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Germany Planning a Trip

Getting from Munich to Venice

Venice is a one-of-a-kind city but it’s also a very controversial one: you can either love it from the first minute or hate it just as fast. There are plenty of things to do in Venice and none has to be very touristy or part you with a lot of money.

Munich is a major travel hub in Germany and is particularly a good idea if you plan to take the train to explore more of Europe.

Quick summary

With no buses linking Munich to Venice and the connecting flights starting close to €150 one way , the cheapest alternative remains the train. Book in advance and you’ll pay about €60 one way and if you travel by day also get rewarded with stunning views along the way.

Flights from Munich to Venice

There are two airports to use when flying into Venice, but the one handling flights to/from Munich is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). It is located 8 km from the city and is hub for Air One, Alitalia CityLiner and Volotea. The airport mostly receives seasonal flights.

Direct flights to Munich are operated by Lufthansa and the airport used is Munich International Airport (MUC), the second busiest airport in Germany. It is hub for: Air Berlin, Augsburg Airways, Lufthansa, Air Dolomiti, Air Independence, BinAir, Condor, Hamburg International and TUIfly.

Even during the shoulder season in mid-September 2012, expect to pay from € 450 for a direct flight, one way and from €147 one way for a connecting flight via Dusseldorf on Air Berlin. Unfortunately , the fares don’t go down during the low season, either. In fact, you can pretty much consider flying into Venice an expensive affair, no matter when you plan to travel.

Read more about
>>Airfare to Venice
>>Cheap flights to Munich

Trains from Munich to Venice

A very scenic way to get between Munich and Venice is by train. Bahn.de lists all the connections between the two cities.

The direct trains leave Munich daily at 11:31 a.m. (Venice Santa Lucia), 6:57 pm (Venice Mestre) and 11:40 p.m. (Venice Mestre). The travel time is between 6h40 min and 9 h. Single savings fares start at €59 (morning train) and €53 (the night train). Standard single fares start at €82.80 (morning train) and €114.80 (the night train).

On the way back , catch the direct trains at 1:14 a.m. (Venice Mestre), 1:34 pm (Venice Santa Lucia) and 9:05 p.m. (Venice Santa Lucia). The same fares apply.

Please note that the fares depend on how far in advance you purchase the ticket and which train you choose. Rail passes can be used on these trains.

Driving from Munich to Venice

Both Germany and Italy are part of EU and the Schenghen area, which means you won’t be paying surcharges for taking the rental car across the border. However, do make sure you ask the rental company if you may cross borders in the car.

The shortest route – 476 km – between Munich and Venice is on SS51 and the drive takes about 5 h. The route passes through Austria. You might want to drive on A22 although it’s a slightly longer route (543 km) but the driving time is about the same and it also passes through Austria.

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Berlin to Munich

Both Berlin and Munich are major travel hubs in Germany, offering plenty of connections to the rest of Europe and the rest of the country. Munich certainly appeals to those looking to experience Oktoberfest, but the city also offers plenty of other things to do. On the other hand, Berlin is known for its history and night life.

Quick summary

The cheapest way and also the slowest way to travel between Berlin and Munich is by bus. Single fares start at €43 but you’ll be traveling for about 9 hours. Trains take less – 6h – but the savings fares start at €69 one way (and depend on when you travel). Flights can be as cheap as €50 one way but you need to add the cost and time of getting to/from the airports and the city centers, too.

Flights from Berlin to Munich

There are two airports serving Berlin and both direct flights to Munich.

Schönefeld (SFX) is the base of low cost carriers serving Berlin and is hub for EasyJet and GermanWings. The airport will be merged into Berlin Brandenburg Airport in early 2013, so plan accordingly. Flights to Munich are operated by GermanWings and take 1h. In mid-September 2012, the single fare starts at €50.

Tegel International Airport (TXL) is the main airport serving Berlin, a hub for Air Berlin, Germania and GermanWings. In early 2013, Tagel is supposed to close and Berlin Brandenburg Airport will take its place. Flights to Munich are operated by Air Berlin and Lufthansa. In mid-September, the single fare starts at €85 on Air Berlin.

Munich is served by Munich International Airport (MUC), the second biggest airport in Germany and seventh biggest in Europe. It is hub for : Air Berlin, Augsburg Airways, Lufthansa, Air Dolomiti, Air Independence, BinAir, Condor, Hamburg International and TUIfly.

Plan in advance (up to 6 months) and you’ll be finding cheaper fares on Air Berlin. Hence, in mid-December 2012, you’ll pay from €60 one way for flight from Tegel.

