Traveling around Germany

Carol, It would help if you could indicate which parts of Germany you'll be travelling in? The German rail system is one of the best and most efficient in Europe, so that's usually the easiest way to get around. With such a very short time frame, using fast trains would be a more efficient use of your limited time. With some further information, one of our esteemed German travel experts here will be able to provide the best options. Happy travels! (* EDIT- I just had a look at your other Thread, which indicates that you'll be arriving in and departing from Berlin. At least that narrows it down a bit. You may find it helpful to have a look at the Germany Guidebook so that you can determine which places interest you the most).

Have all your lodging reserved in advance. Realize gasoline prices are sky high. Sometimes a nice combo is half train and half car rental for a trip. And easily done in Germany. Book your car rental bef leaving home for best rates.

Once we leave Berlin we are totally open. We know very little about Germany but wanted to get some else's perspective on the best places to see while in Germany. I know the answers will be very subjective in nature but that's OK. We very much welcome it. Thanks!

Carol, Normally, I would say if you're traveling to cities after visiting Berlin, using the trains, regional or ICE is good enough. But I am not adverse to getting around by car, especially if you want to see some of the old Prussian villages and smaller towns in the Berlin area, ie., in Brandenburg. Much easier to get around there with a car After Berlin I would suggest staying in the northern and eastern Germany. Go to Hamburg, the cultural center of north Germany or Bremen. Lübeck is very much worth a visit. North of Berlin towards the Baltic I suggest Schwerin and Rostock. I'm going to assume that the time you have in Berlin includes doing a day trip to Potsdam, especially in this historical year relating to Potsdam. In Magdeburg west of Berlin and in Dresden you'll see the Elbe and their bridges for foot and auto crossing. South of Berlin, very accessible by train, are the cultural centers Dresden and Leipzig, both of which are fascinating and lovely places. If you want a break from the big cities, then I would suggest seeing Meissen, Weimar, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Naumburg as regards to architecture and the cultural aspects, or west of Berlin towards Hannover but north of it, the town of Celle, which came through the war unscathed in its architecture.

You might want to consider taking a train down to southern Bavaria (south of Munich) during a day, and enjoy the views of the changing Germany landscape. If you then stay in the Garmisch, Fussen or Mittenwald area you will be able to enjoy the fabulous views of the Alps and even take a cable car/train up to the top of one. Mittenwald is quaint, beautiful and and close to many other lovely towns.
After maybe 3 days in that area perhaps drive or train you way back to Berlin choose which towns to visit along the way. There were great suggestions on where already.

My husband and I are frequent travelers to Germany, and we use the train whenever possible. The autobahn is not exactly relaxing. Unless you want to go to some unusual places, the train should suffice. You can always rent a car for some small portion of the trip. You will probably get a better rate if you buy your rail passes (for the days you need) before you go.