What kind of hotels are suggested for this trip?

The plan suggests family-friendly chain hotels like Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre and NH Collection Nürnberg City, located within easy walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof and Altstadt in both Munich and Nuremberg, with options for two rooms or family room configurations.

How will we get around between cities and within each city?

All transfers are by train, S-Bahn, tram, or walking. You'll use Deutsche Bahn for intercity travel between Munich and Nuremberg, and to Salzburg. Within cities, walking is prioritized, with S-Bahn connections for wider areas like the Munich airport.

Are there indoor activities planned if the weather is cold or the kids get tired?

Yes, every day includes a designated warm indoor fallback. Examples include Galeria Kaufhof at Marienplatz in Munich, the Nuremberg Toy Museum, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg, and Mozart's Birthplace in Salzburg.

How much does the intercity train from Munich to Nuremberg cost?

The cost estimate for an IC/RE train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof is typically $30–$60 per person. You can find options from Deutsche Bahn, with booking available from one day in advance for reserved seats.

What's the best way to book train tickets for the Salzburg day trip?

It is recommended to book a round-trip train ticket from Munich to Salzburg via Deutsche Bahn (direct Railjet/EC) or ÖBB/regional connections. Direct high-speed options cost around €70–€140 per person, while regional connections are often cheaper at €50–€90 per person.

Lit wooden Christmas market stalls strung with garlands in an old-town square.

Sample itinerary · 6 days

Christmas Markets by Train: 6-Day Germany & Austria Family Itinerary

This trip offers enchanting medieval towns, festive Christmas markets, and engaging museums, perfect for family discovery.

Going to: Munich, Nuremberg and Salzburg
Length: 6 days
Travelers: Families

The total covers flights from Boston, Massachusetts, lodging, getting around and tickets and tours for the whole party, plus food, gas and parking estimated in the breakdown below.

Things to do

Altstadt stroll · Marienplatz & surrounding streets (Day 1)
Galeria Kaufhof · Marienplatz (warm indoor fallback) (Day 1)
Munich Christkindlmarkt (Day 1)
Evening stroll back to hotel · Altstadt → Hauptbahnhof (Day 1)
Nuremberg Castle · old-town castle walk (Day 2)
Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt (Day 2)
Kunstvilla Nürnberg (Day 2)
Handwerkerhof courtyard & Altstadt walk (Day 3)
Germanisches Nationalmuseum (Day 3)
Museums Nuremberg - Albrecht Dürer House (Day 3)
Rest · NH Collection Nürnberg City (Day 3)
Altstadt stroll — food lanes & squares (Day 4)
Deutsches Museum — hands-on science (warm indoor fallback) (Day 4)
Salzburg Old Town walk — Getreidegasse & Mozartplatz (Day 5)
Mozart's Birthplace — indoor family museum fallback (Day 5)
Mirabell Gardens stroll (short) (Day 5)
Airport concourse warm indoor fallback · shops & seating (Day 6)

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Why this plan works

Arrive in Munich in the morning, drop bags at a central family hotel, then an easy Altstadt walk that ends at the warm Galeria department-store fallback before the evening Christmas market.

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Depart evening (home)
Lufthansa · BOS → MUC
Depart evening (home)
A direct scheduled airline is the simplest way for families and ties the day's timing to your morning arrival.
Book ahead · Fares typically open ~11 months out and are usually cheapest 2–4 months ahead
Operated by Lufthansa; depart Boston in the evening, arrive Munich the next morning (MUC); arrive at BOS before departure and grab breakfast on the way at the airport or onboard.
Arrive morning
S-Bahn S1/S8 · Munich Airport → München Hauptbahnhof
Arrive morning
S-Bahn is the direct public-transit link to Hauptbahnhof and keeps you car-free as requested.
Public S-Bahn service from the airport to Hauptbahnhof; buy tickets at the machines or via MVV app and ride into the city center on family-friendly trains.
9:30 AM
Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre, an IHG Hotel
9:30 AM
Chain hotel near Hauptbahnhof meets your family-room requirement and keeps every day start/end within walking distance.
Book ahead · Rooms usually open ~12 months out; book 2–3 months ahead for choice
Check in or drop bags at this mainstream family-friendly chain hotel within easy walking distance of Hauptbahnhof and the Altstadt; request adjacent rooms or a family room configuration.
10:30 AM
Altstadt stroll · Marienplatz & surrounding streets
10:30 AM
A gentle first outing to orient the family to Munich's old town and the nearby Christmas-stall clusters.
Leisurely walk around Marienplatz, see the square, street life and decorated storefronts while pacing for two children and stopping for photos.
12:30 PM
Lunch · Café Glockenspiel (family-friendly)
12:30 PM
Close to Marienplatz with simple, kid-friendly dishes and quick service for families.
Book ahead · Call ahead: most restaurants open tables about a month out, and large parties often need longer
Casual sit-down lunch with classics and kids' options overlooking the square; a short, unhurried stop before more walking.
2:30 PM
Galeria Kaufhof · Marienplatz (warm indoor fallback)
2:30 PM
Central, sheltered and family-friendly — an indoor option located right at Marienplatz for warming up and regrouping.
Retreat into the multilevel Galeria department store at Marienplatz for warm indoor shopping, restrooms, snack counters and a family-friendly indoor break when kids are cold.
4:30 PM
Munich Christkindlmarkt
4:30 PM
Markets light up in the evening and offer a festive atmosphere for an early-family night out.
Evening visit to the family-friendly Christmas-market stalls around Marienplatz for lights, local treats and seasonal gifts; move slowly and follow the kids' pace.
6:30 PM
Dinner · Augustiner am Dom (family-style Bavarian)
6:30 PM
Traditional local cuisine in a family-friendly setting near the Altstadt for an easy early-evening meal.
Book ahead · Call ahead: most restaurants open tables about a month out, and large parties often need longer
Early family dinner with hearty Bavarian favorites and child-friendly portions in a relaxed beer-house environment a short walk from Marienplatz.
8:00 PM
Evening stroll back to hotel · Altstadt → Hauptbahnhof
8:00 PM
Keeps the family within walking distance of the booked hotel and ensures next-morning access to trains.
Short, easy walk from Marienplatz back to your hotel near Hauptbahnhof; time to drop purchases and rest before bed.

