Want to go to Garmisch, Fussen, and Munich

There are several ways to get from Garmisch to Füssen. RVO (Regional Verkehr Oberbayern) runs buses from Garmisch to Füssen via Oberammergau in about 2 hrs. They stop in Hohenschwangau a few minutes before getting to Füssen. There is also a rail line, called the Ausserfernbahn that runs from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, around the side of the Zugspitze into the Tirol to Reutte and Pfronten. You can get off in Reutte and take a bus to Füssen or go on to Pfronten and take a bus from there. I believe there are about twice as many buses per day from Pfronten to Füssen as there are from Reutte. If you are using a Bayern-Ticket, it will cover the train from Garmisch and the bus from Pfronten to Füssen (which goes through Bavaria) but it will not cover the bus from Reutte for the part in Austria.

I'd stay in Garmisch the 3-4 (not stay in Fussen), then head up for 2-3 days in Munich. You could rent a car in Gar-Part and easily drive to Fussen for the day, it's only an hour, easy drive. Taking the train from Gar-Part to Munich is easier than Fussen and if you can, stop for lunch in Oberammergau, totally cute town that has the Passion play every 10 yrs.

We met a UK group in Munich this year who were attending the Passion play. They have been there before and loved it. But all 3 of your selections in Germany are good spots. Do visit Andechs though. If you like beer that is.

Oberammergau might be another choice. I stayed there in 2007 at the start of my Romantic Road trip. A couple from the Gästehaus were with me on the bus; I got off at Wieskirche, they went on to Hohenschwangau for the day. The only bus to Linderhof starts in Oberammergau, so if you stay in Garmisch and go to Linderhof, you will have to change buses in Oberammergau.

I'm wishing I had gotten on this forum before making any decisions. This is definitely the best one I have found. As far as I'm concerned, now that I've read some of your answers, I'll rethink the Germany portion and let you guide me. I've seen from some that the Ludwig Castle in Fussen may not be worth the time. What do you think of theses towns: G/P, Mittenwald, Rothenburg, and Fussen? I'm guessing with travel time that 4 nights isn't enough time to do all (I'm leaving 2 nights for Munich). Where would you concentrate? Right now, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and appreciate your responses.

In my opinion, having see all these places, Füssen, with it's castles and the downtown pedestrian zone, and Rothenburg odT, are the two most important places to see. Mittenwald is a cute little town, with a scenic pedestrian street, but little more, not a must see. The most important thing about GaP is the Zugspitze, but going up it is overpriced. I'd put Oberammergau above Mittenwald or GaP.

You will not be disappointed with Fuessen! I'm not sure who said the Ludwig castles were not necessarily worth it ~ I have been to both (Hohenshwangau & Neuschwanstein) 3 times in the last 9 years ~ and would jump at the chance to go again tomorrow. We had a small group so split the costs of staying at Hotel Kurcafe ~ THE best breakfast buffet I've ever had ~ traveled through more than 20 countries. Fuessen is quaint, pedestrian only area, and Kurcafe is only about 1 1/2 blocks right out the train station ~ enjoy!! Munich has some nice spots down near Marienplatz ~ perhaps 2 nights in Fuessen, 2 in Munich, and 1 in Garmisch.

I went to Fuessen in 2009 planning not to rent a car, as I was traveling the whole trip on a Eurail pass. However, after talking to our host at our B&B, she quickly showed us a day trip around the area, and for it, it required a car. She quickly hooked us up with a very pleasant and reasonable local rental company, drove us there to pick up the car, and picked us up when we dropped it off the next day. We did the circle tour of the area (which included Plansee, Weis Church, Linderhof, Ettal Abby, and Echlesbacher Bridge, among other places) the first day, and with a car we were able to explore other places too. The next day we did the two local castles and Fuessen itself. I loved it so much that I am going back to the area this May and staying a whole week (after another week in the Black Forest area and Rhine Valley) and would highly recommend at least a 2 day visit. You can do it without a car, if you want to stick to the local town and castles, but the day trip was, IMHO, better day.

Hi I've been to this region twice. 1st time, I stayed in Fussen (at a hotel Rick recommends in his book; I forget name off-hand) and the 2nd time, I stayed in Garmisch Partenkirschen (sp!). I liked Garmisch much more. I stayed in a terrific little guesthouse, Landhaus Hohe Tanen, which is in a quiet neighborhood, has immaculate and welcoming rooms and is run by the nicest family. Fantastic bfast each day, too. From this b&b, it was a very easy walk to the cog-wheel train that takes you to the cable car for the ride up to the Zugspitze (highest peak in all of Germany). Up top, you look into the Austrian Tyrol and the views are nothing short of breath-taking. All of this said, I would agree that Fussen DOES make a vert handy/easy home-base for going to Neuschwanstein, but I, personally, preffered Garmisch. Regardless of which area you stay in, you will love Southen Bavaria---truly 1 of the spectacular regions of Europe.

I should have included this link above--- link to that B&B in Garmisch, if you end up staying there. Was a real find. http://www.hohe-tannen.de/