Tell me about Bavaria in the autumn

In My Humble Opinion
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I graduated from college a few weeks ago, but will be spending most of the summer in radiation therapy so I’m not looking for full-time work yet. Instead I’m planning the vacation I’ve been dreaming of for ages…I’m going to go to Bavaria!

Yes, of all the places on earth, I want to go to Bavaria. Don’t give me a hard time about this. I like big pretzels, okay?

I was originally planning to go in September, since I’ll be out of radiation by late July/early August and I figure it’s best to avoid the Oktoberfest rush. I’m not a drinker myself, and I’m sure not going to pay higher travel prices just so other people can spill beer on me. However, it looks like airfare drops by as much as half beginning in November.

Thing is, I realize the shoulder season is the shoulder season for a reason. The travel guides I’ve found say the weather in southern Germany ranges from unreliable to lousy from November to April. This tends to keep most tourists away, which is good, but I’m afraid that either it will be bad enough to make me wish I’d stayed away or that many tourist attractions will be closed.

So gang, what’s the Straight Dope on Bavaria in the autumn? I’m primarily interested in Munich and the Chiemsee area. Is September so much better than November that it’s worth the much more expensive airfare? Do sites of historical and touristical interest tend to stay open into the winter? Are there any spots German Dopers or Dopers who have visited Germany especially recommend I see? How about ones you’d especially recommend I avoid? When do the leaves usually change? How’s the weather? I’m not a total weather wimp, but I prefer not to be rained on heavily and that the temperature be warm enough that I don’t need to bother taking a big coat.

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I sent your request to someone I know from Bavaria. I’m hoping he’ll have enough free time from school to answer your questions.

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Thanks, xcheopis, I appreciate it.

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First of all, weather in Germany almost always pretty much sucks…think New Jersey but with a far better landscape.

You can luck out and have a mild Autumn…but you are still going to need a warm coat and a waterproof poncho. Munich is actually kind of mild weather and lots to do year round as far as museums and art galleries etc. Try staying at Haus International…cheap, clean, their own mini-disco and nice rooms. They have their own website where you can book on-line.

Southern Germany is quite conservative, unlike the wild Berliners and folks in Hamburg. Oktoberfest is only really fun once, and only if you like to drink beer, so you really aren’t missing much. Christmas season is really beautiful…all the neat open air markets selling Christmas decorations and foods…just like out of a book of fairytales. If I were you, I would wait until the weather really turns to snow…then the area is breathtaking…the mountains, the lodges, the warm hostels…far fewer tourists and much cheaper prices. Dress warmly and you will have a great time.

So much to see in that area…I loved the Deutsches Museem, and lots of palaces and stuff to see. It is a quick train ride to Innsbruck in Austria…there are all sorts of great side trips within Bavaria. Chiemsee and the area is also very pretty.
Trust me, you won’t be bored!

Forget about the weather and just go have a great time.

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You should hope Einmon stops by; she’s from the area. Optihut is German too. Don’t recall any other German posters immediately, but I know there are more.

I’ve been in Munich and Ingolshaven in an autumn weekend (Octrober IIRC), and I can confirm that the weather was lousy. Okay, not completely horrible, but still rather drizzly. Didn’t see very much of the area (I visited friends), though the landscape seemed nice. If you’re on your own, I’m not sure whether a Beerkeller (beer cellar) would be the thing to do, but it is and interesting experience. Lots of Germans apparently having fun while drinking beer from large pitchers. Something best enjoyed in familiar company.

Sorry I can’t say much more. Wouldn’t have posted if there’d been more replies, but didn’t want you to feel ignored. :wink: (And I still don’t understand why Bavaria? I really liked the Heidelberg area and the Rhine cities).

On preview, seeing a native has already helped you out. Still, I wont let this one get lost on my post count, so here you go…

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Hey, there’s nothing with wanting to visit Bavaria! It’s a beautiful place. I was in Munich in late September/early October and barring one day of light rain, it was beautiful. Have been to Munich twice (April) and the weather was basically the same but slightly colder in April. If I recall, it was around the mid-50s, which is perfect for hiking/walking around. Just be prepared for some rain (which you should always do anyway) and you’ll be fine.

BTW, Oktoberfest isn’t restricted to October. Most of it takes place in September and it ends in early October, or at least it did that year I was there. The entire city isn’t consumed wth drinking and barfing; that only took place in the actual biergarten and on the weekend nights. If you like drunken forward British guys, this is your scene! It’s actually quite fun during the day when you have families around. The rest of the city is great. You’re right that if you go during the Oktoberfest rush, hotel prices may be higher.

If you can swing it, I recommend going along the Mosel and Rhine valleys (west of Frankfurt) and visiting places like Bacharach & Berg Eltz. (I thought Heidelberg was overrated.) And since you’re going to be there already, you have to head to Fussen for castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

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Weather

Ah, the German weather. There is a reason September flights are more expensive…if you’re looking for nice autumn weather, the end of September to the beginning of October is your time frame for that.

Usually, for Oktoberfest you have the chance of weather similar to the Indian Summer, which is quite enjoyable. After that, I am afraid to report, November usually gets drizzly and dreary. Things become nice again when (and if) it snows.

But actually, Bavaria’s weather usually is better than the weather in the other German states, we have more sunshine in the summer, less rain in general and more snow in the winter. Of course, this is all barring the weather gods’ approval.

