2 Weeks in Germany

[jdposey]

Hey everyone!

I'm planning a two-week backpacking trip through Germany for September, ending in Munich for Oktoberfest. I have my itinerary posted below. It would be much appreciated if you all would review it and let me know what changes should be made. I will be travelling by rail and will have a budget of about $1500 after travel expenses and accommodation.

9/05/10: Depart Austin
9/06/10: Arrive Berlin
9/07/10: Berlin
9/08/10: Berlin
9/09/10: Depart Berlin / Arrive Düsseldorf
9/10/10: Düsseldorf
9/11/10: Depart Düsseldorf / Arrive Cologne
9/12/10: Cologne
9/13/10: Depart Cologne / Arrive Heidelberg
9/14/10: Heidelberg
9/15/10: Depart Heidelberg / Arrive Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber
9/16/10: Rothenburg
9/17/10: Depart Rothenburg / Arrive Munich
9/18/10: Munich
9/19/10: Munich
9/20/10: Munich
9/21/10: Depart Munich / Arrive Austin

Thanks!

[madamtrashheap]

Welcome to GFE, jdposey.

You've allowed a good amount of time in each city listed, except for Berlin where I'd be inclined to add one more full day to account for a little jet lag and the fact that it's a cool city.

I'm intrigued as to why you're visiting Düsseldorf - I've been there a few times, for work and once for the boat show, but it doesn't come up on many people's itineraries so is there a specific reason you've included it? A Fortuna fan by chance? Or a Die Toten Hosen fan?!!

Great to see you've included time in Cologne and Heidelberg and that you're spending time in Rothenburg o.d. Tauber - it's a beautiful city and Eagle will have a suggestion for a night walking tour with a difference. You may find that 2 full nights here is a lot as it's a small town, so you'll definitely get to explore and have your fill of Christmas.

From Berlin to Düsseldorf will the longest stretch (4ish hours), however the journeys after that will be relatively short and thus you'll find yourself with time to play with either on the day of arrival or morning of departure.

Look into a rail pass for Germany as purchasing point-to-point tickets will be expensive. If you haven't already, start researching (and booking if possible, although sometimes you have to wait until June) accommodation in Munich. As you can imagine, it gets pretty hectic during Oktoberfest. There are plenty of Hostels (Wombat's, Haus International) as well as a campsite nearby (Camping Thalkirchen) which has cabins, and there is also a place called The Tent which may suit you.