Hello: We are planning our trip to Berlin (6 days), Dresden (5 days), Munich (5 days) Fussen (2 days), middle Rhine (4 days), Cologne (2 days) and then to Paris. This occurs in May/early June. We have been to France a couple of times and Paris twice in 2014 and 2015 (for longer stays) This is our first time to Germany. For the Germany portion of the trip I am wondering if there are any sites I should book before leaving home. Of course I have booked all of our flats and a couple of concerts in Berlin and Munich. I think I am probably okay, but would hate to miss out on something terrific because I didn't book far enough in advance. Thanks for any suggestions.
Posted by
Washington DC
27253 posts
The Historic Green Vault in Dresden (which I thought was fabulous) requires a timed ticket. As a solo traveler I was able to grab the last available ticket for an entry time 15 minutes after I arrived in August 2015. I don't know how typical that is. However, there are other museums in the same complex, so not being able to get a ticket for immediate entry wouldn't necessarily be a concern. Incidentally, I enjoyed the city walking tour I booked through the tourist office.
Since you have a lot of time in Dresden, I want to recommend a side-trip to the border city of Görlitz, which didn't sustain significant wartime damage and is chock-full of stunning architecture.
I encountered significant lines for museums on Berlin's Museuminseln, but I don't know of any way to avoid them. My Museuminseln card didn't allow me to bypass them. I recommend early arrival so you can get into at least one of the museums without a long wait.
You need to reserve the Reichstag dome visit in advance, but I don't know how far in advance.
Posted by
Augsburg, Bavaria
2364 posts
I encountered significant lines for museums on Berlin's Museuminseln, but I don't know of any way to avoid them.
https://shop.smb.museum/#/start
To get a convenient time slot, I'd book Neuschwanstein in advance, too:
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
In Munich, I enjoyed the BMW factory tour, which is offered Mon-Fri and should be reserved ahead.
Posted by
Langley, BC, Canada
122 posts
Here's the booking site for the Reichstag Building in Berlin. Guided tours in English are very limited and book fast.
https://visite.bundestag.de/BAPWeb/pages/createBookingRequest.jsf?lang=en
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
112 posts
Thank you all for your helpful advice. I appreciate your time and thoughtful responses. Each answer was useful and will help make our trip more enjoyable. Susan
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
112 posts
Thank you all for your helpful advice. I appreciate your time and thoughtful responses. Each answer was useful and will help make our trip more enjoyable. Susan
Posted by
Ohio
171 posts
If you plan to tour the inside of Neuschwanstein Palace while you are in Fussen I would book it now especially if you are on a tight schedule and want a specific time. Personally I found the interior underwhelming but others on this Forum were entranced by it. Instead of touring the interior I would take the bus from Fussen up to Marienbrucke. The view from the bridge of the exterior of Neuschwanstein is as good as you'll get. From the bridge it is a relatively short downhill walk to the Palace if you want to see the interior also.
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3054 posts
About the Marienbrucke, which has a good view of Neuschwanstein Castle: We were there in June, 2015. It was more than crowded, it was insane. There is a small rise about 100 m from the bridge. The crowd was absolutely solid, and I wonder about the actual structure of the bridge itself, with 200+ people on it. So, if you wish to go to the bridge, mid-day is not a good idea. Like many things in tourist country, it is over-popular.
Posted by
Ohio
171 posts
I presume the local government agreed with you because the bridge was closed some time in 2015 for maintenance and was not opened again until in 2016.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
676 posts
In Berlin, I definitely recommend a tour of the Reichstag dome; best to reserve at least a month early. It can be done without a tour of the entire building (the tours of the building fill up quickly I believe, but the dome is done with audioguide at your own pace so more options for "tour" times). It was a highlight of Berlin for us.