Germany/Austria December trip

I recommend Nuremberg instead of Munich and Garmisch. The Christkindlesmarkt is often recommended in top lists and on this forum. Bamberg is also closer.

From Munich airport you can take the Lufthansa airport shuttle bus to Nuremberg.

Train journey planner: https://int.bahn.de/en/

Jonesy, just curious, why Munich and Salzburg. Knowing might get you some better answers. Or at least something relevant to your interests.

The markets really don't come to life until it starts getting dark, which is about 4pm that time of year. And why Bamberg? You'll spend over 4 hours on the train to visit from Munich (back and forth). That doesn't make sense, because there's a lot of places closer that are worth visiting without all that travel time. Ulm, Augsburg, Ingolstadt, Chiemsee; all of those have very good holiday decorations and markets. And Nuremberg isn't just a stop on the way, it's a destination. If you can see everything you want in four hours there I'd be surprised.

For Salzburg, I highly recommend the Hellbrunn Palace Christmas Market. Probably the best one I have ever visited. Be advised that shops, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays in Austria in case Day 4 happens to fall on a Sunday. Dec. 8 is also a public holiday in Austria, so shops will be closed that day as well, fyi.

The shops, except for the Christmas Markets are closed on Sunday. However the Hellbrunner Adventzauber is closed on Monday. Go Figure. https://www.panoramatours.com/en/salzburg/explore/topics/advent-christmas-in-salzburg/christmas-markets-salzburg/

Sounds like you like food touring. I do too.

Mozart's birthplace might be disappointing, as we were. Unless you are just looking for a t-shirt moment I would skip it.

I prefer Garmisch over Nuremberg but that's just me. One reason is that Neuschwanstein Castle is there. Historic!!

If you go to Salzburg you will not be disappointed. Get some pix with the cows to send home. You will understand if you get there.

Agree with emily. Hellbrunn Palace Christmas Market

It is a shame that you won't be able to do Octoberfest in Munchin at that time. It's a great event.

When in Germany, may I suggest visiting The Eagles Nest. Another historic moment.

You mentioned that apartments were booked. A very important lesson that I have learned in our international travels is to consult with your lodging host wherever that may be. They are your built in travel guides. Who better to give you suggestions than the people who live in the local area?? That would include you if someone was looking for tourist advice in your own area.

Well if you are going to the Eibsee you will be right at the Seilbahn Zugspitze. Given the time, good weather and light you might indulge in the expense and go to the top of the Zugspitze. Check opening times.
https://www.foto-webcam.eu/webcam/zugspitze-sued

The Eagles Nest is closed in DEC. And if you cannot see the top of the Zugspitze when standing in town, don't bother going up. In Salzburg the whole Mozart thing is overdone, you'd do better to go up to the fortress and have lunch looking out over the city.

Such good advice thanks!

I didn't think a bout Sundays closing times... We arrive on a Sunday so something to think about.

When I mean motzarts birthplace I mean Im happy to stand outside and looks 😂.

I considered zugspite if the weather is good but it does seem quite expensive.