Murnau, Germany

As long as you are thinking of staying in Murnau, you might consider staying in Oberammergau instead. If you stay in Oberalmmergau, I can highly recommend Gästehaus Richter. I know of nothing of particular interest in Murnau. Not to say there isn't anything, I just haven't spent any time there. It is on a lake. Murnau is on the main rail line from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, so you can easily catch a train to GaP or further to Mittenwald. It's also the node for the train to Oberammergau, the Passion Play town. Nearby is Linderhof. There is a bus from Murnau to Kochel, which is on another lake, and you can go from there to Walchensee, yet another lake. There are accommodations listed on Murnau's website, www.murnau.de.

Are you planning on visiting the castles/other famous sites in southern Bavaria, or perhaps you are just looking for a quiet place to relax before going to Salzburg? Murnau is sort of the wrong way for Salzburg, so you might consider Prien as an alternate place for relaxing if that's what you're looking for. There's a huge lake there (Chiemsee) with one of Ludwig's palaces on an island – Herreninsel. There are spas in the area and lots of places for cycling, taking nature walks, lake cruises, whatever. Prien is b/n Munich and Salzburg. Just an idea.

My question exactly - why pick an unusual town to stay in if you know nothing of the place or rooms. I don't get it...

Why is everyone trying to talk Jennifer out of staying in Murnau? I had to bypass it last year, but Murnau is on my list of places to visit in the future. The town was home to the Blue Rider group of famous expressionist artists such as Kandinsky in the early 20th century. It contains the Russia House, where they lived, and the Castle Museum, which houses some of their works. Their art had a huge influence on early Germany cinema, as well. The town is also well known for its collection of Art Nouveau buildings, which would be a welcome break for someone who tires of the gaudy artwork on buildings in the area.

Thanks for the good words about Murnau, Roy. It is a charming, idyllic place with a full-on view of the Alps. The lake and its islands, the Ramsach Chapel (from ~ 800?), two other churches (17th and 18th centuries) are well worth seeing. Accommodations range from luxury to standard. Good place to jump off from to see Andechs, Munich and the Buchheim museum in Bernried.

I totally agree with Roy and Jack. Murnau is great. Visit the Gabriele Muenter Haus, see the Blaue Reiter Museum.
Dont miss the Open Air Museum Glentleitn (less than 30 min away) and take a side trip to Oberammergau and Ludwig II's Castle Linderhof (about one hour away).