Read more about:
>>cheap flights to Berlin
>>cheap flights to Munich

Buses from Berlin to Munich

The bus is certainly the cheapest option for traveling between the two cities, but it’s the slowest, too. It takes about 9 h to cover the distance. Berlin Linien Bus offers direct buses , departing Berlin daily at 8:15 a.m. The single fare is €43. On the way back catch the bus from Munich at 9:45 a.m. The same fares apply.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Germany

Trains from Berlin to Munich

Bahn.de lists the connections between Berlin and Munich. Berlin is served by five train stations, but Hauptbahnhof is the most important , serving the high speed trains and connections to the rest of Europe.

Munich’s main station is located in the city center , west of Marienplatz. Deutsche Bahn uses Munich as a major hub.

There are direct trains, leaving about every hour to two hours from Berlin, but there are also plenty of connecting trains available. The direct trains take 6 h and the single saving fare starts at €69 but depends on the time of departure and how far in advance you make the purchase. The standard fare starts at €121. Both fares are valid on high speed trains.

>>read more about Train Travel in Germany

Driving from Berlin to Munich

You can certainly rent a car and drive the 588 km (shortest route on A9) between Berlin and Munich in about 6 hours (depending on traffic).

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Photo credits : Munich airport , Berlin train station

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Berlin to Prague

Berlin is the capital of Germany and also its biggest city. It is also an excellent travel hub, offering connections to the rest of the country and the rest of Europe. Many travelers choose to head to Central Europe as well and one of the most beautiful cities to visit there is Prague, the capital of Czech Republic.

Prague might have lost its “hidden gem” status but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy the city without falling for the touristy things. One thing to consider is showing up in Prague in spring or fall, when the tourists are generally avoiding traveling. Pack warmer clothes and something to fight the rain, though.

Quick summary

The short distance – 356 km – between Berlin and Prague doesn’t require a flight but there are low cost flights available by way of Cologne. To save money, you can catch a bus (and sometimes booking in advance means you pay €5 one way). Or you can catch a train and pay from €29 , if you book in advance. Both trains and buses take about the same to travel between the two capital (about 4 ½ h).

Flights from Berlin to Prague

There are two airports serving Berlin and both offer connections to Prague, via Cologne , Warsaw or other European hubs.

Schönefeld (SFX) is the base of low cost carriers serving Berlin and also gets a lot of traffic from Central-Eastern Europe. It is hub for EasyJet and GermanWings. The airport will be merged into Berlin Brandenburg Airport in early 2013, so plan accordingly. Flights to Prague are operated by GermanWings and they connect via Cologne. In mid-September 2012, the single fare starts at €90.

Tegel International Airport (TXL) is the main airport serving Berlin. It is hub for Air Berlin, Germania and GermanWings. In early 2013, Tagel is supposed to close and Berlin Brandenburg Airport will take its place. Flights to Prague are operated by LOT via Warsaw , Swiss via Geneva and several other companies, all with connections in various European capitals. In mid-September, the single fare starts at €247 on LOT.

Prague is served by Ruzyně International Airport (PRG), located 20 km from the city center. It is hub for the following airlines : Czech Airlines, Smart Wings, Travel Service, Wizz Air, ABS Jets and Grossmann Jet Service.

>>book a cheap flight to Berlin

Buses from Berlin to Prague

Eurolines operates direct buses between Berlin and Prague. There are two departures per day (7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.). The travel time is 4 ½ h to 4h 45 min and the promo fare is €5 one way. The standard single fare is €39.

Student Agency Bus also operates direct luxury buses between Berlin and Prague. Youngsters (under 26) and senior (over 60) benefit from discounts and so do students with valid IDs. Passengers are allowed to carry one hand luggage and one standard luggage in the luggage compartment (other luggage costs €8 per piece). Single fares start at €30.60 (discounts for RT tickets). There are daily departures from Prague at 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and there are also additional buses on Wed, Mon and Fri. The travel time is about 5h. All buses have toilets on board. Hot drinks are included in the price and each seat has radio player.

Trains from Berlin to Prague

Bahn.de lists all connections by train between Berlin and Prague. The direct train takes 4h 40 min and there are departures almost every 2 h from Berlin. If booked in advance, the single savings fare is €39. The standard fare starts at €63.80.

On the way back, catch the direct trains from Prague on the same schedule (about every two hours). The single fare starts at €29 if booked in advance.

