My husband and I will be making our first trip to Europe in Sept. We will be based in Bamberg, Germany for most of our 8 day trip. (Sister-in-law has an apartment there.) We fly into Frankfurt and out of Munich. Already have the final night booked for hotel in Munich to hopefully enjoy Oktoberfest.
Looking for suggestions for day trips from Bamberg as well as one other place for ovrnight. Our budget is slight so we will only be doing 2 nights in hotels (1 being Munich). Have discussed Prague and Austria/salzburg area.
Unfortunately because of teenage children, we will not have my sister-in-law to help us. She will be home in US while we enjoy her free apartment.
Suggestions of "must do or see"?
Posted by
Salt Lake City
1528 posts
Würzburg and Nürnberg would be nice day trips from Bamberg.
On your way to Munich, you might considered Regensburg. It is one of my favorite cities in Germany with its Gothic Cathedral and old town near the river. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site like Bamberg.
Regensburg has its own website but I think that wikipedia does it more justice:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regensburg
You can use the Bayern-ticket if you are traveling by train. We found a discount hotel in a great location:
http://www.hotel-am-peterstor.de/
We are staying there for the first time this coming December, so no firm recommendation.
Regards, Gary
Posted by
West Coast, California, USA
485 posts
Rothenburg and Nurnberg are must-sees, in my opinion. I absolutely LOVE Salzburg and I know it's not too too far from Munich, but not sure how long of a drive it is.
Posted by
New Hampshire
182 posts
Especially since you're leaving from Munich, I'd head to Austria and yes Salzburg. It's about a 1.5 hours drive from Munich and oh so worth it. I could spend a week there and not see enough. Even the areas surrounding Salzburg are wonderful and worth considering if you want to stay in a smaller place. The Salzkammergut lake area is beautiful.
I think Prague would be a bit far, and the roads in the Czech Republic aren't always the best.
I would also agree with Würzburg and Nürnberg for good day trips.
Posted by
OP
Anderson, SC, USA
9 posts
Thanks for all your help. Family there is checking on train schedules this weekend. I know we don't want to spend time in Frankfurt. Just an easy place to fly into. Looking at books, sites and advice, I believe we will do nurnberg and wurzburg. Now because of comments may lean toward salzburg for our "other" night in hotel. Thanks again. Cat
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
Prague is a pretty good trip from where you will be. Salzburg is an easy car or train ride from Munich.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9224 posts
Sorry to hear you won't be spending any time in Frankfurt, you don't know what you are missing. :-))
Posted by
Stockbridge, GA, USA
9 posts
Was just looking at Munich to Salzburg via the train tonight myself at the DB website (www.bahn.de) and found that it's about a 2 hour trip without changing trains. The fares (roundtrip) are about 58 Euro.
It's a cozy city, very walkable, not too large. The fortress offers good views, and you could spend the day popping in to and out of the various shops on the Getreidegasse. Lots of small-ish restaurants and cafes too, good local cuisine. Great picture taking opportunities along the river and at the Mirabell Gardens.
So to say you've been to another country, and for a relaxing day, Salzburg is recommended.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
David,
Don't pay that much. You can get a lander ticket or schoenes wochende pass for up to five people for less than 58 Euro.
Salzburg is considered the last stop to use your DB ticket, so you don't have to pay extra to get there.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19275 posts
A Schoenes-Wochenende-Ticket (€37 at automats, €39 at a counter) is valid for up to five people for unlimited travel on regional trains all over Germany, without regard to state (Land) borders, on a saturday, sunday, or holiday.
For travel within a single Land, such as Bavaria, the Bayern-Ticket costs only €28 (€30 counter) for up to five people on regional trains. It's valid all day from midnight weekends and holidays and after 9 AM on workdays.
Posted by
Tifton, GA, USA
74 posts
Hey Catherine! We just wrapped up a trip to Germany in May. While we were there we visited Wuerzburg, Coburg & Bayreuth. All of these are nearby Bamberg and well worth a visit. Wuerzburg is covered pretty well in Rick's travel guide for Germany if you want to get an idea of the sights there. Coburg is a wonderful little provincial town with lots of charm and history. The large fortress (Veste Coburg) atop the mountain overlooking the town provides magnificent views of the countryside. The market square is surrounded by lovely half-timbered buildings. There are several palaces in around the town also. Bayreuth has a beautiful pedestrian area in the town center. The Margraves Opera House and the New Palace are key attractions and I'd also highly recommend a visit to the Eremitage Garden and palace just outside of the town. The cuisine in all of these towns was delicious - from the pork roast and kraut to the Coburger sausages grilled over fires fueled by pine cones.