Germany Travel Answers

I can't comment much on the German destinations, but what strikes me is that you have a short time in Amsterdam and then you are doing a lot of driving. If possible, could you find a place in Germany sort of central to some of the places you want to see and do day trips? Or possibly even postpone some till the next visit. I just spent a couple of days in Amsterdam in April and it was not nearly enough time. Just my thoughts. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful trip.

As you are driving just make sure your Hotels offer parking, once you are in a town or city with the car parked you could explore locally using public transport or on foot. Parking can be a problem in cities, in villages mcuh less so.

Of your Germany destinations, I have been to half of these places. Some of the towns like Cochem are very small and not worth one day's trip and you can combine this leg with Trier. In this way, you can spare more time to big cities like Munich. And I have also notices most of your German towns are along the railway line. Maybe you can travel by train. Some regional day tickets are not really expensive.

Is your itinerary for this year (2012)? If so, be SURE you have reservations in Munich for Octoberfest as hotels books up far in advance and can be quite expensive. We had a question from a member this past January who was having trouble at that point finding open, affordable accommodations for his group of 7 for this Sept. so you might want to take a look at that thread: VT Forum temporarily unavailable

Honestly, I believe your plan is too ambitious. While I understand your desire to see much of Germany, I'm afraid you are going to see LOTS of highway more than anything else. And while you can catch glimpses of castles and beautiful buildings from the Autobahn, the rest of it is similar to driving on any US interstate...boring. While you have figured in the kilometers from place to place, I am not sure if you have taken into consideration to potential for traffic and backups ("stau" in German), which can be often and will disrupt your tight schedule. And, not to completely rain on your parade, have you considered the price of gas in Germany? It is currently running 1,50-1,70 euros per liter - which is 3.78 liters to a gallon - then figure in the euro-dollar exchange rate and you are looking at around8/gallon. You don't say what you want to see in each of these places, so I suggest you figure out your must-see items. Then, I recommend that you narrow the list down so that you can really enjoy the places you stop at. I have been to every place on your list and have driven to them. But you really don't have time to see much of anything after dealing with the logistics of finding parking, hotel, meals, etc. It seems you have only allowed yourself a couple hours in most locations - just not enough time to see even the highlights. Since you mention planning to return in the future, I suggest paring down your plans for this trip - perhaps concentrate on one part of Germany - maybe Bavaria and Baden-Wurtenburg since most of your locations are there. Personally, I would eliminate about half the stops on your list - I would eliminate Boppard, Freiburg, Augsburg,and Rothenburg for starters. Give yourself more time to enjoy the Rhein River (eliminate the Trier route via Cochem - although Trier is well worth a full day at minimum). Munich definitely needs more time than a couple hours even to just walk around the old part of the city. As someone else suggested, you may want to think about using the train for some of these - it would give you time to relax between locations if you are keeping this schedule and save you gas money. Reconsider what you must-see for this trip and scale down your plans. I think you will create better memories and enjoy your time in Germany much more.

Great tips from everyone, this is exactly the types of opinions I wanted, I am re-thinking my plan a bit...not really worried about gas prices....but do want the convenience of a car even if its more expensive (US bias I know) so back to the drawing board a bit....based on prices in Munich during Oktoberfest and feedback about crowds, tourist traps, etc, we will probably make Munich a future destination and avoid Oktoberfest time.

yes, agreee WAAAAy too ambitious in a lot of places, to be only one night and moving on the next day. I have done similar trips several times, but never so fast---all you will be doing is driving, finding hotel and packing up to leave the next morning to drive again......might as well stay home and look at pics on the internet! please don't do it the way you have originally posted!

- I agree you should probably try to see Munich at a time outside Oktoberfest -- it can be lots of fun, but it's very crowded, touristy, and expensive. Also, traffic is terrible in the Munich area; better to use public transit when you visit here - Try to spend an extra day or two in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. With a car, you can visit areas outside the city such as Haarlem or Arnhem - Skip Heidelberg. It's OK, but there are better places to visit - Skip Wuerzburg. Consider staying in Boppard the day or two before departing from Frankfurt (an easy ride to the airport from there) - Skip Augsburg. Consider staying overnight in Ulm or Rothenburg instead All these are just my opinions. Have fun! :)

if you do decide to seek accommodation around Munich during Oktoberfest you may be struggling to find somewhere so grab a map and look at towns at least an hour away by train. Then leave your car at your hotel and train it into Munich. Upper bavaria, the area around Garmischpartenkirchen, has lovely villages and the train from Garmisch takes about 80 minutes to Munich. If you wish to consider this option I like the Hotel Bavaria in Garmisch and they do have a website. Other towns nearby are Oberammergau and Mittenwald, both very scenic.

Ok based on many thoughtful member responses - I have a proposed less aggressive plan, seeing less of Germany seems to be necessary. - still a few one night stands but only long drive is from Strasbourg to Rothenburg. any thoughts on Strasbourg or this plan overall? 2 nights in Amsterdam train to Cologne, drive to Boppard via Koblenz 1 night in Boppord drive to Trier via Cochem 1 night in Trier drive to Strasbourg France 2 nights in Strasbourg drive to Rothenburg 1 night in Rothernburg (or near by) drive to Wurzburg 1 night in Wurzburg (or nearby) drive to frankfurt airport

This plan is much more reasonable - I think you will enjoy your time more this way. While you won't see everything you originally wanted, you will have time to see and enjoy what you are seeing. Enjoy!

We may yet decide to eliminate all 1 night stays, making it 4 - 2 night stays. Also may extend one location to 3 nights if you have an opinion on which would be best to extend? Thanks for all the thoughtful responses

If you want to stay a third night, consider Amsterdam. As a large city, it has plenty to see on a longer stay. Trier is also a possibility, with opportunities for day-trips along the Mosel, Eiffel Region, and Luxembourg.

If I were to choose any of these cities for three nights, I would select Trier. There is so much to see in that city with all the Roman ruins, and it is along the Mosel so you could make an excursion to that wine region. Since you are from the US and if you have an interest in WWII history, you would only be an hour or so away from the American cemetery in Luxembourg - it is a moving experience and Gen Patton is buried there. Sometimes for me it helps to make the longer stay in the middle of the trip as a way to rest up from the hectic pace, do some laundry if needed, etc.

so many choices....starts to make your head spin here is our final trip itinerary....thanks to all for tips. 3 nights in Amsterdam train to Cologne and pick up a car 2 nights in Cochem (Rhine Valley0 2 nights in Colmar, France (near Strasbourg) 2 nights in Rothenburg drop off car in Frankfurt and say goodbye. day trips to various towns and castles in between.

I think you've got a great trip there and one that you will have great memories from. One clarification - Cochem is in the Mosel Valley, not the Rhein. I look forward to reading your travel tips on Germany when you are back from your trip!