Sights

When you come over here, you’ll notice one thing: everything is closer together than in the States. So I guess it shouldn’t really be a problem to take a car or public transportation and travel across the country. I don’t know how long you’re planning to stay, but you probably could visit Berlin or the Rhine area while you’re in Bavaria. What are popular Bavarian sights…my, my, there are many…

First of all, the infamous Oktoberfest. Yes, it really takes part in late September/early October - its last weekend is the first October weekend. And I agree that it can be quite nice to just take a stroll over it on a nice day, having some cotton candy or stuff like that. Just avoid the tents if you’re not much of a beer drinker, the mayhem inside is only bearable after 2 liters of beer or so.

Even if you give the Oktoberfest a miss, Munich’s definitely worth a visit. If you’re interested in culture, we’ve got it all :slight_smile:
I’m talking churches, castles, museums, theaters, gallerys etc.

The Chiemsee area might be better if the weather is nicer, I think boat tours and such close down for the winter.

You can check out the opening times and other facts about the famous Bavarian castles here. If you’re planning to visit those, I’d recommend looking at Castle Neuschwanstein (the “Disney Castle”) from the outside and touring Castle Linderhof next door. Much less overrun with Japanese tourists and much more interesting inside.

That’s just a small snippet of what you could do… Maybe if you provide more info about what you like to do best I could specify things for you. And if you like you can email me with further questions, I’d be happy to answer them for you.

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It’s full of Bavarians.

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Hint: if you decide to go into Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, I’d suggest that you buy your tickets early and online! A friend in Munich didn’t know that you could do that. You will save a lot of time waiting in line.

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Thank you everyone for the advice!

It looks like pre-Oktoberfest September would probably be the best time for me to go. I stopped by a local travel agent today to do a little more fact-checking, and the agent I spoke to said that while September airfare is expensive now the rates are likely to go down if I wait a while to buy.

I will definitely be hitting the major castles, and perhaps I’ll see an opera in Munich as well. I’ve never been to an opera before, but I have a friend employed at an American opera house so I know the season begins in September!

At home I am not much of an outdoorswoman, but on my last trip abroad (England) I walked all over the place and had a great time. I’m sure there must be plenty of hiking in the Alps, and possibly something even a weakling like me will be able to handle.

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When you’re in Munich, stop by and say hello. And bring pie :slight_smile:

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  1. Weather’s been discussed. It’s hit or miss but the Jersey comparison was accurately funny.

  2. Don’t go assuming the rail system is free…you buy a zone ticket completely on the honor system and there aren’t any conductors who check (like the commuter rails here). But if you are caught without a ticket, it could be a hassle.

  3. Lowenbrau has the best bier tent, Spaten’s runs a close second. Don’t go there expecting tents, they’re more like C130 airport hangars. You’ll be amazed the the fill / wash / fill assembly line

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If you go out to Neuschwanstein, make sure you walk up to the bridge behind it for the view of the castle…not only is it pretty, but you’ll get away from the bulk of the crowds that are likely to be milling about.

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If you get there when the Bavarian Cream doughnut trees are in bloom, you’re in for a real treat! They’re everywhere just for the pickin’.

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But surely that’s in the spring! Perhaps I should postpone my visit…

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Oh Marien’s bridge is a beauty, but if you’re a wuss and afraid of heights like me, it won’t be a fun experience. Still, you should hike up there for the view, even if you don’t ever set foot on the wooden-planked bridge. :eep:

Bavarian Cream Donut Tree… heh heh. Quit leaking the secret!

Oh, and all the best with your therapy, Lamia!

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I highly recommend the so-called “Romantic Road”. Do a search on Google and learn about the important stops along your way which end in Füssen at Neuschwanstein, Ludwig’s castle.

Try to stop in my hometown, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the last walled-in medieval towns in Germany. There you will be able to walk around the entire city on top of the wall as part of The Nightwatchman’s Tour or visit one of the many museums that are offered. (I especially recommend the Kriminal Museum, where you can learn about early medieval justice! :D).

Also don’t forget the Christmas stores of Käthe Wohlfahrt which are based in Rothenburg. Let yourself be transported back to childhood as you excperience Christmas the German way. If I may suggest, if you buy anything there, please make sure the items you buy are made in Germany. Wohlfahrt are notorious for importing items made more cheaply in other countries, and German crafts-persons are understandably very upset over this.

ALong the romantic road, don’t forget the little villages where you can stop and overnight and be welcomed even if you speak no word of German. They will love you even if you just make an effort!

If you do decide to stop in Rothenburg, I hope you will visit the Bier und Weinstube Nusch. There you will meet your host Klaus and you might even be regaled by a sing-along from the Stamm-Tisch (“member table”, reserved for guys who always attend on a certainn night). Klaus is a personal friend of mine who may even buy you a beer if you mention “Bill aus Dallas, Georgia”.

Anyway, I wish you “viel Vergnügen” (much enjoyment) on your trip, and I hope you will post some of your pictures on the web for us to see.

I hope this has been helpful, Liebe Lamia! Ich wünsche eine sehr angenehme Reise und viel Spaß!

(I wish you a comfortable journey and much fun!)

Der Quas’ :smiley:

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And no, Rothenburg ob der Tauber doesn’t pay me anything to recommend them! :smiley:

(Ya little heathens!:D)

Quasi