First family trip to Germany

The cloister church at Ottobeuren Abbey is quite spectacular and not too far to drive. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottobeuren_Abbey Rothenburg is long day trip. I am fond of it but would wonder about the time spent to get there for just part of a day. Regensburg is a medieval city (UNESCO world heritage site) about 2 hours north of Garmisch. Regards, Gary

Rothenburg is too far. By the time you get there you wont have time to enjoy it. However, the rest of your suggestions will work. Also you could easily get into Austria between Austria and germany you should have some great Alpine scenery, ski lifts up the mountains etc

While in the Munich area last summer I did Dachau and Berchtesgaden/Eagles Nest. The tunnels that were built under the mountain are well worth seeing if you enjoy military history. It might not be possible to do each in the same day, that is to do them right, Berchtegaden is well worth the trip from Munich to see, just for the alpine scenery alone. If you book a tour of the Eagles Nest it will be a half day at least and with driving time from Munich thrown in it would make seeing Dachau impossible, Dachau is only about a 20 minute train ride from Munich and is an easy half day trip.

You will like staying at Edelweiss Lodge, it is really a nice facility. Your ideas for activities sound OK other than trying to see Rothenburg. It's just too far for you to have enough time to enjoy it. Don't forget to spend some time exploring Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Go up to the top of the Zugspitze or maybe hike through the Partnach Gorge. Remember to try and build in some slack time in your itinerery just to relax and enjoy yourself!

Thanks! Grandmother is very interested in the Christmas shops. Other options besides Rothenburg?

There's a Kaethe Wohlfahrt in Garmisch. http://www.wohlfahrt.com/23-0-garmisch_partenkirchen

The Edelweiss has all sorts of info. You could even just check out the brochures and plan when you get there. There's a nice outdoor swim park near the hotel if the weather is good. Drop the kids there while the adults shop and eat pastries. I suggest a trip up the Zugspitze, Oberammergau, Neuschwanstein, Wieskirche, Gar-Part, and a trip up to the Garmisch ski hills to hike around. My personal favorite Kathe Wolfahrt (Christmas Store) is in Oberammergau, there's actually two there....and I've been in A LOT of them. Rothenburg odT is too far, although you could easily take the train to Munich for the day. Or even go to Salzburg and spend one night there and cancel the Edelweiss one night. Skip Innsbruck, frankly not that interesting. Drive up the Fernpass and look at the beautiful scenery. Lots to do in just a week, contact the hotel for more info.

If you've got teens, I'd say definitely do a Sommerrodelbahn. It's luge lines that you ride down on sleds with wheels. Probably not for the grandparents, tho. Keeping that in mind -- you may want to look at transportation options. Trains might be an option. Renting minivans in Europe can be really expensive, and won't fit all of you guys AND your luggage. If you are going to go the car rental route, you may want to get 2 small cars. Really, it'll cost you less, and the difference in gas won't be that much.

Reminds me of our trip two years ago ......3 adult (20's) children, my parents (80's), and my husband and myself. It was a trip of a lifetime with three generations! I hope yours is the same! I would concur about not traveling all the way to Rothenburg. It's definitely a cute town but there are many others closer to Garmisch. I am always up for a Christmas shop and have been to the one in Rothenburg. Certainly it is nice but if KW also has one in Garmisch then go there. One other possibility to consider is a visit to a therme. Our kids really enjoyed them. I don't know of any specific ones near your destination (nearest I've been to is in Bad Gastein, Austria) but it would be a great way to end the day of hiking. Enjoy!

If your considering Munich, an afternoon bike tour (Mikes Bikes) is doable for all ages. A riding tour of the sites of downtown Munich. A fun time if you don't mind riding big sturdy Pee Wee Herman size bikes. My wife and I had a great time as did others with families....