Germanyguys... need some opinions (1 Viewer)

[Evilgrin 72]

Headed to Oktoberfest this fall for the first time. Arriving in Germany late Friday night and the wife wants to see some of Bavaria in addition to watching me descend into a beer-induced coma (go figure) so I am going to take that Saturday to rent a car and tour the region, avoiding the madding crowds in Munich. I'll be heading to the Fest on Sunday and Monday.

So, originally my plan was to drive out to Hohenschwangau on Saturday AM to see Neuschwanstein and then drive up to Rothenburg (we have a reservation at a B&B in Rothenburg for Saturday night.) The more I read, though, it seems the tour through the castles there is time-consuming and not particularly exciting and that the shark move is to just park, walk up to the castle, take some pictures and then #### off. So, that was kind of the plan, but now I see on the web that the Marienbrucke (bridge from which most iconic photos of Neuschwanstein are taken) is closed for repairs and there's no word on whether or not it will be open by the time we're there in September. So, now I'm second guessing the whole drive out there.

I could, alternately, take the eastern route towards Rothenburg, which runs right through Nuremberg. As luck would have it, the Altstadt Festival is going on there at the same time, so that might be a fun way to kill a couple of hours. From there, I could go straight to Rothenburg and save a couple hours' drive time, or I could shoot a little NE and that route takes me near Bamberg and Wurzberg. I would love to stop in Bamberg if for no other reason than to have a liter of Aecht Schlenkerla beer and a Bamberg onion for lunch.

I haven't really done any research on Nuremberg, Bamberg, or Wurzberg - if given the choice, would you prefer to spend an afternoon popping into these towns for an hour or two each or touring Neuschwanstein/Hohenschwangau castles? Any experience, opinions, etc. are appreciated.

 

[Mr. Cross]

Germans scare me. Be careful.

 

[johnnycakes]

Germans scare me. Be careful.

How about this German? (b&w nude art for those who can't look at such stuff from work.) (Here we put it on the wall).

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Germans scare me. Be careful.

I'm 90% German.

 

[mquinnjr]

I can't offer any help on the German towns you mentioned, but have fun at Oktoberfest, one of the best times of my life.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Also, anyone who's lived or spent time in or around Franconia, are Nuremberg/Bamberg/Wurzburg/Rothenburg somewhat redundant or is each worth seeing even if we have to blitzkrieg through them?

 

[Gator Shawn]

Where are you staying in Rothenburg od Tauber? Inside the walls, I hope?

We did our Honeymoon in Southern Germany/Austria, flew into Frankfurt, then did a day or two each in Augsburg, Rothenburg, Füssen, Innsbruck, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Passau and Munich.

Loved it.

By the way, Dachau is a real short drive from Munich, you should check it out while you are there.

 

[Gator Shawn]

Also, anyone who's lived or spent time in or around Franconia, are Nuremberg/Bamberg/Wurzburg/Rothenburg somewhat redundant or is each worth seeing even if we have to blitzkrieg through them?

Rothenburg is such a neat little town, I think you should stay overnight at a hotel inside the old walls. We stayed at the Goldener Hirsch, but there's some really cool hotels there. Check out http://www.romanticroad.com/rothenburg/rooms.php

 

[moleculo]

went to most of these spots on my honeymoon. Loved Bamburg. Very cool altstadt, really nice cathedral with a German Emperor buried there. Also, there are like 5 breweries there, all specializing in rauchbier. I've never had Rauchbier here in the states, but it's definitely interesting (in a good way). For me, Bamburg has everything I like in a German town - lots of unique beer, great old stuff, and not quite so touristy.

Rothenburg is a cool, touristy old town that is nice. A really cool museum on crime and punishment.

we didn't spent much time in Nuremburg so I can't comment on that so much.

Neuschwanstein - that's kind of a generic iconic, must-see thing. All it is is a big castle with some nice rooms - not much else to see or do. There will probably be tons of Asian tourists with selfie sticks, so be prepared for that. Part of the problem with Neuschwanstein is there isn't a whole lot of touristy stuff immediately near by, so it's basically a whole day trip, just to see a castle. I mean, the scenery is really nice, i guess it depends what you are into and how much time you have.

