortage of things to do there.

Make sure you visit Herrenchiemsee between Berchtesgaden/Salzburg and Garmisch. If your girls are the least bit into fairy tales and princesses they will love it!

What Brad says about Therme Erding... Yes, go there! This is the absolute pinnacle of the German thermal bathing experience.

I would also add that it has added it's own on-site hotel within the past year. Although it is perfectly reasonable to sleep in the very pleasent town of Erding, you can't beat the convenience of having your hotel room within a stone's throw of the wave pool.

Hi,

On parents being responsible for their kids in Germany, as pointed out above, you will see signs to that effect..."Eltern, haften Ihre Kinder.!"