Transportation while in Germany

   The transportation system in Germany is excellent, regardless of where you may want to go.  While there for Christmas 2009 we travelled exclusively by rail and bus; I'm planning to repeat that in 2011.  Depending upon where you want to go, you may prefer to rent a car for your entire trip or just for specific days.  If you are not familiar with the idiosyncrasy's of the European road system, especially the demands of the Autobahn, you may wish to travel by public transportation.  The Autobahn is not a place for inattentive drivers, or the faint of heart.  Unlike on the American road system,  in Germany they take driving seriously.  While I am very comfortable on the roads, I want the freedom and relaxation of rail and bus travel during the Christmas season.  Virtually everywhere is accessible by rail or bus, without the hassle of parking or $8.00 per gallon fuel costs.  In 2009 we were able to travel everywhere by rail for 29 Euros for two people;  this ticket is still in effect.  With few limitations, up to five people may travel round-trip on a single ticket for 29 Euros.  For instance, I just looked on the Deutsches Bahn (DB) website and confirmed that up to five people may travel round-trip from Garmisch to Salzburg for 29 Euros;  you can't beat that!  Naturally, the bus system is tied into the rail system so that even the most remote areas (especially touristy areas) are accessible by rail or bus.  The one drawback to the rail system is the real possibility that you may stand for some time while waiting for a seat on the train, as the cheap fares do not guarantee a seat.  Diligence usually permits the savvy traveller to get a seat regardless of crowds. 

Airfares to Munich

Airfares to Munich for Christmas 2011 have remained steady for the the first quarter of 2011, but are still pretty high.  Non-stop, round-trip flights have been steady at about $1,200, although two-stop trips can be bought now for under $1,000.  I expect a spike in these prices over the next few months, but I'm fairly confident that fares in the $900 range will be available between September - November 2011.  I'll be watching fares daily beginning in October, and I will keep everyone advised of the status. 

Tentative Itinerary for Trip

I'm posting below my tentative itinerary for Christmas 2011.  It's based upon my desire to see a few new things, but mainly to re-visit a number of things that I have enjoyed and which I know will be enjoyed by everyone who doesn't have their own itinerary.  Of course, this itinerary will be extremely flexible - it's a starting point for anyone unfamiliar with the area and what is available.   There are many more experiences available in the area, and I invite everyone to check out the opportunities.

Day 0 - Departure for Germany
Day 1 - Arrival in Munich / Garmisch
Innsbruck - Christkindlmarkt                                                     Alternate- Gorge Tour, Brewery Tour
Day 2
Salzburg - Christkindlmarkt, castle, Sound of Music            Alt- Berchtesgaden, salt mines, Konigsee
Day 3
Nurnberg – Christkindlmarkt, city tour                                    Alt- Innsbruck, Brewery Tour
Day 4
Christkindlmarkt, victualenmarkt, Glockenspiel                    Alt- Nymphenburg palace
Day 5 - Christmas
Skiing, hiking, church                                                                   Alt- Gorge tour
Day 6
Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau castles                         Alt- Skiing
Day 7
Skiing                                                                                               Alt- Ettal abbey, Linderhof palace
Day 8
Munich - city tour, Hofbrauhaus, Lowenbrauhaus                Alt- Dachau, Nymphenburg palace
Day 9 - Departure (or additional day in Munich)
Alt - Dachau, Nymphenburg palace, Berchtesgaden - salt mines, Konigsee, Documentation museum
Day 10 - Departure for U.S.

Rooms booked in Garmisch!

I have rooms booked at Gästehaus Hohe Tannen for 21-28 December, in anticipation of at least one night in Munich on the back side of the trip before departure.  I have also booked one extra room which will go on a first come - first served basis.  I'm not sure if other rooms will be available later at Hohe Tannen, as they seem to be filling up quickly.  I'm still confident that rooms will be available at other guesthouses / hotels until much later in the year, and in close proximity to Hohe Tannen.  Guesthouse Maria Anna is on the same street and looks like a wonderful place to stay.  If more people (4) become interested later and want two rooms together, I can give up the two at Hohe Tannen to them.  The extra room available at Hohe Tannen is-

Double room with shower/ WC, hair-dryer and Satellite-TV and
telephone. Price is 43,00 EUR per person per night
including breakfast buffet but excluding visitor's tax (2,00 EUR per adult
and night).