My advice would be to figure out how to make the whole trip happen relying on public transportation instead of a car. If you can take the rails, you won't have to worry about the whole drinking and driving thing, which is nice.

 

[Gator Shawn]

Neuschwanstein - that's kind of a generic iconic, must-see thing. All it is is a big castle with some nice rooms - not much else to see or do. There will probably be tons of Asian tourists with selfie sticks, so be prepared for that. Part of the problem with Neuschwanstein is there isn't a whole lot of touristy stuff immediately near by, so it's basically a whole day trip, just to see a castle. I mean, the scenery is really nice, i guess it depends what you are into and how much time you have.

The best part of Neuschwanstein is taking the donkey cart ride up. If you're lucky you get a crusty old Tyrolean with a thick accent. People say Neuschwanstein is overrated, but I can't imagine NOT going to see it.

If you want a bad ### castle, try Hohenzollern.

 

[Foosball God]

Also, anyone who's lived or spent time in or around Franconia, are Nuremberg/Bamberg/Wurzburg/Rothenburg somewhat redundant or is each worth seeing even if we have to blitzkrieg through them?

I really enjoyed Neuschwanstein, I would make the trek even if the bridge is still under repair. It's a beautiful castle.

Out of the towns you listed there I would definitely visit Nuremberg.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Where are you staying in Rothenburg od Tauber? Inside the walls, I hope?

We did our Honeymoon in Southern Germany/Austria, flew into Frankfurt, then did a day or two each in Augsburg, Rothenburg, Füssen, Innsbruck, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Passau and Munich.

Loved it.

By the way, Dachau is a real short drive from Munich, you should check it out while you are there.

I think just outside the walls, a place called Klingentor Garni Gasthof. I'd love to visit Dachau, but schedule won't allow it, we're on a flight to France on Tuesday so I'd have to sacrifice another day at Oktoberfest to make it happen, and that's simply out of the question.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

went to most of these spots on my honeymoon. Loved Bamburg. Very cool altstadt, really nice cathedral with a German Emperor buried there. Also, there are like 5 breweries there, all specializing in rauchbier. I've never had Rauchbier here in the states, but it's definitely interesting (in a good way). For me, Bamburg has everything I like in a German town - lots of unique beer, great old stuff, and not quite so touristy.

Rothenburg is a cool, touristy old town that is nice. A really cool museum on crime and punishment.

we didn't spent much time in Nuremburg so I can't comment on that so much.

Neuschwanstein - that's kind of a generic iconic, must-see thing. All it is is a big castle with some nice rooms - not much else to see or do. There will probably be tons of Asian tourists with selfie sticks, so be prepared for that. Part of the problem with Neuschwanstein is there isn't a whole lot of touristy stuff immediately near by, so it's basically a whole day trip, just to see a castle. I mean, the scenery is really nice, i guess it depends what you are into and how much time you have.

My advice would be to figure out how to make the whole trip happen relying on public transportation instead of a car. If you can take the rails, you won't have to worry about the whole drinking and driving thing, which is nice.

Wife is a teetotaler, so no worries there. We just rented the car for the day so we could come and go at our leisure, as soon as we return to Munich on Sunday AM, we dump it off for the remainder of the trip.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Also, anyone who's lived or spent time in or around Franconia, are Nuremberg/Bamberg/Wurzburg/Rothenburg somewhat redundant or is each worth seeing even if we have to blitzkrieg through them?

I really enjoyed Neuschwanstein, I would make the trek even if the bridge is still under repair. It's a beautiful castle.

Out of the towns you listed there I would definitely visit Nuremberg.

Unfortunately, these two things are mutually exclusive. It's either Neuschwanstein->Rothenburg or Nuremberg->Bamberg->Wurzburg->Rothenburg. Or the latter with Bamberg and/or Wurzburg removed.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Say Hi to Hitler.

I fart in his general direction. His mother was a hamster and his father smelt of elderberries.

