Travel at 40: Option 7 - Germany Take Two

I visited Germany for the first time in December of 2012 and I enjoyed the experience a great deal. My favorite part of the country was southern Germany, in the area surrounding Munich.

As it happens, in September when I’m planning to travel, Munich will be hosting the world famous Oktoberfest. Which would be really convenient if I had known for sure I was going to Munich this September several months ago (like, last year) and had made arrangements already to stay there. At this late date, there are no places to stay left.

So Munich is not an option for this trip unless I’m there for just a few hours. That’s okay, though. In December, Germany is cold and dark and leafless, filled with Christmas Markets and opportunities for Glühwein (mulled wine). It was pretty amazing, but it left me wondering what the towns and villages would be like in warmer weather when things are still green and colorful.

A trip to Germany this year would provide me such an opportunity. I have several options for getting there: I could fly directly to Frankfurt, or I could fly to Zurich in Switzerland. Either way, I could rent a car and then travel through southern Germany by auto, exploring the Black Forest, wine trail, Bavarian Alps and the various castles that can be found in that area. Short trips to Switzerland (especially if I’m flying into Zurich), France or even southwestern Austria would be possible.

I’d be inclined, actually, to make sure I visit Switzerland during such a trip at least for a day or two so that I get to add a new country to my list. Come to think of it, I could even make a point of seeing a little bit of the Czech Republic.

Another option would be to fly into Amsterdam and either rent a car there so that I drive through The Netherlands and Belgium, or just take the train. Either way a day and night in Amsterdam would be a decent way to overcome jet lag before doing any serious traveling.

The area of Germany I have in mind is relatively small but it’s got a great deal to see. The wine route I alluded to earlier, a scenic drive known as the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, commemorating the first automobile road trip, castles such as Neuschwanstein Castle, and various fall festivals. It would make a great return trip.