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Munich-Garmisch-Wengen Questions

Posted by (Toronto) on

My family of 4 (2 kids 16 and 19) are travelling to Germany and Switzerland from 8/23 - 9/2. We are flying into Munich and out of Zurich. I am starting to plan our time and getting a bit overwhelmed with all the options. I've been reading these forums just to help gain a sense of which sites to visit so I'm starting to build my knowledge bank! Its been 20 years since I've traveled Europe so can't wait to show my kids how wonderful it all is! Hoping you can help me with some specific questions. We land in Munich and are staying at the Viktualien Hotel for two nights to explore that area. We are then going to Garmisch from 8/25-8/29. Then we are off to Wengen to finish off the trip.

1) Since we are traveling only in the Bavaria region in Germany, is the cheapest form of travel the Bavaria regional pass - it looks like we can the pass for 4 people for $38 EUR per day. Does this cover all forms of travel in that region - all rails and buses?

2) When we travel to Wengen, the train crosses over at Lindau - is this still in Bavaria and covered in that regional pass? Can I then buy a separate train ticket from Lindau to Bern (where our BO regional pass for Switzerland would kick in?)
3) In Garmisch we plan to visit Neuschwanstein Castle. Are we best to rent a car for the day to get to the castle or is there an easy bus or train trip that gets us close to the castle entrance?
4) We want to visit Innsbruck from Garmisch - I assume train is the best option and we'd just pay roundtrip for Austrian part of ticket?
5) Since we will be in the Swiss Alps later in trip we probably will skip the Zugspite, but are there other nice (flat) hikes to do that are relatively inexpensive to get to or other attractions in Garmisch on the must see list?
Thanks!

Posted by
12040 posts

but are there other nice (flat) hikes to do that are relatively inexpensive to get to or other attractions in Garmisch on the must see list?

Walking from downtown GaP up the length of the Partnachklamm and back is relatively flat (slightly uphill in the gorge itself, but nothing steep at all. From the Bahnhof to the gorge and back will take you about 90 minutes-2 hours.

If you want a nice long hike that's almost entirely downhill, take the Wankbahn (gondola) to the top of mountain, and follow the trail down the back side of mountain and around again to the Partenkirchen side. A large portion of this hike goes through a high Alpine meadow that is almost completely flat. Of course, you have to get to the gondola station first, but I think a bus goes there.

Posted by
8896 posts

I would suggest renting bikes and enjoying the many bike paths around Garmisch. The summer luge near the ski stadium would appeal to your teens. Hiking the gorge is a great outing. You can take the train to the Eibsee and hike around the lake or rent a boat and explore.

It is possible to get to Neuschwanstein Castle by bus from Garmisch, but with a family of four, it just might be worthwhile to rent a car for the day.

We took the train from Garmisch to Innsbruck and it was an extremely scenic trip.

Posted by
19275 posts

"Does this cover all forms of travel in that region - all rails and buses?"

The Bayern-Ticket covers regional rail only (RB, RE, M, ALX, S, etc) not the express trains (ICE/IC/EC). But other than the main lines, most of your trips in Bavaria will be by regional trains. The Bayern-Ticket also covers all conveyance in metro district, such as Munich, Augsburg, and Nuernberg. The Bayern-Ticket covers all major bus lines (RVO,/RVA) but not some individual bus lines.

"the train crosses over at Lindau - is this still in Bavaria and covered in that regional pass?"

Regional trains in Bavaria to Lindau (probably ALX) are covered by the Bayern-Ticket. From Lindau you would need local tickets. However, look into a Savings Fare ticket from Bavaria (where?) to Bern.

Posted by
14 posts

As far as touring around the Garmisch area I'd rent a car. It is an easy hour and half trip to Fussen from Garmisch. The train trip, IIRC, takes you to Munchen first then down to Fussen. A huge waste of time. The rental car is cheap per day and the scenery is great. Plus, you pass by Linderhof, Ettal, and Oberammergau. If you get up early enough you should be able to fit them all in need be. I'd suggest doing it over two days and enjoying the rest of the Garmisch area in the mean time. (Linderhof is 1/2 an hour from Garmisch)

The train trip from Garmisch to the Zugspitse is great. Fun trip and a great view from the top of the mountain even if you are hitting the Swiss alps later.

Oh, and eat at Wildschutz in Garmisch! Fraundorfer is good as well just for the tourist show if for nothing else.

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