best time to travel in Germany?

Except for the two famous castles at Schwangau, Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, and Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany doesn't have too many attractions that can feel overly "crowded" like some of the more popular museums in Paris and Italy. The time of year makes much less of a difference for most of the country.

My wife and I, also seniors, spent the last half of October in southern Germany and Prague. We very much enjoyed the day cruise up the Rhine from Koblenz to Bacharach plus Rothenberg and Munich. The weather was a little cool but pleasant. Being from Houston, cool weather is a vacation must and cold is always better than hot. There were no crowds and the hotel rates were much better than indicated in the RS guide books.

September is ideal. The weather is great - comfortably warm days and sweater cool evenings - the crowds are down significantly from summer, and it's harvest time. The beginning of October is similar to September but it gets cold during the month (different time of month depending on the year). One trip in October we were in short sleeves one day, the next we had on every layer we packed plus stopped at a department store in Munich to add ski caps, scarves and gloves. We didn't take them off until we crossed the mountains into Italy. You probably should add Neuschwanstein to Tom's list. It has Disneyesque crowds even into the fall.

I will throw a curve ball. We like to visit during the Christmas Market Season. There are cruises at that time of year but I have no experience with them. We like to visit sights during the day and then the Christmas Markets are frosting on the cake in the evening. There are few crowds except right at big markets and then only in the evenings. While Americans travel to Germany at that time, the crowds are mainly locals. We have had no problem finding hotel rooms or seats at the restaurant. A few things are closed but most cities where we like travel are up and running full steam. The atmosphere is festive, the lights beautiful and the shopping (not necessary to buy) is fun. Stopping by a warm cafe on a frosty winter afternoon just seems that much more enjoyable. You have to dress for a December vacation but the rewards are worth it to us.

Best time - Anytime Second best time - Fall If you are considering a river cruise generally Fall or late summer is best. In Spring you run the risk of high water preventing the boats from getting under the bridges. Then you wind up in a bus. I would shoot for later Sept through Oct. Am a big fan of winter in Germany with the Christmas markets but that wasn't a part of your question.