Driving from Berlin to Prague

Both Germany and the Czech Republic are part of EU and Schengen Area, which means you won’t be paying surcharges for taking a rental car across the border. However, make sure to ask the rental agency if you can take the car across borders.

The shortest route between Berlin and Prague is 356 km on A13 and E55 and takes about 4 h. Please note that the route has tolls.

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Photo credits : Berlin Airport , Prague train station

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Munich to Salzburg

Salzburg , Austria reminds almost everyone about the movie The Sound of Music. Actually, it’s quite tempting to burst into singing Do,Re,Mi when you visit the castle, but there’s more to this lovely city than just a movie. Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart and , aside from visiting the castle, you can also visit the fortress and many museums.

Although you can easily spend a week in the city, many travelers decide to visit Salzburg as a day trip from Munich. If you don’t plan to take the tour bus, here’s how to get between the two cities on your own.

Quick summary

Given the short distance between the two cities – only 145 km – there is no reason to even think about flying. So, you are left with taking the train, the bus or driving. With buses connecting only the Munich Airport to Salzburg, you are left to traveling by train, unless you plan to drive a rental car. Make sure to book the tickets in advance to get the cheapest possible option.

Trains from Munich to Salzburg

Bahn.de lists two connections per hour, daily, between Munich and Salzburg. The travel time is between 1 ½ h and 2 h, depending on the type of train. The single savings fare starts at €19. The standard fare starts at €64.

On the way back from Salzburg to Munich, you have at least 1 connection per hour available. The single savings fare starts at €38. The standard fare starts at €61.60.

Buses from Munich to Salzburg

It’s highly unlikely to take a bus between the two cities. The reason is that there’s only a shuttle bus connecting Munich Airport to Salzburg, but the price is higher than the train ticket. Plus, if you are in central Munich already, there’s no point to travel to the airport to catch the shuttle bus.

Driving from Munich to Salzburg

Both Germany and Austria are part of the European Union and the Schengen Area, which means you won’t be paying surcharges for taking the rental car across the border. However, you need to ask the rental company if you are allowed to do that.

On A8, the travel distance between the two cities is 145 km , which can be tackled in about 1 ½ h. Please note that the route has tolls

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Germany Planning a Trip Transportation

Getting from Munich to Prague

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, particularly known for Oktoberfest beer celebration. It also has many interesting museums and a stunning architecture. Whether you are traveling to Munich for Oktoberfest or for any other reason, you need to know the cheapest way to get here and some details so that planning your trip gets a bit easier.

Prague is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It used to be a cheap place to visit in the Czech Republic but things have changed. Some say it’s very touristy, while others say it’s just stunning. I’ll leave it up to you to decide. Prague has a lot of places to visit and things to try out.

Quick summary

Given the short distance between the two cities (about 400 km), there’s no need to fly between Munich and Prague. In fact, there aren’t any direct flights available and all routes go through Warsaw. The cheapest option is traveling by bus. For about €30 you’ll cover the distance between the two cities in 5 h.

Trains from Munich to Prague

Bahn.de lists both buses and trains between Munich’s Hauptbahnhof and Prague’s central station. There’s a direct train leaving Munich daily at 7:02 p.m. The travel time is 5 h 49 min and the standard fare is €65.90 one way.

Buses from Munich to Prague

On Bahn.de you can also choose a bus to get between Munich and Prague. The bus departs Munich at 3:45 p.m. and the travel time is 5 h. The savings single fare is €29.

Eurolines also offers direct buses between the two cities. There are two departures per day from Prague (7 a.m. and 6 p.m.). The travel time is 5 h 15 min and the single fare starts at 500.- Kč / €19.60 [promo offer]. The standard single fare is 790.- Kč / €31. On the way back to Prague, the bus leaves Munich at 7 a.m. daily.

Driving from Munich to Prague

Both Germany and the Czech Republic are part of the European Union and the Schengen area, which means you won’t need to pay surcharges for using the rental car to get from one place to another. However, you should ask the car rental company if you are allowed to take the car across the border.

The shortest route between Munich and Prague is 381 km and takes about 4 hours to drive. Please note that the route has tolls.

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in May

In Europe, May is probably the most beautiful month of Spring. Sure, the weather is not reliable, but the warm and sunny days are gorgeous, allowing for outdoor activities and exploring the cities.

Weather & temperatures

May falls during spring, which is know for being pretty unreliable when it comes to the weather. But , the flowers are in bloom, the parks are green and the days are warmer and longer.

