Hello everyone! I'm planning a trip with my family next year. We plan to fly into Paris, then fly somewhere in Switzerland to then see the Alps by train on our way to Munich then Prague. Can anyone give their opinion or knowledge on the best starting point and train route to take through the Alps and end up in Munich? I've seen the various scenic train tours that are available, which look great, but are too time consuming for this trip. We need something that is a day or two max before finishing in Munich. We've explored Milan, Geneva and Zurich as a starting point but would love to hear some thoughts. Thank you!!
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
With such limited time, I suggest that you explore the Alps near Munich instead. Fly to Munich, head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen for 2 days and explore the area. It is stunning, it offers similar experiences to parts of the Swiss Alps (câble cars, cog railways etc), and it will save you hours of travel time.
Posted by
City of Seattle
1951 posts
How many nights stop in the Alps? 1? 2?
Do you need Switzerland (which is awesome), or will Germany/Austria like in the photo below satiate the mountain hunger?
If you want to see glaciers, then Switzerland or France. If you just want big pretty mountains with cozy Alpine culture, then Austria/Germany.
If you can specify how long and what you're after, you'll get more effective replies :)
Oh and time of year for sure, which month?
Posted by
City of Seattle
1951 posts
Regarding Garmisch Partenkirchen noted above, my photo is from that area, good general representation of what the Alps look like around there.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Hank, Thank you for your reply. I did specify 1 to 2 days max in my original question, We're still trying to decide on a time of year, however. We're looking at either May or September for the trip. Going to Munich and exploring the German/Austrian Alps isn't a bad idea, we will loot at that. Looking at flight, Milan is the least expensive by a descent amount, so we were considering something from Milan to Munich as well, just wasn't sure if that route is very scenic...
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
Milan to Munich can be very scenic if you have 2-3 days: you can travel on the Bernina Railway.
Ideally:
- Milan to Pontresina or Samedan on day 1
- rest day 2 in Pontresina/Samedan
- Pontresina to Munich on day 3
Or:
- Milan to Varenna (lake Como) on day 1
- Varenna to Chur on day 2
- Chur to Munich on day 3
Posted by
City of Seattle
1951 posts
Yeah out of the other cities you listed, Milan is a good call. Or Zurich. If you did Zurich you could simply go to the eye-popping Berner Oberland / Lauterbrunnen Valley for a couple of nights and then just go directly to Munich on the day you depart from there.