Germany - with kids!

[Anonymous]

I have a work-related conference in Frankfurt in August that we've decided to turn into our first family european adventure. My husband, MIL and kids (12, 5) will fly over a couple of days after I do, and will stay in the same hotel as my meeting. We'll plan to stay a day or two in Frankfurt after my conference, but then we have a full week to explore - and very little idea of what to see! Seriously, I've been to Frankfurt before but have never traveled much beyond the city. We'll rent a minivan and, well, where would you go? We're probably more into the mountains than we are into urban adventures. Guidebooks are ordered, but I'd sure welcome you suggestions of don't miss places or even a week long itinerary. Do we need to make reservations and plans solidly in advance, or can we airbnb or hotels.com along the way, as we usually do when we travel in the US. Thanks for any input!

[Anonymous]

Where would I go? Berchtesgaden and Salzburg, Austria. Make a loop from Munich to Salzburg and come back through the Garmisch area. You can tour the Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgadenand take a boat ride on the Konigsee. Do a Salt Mines tour--fun for all. Watch The Sound of Music before you go, and then tour Salzburg. Come back through the Garmisch area and see Neuschwanstein (Disney's model for Sleeping Beauty Castle) and Linderhof. Lots of opportunities for scenic views, hiking, etc.

I lived in Germany for quite some time and travelled over most of it. There are many wonderful towns and places to go--but these are my favorite. I think it is also more kid friendly.

While in Frankfurt, go over to the Rhine and take a three or four hour Rhine tour on a tour boat. That is fun, too.

I haven't lived there in years, so I cannot address the reservation issue. However, it is always nice to have a reservation so that you don't have to start looking for a place to stay earlier than you would like.

[Anonymous]

Google The Romantic Road. It will take you to many wonderful kid-friendly places in SE Germany.

[Anonymous]

Areas surrounding Frankfurt:
1. Drive to Schloss Johannisberg in early morning. Then go down to Rüdesheim to walk around then take the Rhine boat tour - You will see many castles and ruins along the way.

2. Check out Limburg, at least the old town section. You can do this one afternoon with dinner in Limburg.

3. Go see the bridge at Remagen (on way to Cologne). This historic site is where the Allies crossed over the Rhine and signified the end for Hitler.

[Anonymous]

Grunbergpark

and

Palmengarten

Both in Frankfurt - definitely worth checking out and maybe bring swim suits in case you can dip in the ponds (I did, years ago...)

[Anonymous]

OP here, and I just wanted to say thanks for the input. You've given me a few good things to start looking into. We're used to traveling at places where we have less options, and it has been really hard to narrow down ALL the choices and figure this out. I really appreciate the help! Thanks and happy summer to everyone...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where would I go? Berchtesgaden and Salzburg, Austria. Make a loop from Munich to Salzburg and come back through the Garmisch area. You can tour the Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgadenand take a boat ride on the Konigsee. Do a Salt Mines tour--fun for all. Watch The Sound of Music before you go, and then tour Salzburg. Come back through the Garmisch area and see Neuschwanstein (Disney's model for Sleeping Beauty Castle) and Linderhof. Lots of opportunities for scenic views, hiking, etc.

I lived in Germany for quite some time and travelled over most of it. There are many wonderful towns and places to go--but these are my favorite. I think it is also more kid friendly.

While in Frankfurt, go over to the Rhine and take a three or four hour Rhine tour on a tour boat. That is fun, too.

I haven't lived there in years, so I cannot address the reservation issue. However, it is always nice to have a reservation so that you don't have to start looking for a place to stay earlier than you would like.

Another vote for the Salt Mine & the Berchtesgaden area in general; the mine features really long wood slides (yes - like a playground slide only much longer) and even an underwater boat ride. Amazing!

I found the Eagles Nest a little disappointing because I don't think they have added enough historical information to explain what it was and the horror behind it. The only info provided was a 4-language audio recording on the bus trip up to the site. We used Eva Braun's bedroom as a diaper changing station; I thought that was a fitting tribute to her and the monstrous regime she was a part of. The site itself is, indeed, beautiful - there's no disputing that.

Our children loved our hike in the Zuaberwald - (wizard's forest) nearby. The trail follows a beautiful clear running stream flowing out of dolomite mountains.

[Anonymous]

OP here, and I just wanted to say thanks for the input. You've given me a few good things to start looking into. We're used to traveling at places where we have less options, and it has been really hard to narrow down ALL the choices and figure this out. I really appreciate the help! Thanks and happy summer to everyone...

OP, I lived there for years and there are still places I wish I had visited! The options are all great--just enjoy the time you are there and enjoy what you do decide. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

I found the Eagles Nest a little disappointing because I don't think they have added enough historical information to explain what it was and the horror behind it. The only info provided was a 4-language audio recording on the bus trip up to the site. We used Eva Braun's bedroom as a diaper changing station; I thought that was a fitting tribute to her and the monstrous regime she was a part of. The site itself is, indeed, beautiful - there's no disputing that.

I agree about the historical perspective. But, I still enjoyed it. I think the elevator ride impressed me the most. And, the scenery is amazing.

[Anonymous]

Romantic Road, Munich, Berchtesgaden/Salzburg are great recs. If you only have one week, I wouldn't also try to squeeze Neuschwanstein in there too. Hyper-touristy/crowded in summer and not all that.

Keep in mind (if you are minded to drive) that vacation traffic within Germany on weekends is HORRIFIC and there's a lot of road construction in summer. As in, I once spent 14 hours driving from Berchtesgaden to Frankfurt. Seriously.

Frankfurt itself is not that interesting, but I can recommend taking a walk across the pedestrian bridge across the Main. There are "bars" that set up along the riverbanks and it's a great place for a stroll.