The best way to prepare for this weather is to pack layers. And don’t forget an umbrella or a waterproof coat.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 18C; avg low 7C
Dusseldorf avg high 18C ; avg low 8C
Frankfurt avg high 18C ; avg low 8C
Hamburg avg high 16C; avg low 7C
Munich avg high 17C ; avg low 6C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

May falls during spring when the prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in spring although they aren’t as high as during the summer. It’s still a good idea to make the reservations some months in advance.

Things to do

Kick off the start of the grilling season in Europe with Labor Day (May 1), a public holiday when everyone loves to spend time in nature. You can pack a picnic basket or just enjoy a day at the beer hall with friends.

Or, you can put on your walking shoes and explore Munich at your own pace. Do some people watching, visiting some churches and soak up the atmosphere.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

Head to Bonn on May 5 for Rhine in Flames, a festival during which the Rhine valley is illuminated by fireworks.

Or go to Hamburg for the annual celebration of the harbor (3 days festival in mid-May). The festival features dragon boat races and a parade of historic ships.

By the end of the month make sure to be Berlin for the Carnival of Cultures , a four day street fair with exotic food and drinks and of course, parties. The highlight is the parade on Sunday when you can see colorful costumes.

And while here you can take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in April

April falls during spring, an excellent time to visit Germany. The weather gets warmer , there are spring festivals and Easter celebrations taking place.

Weather & temperatures

Even if the weather is a bit cold (still), as soon as the sun comes out, the locals go to the parks to enjoy the new season. Spring is generally a time when the weather cannot be predicted and April makes no exceptions. It can turn from sunny to rainy in no time.

The best way to prepare for this weather is to pack layers. And don’t forget an umbrella or a waterproof coat.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 12C; avg low 2C
Dusseldorf avg high 14C ; avg low 5C
Frankfurt avg high 13C ; avg low 3C
Hamburg avg high 11C; avg low 2C
Munich avg high 11C ; avg low 2C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in spring but they aren’t as high as during the summer. It’s a good idea to make the reservations some months in advance, particularly if you want to travel during Easter (when the local kids have their Spring break).

Things to do

Almost during the entire month of April , Frankfurt is home to the Spring Fair , one of the largest folk festivals in the region. It dates from the 14th century when it was a medieval market. Today it’s famous for the rides and roller coasters. The fireworks are interesting, too.

Also in Frankfurt, take advantage of the Long Night at the Museum (Apr 21) to visit the city’s museums and art galleries with a single ticket (during the night, of course).

The next week (Apr 28) it’s time for the Long Night of Music in Munich, where you can go to various concerts during the entire night using a single ticket (€15 euros).

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

For five days in April (Apr 18 to 22) , Cologne is home to the Art Cologne, the country’s leading art fair. You can see sculptures, paintings, video art, photography, etc.

You can also plan to visit Berlin an take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

Should you plan to visit Germany for the Easter 2013, plan your vacation between March 30 and April 1 (of course, longer if you have available time). Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays so expect everything to be closed (but you can certainly enjoy some time in the nature or walking in the cities).

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Germany Transportation

Getting from Copenhagen to Berlin

Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital, an interesting city well known for its nightlife, culture and shopping. It is a geographical and cultural link between Scandinavia and Europe and an interesting stop when exploring other Scandinavian countries, too.

Berlin is the capital of Germany, a city well known for its history and nightlife. There are plenty of things to do while here , including sampling the beer.

Summary

The cheapest option for traveling between Copenhagen and Berlin is the bus. Fares start at €39 but not all companies offer daily connections (so pay attention when you choose). A good alternative is the train. If you book the ticket in advance , you can get tickets starting at €59 one way.

Flights from Copenhagen to Berlin

Copenhagen is served by Kastrup Airport (CPH) , which is the main international airport serving the city. It is located 8 km from the city center and is hub for the following airlines Blue1, Jettime, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Novair, Primera Air, Scandinavian Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia, TUIfly Nordic, Copenhagen Air Taxi and Star Air. Some low cost carriers fly here: EasyJet, AirBerlin, Norwegian and Cimber Sterling. You can get to the airport from the city by train or metro.

Berlin is served by two airports, both handling flights to/from Copenhagen:

  • Tegel International Airport (TXL): is the main international airport in Berlin , located 8 km from the city center. It is hub for: Air Berlin, Germania and GermanWings. Buses are the only cheap way to get to /from the airport. Flights to/from Copenhagen are operated by Air Berlin and Scandinavian Airlines.
  • Schönefeld Airport (SXF): is another international airport serving Berlin, located 18 km from the city center. It is hub for EasyJet and Germanwings. The airport is served by the regional trains and the local trains. Flights to/from Copenhagen are operated by EasyJet and Norwegian Air Shuttle.

