We will be traveling to Europe in mid September. While our ultimate destination was Italy we got such a great fare non-stop to Munich we decided to stop and explore Bavaria a few days. We will have 3 full days to spend before heading to Venice. We'd like to see all three areas mentioned (1 day each in Munich, Fussen/Reutte and Salzburg/Hallstatt) but weren't sure if it would be better to base in Munich and take day trips or stay a night in each town. Following Bavaria we will spend 2 days in Venice and 3 days in Florence. We intend to rent a car (Bavaria only). Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Hi Jon,
My opinion is that one place as a home base would be best, although you probably wouldn't get to see everything on your list, as they're quite sread out. Fussen is a very nice old town, near Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau and Linderhof Castles, the Tegelbergbahn, Reutte and the Wieskirche. Based in Salzburg, Hallstatt is about 1:30 drive each way. Although not on your list, I'd suggest a village in the Berchtesgaden area as a home base. We stayed in Ramsau last Oct. and loved it. Salzburg is about 30 minutes away, Castle Herrenchiemsee is about an hour drive, Hallstatt is 1:30 to 2 hrs away. Also in the Berchtesgaden area is the Konigssee, Jennerbahn plus the lovely old town of Berchtesgaden. You could certainly stay a night in all three places, but you'd spend a day in Munich, drive 2 plus hrs to Fussen, drive about 4 hrs to Salzburg and another hour 1:30 hrs to Hallstatt, on your only Salzburg day.
Sorry if this didn't help much.
Posted by
Plano, TX, USA
85 posts
If you don't mind moving around, I got a lot of local color by staying in each place. We've done those stops before, and are doing all three this June.
In Salzburg, we found a GREAT place, right in the historic center. Instead of staying in Fussen, we've always stayed in Schwangau, since we were driving and did not need to be next to the train.
Because all of it is pretty close driving, you'll still get to enjoy your surroundings as you travel.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Stay one day-night in ea place. They are great overnight spots and so different from one another. good choice of stops before Italy and it is what we did also.And do not miss the dolomites (Italian Alps) on your way south to Venice.Stay in Castelrotto make reserv way ahead.I am reliving it as I write.