My teenage daughter and I will be spending 4 nights in Bavaria/Tirol in June. The week prior will be split between Prague and Munich and the week after will be in Paris so we are hoping for an alpine re-set that includes a slower pace and lots of nature. I'm looking for advice on a home base, as well as transportation choices. I'd like to stay in one place all 4 nights, with excursions to get to lakes, hiking trails, castles, etc. Previous trips to Europe have been exclusively train, but I was considering renting a car for this stretch (or part of it). I currently have a reservation at Hotel Maximilian, one of Rick's recommended properties in the Reutte, Austria area. If I stay here, I think I might be best renting a car from Munich. Other bases I am considering are Fussen/Schwengau or Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Perhaps if i stay in one of these areas I could take the train to/from Munich and simply rent a car locally for a day or two?
Things I want to do during these 4 days: Zugspitze, Ehrenberg Ruins, Neuschwanstein Castle and surrounding area. Also hikes that might include alpine meadows and lakes.
Would appreciate any input from those who have done something similar.
p.s. My daughter will be tuning 16 when we are in Prague. Bonus points for suggestions of something fun and memorable to mark the occasion.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1996 posts
You will need a car if Reutte and Ehrenberg are musts for you.
I'm not the biggest fan of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, but it's a handy spot to spend 4 nights without a car, and it has easy access to Munich. Zugspitz down the road. Partnach Gorge, Hammersbach Fussweg and Eibsee are fairly easy, nice walks. The hike down the Wank is scenic and the walking surface tolerable compared to most mountain hikes.
Not far south are Mittenwald, Lautersee and Leutasch Gorge.
Not far north are Oberammergau, Ettal Abbey and Linderhof. There's a scenic valley walk from Oberammergau to Ettal. I really like Oberammergau.
Train and bus to Fussen about 1.5 hours; longer to get back. Book castle tickets in advance.
Posted by
Paradise
8115 posts
I currently have a reservation at Hotel Maximilian, one of Rick's recommended properties in the Reutte, Austria area. If I stay here, I think I might be best renting a car from Munich. Other bases I am considering are Fussen/Schwengau or Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Perhaps if i stay in one of these areas I could take the train to/from Munich and simply rent a car locally for a day or two?
If you want a "re-set that includes a slower pace and lots of nature," then I'd encourage you to consider making Oberammergau your travel base. This very attractive town has some very attractive murals and a nice setting and is well situated for outings by train or bus to...
Neuschwanstein, the Tegelbergbahn, and the Hohes Schloss (which unlike Neuschwanstein has roots in medieval times; all are in the Füssen area.)
Linderhof Palace
The Wieskirche
The Zugspitze
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Partnach River Gorge, Bavarian Evening at the Fraundorfer Inn)
Mittenwald (Karwendelbahn lift, Leutasch Ghost Gorge)
Ettal Monastery
Map of this area with bus/train lines
As you should be able to see, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is perhaps the best-located transport hub, but it's a larger, busier place, which might not be what you are looking for.
Füssen is particularly weak for train rides to other places as it's located at the very end of a trunk railway. You must ride the bus first for any outing you wish to make.
Note that there's a Guest Card (King's Card) program here which provides free bus + train transport as well a a free e-car for a 3-hour period, and lots of discounts on other stuff. You might look into this online and look for accommodations that offer it.
Reutte, Ehrenberg near Reutte, and Neuschwanstein: Places that I wouldn't recommend for a variety of reasons. You won't have time for all there is to do in the other places I mentioned. Lee, a seasoned RS forum poster with solid experience in this area, advocates spending most of a day just at Linderhof, as I recall. But we're all different, with different tastes and goals, so do some homework on all these places and prioritize as you see fit.
Posted by
9967 posts
The Fraundorfer hotel in Garmish is a great place to stay. Their restaurant is also great.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187302-d1353279-Reviews-Gasthof_Fraundorfer-Garmisch_Partenkirchen_Upper_Bavaria_Bavaria.html
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7248 posts
I'm happy to see Oberammergau getting some love - we lived there for a few years and love it. And I agree with Russ's overview of places. Garmisch is indeed a good central hub when it comes to transportation, and as a larger town, offers more accommodation and dining options. O'gau is quieter, and IMO much more picturesque. Plus you can just walk anywhere in town, or further afield on well marked walking/biking paths. Pick either one, depending on your preferences. But I would train from Munich to Garmisch and rent fhe car there. You'll have more options. O'gau is a half hour scenic drive from there.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1628 posts
Dive to Hinterhornbach, Österreich and the parking place near Berghof am Schwand. Hike to Petersberg-Alm about 6k one-way. This is a wonderful valley and hike. I've gone back for a second time. This is off the beaten path, Maybe one overnight https://www.tirolerherz.at