I'm visiting Europe for the first time on a ETBD Best of Europe 14 day tour later this year. I feel somewhat compelled to visit a Holocaust site, so I am considering taking a break from the tour for a day (most likely the day at Neuschwanstein) and taking a side trip to Dachau on my own. Is the experience worth taking a day away from the tour? Would it be better to rent a car or take a train? Are there other opportunities to learn about the Holocaust along the tour route?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19237 posts
I think Neuschwanstein is one of the "must see" sights in Germany. I can't imagine skipping it to go out of the way to see Dachau. I had plenty of opportunity in high school to learn all about the holocaust.
But if you must, it is a three hour train trip from Reutte to Dachau Bahnhof, changing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Munich-Passing, and Munich-Laim, and a short bus trip from there. You can look it up on the German Rail website.
You would probably spend more time, and a lot more money, renting a car than just going by train, and then you would have to watch the traffic instead of scenery.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
As Lee said, the train would probably be best. We drove there several years ago and it took a LONG time to get there from the Reutte area. There and back was an all-day adventure.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2758 posts
Boy, I can't see passing up a great site that is close and convenient to travel three hours each way to see something else. I would save Dachau for another trip.
Posted by
Bellevue, Wa
59 posts
Bill you will be missing one of the best days of your tour. While Dachau is an emotional experience it doesnt compare to the castles and that beautiful area. I would save it for the next trip. If you ever decide to go to Vienna, Mauthausen is close and was more moving and interesting to me than Dachau. Have a great tour. Im jealous,I have to wait for next year for the 14 day ETBD GAS tour. Ive done the area twice on my own and want to try the tour thing next.
Posted by
OP
Nashville, TN, USA
16 posts
I always get a lot of great feedback from this helpline. This is some very good advice for me to think about. Thanks!
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
I think a much better alternative than the long trip to Dachau would be a circuit of the Zugspitze. Go up from the Austrian side and down to Garmish on the German side and return from there to Reutte. Lots to see and do.