AboutRangutan Expertise All about Munich (München) and the state of Bavaria (Bayern), related cities and towns, culture, history, travel highlights and assistance, also up-to-date information and about future events like Oktoberfest 2007, exhibitions, fairs or concerts...
Any question generally about Germany or Europe too.
Expert: Rangutan Date: 4/4/2008 Subject: Bavaria in October
Question Hello,
We will be going on a river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel and then wanted to spend an additional week touring Bavaria. We would like to visit smaller towns with beautiful surroundings, and it would be nice to see King Ludwig's castle. Not sure about October weather and crossing the Alps, we expect to have an all wheel drive vehicle. But if you think our time should be spent elsewhere we are open to suggestions as we will come back to Germany in the future.
Thank you,
Joyce Craddock
Answer Hi Joyce
There is no need to hire a 4x4 unless you have private access to some kind of a farm that you would like to go off-road.
Weather in October is cool and very unpredictable like in April. It is because of that that the 'Oktoberfest' starts mid-September and ends on the first Sunday in October. Nevertheless snow and ice is not expected in October, just prepare for autumn feeling, it is beautiful too.
October is great to travel because it is the end of the season. Masses of tourists are avoided, the roads are less busy and accommodation is easy to find. Get a road map and follow the marked famous "Alpine Route" across southern Germany through small romantic villages and picturesque foothills.
The Rhine valley is fantastic in this period, consider staying in the vineyards near Freiburg. A drive up into the cooler Black Forest from Basel/Freiburg is well worth it. Beyond that, Bavaria and Munich is open to many opportunities, see: http://www.listsofbests.com/list/15412
Tip: European weather is much controlled by the Alps. If the forecast is bad for Southern Germany just cross the Alps (3-5 hours) and experience the Mediterranean (and vice-versa)!
