Looking for Travel Advice - Munich, Germany Area - Switzerland, Austria or???

[Nik]

I am hoping that some of you from Europe or who travel to Europe a lot might have some good advice for me.

I have a trip coming up for work very soon to Munich Germany. I have been to Munich once before for business and had the chance to see Nuremberg (loved the old town area), Neusweinenstein Castle (loved the mountain area and the castles), Dresden (again loved the old town area).

I am bringing my husband along with so he can enjoy my extra days with me.

This trip we have two extra days in the area and are debating where to stay.
Our ideas are the following so far:

- near Neusweinenstein Castle so we can enjoy the mountains and visit the castles
- Zurich, Switzerland - It isn't much further and we have never been to Switzerland
- Salzburg Austria - Not too far and we haven't been to Austria

Anywhere else with a couple hours drive (we will have a rental car).

He likes nature and things being clean.
I like cool architecture and history, castles and romantic vistas. I also like nature.

I super appreciate any and all advice and tips.

 

[DennasMom]

Anything and everything!
It's been forever since I've been over to Germany, I love the feeling of deep history you get in pretty much every town you step into...

Any and ALL of King Ludwig's castles... Neuschwanstein is a must-see (which you've done), Hohenschwangau, Linderhof
Rick Steves always has good recommendations: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/castles-of-mad-king-ludwig-ii

Heidelberg was a favorite, with a castle and some nice pubs.

Something on the Bodensee (Lake Constance) might be nice... like Meersburg (with a castle, of course).

You can tour the salt mines if you go to Salzburg (and aren't claustrophobic).

A trek up to Zugspitze (or other points in the Alps) might be a fun drive with a great view at the end point...

I think you're too early for the wine festivals... but keep an eye open for any spring festivals in the streets and market squares - my memories (from the early 90's) are full of local festivals with wine tasting, good music and dancing...

Dang... I really need to take a trip to Germany!!! I'm jealous!! Have a great time!!

 

[Nik]

Anything and everything!
It's been forever since I've been over to Germany, I love the feeling of deep history you get in pretty much every town you step into...

Any and ALL of King Ludwig's castles... Neuschwanstein is a must-see (which you've done), Hohenschwangau, Linderhof
Rick Steves always has good recommendations: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/castles-of-mad-king-ludwig-ii

Heidelberg was a favorite, with a castle and some nice pubs.

Something on the Bodensee (Lake Constance) might be nice... like Meersburg (with a castle, of course).

You can tour the salt mines if you go to Salzburg (and aren't claustrophobic).

A trek up to Zugspitze (or other points in the Alps) might be a fun drive with a great view at the end point...

I think you're too early for the wine festivals... but keep an eye open for any spring festivals in the streets and market squares - my memories (from the early 90's) are full of local festivals with wine tasting, good music and dancing...

Dang... I really need to take a trip to Germany!!! I'm jealous!! Have a great time!!

Thank you for the good advice!!! I absolutely adore Germany as well. We ended up deciding to stay in Schwangau, Germany on our extra days to be close to the three castles and just explore that region in more depth during our short time. I really wish I had been able to schedule more extra time for us there. Everytime I look at the map I am reminded of other places I want to see. I am also a little sad to miss Nuremberg this time. I fell in love with the old part of the city on our last visit and I had wanted to have a couple days to just walk around it. I am also sad that we will miss the Black Forest again. I am dying to see the region that inspired the Grimms Fairy Tales. One day though....

In any case the little hotel we are staying at in Schwangau looks fabulous and has views of the castles from the rooms as well as full use of their spa facilities and they will be serving us dinner both nights and has a breakfast buffet included as well. I figure the less details I have to worry about the more time I have to enjoy the area.