Rothenburg day tour from Munich in November/December?

Hi Sarah,

Can't help with Rothenberg, but Salzburg is really worth seeing, especially at this time of year (Christmas markets). Include a trip up to Hohensalzburg for the tour and the beautiful views overlooking Salzburg.

Paul

sarah,

I've found that the trip to Neuschwanstein isn't really too much of an ordeal. I've used Radius Tours in the past, and although it's a nine hour trip total, it's at a fairly relaxed pace. I'm sure your daughter would be impressed with the grandeur of the Castle.

What's wrong with just doing a trip to Neuschwanstein by yourself? The train from Munich to Füssen normally takes about two hours; it's another 20 minutes all the way to the castles by bus. A Bayern-Ticket, which covers round trip train to Füssen and round trip bus to the castles cost 23€ for one, 4€ more for each person up to five, total. The Bayern-Ticket can only be used for travel after 9 AM on weekdays. The first train from Munich Hbf after 9 leaves just before 10. If you purchase tickets from Munich Hbf to Pasing for 2,60 per adult, you can get on the 8:54 train from Munich Hbf. It leaves Pasing at 9:00 and the Bayern-Ticket can be used from there.

It is sometimes best to perhaps put yourself in the shoes of a 7 year old when planning this trip. Sitting on a train for 6 hours in one day, half of it at night time when you can't see out the windows is not going to be fun for her. Going to Rothenburg is not going to be special enough for her to make up for this almost lost day spent on a train.

There are many places in Munich or close to Munich that are going to be a lot more fun for her. There are various Christmas markets to visit, perhaps Tollwood, and I am sure there are small medieval towns you could visit that are going to be closer than Rothenburg. Perhaps consider traveling to either Salzburg or Garmisch, which are closer? Snow, more Christmas markets, palaces and mountains.

You might consider Nördlingen (Noerdlingen) instead of Rothenburg. It has an intact wall almost all the way around the town with a Wehrgang you can walk on. It doesn't have a Christmas Shoppe like Rothenburg but it does have a Christmas market from Nov 28 to Dec 23. It's a lot like Rothenburg without the crowds.

There are hourly train connections in about 2 hours (same as Salzburg) from Munich to Nördlingen. You can do the round trip with a Bayern-Ticket. If it's just you and the 7-yr old, you can use the Bayern-Ticket for one adult for 23€ (all of ones own children and grandchildren under 15 are free).

The connection goes through Harburg, but there is no public transportation in Harburg and the station is a km walk from town (plus a walk up the steep hill from town to the castle). The walk was pleasant enough in October, but December???

I am a fan of Rothenburg but it is just too far for a day trip from Munich, especially with a 7 year old. There are many other possibilities. You might consider Landshut which is filled with brightly fronted houses and has its own castle. It also claims the highest brick work church tower and a beautiful river front.

http://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Christmas-Markets-2009/Landshut-2009/10635634_WwvXRT

http://mcchelsea.smugmug.com/Other-2/April-2014-Landshut/38726799_vsK4kd

Landshut is only 45 minutes from Munich by regional trains, enough time to give a child the pleasure of seeing what a train ride is like.

I'm with Lee. Skip Rothenburg and visit Neuschwanstein on your own. Your 7-year old will probably thank you.

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. Given that there aren't any organized tours to Rothenburg, we're going to scrap that idea and look into your other suggestions. I really appreciate the input!

Sarah