In March 2013, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is scheduled to open and replace Schönefeld. Pay attention that online booking sites already list flights to/from the new airport even if you search for an earlier period.

In mid-August 2012, expect to pay from €38 on EasyJet (fligh to Schönefeld). Flights to Tegel start at €53 and are operated by SAS. A return flight during the same period costs from €58 on EasyJet. In mid-October 2012, expect to pay the same fares on EasyJet.

>>book a cheap flight to Berlin

Trains from Copenhagen to Berlin

Bahn.de lists a direct train between Copenhagen and Berlin, departing daily from Copenhagen at 6:10 p.m. The travel time is 10 h 15 min and the single fare starts at €79 (savings fare, if booked in advance). The standard single fare is €170.60.

There’s also a train which arrives a bit faster (9 h 35 min) but connects through Odense. It leaves Copenhagen daily at 6:50 p.m. and the fares are the same as in the case of the direct train.

On the way back, catch the direct train in Berlin daily at 00:32 a.m. and the other at 5:15 a.m. The return ticket is cheaper (€59 , savings fare , if booked in advance, for the direct train), but more expensive fro the indirect one (€89 , savings fare, if booked in advance).

Buses from Copenhagen to Berlin

The following companies operate direct buses between Copenhagen and Berlin:

  • Eurolines : offers up to 3 connections per day (but not every day), at 6:30 a.m., 4:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. from Copenhagen. The travel time is between 7 h and 7 ½ h and the single fare is DKK 599 / €80.60. There’s at least one connection per day, leaving Copenhagen at 6:30 a.m. On the way back, there are also up to 3 connections per day: 7:30 a.m., 3:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. (the earliest leaves daily). The same fare applies on the way back, too.
  • Berolina : offers a connection per day and the single fare is €40. Buses depart from central Berlin (ZOB). You can reserve the tickets here https://www.berolina-berlin.com/ticketsystem.aspx?id=GB
  • Bohemian Lines : offers a connection per two times a week, leaving Berlin at 9:50 p.m. (Mon, Fri) and , on the way back, leaving Copenhagen at 9 p.m. (Tue, Sun). The flex fare is €39 one way. The travel time is about 8 h.

Driving from Copenhagen to Berlin

It’s certainly possible to rent a car in Copenhagen and drive the 435 km to Berlin. Both countries are in the European Union and part of the Schengen area so you won’t be paying any surcharges. However, do ask the rental company if you are allowed to take the rental car across the borders.

The travel time is about 6 ½ -7 h but it does depend on the traffic. Please note that the route includes a ferry crossing.

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in June

June is the first month of summer, the most popular time to visit Germany. The weather is warm , the festivals are in full swing and the tourists aren’t avoiding the country. It’s an exciting time to plan for outdoor activities, too.

Weather & temperatures

The days are long and sunny. But summer also means the rainfall is high, so pack an umbrella if you travel in June. The warmest weather is in Southern Germany.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 21C; avg low 11C
Dusseldorf avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Frankfurt avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Hamburg avg high 19C; avg low 10C
Munich avg high 20C ; avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

June kicks off the most expensive time to visit Germany. The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in June and won’t come down until September. To get the best rates, book the flight and accommodation some months in advance.

Things to do

In early June (until June 10, 2012), Halle an der Saale is home to the Handle Festival, which pays tribute to the German composer. You can listen to international musicians playing his work.

But while you are here, don’t miss visiting the Giebichenstein Castle, located on a hill above Saale river. There are also remains of two fortifications to see and many wonderful churches. The city is located just 177 km from the capital of Berlin.

>>book a flight to Berlin

If you prefer to visit Berlin, make sure to be here for the longest day of the year (June 21) when the Fete de la Musique takes place in the city. The festival offers every type of music you might want to hear.

Or stay longer – until the end of the month – to attend the Berlin Gay Parade. The festivities take place in the district of Schoeneberg and in Tiergarten park.

If you are looking for “tamer” activities in Berlin , take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

If you have rock music in mind, then head to the race track in Nuerburg during the first weekend of June for Rock am Ring Music Festival. It is the country’s biggest open air festival. There’s also a castle – Nürburg Castle – dating from the High Middle Ages to visit while here. The city is located 174 km from Frankfurt and 127 km from Dusseldorf.

