Berner Oberland (Switzerland) or Bavaria?

Even though the Berner Oberland is probably my favorite place in Europe - with only 2 weeks I would recommend staying in Germany / Austria. You could spend a night or two in Rothenberg, 2 nights in Bacharach or Cochem (on the Rhein or Mosel) then head to Bavaria for for the remaining 3 or 4 nights. If you like smaller out of the way places I would suggest spending at least 1 night in Hallstatt Austria. It is definitely small and out of the way, and in a beautiful Alp setting. You could spend the other nights in Salzburg. Then fly home from Munich. Save the Berner Oberland for your next trip:)

I vote for the Berner Oberland. Unbelievably beautiful, serene and amazing. It would be a shame to be that close and miss it.

I would suggest either the Stubaital or Zillertal in Austria SE of Innsbruck. Picturesque valleys surrounded by stunning mountains with several villages with lots of accommodations. Closer to Munich and less expensive than Switzerland.

If you are renting the car in Germany you should return it in Germany. Returning in another country will cost you big bucks! Bavaria is beautiful. Salzburg and the surrounding area is close and you could easily fly home from Munich if you chose to spend time in that region.

If you do decide to stay in Germany/Austria and skip Switzerland, I would consider at least a full day to see Munich. It is a "big city" but doesn't feel like a big city does in the U.S. at all. It has fantastic churches, palaces, history, food and beer and is well worth seeing, especially if you're not spending any time in any other major European city.

With all due respects to my relatives in Bavaria and its beauty I would say go for the Berner Oberland, if the cost of the rental drop off is not absolutely prohibitive. Via Michelin indicates a little over 5 hours driving time from Rothenburg to Lauterbrunnen which is pretty much my favorite place in all of Europe. It is a quiet, small village in a fantastic location and there is access to so many things to see and do. Over and over, I have heard it described a being,"just a little piece of Heaven." When you go to Rothenburg, do not miss the night watchman's tour but get there early and stay close to him as he is rather soft spoken. Don't forget to get Swiss autobahn vignette when you cross the border. Also don't forget to take a GPS with European map card as well as some good maps. Have a great trip.

Your trip is kind of tight, and it takes the better part of a day to reach the Berner Oberland from Rothenburg. If your trip was in the summer, I would say go for it, but May weather can be foggy and rainy in the mountains. Because it would be less of a time and monetary commitment and would allow more flexibility, I would say give yourself the chance of maximizing good weather and stay nearby in the Bavarian or Tyrolian Alps.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I really, really appreciate all of your advice!!

hmmmm....that's a hard one as I have been to both areas and loved them, but if I had to pick one....Bernese Oberland! Bavaria/S. Germany IS beautiful and I loved my time there after being in Munich for a few days, but for me, personally, as someone who loves the outdoors, mountain/alpine settings, nature, hiking, etc., there is nothing like the Swiss Alps. My concern is May, which CAN be rainy, although on 1 of my trips to the Bernese Oberland (I've been there several times), it was at the end of May (I believe 3rd week of May) and the weather was great. Was still cool, but very pleasant; sunny (and I got a sun burn from my day at the Jungfraujoch to prove it!); ideal conditions for hiking, being up in the mountains, etc. Fact is, you can't go wrong with either area (and you would certainly love both), so I would just stick w/ whatever your gut tells you/appeals to you & your family the most. Most trips involve some degree of picking 1 area over another, especially when limited w/ time, so be confident w/ whatever your choose. And as Rick always says; "Assume you WILL return!" And if you DO end up in Germany (b/c it's easier logistically, timing, etc.), I agree strongly w/ the person above who suggested the Zugspitze in Garmisch Partenkirchen; highest peak in Germany and the cog-wheel train and cable car you take to get there is great fun. Amazing views up top, looking into the Austrian Tyrol.

I think the weather consideration is a big one. Gimmelwald region is incredible with good weather, not so much if it isn't. Bavaria can have the same problem, but at least you are striking distance for things that are less weather dependent (Munich, Oberammergau, Ludwig's Castles, etc.). A trip up to the top of the Zugspitz by Garmisch, although not as impressive at the Jungfrau, could satisfy the "need to see the snowy Alps" and the cog train experience.