We are first time to Europe so We ill meet my brother and his wife for Italy and vienna Austria. They will leave to go home and we were thinking we either wanted to see Switzerland or Germany. This would be around May 3 and for about 6 days. Which country should we visit and where? How is the best way to get there? We are 67 and 70. Thank you
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
A lot depends on what your interests are, but I have been to both a few times and while I enjoyed Switzerland I really love Germany. It's beautiful with tons of things to do and a huge variety of places to visit. I definitely prefer the south and always drive, but it is not necessary as there are a number of people here who visit Germany by train. Switzerland is also very expensive. As far as how to get there will you be going from Vienna? You could also think about Salzburg, which is a beautiful and fun place to visit.
Posted by
OP
Lincoln, Nebraska
21 posts
Thank you if we go to salsburg can we get a train to Germany? If so and if we spend 6 days in Germany where would we go? I think my husband is afraid to drive. We had hoped our relatives had wanted to stay with us but guess not.
Thank you
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
The main reason most people visit Switzerland is to experience the Alps, but early May is usually a lousy time to visit. Plus, if you chose Switzerland, your route from Vienna (or was it Salzburg?) will take you through southern Bavaria along the north edgde of the Bavarian Alps, or through the Tyrolian Alps in Austria, so you'd be going out of your way to see more of the same. I think staying in Munich would be a good idea. You can reach it easily by train from Salzburg, and take day trips to Regensburg, Nürnburg, Passau, Chiemsee, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, Burghausen, etc.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
One thing to consider that hasn't been mentioned yet is cost. Germany is definitely the less expensive option. Switzerland can be shockingly expensive. We were there for 3 weeks this summer. We stayed in a house so were fortunate to be able to shop at the grocery store and cook much of the time. The few times we ate lunch out we spent no less than $90 for a family of three - and that was nothing fancy. To fill our car (Volvo SUV diesel) it was $120, although I don't think that gas prices vary too much throughout Europe. Just something to consider... That said, Switzerland is stunning in its natural beauty, and breathtaking scenery. The people are very friendly and it is extremely clean and "well organized" for lack of a better phrase. Public transport is easy and efficient. Germany is quaint and lovely with gorgeous cities, architecture, forests, and history. The food is spectacular and people are open and welcoming.
Just my thoughts! You really can't go wrong either way!
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
One thing to consider that hasn't been mentioned yet is cost. Germany is definitely the less expensive option. Switzerland can be shockingly expensive. We were there for 3 weeks this summer. We stayed in a house so were fortunate to be able to shop at the grocery store and cook much of the time. The few times we ate lunch out we spent no less than $90 for a family of three - and that was nothing fancy. To fill our car (Volvo SUV diesel) it was $120, although I don't think that gas prices vary too much throughout Europe. Just something to consider... That said, Switzerland is stunning in its natural beauty, and breathtaking scenery. The people are very friendly and it is extremely clean and "well organized" for lack of a better phrase. Public transport is easy and efficient. Germany is quaint and lovely with gorgeous cities, architecture, forests, and history. The food is spectacular and people are open and welcoming.
Just my thoughts! You really can't go wrong either way!