suggestions-Munich/salzburg/switzerland

Hi marianne,

With 7 nights, into/out of Munich airport and Munich, Salzburg and Berchtesgaden already in your plans, you have to realize Switzerland is a no go. Spend 3 nights in Munich and 4 nights in Salzburg. Not that Salzburg needs this much time, but the nearby Salzkammergut and Berchtesgaden area's do. Stop at Ludwig's Herrenchiemsee Palace, which is basicaly midway between Munich and Salzburg.

Paul

I was thinking the same about Switzerland. Do you think we would be able to fit either rothenburg or the castle near fussen instead. How would I figure that out. Thanks for your help

I know that you have the train schedule link from earlier questions: www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/online-schedules. Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber by train takes 3 - 3.5 hours and 2 connections each way, making it less attractive as a daytrip. Fuessen is closer and takes 2 hours by direct train, or you can choose a Gray Line bus tour departing from Munich.

Hi,

We always had a car, but you would take a train from Munich to Fuessen and then a very short bus ride to Neuschwanstein castle.

Paul

Like Paul suggested, I'd split my time between Munich and Salzburg and take day trips to the places you want to see. Personally, I'd do 4 nights in Munich (1 day in the city, 1 day trip to Neuschwanstein - if it interests you - or an extra day in Munich, 1 day trip to Garmisch Partenkirchen and Zugspitze) and 3 in Salzburg (1 day in Berchtesgaden, 1 day in Salzkammergut), but it really depends so much on what you want to see as your personal priority. Definitely see Herrenchiemsee between Munich and Salzburg, if you can. I could also suggest you consider Oberammergau or Nuremberg as (part of) a day trip from Munich. There's so much to see in and from these two bases that your biggest challenge will be narrowing everything down.

yes, I think Switzerland is out. I would like to spend 3 nights in Munich and do day trips and spend couple nights in Berchtesgaden and do Salzburg. You Guys are great help. thanks. Do you think we should stay a night in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and do trips from there also?

Hi again,

Spending an overnight or 2 in Garmisch would be nice. Thing is the number of nights you have. I'm assuming you need to be in Munich or near the airport for your flight out. If I had 7 nights, needed to be in Munich or near the airport for my flight home, I would:
Upon arrival head right to either Berchtesgaden or Salzburg OR head right to Garmisch. Save Munich for last, as you need to be there anyway for the flight home. Why stay at the beginning and again at the end of your trip? So 3 nights in Munich at the end leaves 4 nights for Salzburg/Berchtesgaden or Garmisch. I'd go with Salzburg and Berchtesgaden for 4 nights meaning 3 full days. You will not run out of things to see and do between Salzburg, Berchtesgaden and even the Salzkammergut (Wolfgangsee).

Paul