My wife and I are planning 8 days this October for southern Germany and Austria. This will be our first time in this part of Europe. We intend to fly into and out of Munich and travel via rental car. Is Munich, Augsburg, Fussen, Innsbruck, Salzburg and back to Munich too much? We like smaller, more quaint places too.
Tracy
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Hi again, Since you'll have a rental car, Munich-Salzburg-Innsbruck-Fuessen-Munich makes an excellent "loop' trip with no backtracking. Paul
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Hi Tracey, Never been to Augsburg, but our first trip to this area was very similar. Arrived Munich airport, got our car and stayed outside of Salzburg for 3 nights. Innsbruck area (actually Hall in Tirol) for 2 nights and then Fuessen for 2 nights before a final night by the airport for an early flight home the next day. We loved our trip, so I like your plan, except I'm unsure about the Augsburg part. Paul
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8966 posts
I think Augsburg is a nice place with a lot of history, but I would not include it unless there was some museum or specific historic thing you wanted to see. I would trade it (and maybe Innsbruck too) for Halstatt in Austria.
Posted by
Birmingham
11 posts
+1 for dropping Augsburg and Innsbruck. Otherwise, you will lose so much time in transit that you won't see as much as you'd like to. I think a day in Salzburg is plenty, but others might disagree. Also, don't make the mistake that many people do and use Munich only as a base for day trips. Take time to enjoy the city!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
Germany has the most extensive rail system in all of Europe, and Bavaria has over 5000 km of track and over 1000 stations. Every place you are talking about is well connected by rail. You'll spend a lot less money on public transportation than you will with a car. I agree that you need to spend at least a few day IN Munich. There is a lot to see there. Also, in only eight day, there is plenty to see in Bavaria. If you like small towns and mountain scenery, I would suggest the Iller Valley of the Oberallgäu - Oberstdorf and the Kleinwalsertal. Directly south of Munich by rail is Oberammergau, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Linderhof, and Mittenwald. There is also the lake district around Holzkirchen (Kochelsee, Tegernsee, Schliersee), also easily accessible by rail. Accessible from the S-Bahn out of Munich is Herrsching and Andechs Monastery. To the east, toward Salzburg, is Ludwig's island palace at Herrenchiemsee. Consider also Berchtesgaden (Königssee and the Eagles Nest).