Hi, planning honeymoon May 15-30 and would love your help! I’ve booked a flight into Munich and plan to use that as base x 4 nights, then train to Zurich to BO region, maybe Lauterbrunnen or Wengen as home base x 5 nights, then on to Nice for relaxation on the beach and day trips. Day trips from all places. I’ve already booked flights but need help on ideas - we love the outdoors, exploring small towns, and don’t want to have to rush! First time to Europe for bride, but not groom. Thank you for any ideas - especially nicer places to stay but won’t break our budget.
Posted by
Irving
3337 posts
Have you considered visiting the Bavarian Alps instead of the BO? Traveling from Munich to Wengen requires three transfers taking 7h. A train from Wengen to Nice has five connections taking 9h 45m. With two weeks you’ll lose two days traveling to your next destination which is never fun.
Posted by
Schwerin
3431 posts
I am not sure that the "base" concept will bring you the best experience because with it you will automatically plan times for transport / backtracking every day.
And why do you plan to stay in Munich if you "love the outdoors, exploring small towns, and don’t want to have to rush!"?
A relaxed car round trip on Bavaria's scenic routes can be a great experience.
Posted by
NYC area
3024 posts
As for places that “won’t break our budget”, I hope it’s a large budget. Switzerland is not for the budget minded.
For outdoors, exploring small towns, I’d skip Munich altogether and head straight to the Garmisch, Mittenwald area to base your first 4 nights.
The trip from the Berner Oberland to Nice is nearly 10 hours! There’s a full day lost, and it will not be a “fun day” by any means. OMG. We did the 8 hour Glacier Express trip through stunning Swiss scenery and we were dying to get off the train after just a few hours.
My opinion is you’re spending way too much time in transit to really relax on this trip.
Posted by
8539 posts
I am always amazed when people want to go to the beach in Europe, something you can to better in Florida, California or the Caribbean.
Nice is OK, but consider visiting Venice instead it is amazing. Also, Switzerland is the most expensive country in Europe.
Posted by
Columbus, USA
352 posts
Here are my thoughts about your German leg of the trip. I would spend two nights in Munich. There is so much to see in the Altstadt (Frauenkirchen, Viktualienmarkt, Townhall (Rathaus), St Peter's, etc). Then I would head for your other two days to Garmisch-Partenkirchen that should fit your small towns and hiking criteria. GP has a hike to a gorge I wanted to do but ran out of time. From GP you can do the Zugspitze (Tallest point in Germany), Oberammergau (Cute town with Fairy Tales painted on the sides of houses, shopping, and the Passion Play museum). Mittenwald isn't far either.
I have not been to Switzerland or Southern France, so I can't help you there.
Congratulations and have so much fun!!!
Posted by
OP
34 posts
Thank you for the replies! Best area to stay in Munich for ease of public transport day trips etc?
Posted by
Schwerin
3431 posts
Obviously near / close to Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). See network map.