You can plan to explore the Black Forest during June. Rent a car to have flexibility and visit the old towns within the mountain range, such as: Calw, Haslach and Altensteig. You can see the superb waterfalls or plan to hike in the mountains. There’s a picturesque wine route from Baden-Baden to Weil am Rhein, which is worth the time, too.

If you prefer to visit a city, then Munich is another good choice. Visit a beer garden, check out the museums, do some people watching or see the city from above.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

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3 Days in Munich: Itinerary Ideas

Munich is synonymous with Oktoberfest. Or , if you don’t visit during the fair, with large quantities of beer , pretzels and sausages. But Munich is so much than a drink and greasy food.

>>read more about the things to do in Munich

Itinerary assumptions:

  • fly directly into Munich
  • stay in a budget hotel or hostel close to the city center
  • make use of the public transportation (underground, tram, bus) ; the inner district 3 days card costs €13.80.
  • if you feel comfortable on bike, you can rent one for your stay in Munich. There are many bike paths in the city but the accidents involving bicycles are on the rise.

Sample prices

  • Return flight: London – Munich – London; Aug 10 – Aug 13, 2012; from €113 on EasyJet
  • Return flight: Paris – Munich – Paris; Aug 10 – Aug 13, 2012; from €131 on Air France
  • Accommodation: from €57 / person / 3 nights in a 12-bed dorm; from €252 / 2 persons / 3 nights in a twin room with private bathroom.

Day 1

Start the day with a free walking tour of Munich (details here ) . One of the start points is in Marienplatz at 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour visits the Hofbräuhaus and Frauenkirche, among other important landmarks, and takes three hours.

After the tour, go back to Marienplatz and explore the city in depths. Go to the top of Frauenkirche to see the views of the city and enjoy lunch in Viktualienmarkt.

In the afternoon, explore the English Gardens , with its lake, waterfall, beer gardens and enjoy the time in nature. Pack a picnic basket if you don’t want to get back to a beer hall for dinner.

Alternative Day 1

Plan to spend the first day in Alstadt (Old Town). Start in Maxburgstrasse and visit St Michael’s Church and then explore Frauenkirche. Don’t forget to go to the top for some interesting views of the city.

Walk to Marienplatz, the heart of the Old Town. Stop to see the statues dance (during summer at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. every day for 15 min) and then visit some of the churches in the area or just do some people watching.

In Viktualienmarkt there’s a beer garden pretty well known among budget travelers. Try the food and don’t miss tasting the beer, either.

Go to Odeonsplatz and continue to the English Gardens, the continent’s largest city center park. Between an artificial lake, the Chinese Gardens – complete with beer gardens – and interesting structures, you’ll be busy for the entire afternoon.

During the evening, make your way to Landsbergerstrasse and its Augustiner Braustuben, a traditional beer hall. Try the food and meet the locals. Sure, try the beer , too but mind the quantities. You still have some sightseeing left to do in the town.

Day 2

Start your day with a visit to Deutsches Museum, Europe’s largest technology museum. It is located close to Viktualienmarkt, so after spending hours checking out the exhibits, you can enjoy lunch here, or make your way to Hofbrauhaus, Munich’s best known beer hall. It’s touristy and not exactly authentic but it’s not a bad choice for lunch.

Go back to Marienplatz and take Deinerstrasse to get to Munich Residence, where you can learn about the Bavarian history.

From Marienplatz, take U3 to get to to northern Munich with its Olympiapark. Exploring it is free, unless you want to take some guided tours (which cost few Euros).

Day 3

After enjoying Munich for two days, escape the city to visit the superb Neuschwanstein Castle on your third day. Take the train to Füssen and then the bus Hohenschwangau. In total you’ll be traveling for about 4 hours (including the 30 min walk to the castle). So, leave Munich early in the day, especially if you’ll tackle the summer crowds, too. Driving saves some time (under 2 h to get to Hohenschwangau) but you need to consider the cost of renting a car.

You might remember this castle as being very similar to Cinderella’s castle in Disney’s vision. Actually, her castle was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle, which is , indeed, a super sight. The guided tour takes only 35 min but you can spend some more time exploring the surrounding forest.

After visiting the castle which inspired Disney, take some time to explore Hohenschwangau, the castle where King Ludwig II grew up. The Romanesque style is charming.

>>read more about Getting from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle

Photo credits: Marienplatz ; Beer ; Castle