Lear33

Wasn't getting a response so I thought I'd change my topic header. My husband and I are traveling to Austria/Southern Germany to see the sights in early May or Mid-June 2007, @ 9 days. Our main agenda is to see the KTM dirt bike factory in Mattighofen, Austria (hubby loves KTM motorcycles). We may chose to rent motorcycles (street version, not dirt) in this area, depending on our comfort level when we see how busy the town is. This town isn't on a main train line, so we aren't sure about staying here. Other sights we want to see are: Garmisch (because near our cabin in Cable, WI we frequent a restaurant/bar/resort of the same name-Garmisch USA). We also want to see Neuschwanstein castle, grandpa said it's a must! We love beautiful scenery, lakes, and nature. We've been told to rent a car to get around, but aren't sure of our comfort level (only speak English, and never have been to Europe before). Would you recommend we pick a main home-base and travel from there? Rent a car or do the train? From Minneapolis, MN the best price for flights seems to be Munich. We aren't excited about staying there for a home-base because my hubby isn't much for big cities. A smaller, quiet, beautiful town, possibly near a train station, if that's the way we go, is preferred. I'm sure I've left out crucial information/questions. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Jochen42

I have not really been to Mattighofen, but I have driven through this town a few times, so I'll try to help you a bit. Mattighofen is a really tiny town about 30 miles north of Salzburg. It does have a railway station, and the connections to Salzburg are not too bad (about hourly, 45 minutes to go, see www.oebb.at). Garmisch and Neuschwanstein are close to each other, but several hours from Mattighofen. So, if I were you, I'd choose two home bases, one for Mattighofen and the other for Garmisch and Neuschwanstein.

If you go by train, the most convenient home base for Mattighofen would be Salzburg. Apart from Salzburg itself you can easily reach Lake Chiemsee, the Salzkammergut, Berchtesgaden and similar sights. If you want to avoid Salzburg and its high prices, an alternative would we Seekirchen am Wallersee which has good connections to Salzburg and also to Mattighofen. If you have a car you can choose between many options. A town about halfway between Salzburg and Mattighofen is Mattsee, situated nicely between to lakes. If you accept a longer drive, you can also stay in the Salzkammergut.

I'm not so familiar with the Garmisch area but I guess for train travelers Garmisch itself is the most convenient choice. The connections to Neuschwanstein are not very good but I bet there are organized tours. With a car, again, you have more options.

Both Salzburg and Garmisch have good train connections to the airport in Munich, see reiseauskunft.bahn.de

Many Americans report that they did not find driving in Austria or Germany very difficult. There is also plenty of information on this topic in this forum or elsewhere in the Internet.

Hope this helps a bit.

Lear33

Thanks Jochen42.

We've rented a car, deciding we could handle it (hope so). Thanks for the info on recommended towns. Looking into these now. We made a reservation for our last night in Munich, near the airport, since we fly out so early. But we are debating just winging it, and not reserving any other lodging. We thought early May would be early enough to avoid the crowds. Thought we can just stop when a particular town/area strikes us as nice. What do you think?

hardwater

Prior to driving in Germany, please review the following superb and comprehensive site,
http://gettingaroundgermany.home

It covers EVERYTHING you will need to know and should know about driving over there. Driving is not the same function as here in America. Print out all of the german traffic signs IN COLOR and take them with you, especially the parking. You will need them for reference.
Garmisch in Germany will vastly outshine the one you refer to in N. Wisc. I actually live near "Garmisch USA." While it is lovely spot, it cannot compare with what you will see in Germany.

pja1

Hi,
Driving is easy in Germany and Austria. No tougher than in the U.S. Actually I prefer it, people actually stay right unless their passing!
We stayed in Ramsau, 15 minutes from Berchtesgaden and Konigssee.
We stayed at a terrific B and B owned and run by a wonderful couple.
www.mayringerlehen.de
IMO, Garmisch is ok, but too busy. Just 20 minutes away is a true gem, Mittenwald. We stayed twice recently at Pension Schwalbennestl. Again, absolutely terrific hosts.
www.schwalbennestl.de
www.mittenwald.com
Fussen is also a lovely old town, just a few miles from Neuschwanstein / Hohenschwangau, .
www.stadt-fuessen.de
You can see our photos of some of the above places at...
http://www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html

If I can be of further help, just ask.

paul

Bob_KY

I think you will be OK "winging it" that time of year as far as hotels go. I would highly recommend driving. Driving is not too hard as long as 1 of you is a good navigator. I would familiarize yourself with the maps ahead of time. Be prepared to get lost occasionally, but it is a very beautiful place to get lost in. If you have specific driving questions, I will try to help you.

If the weather is clear, you will enjoy going to the top of the Zugspitz near Garmisch. The village of Mittenwald near there is a very beautiful small town at the foot of the Alps.

Enjoy, I'm jealous!