Trip Dates

In order to get a jump on reservations at Gastehaus Hohe Tannen I need to firm up trip dates.  I'm tentatively planning on the following dates for the trip-

20 December -         Departure
21 December -         Arrival (AM)
21 - 27 December - Garmisch (7 nights)
28 December -         Munich (1 night)
29 December -         Depart from Munich

Naturally, I'm entirely flexible on the dates.  I am in no hurry to depart Germany, and could easily stay longer.  As a matter of fact, locking in reservations for Hohe Tannen based upon these dates would still enable flexibility for additional days (nights) in Munich.  I have selected the dates above on the assumption that most people cannot get away too long, but it would take about a half second to convince me to extend the trip on either or both ends.  I need a little feedback here!   Flight reservations and hotel accomodations in Munich are not nearly as time sensitive as reservations in Garmisch - these can wait until a couple months before the trip.

Estimated Cost of Trip

Happy New Year!  I am excited at the arrival of the new year and my plans for returning to Germany for Christmas this year.  It was great to see family over the holidays, but I am more resolved than ever to continue my new tradition of spending Christmas in Germany.  I have made contact once again with Gastehaus Hohe Tannen to ensure availability of the separate apartment and several rooms in the main house.  I will be making reservations soon, based upon tentative commitments from individuals.  In the meantime, I'm attaching a basic estimate of expenses for the trip.  This is only an estimate, as prices AND exchange rates fluctuate.  Lodging costs are averaged and based upon double-occupancy.  Food costs are based upon individuals eating the provided breakfast, simple lunches and snacks, and modest evening meals.  Cost of alcohol is not included, although beer runs only slightly more than soft drinks.  I suggest early and often searches for airfares to MUNICH to ensure the best fares.  Please don't make the mistake of booking into Frankfurt am Main, as this will add considerable time and expense to the last leg of your trip to Garmisch (and possibly a rescue mission performed by ME!).  Skiing and snowboarding costs are estimated below; activities abound for those who do not wish to ski or snowboard.  I expect to firm up my dates in the next few weeks, although yours my vary.  Tschuss!
John

Estimated Costs of basic expenses - minus extraneous expenses (souvenirs, etc.)
Airfare to Munich				$900.00
Lodging (based upon dual occupancy)				$225.00
Transportation (trains, buses, auto)				$100.00
Skiing / Snowboarding (based upon two days)				$150.00	(not applicable to all persons)
Food				$250.00
Side Trips (castles, tours, etc.)				$100.00
Total (estimated)				$1575-$1725

Accommodations in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The towns of Garmisch and Partenkirchen were merged into one town for the Olympics in 1936 and remain one entity today.  The only visible separation between what used to be the two towns is the river bisecting the town.  For the purpose of discussion, both are referred to here as they are in most conversation, by just calling them "Garmisch".  I contacted Gastehaus Hohe Tannen several months ago to inquire about rooms for Christmas 2011.  They have changed management in the last few months, and they requested I contact them in January 2011 for reservations.  As you can see, that's just around the corner!  I plan to try to stay at the Hohe Tannen becuase I found it a relaxing and traditional place to stay (with good breakfast and complimentary lebkuchen!), but there are plenty of other places to stay in Garmisch.  Some people may prefer more up-scale digs, and there are plenty of those also.  I made my reservations at the Hohe Tannen for December 2009 only a few months in advance, but the various hotels and guesthouses will begin filling up quickly by summer 2011.  I'm planning ahead.  Anyone wishing to get in on my reservation can let me know by January 2011 and I'll include you.  Hohe Tannen offers rooms for two, three, or four persons, and they have a small apartment available which offers accommodations for at least six people plus a common area.  I've attached the link to Hohe Tannen below, as well as a few other links for Garmisch.  Please view them at your own leisure.  If you'd rather make your own reservations - c'est la vie!  No problem!  I only ask that you talk to me ahead of time so I can give you some words of advice about the layout of the town, transportation, etc.  I don't want anyone unknowingly getting stuck on the outskirts of town.  Christmas is nearly upon us this year, and I'm excited at returning to Germany again soon.  Not soon enough!  Frohe Weihnachten!