 

[Gator Shawn]

For the record, I am jealous. Enjoy the trip, a day in Munich beats a day just about anywhere else.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

For the record, I am jealous. Enjoy the trip, a day in Munich beats a day just about anywhere else.

Thanks man.

 

[Foosball God]

Also, anyone who's lived or spent time in or around Franconia, are Nuremberg/Bamberg/Wurzburg/Rothenburg somewhat redundant or is each worth seeing even if we have to blitzkrieg through them?

I really enjoyed Neuschwanstein, I would make the trek even if the bridge is still under repair. It's a beautiful castle.

Out of the towns you listed there I would definitely visit Nuremberg.

Unfortunately, these two things are mutually exclusive. It's either Neuschwanstein->Rothenburg or Nuremberg->Bamberg->Wurzburg->Rothenburg. Or the latter with Bamberg and/or Wurzburg removed.

I would choose the former then. Especially if your wife is a teetotaler.

 

[NewlyRetired]

That sounds awesome EG.

Would you consider taking in a Bundesliga game?

 

[boots11234]

I self identify as German, does that count?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Also, anyone who's lived or spent time in or around Franconia, are Nuremberg/Bamberg/Wurzburg/Rothenburg somewhat redundant or is each worth seeing even if we have to blitzkrieg through them?

I really enjoyed Neuschwanstein, I would make the trek even if the bridge is still under repair. It's a beautiful castle.

Out of the towns you listed there I would definitely visit Nuremberg.

Unfortunately, these two things are mutually exclusive. It's either Neuschwanstein->Rothenburg or Nuremberg->Bamberg->Wurzburg->Rothenburg. Or the latter with Bamberg and/or Wurzburg removed.

I would choose the former then. Especially if your wife is a teetotaler.

I'm waffling like crazy, so I appreciate the vote. I'll likely yet go this way, the lure of Bamberg is strong though. I LOVE rauchbiers and buy Aecht Schlenkerla beers in bottles all the time, so I think I might enjoy visiting there a lot more than she would.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

That sounds awesome EG.

Would you consider taking in a Bundesliga game?

Totally, if there was more time. I just don't see it fitting into the agenda, we only have 48 hours in Munchen and most of that time is likely to be spent at Oktoberfest. I want to try to get 1 mass of each of the 6 breweries, which is going to involve some careful planning/tent-hopping.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I self identify as German, does that count?

You're from Minnesota, so that stands to reason.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Well, I floated this by the wife and as is her usual MO, she told me she didn't give a crap which way we went and to just figure it out and let her know that morning. So, it's up to me.

I've decided that if we go the second route, we're going to skip Wurzburg and simply go to the Altstadtfest in Nuremberg for a couple of hours, then on to Bamberg to walk around for a few and settle in for a meal and beers at Schlenkerla, then on to Rothenburg to do the Nightwatchman tour and spend the night. If we go the first route, we're just going to drive out to Hohenschwangau, walk/ride up to the castle, take a few pictures, then scram and get to Rothenburg earlier.

Still undecided. I really would love to see the castle, but I'm afraid that route leaves us with a lot of extra time. I'd also love to see Nuremberg and Bamberg and drink that luscious rauchbier from the tap, but I'm afraid that itinerary is too aggressive and will leave us short on time.

Not a huge deal, but I am really on the fence here so I figured I'd bump and see if there are any more strong thoughts/votes before I close the book on Day 1 and move on.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I've been to Munich many times and frankly I wouldn't go to any of the places you listed.

Berchtesgaden would be my #1 suggestion with Salzburg on a day trip. You could stay in Chiemsee for a night or two and you wouldn't regret it.

Other places way better than the likes of Wurzburg:

Garmish-Partenkirchen

Dacau

Innsbruck

Liechtenstein

Nothing wrong with Bamberg or Nurenburg, but that's like going to Sacramento instead of going to Napa Valley imo.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I lived in Germany for two years and have spent many forgotten nights at Oktoberfest and other fests. I have never been to the disney castle as I just never had any desire to see it. That's not to knock it in any way, as everyone has different tastes. I know this idea has been suggested and likely declined, but I would echo the suggestion to catch a Bundesliga game if possible. I'm a soccer fan now, but had no concept of the sport back when I first lived in Europe, and would recommend it as an experience for any sports fan. I also love a good Altstadt and the similar, smaller German fests, so think those would be great ideas.

