We are considering a trip in October to Germany and Austria and would fly to Munich and rent a car and drive to Innsbrook, does anyone have anyone have experience with what the weather and road conditions are like at that time of year?
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I've driven to Innsbruck from the direction of Munich. I haven't been in that area in October, but I've traveled through other areas of the Alps at the same time. Going south from Munich, you don't start driving in the mountains (as opposed to valleys) until well to the south of Garmsisch-Partenkirchen. From there, you ascend on a mountain pass by Mittenwald, and then through several Austrian villages. The descent takes you through several more villages into the valley where Innsbruck sits. The road along this entire length is fairly wide, although steep in a few areas around the descent. It is possible that a freak snow storm could hit in October, but not likely.
The only real "beware" I would offer for this route in October would be to watch your speed around Seefeld in Tyrol and Auland on the downward slope. The Austrian traffic police have turned this zone into an infamous speed trap. The speed limit suddenly decreases, and if you don't adjust properly, they will pull you over.
Posted by
Everett, WA
1297 posts
We were there last September when there were some early snow storms and cold weather. However, that early the snow falls up high in the mountains and did not really impact driving. I think you will be fine in October. Just be sure you do not enter Austria without a Vignette (a sticker that goes in the window and allows you to drive in Austria). The police tend to hover at the boarder watching for people who filed to purchase their vignette.
Posted by
NYC area
2951 posts
Hi Charlie,
We've driven in the Alps (Bavaria, Austria, Dolomites) in October... anywhere from the first week to the last week, on 4 trips since 2001. My opinion... it's the best time of year to be in these areas. The drive to Innsbruck is only about 2:30 hours or so. Mittenwald is a great place to stop for an hour or two.
Buy a "Vignette" at gas stations, convenience stores, etc. before driving on an Austrian highway. They are also sold in Germany by the border. You'll see signs for it. It cost about 8 Euro for a 10 day sticker (the cheapest). Snow... we've never seen snow on a road at this time of year.
If you have the time, check out Italy's spectacular Dolomite region, less than 2 hours from Innsbruck.
If interested, we have some pic's at:
www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/travel15.html
www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html
Hope this helps.
Paul