Lauterbrunnen to Salzburg- September

Have you checked the cost of renting a car in Switzerland and returning it in Germany?

Yes- it looked like it was required for other countries but not for returning in Germany? I may add to our rental to be sure- it didn’t seem too expensive, but perhaps there is a hidden drop off fee. Also aware of the Swiss and Austrian vignettes required. Can consider just taking the trains as well, but would like to know how best to split up this travel day.

Consider public transportation until you get to Salzburg, then rent a car for the Berchtesgaden area attractions. Salt mine and Lake Königssee are great additions to The Eagles Nest. The downside is logistics to see the Neuschwanstein Castle. However, Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee is a King Ludwig castle between Salzburg and Munich.

if you are not planning on seeing a lot in Switzerland ( based on what you stated it doesnt sound like the Swiss alps is high on your list) You would be better off flying and departing from Munich, and renting a car from there. All around cheaper and more time efficient

From Munich you can go down to Fussen region (2hrs from Munich) and see the Neuschwanstein Castle, then from there make your way to Berchtesgaden region(lots to do there) about 3.5 hours from Fussen and only 2 hrs from Munich. You would not have to worry about getting a vinegrette for switzerland or austria. *** However, if you must also see Salzburg area, that is only about 1hr drive from Berchtesgaden Germany, but still purchase a vignette on the boarder or a digital one :) its not that expensive. I will also note however that in Austria you do need an international drivers license which is easy to obtain also, especially if you are in the US. (If your from the USA, go to your nearest AAA local office and they can get you an international drivers license in 20 mins :) same day

You can get from Lauterbrunnen to Salzburg in a day via trains without breaking up your trip. Train Lauterbrunnen > Interlaken > Zürich - then get on the direct train from Zurich to Munich (your seats are reserved and I recommend the small fee to upgrade to first class) - rent your car in Munich at the train station and then make your way to Salzburg, which is an easy drive. It’s a long day, but doable. We’ve done this in reverse (driving to Munich, dropping off the car, train to Murren) three times now. We used to drive all the way to Switzerland and once we switched to doing it this way, we’ll never go back. This will also make your car a lot cheaper picking up/dropping off in Munich — the drop off fee through AutoEurope for pick up at Munich HB (train station) and drop off at the Munich airport was like $20, as opposed to hundreds doing Switzerland/Germany)

Thanks everyone! We decided to ditch the car and go with the trains for the trip.

To clarify, we will be spending 4 nights in the Swiss alps prior to this leg, this question was really more about what to do on the back half of the trip.

We will make the long trip via train from Interlaken to Salzburg. We booked a tour in Salzburg that will provide transportation to Eagles Nest/Berchtesgaden, explore Salzburg a second day, and then take the train back to Munich.