I have a very good friend who lives in Bavaria and runs a small tour company. He specializes in beer tours, beerfests, soccer, skiing, and similar activities. If you are at all interested, post here or send a PM and I'll hook you up. He's a Bayern Munich season ticket holder, and can arrange tickets at most any game you want to attend - Bavaria, northern Italy, France, etc. Very well-versed in Oktoberfest and other smaller fests in the area.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I've been to Munich many times and frankly I wouldn't go to any of the places you listed.

Berchtesgaden would be my #1 suggestion with Salzburg on a day trip. You could stay in Chiemsee for a night or two and you wouldn't regret it.

Other places way better than the likes of Wurzburg:

Garmish-Partenkirchen

Dacau

Innsbruck

Liechtenstein

Nothing wrong with Bamberg or Nurenburg, but that's like going to Sacramento instead of going to Napa Valley imo.

I should have solicited info earlier, but at this point, I have all my hotels booked and paid for and the rental car booked and paid for. It's basically too late to change all of that around, I know that I'll be bedding down in Rothenburg that night. I basically have a window from roughly 10 AM-6 PM in which I must travel from Munich Airport to Rothenburg, so overnight stays or train trips to Salzburg, etc are out of the question. I just need to figure out what to do between point A and point B. So far, the castle and stopping in Nuremberg/Bamberg are the only things I saw of note that were even remotely "on the way." If there's something better that's between Munich and Rothenburg, I'm all ears, but I have very little flexibility here.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I lived in Germany for two years and have spent many forgotten nights at Oktoberfest and other fests. I have never been to the disney castle as I just never had any desire to see it. That's not to knock it in any way, as everyone has different tastes. I know this idea has been suggested and likely declined, but I would echo the suggestion to catch a Bundesliga game if possible. I'm a soccer fan now, but had no concept of the sport back when I first lived in Europe, and would recommend it as an experience for any sports fan. I also love a good Altstadt and the similar, smaller German fests, so think those would be great ideas.

I have a very good friend who lives in Bavaria and runs a small tour company. He specializes in beer tours, beerfests, soccer, skiing, and similar activities. If you are at all interested, post here or send a PM and I'll hook you up. He's a Bayern Munich season ticket holder, and can arrange tickets at most any game you want to attend - Bavaria, northern Italy, France, etc. Very well-versed in Oktoberfest and other smaller fests in the area.

Thanks, I will look into the possibility of a game and let you know if I'd like to avail myself of his services.

 

[msommer]

I just had rauchsbier for the first time. Awesome!

Other than that, I can't help you further. Only been to Munich (incl Dachau) once.

 

[rascal]

Wait, eg married a teetotaler?? Wtf? Did hitler marry a Jew?

I'll echo dd's comnents.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Wait, eg married a teetotaler?? Wtf? Did hitler marry a Jew?

I'll echo dd's comnents.

She wasn't always. She's always been more of a stoner than a drinker (and still is) but she used to drink a bunch back in the day. Had her gall bladder out several years back and while they were in there, the doctor scraped her liver and told her she had steatosis, and that the next step was cirrhosis. She googled that, her head almost fell off, and she's barely had a drink since. Some people just weren't built for the long haul like your old pal EG.

 

[rascal]

Wait, eg married a teetotaler?? Wtf? Did hitler marry a Jew?

I'll echo dd's comnents.

She wasn't always. She's always been more of a stoner than a drinker (and still is) but she used to drink a bunch back in the day. Had her gall bladder out several years back and while they were in there, the doctor scraped her liver and told her she had steatosis, and that the next step was cirrhosis. She googled that, her head almost fell off, and she's barely had a drink since. Some people just weren't built for the long haul like your old pal EG.

Ah, well is a different story. She can live through you.