If you fall behind

What to cut if you fall behind: skip the full market circuit and stay longer inside Galeria as the warm indoor fallback.

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Bookings & costs

Total unavailable

Total unavailable: prices in this plan are in more than one currency, so we won't add them up.

0 of 17 bookable items booked

Food not included: about $950, listed below

0 of 17 bookable items booked

Locked in

paid or reserved

Still to book

$9,000

est. $7,450–$10,542 · 17 items

Gas & parking

$300

est. $217–$382

Booked prices are exact. Everything else is an estimate.

Know before you go

Practical notes for this trip — the things worth sorting before you leave.

Set up before you go

Download the Deutsche Bahn (DB) app, save your eTickets and the Munich MVV day passes to your phone for easier station validation.
Link tickets and confirmations to your phone and the hotel email; ask your Munich and Nuremberg hotels for nearest elevator and family room details in advance.
Time-sensitiveYour booked stay

Booking windows & timing

Confirm weekday museum closures and winter closing times before you go — the Germanisches Nationalmuseum and Albrecht Dürer House have seasonal closures to check.
Time-sensitiveGermanisches Nationalmuseum

Getting around & driving

All transfers are by rail/tram: plan regional trains between Munich–Nuremberg and Munich–Salzburg as explicit legs and validate platform changes on the DB app.
Train Munich → Nuremberg

Crowds & timing

Christmas-market crowds peak in evenings; visit markets early (late morning/early afternoon) with kids, and use the named indoor fallback if it gets too cold or crowded.
Time-sensitive

Money

Carry some euros for small market purchases—many stalls take cards but small vendors may be cash-preferred; ATMs are plentiful at stations.

Weather & packing

Expect cold, possibly wet December weather: pack warm layers, waterproof boots for kids, hand warmers and a compact umbrella for market time.

Health & safety

If anyone needs medication or allergy supplies, bring them in carry-on; pharmacies (Apotheke) are common but check opening hours for Sundays and holidays.

Local etiquette & language

Learn a few basic German phrases for market sellers and station staff (please, thank you, excuse me); most staff speak English but locals appreciate the effort.

Embassy & emergency

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Germany — locate nearest U.S. missionGermany
See the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Germany locator (U.S. Department of State) — confirm current address and hours before you travel.
Contact the nearest U.S. mission via the U.S. Embassy locator; confirm current emergency phone before travel.
Confirm current details
U.S. Embassy in Austria — locate nearest U.S. missionAustria
See the U.S. Embassy in Austria locator (U.S. Department of State) — confirm current address and hours before you travel.
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Austria via the State Department embassy locator; confirm current emergency phone before travel.
Confirm current details

Want this trip on your dates?

Make this yours — free, no account, no card.

Plan a trip like this

Questions about this plan

What kind of hotels are suggested for this trip?: The plan suggests family-friendly chain hotels like Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre and NH Collection Nürnberg City, located within easy walking distance of the Hauptbahnhof and Altstadt in both Munich and Nuremberg, with options for two rooms or family room configurations.
How will we get around between cities and within each city?: All transfers are by train, S-Bahn, tram, or walking. You'll use Deutsche Bahn for intercity travel between Munich and Nuremberg, and to Salzburg. Within cities, walking is prioritized, with S-Bahn connections for wider areas like the Munich airport.
Are there indoor activities planned if the weather is cold or the kids get tired?: Yes, every day includes a designated warm indoor fallback. Examples include Galeria Kaufhof at Marienplatz in Munich, the Nuremberg Toy Museum, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg, and Mozart's Birthplace in Salzburg.
How much does the intercity train from Munich to Nuremberg cost?: The cost estimate for an IC/RE train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof is typically $30–$60 per person. You can find options from Deutsche Bahn, with booking available from one day in advance for reserved seats.
What's the best way to book train tickets for the Salzburg day trip?: It is recommended to book a round-trip train ticket from Munich to Salzburg via Deutsche Bahn (direct Railjet/EC) or ÖBB/regional connections. Direct high-speed options cost around €70–€140 per person, while regional connections are often cheaper at €50–€90 per person.