I will be heading to Munich with my son, and his GF, arriving Easter morning and GF and I leave following Sunday. Son will be working in Munich for 3 weeks. Currently thinking we need Sunday-Tuesday for hotel in Marienplatz area to settle in--then travel to Salzburg mid week for 1-2 nights and return to Munich area possibly Friday or Saturday for the Fruhlingfest/Bavarian Red Cross Flea Market. We could stay with this schedule and do day trips from Munich (Neuschwanstein Castle, Dachau) or we could add a night somewhere else. I believe we will have the opportunity to visit Germany again so I feel less pressure to "fit it all in" but we are an active group and open to adding more as well. Would appreciate any ideas or thoughts.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6016 posts
I'd spend more time in Salzburg, and go out to Berchtesgaden.
The week will have bigger crowds, as many folks are on vacation the week after Easter. Businesses may be closed Easter Monday.
N'stein Palace isn't my favorite, I feel it's the definition of "tourist trap."
Have a wonderful family vacation. Safe travels!
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you Pat for your suggestions and thoughts on the castle. Can you elaborate a bit more on visiting Berchtesgaden? I don't believe the Eagle's Nest will be open this time of year, nor do we feel compelled to visit the Nazi sites. Would this area still be worthwhile? I know spring weather may impact some of our options.
Posted by
Paradise
7225 posts
...day trips from Munich (Neuschwanstein Castle, Dachau)
Staying in Salzburg makes good sense, as it has lots to offer and requires 3.75 hours round-trip if you were to attempt it as a day trip. Good choice.
Neuschwanstein (not a true castle, btw.) is one of those day trips that does not make sense, IMO. It's+ 5 hours round trip + the not-insignificant time required to march up to the entrance. I can't say it was a great tour, personally, but even if it had been wonderful, it was only 25 minutes long... and I think they're now getting around $24 per head with the ticket convenience fee included. I'm with Pat. Don't bother.
Dachau: IMO this outing is essential only for those who deny the Holocaust. Most of us know what the Holocaust was about and can already grasp the details of what happened there without re-visiting the graphic details and experiencing the inevitable nausea. You only have a week to see today's Germany (in your case, just a small part of Bavaria, actually) and unless you are Nazi-era historians, or some of your relatives perished there, I don't see the point of drawing the ugliest part of Germany's past into your sightseeing experiences.
More doable, worthwhile day trips - just my opinion of course...
- Regensburg, Germany's best-preserved medieval town (3 hours round trip by train from Munich.)
- Andechs Monastery and Brewery
I don't know if your plans include Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. But I found it a good deal more informative, historically significant, and interesting than Neuschwanstein Palace.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6016 posts
Betchtesgaden-there's so much more to the area other than the Eagles Nest retreat, which is at higher elevations.
The lake and waterfalls are beautiful, good hikes, and the boat ride very peaceful. I must admit I don't know if the park closes in the off season. Now I'm curious....
Posted by
San Diego, California
6016 posts
https://www.berchtesgaden.de/en/nature/lake-koenigssee
Looks like the Koenigsee area is open year round. Have a great trip!