Hi, All! We are a group of 4 planning a trip in latter August. We will fly into Munich and out of Zurich. We have a few known things we wish to do but, otherwise, we are looking for recommendations on how to arrange our trip. We enjoy:
- mixing in some history/museums but not too many
- hiking and outdoors (in normal tennis shoes; won’t be taking our big hiking boots)
- scenery
- local food and beverages
- small, intriguing side towns that aren’t tops in all the travel books but are good for a pause to enjoy lunch
We are willing to rent a car for part of our trip. We don’t like crazy-busy throngs of people but know it’s necessary in some areas.
Here’s what we know so far:
August 23 - Arrive Munich.
August 23 - 27: Munich, Salzburg, Berchtesgaden: 2 of us have been here before so we know what we want to do with our days here. We will not be doing Dachau while in Munich as we’ve done that in the past. We will be doing Eagle’s Nest and museum. We will do the train from Munich to Salzburg.
August 27-September 4: Berchtesgaden to Zurich - here’s where we’d like suggestions!
Travel through Southern Germany or via Innsbruck?
We’ve not toured any of the castles - is it worth it and, if so, which one?
Brewery tour suggestion?
Where to cross into Switzerland?
We’d like to spend some time in the Luzern area. Is it too ambitious to get down to the Murren area?
Although Zurich sounds like it is not always a must-see for people, it seems we should explore it for a day before we leave.
Is the Appenzell area worth stopping/staying in?
If we have a car, where should we rent and return it along our path?
September 5: morning departure from Zurich
Thank you for any assistance you can give! This is the first time I’ve posted so please be merciful in your critiques!