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Germany itinerary with kids after Berlin marathon in September

My wife and I and kids (will be almost 4 and 1) will be in Berlin 3 days for the marathon in September and then following with 10 more days in Germany (first time). Our last 4 trips to Europe we mostly followed RS recommended priorities for cities and have been very happy, so mostly thinking Berlin (3)->Nurnburg?(2)->Rothenburg ob der Tauber(2)->Fussen(3)->Salzburg?(2)->Munich(3). Probably renting a car in Berlin and dropping off in Munich, flying out of Munich. Questions are:

  1. If we end in Munich (flying out of there) Mon-Thurs Oct 2-5 we'll catch the tail end of Oktoberfest with the "extra" days they're having this year...enough to experience it at least? And maybe a little non-Oktoberfest Munich?
  2. If we have to choose between spending 2 nights in Nurnburg or 2 nights in Salzburg, any ideas? We love history (Nazi history sites are intriguing), food and walking...but will have kids. (our previous non-kid trips we walked 5-10 miles a day...not anymore! haha).
  3. I'm OK with the idea of driving and like the freedom of having a car (plus we wont' have car in Berlin or Munich). Sound OK elsewhere?

Thanks all!

Posted by
6299 posts

With regards to Nuremberg and Salzburg, both are worth a visit, but with kids I would probably opt for Salzburg. It's a beautiful city with a lot to do and there is a lot for kids to see that they would probably enjoy (at least the 4 year old - I imagine the 1 year old will be happy just to be around mom and dad). :) There is a lot of countryside in Salzburg and you could potentially stay in a rental in the country, since you have a car. There are a number of farms around that rent to families and the kids would probably love the animals.

Salzburg has a wonderful garden, fountains, a large zoo, loads of activities, incredible scenic views - you really can't go wrong there. I loved Nuremberg but it is geared more towards adults and the kids would be bored by the Nazi Documentation Center. Salzburg ranks up there at the top of places I've been to. It really is a gorgeous city.

Here's one blog with some ideas about Salzburg: https://ciaobambino.com/best-things-to-do-in-salzburg-with-kids

Posted by
556 posts

This year last day of of the Octoberfest is Tuesday 3rd of October (holiday in Germany). Usually at end of Octoberfest it is less crowded specially when you are visiting already Monday during lunch time. But nevertheless with kids at that age I would not go in the evening on any day.

The weeks after Octoberfest Munich is somehow taking a deep breath and therefore I think it is a good time for a visit.

Just thinking what the kids might like and of course English Garden is coming to my mind. At the Chinese Tower there is a playground and a great beer garden. Still people sitting outside when the weather is fine enjoying some drinks and food. Huge city park to run around and to watch the Eisbach Surfers.

Another kid friendly beer garden is the Hirschgarten. I think it is fun to feed the deers - Hirschgarten means Deer Garden in fact.

Maybe the Zoo is something the kids might like?

I have heard that the Deutsches Museum (world's largest museum of science and technology) is having a Kid's Kingdom

But of course the parents want to enjoy their time as well and therefore worth checking out this link and maybe you find something you and the kids might like :-)