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Munich/Southern Germany to Switzerland to ?

Posted by (New England) on

First post here so Hi to everyone,

So I'm planning to sneak away for about 10-12 days in early June before heading away to school and I'm trying to visit Europe for the first time on a budget(staying in hostels) and want to buy plane tickets soon. My wife doesn't want to go right now but understands I have such a huge commitment ahead that I want to do one last trip so I'm trying to hit countries I'd like and want to save stuff like Rome, Mediterranean stuff she likes for future trips. My main focus is to see Munich, Bavarian Germany and the Swiss Alps. I figured I could do 4 days in Munich with day trips to surrounding castles, mountain views and scenic towns. I really am not into the Museum, History city scene but want to experience the natural and traditional German Culture which I love. Any advice for some accessible high points from Munich would be great. I've heard of Rothenberg and the romantic road and black forest. I also want to scout out the area as I hope to go to Oktoberfest with my Dad and Brother someday.

After Germany, I figured I could head to Switzerland to do some hiking in the Alps and enjoy some Swiss cuisine as I'm a huge foodie. I figured I could go to Lucerne as a decent base to do things in Switzerland from the research I've done unless anyone suggests any other place that would fit what I'm looking for.

After that, I figured I could catch a train to Paris and finish the last leg of my Journey there but now I'm starting to wonder if I should save that for a future France trip and maybe stay central Europe and go to Amsterdam instead or Bruges Belgium then Amsterdam which would give me better flight options? Also I could maybe check out Northern Germany after Switzerland instead and fly out of Berlin though the city doesn't seem to have what I'm looking for in traveling from my understanding? Any suggestions from people who know anything about these areas would be hugely appreciated.

Posted by
12040 posts

10-12 days isn't a whole lot of time and you're bouncing all over the place.

I would save Switzerland for another time. It is beautiful but frighteningly expensive, and from Munich, you have the magnificent Bavarian, Tyrolian and Tauern Alps almost on your back doorstep. More than enough hiking options here. And seeing the Alps makes the Black Forest kind of redundant. It's basically a forested mountain range, but much lower then the Alps.

Plus, if you're hitting the Alps and you don't have an infinite amount of time (of the benefit of a short-term weather forecast), it's best to pick one location and stick with it for several days. Reason? The mountain weather patterns are not your friend and will randomly decide to wash out or fog over entire days, sometimes two or three at a time. This is another reason why I think Bavaria/Austria might be a better choice. Except for perhaps Luzern or Montreaux, many of the Swiss Alp destinations have fewer rainy day options. In Bavaria, if you lose a hiking day here or there, you can visit castles, palaces monasteries, or interesting old towns. Your rainy day options in, let's say, the Berner Oberland would be limited to staying in your room or shopping in Interlaken.

Posted by
28100 posts

I think Tom has given very good advice. I'd hold off on more distant cities (which would need quite a bit of time to see, plus travel time) and focus on finding a variety of sights closer to Munich. Maybe spend a couple days at one of the nearby lakes (no recommendation from me because I haven't done this yet). If you prefer your lakes large, Lake Constance (Bodensee) is about 3 hours away. There's a 160-mile long bike path around the lake, and Mainau Island has a beautiful garden.

If you're up for seeing part of the former German Democratic Republic, Erfurt is about 4-1/2 hours from Munich by train. Attractive old town, lively--a not-too-large city on a small river. Costs are comparatively low. I visited other lovely cities in eastern Germany last year, but they were farther from Munich.

Posted by
5 posts

I'll definitely take into mind about perhaps staying more in the region instead of trying to see too much too soon. I feel desperate to see as much as possible since this is my first and probably last trip to Europe in a while. I definitely have a lot of thinking to do but I appreciate all the advice to so far.

Posted by
16895 posts

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