So our trip is over a year away, but I got bit by the planning bug this weekend. After doing some reading, watching RS episodes, (still waiting for my books to be delivered) etc. I'm thinking we'll fly into Amsterdam, hopefully landing in the AM, spend two nights, and then head to Bruges. I think we would spend two nights there, then we'll head to Luxembourg. Yes, Luxembourg. You can't so no to your best friend, can you? :) But I'm hoping one night will be enough, then we can head on to Germany. The German part of the itinerary is where I start not knowing whether we should travel by train, rent a car, stay here or stay there. I'd say that we would want to make our way to Fussen, see Ludwig's palaces, and I definitely want to take a cable car up Zugspitze (and am I correct in reading there are three options for cable cars? recommendations?). Where should we stay? One night close to the castles, and one night close to Zugzpitze? How is traveling between the two? Also, what about Lake Constance before we even get to Fussen? Or would that add too many days? (I'm working on maybe a 12 day itinerary) Because we will want to end up in Munich, where we will go to Dachau one day, maybe Salzburg and maybe not. I'm thinking we'll have three days in Munich. So looking like this: Day 1: land Amsterdam Day 2: Amsterdam Day 3: leave for Bruges Day 4: Bruges Day 5: Leave for Luxembourg Day 6: Leave for somewhere in Germany...Fussen? Castles? Day 7: Castles & what else? can we also fit Zugspitze? Day 8: Zugspitze and make to to Munich by evening? Day 9: Munich Day 10: Munich - Dachau Day 11: Munich - Salzburg?
Day 12: leave Ok, would love some help tightening up these Germany days, or other suggestions.
Posted by
OP
Omaha, NE
134 posts
And I have to ask, since we're planning on September (but aren't committed) - being in Munich during or around Oktoberfest? Insane? Fun? Do it at lease once in your life? FWIW, we're all young 30s, mostly single, and anywhere from 3-6 of us traveling, maybe just women or possibly mixed group. We like beer. :)
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10542 posts
When in September do you plan to travel? Check the dates for Oktoberfest. You can expect lodging prices in Munich to be higher during Oktoberfest and it would be advisable to make your hotel reservations far in advance. As for the rest of your itinerary - When I am planning a trip I like to keep in mind that 2 nights in a location is equal to full day there. Don't forget to allow travel time.
Posted by
OP
Omaha, NE
134 posts
We're completely open to dates at this point. We do realize that Munich will be much more expensive at that time, and originally I thought then that we would maybe just spend one night in Munich if we were to do Oktoberfest, but the more research I do, the more I think we want several days in Munich, so I'm thinking of skirting Oktoberfest at this point.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
As far as the Germany part I would opt for a car, especially with a few people to share the expenses and gas. It is a beautiful area to drive and will leave you lots of freedom for part of your trip. I would try to fit in Lake Constance if possible...it is beautiful. I would also take a day from Munich and add it to Salzburg. Being young I think you will love Munich, but since you are so close I think you might regret not seeing Salzburg. At that time of year I think you can wing it for a few of your hotels if you want some freedom to change your mind about things. Where are you flying out of?
Posted by
OP
Omaha, NE
134 posts
Where are we flying out of meaning where are we leaving Europe? Planning on leaving for home from Munich at this point.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10542 posts
It is easy to do a day trip to Munich by train. How many people are you traveling with?
Posted by
OP
Omaha, NE
134 posts
Three of us traveling for sure, a fourth is likely, and maybe two or three others have expressed interest, but I doubt everyone will commit, so I'm mostly planning on four of us at the moment. If we rent a car, I am a little worried about fitting us and all our luggage. The three of us totally committed went to Ireland last September and we more than had that little trunk full. In fact, our excess sort of took some space in the back seat. Hopefully I can convince the others to stick to only their carryon. Last time they checked a big suitcase that held coats, full size toiletries, boots, etc. (One friend literally brought THREE coats!) Space concerns aside, I agree with whoever mentioned renting the car once we get to Germany. I think it does seem like a beautiful drive, and maybe we'll have to worry less about timetables, and getting to and from sites. Maybe we do something like take a train from Luxembourg to Heidelberg and pick up a car there, use it for a few days as we drive to those southern sites, then return it upon arrival in Munich? Another thought was go from Bruges to Köln by train. Maybe we grab a car there and work our way south. I wonder if I can convince BFF to be happy with just a car boarder crossing? >:-) The world is full of possibility. :)
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10542 posts
You definitely don't want to rent a car in one country and return in another. Germany is easy to drive in. Small cars are better. If you have 4 people with carryon only you should be okay. With 5 or 6 you will need a van, and still pack light. I had a minivan the first time I drove in Europe, primarily in Germany. There were times when it was very difficult to park.