Austria, Germany and Switzerland Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Austria, Germany and Switzerland Tours & Trips

• What are the most efficient ways to travel between Austria, Germany, and Switzerland?

  Trains are definitely your best option for getting around these countries - the rail networks are incredibly well-connected with frequent high-speed services running between major cities. The Eurail Pass gives you lots of flexibility to hop between countries and explore at your own pace. For something really special, take the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt — the views are absolutely stunning. If you're looking for a more leisurely way to travel, river cruises along the Rhine let you stop at charming towns and vineyards like on the "Christmastime from Basel to Vienna" route.

• What are some locally recognized cultural practices visitors can participate in, and where do they typically take place?

  Head to the village of Habkern Switzerland where you can actually learn to make your own alphorn and try yodeling during the "Discover Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria" tour between Bern and Innsbruck. Over in Innsbruck Austria you've got to catch one of the traditional Tyrolean folklore shows — local musical families put on amazing performances that really showcase the culture. For a truly authentic German experience visit Munich's famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall or time your trip for Oktoberfest the world's biggest beer festival that takes over the city each September and October.

• What locally recognized regional specialties should I try, and where are they commonly served?

  You'll find Austria's famous Wiener Schnitzel — a perfectly crispy breaded veal cutlet — in traditional restaurants all across the country. Switzerland is all about the cheese: grab some fondue where you dip bread into a communal pot of melted cheese or try raclette where they scrape melted cheese right onto potatoes and veggies like they do on the "From Prague to Zurich" tour. Don't miss Salzburg's sweet soufflé called Salzburger Nockerl. In Germany every region has its own take on bratwurst served with sauerkraut and mustard — best enjoyed in a beer garden. The "10-Days Cheese & Alps Euro Rail Trail" includes a great Bavarian Beer and Food Evening in Munich.

• Which officially designated natural areas exist outside major urban centers, and what are the primary methods of accessing them?

  Switzerland's Aare Gorge is pretty incredible — this limestone gorge carved by the river has great footpaths and bridges for exploring. Take the cable car up to Glacier 3000 for amazing Alpine views featured in the "Switzerland's Best" tour. Germany's Black Forest is perfect for hiking and cycling with extensive trails like those on the "Christmastime from Basel to Vienna" river cruise. The Austrian Lake District has gorgeous mountain-ringed lakes you can explore on the "Summer 5-Country Alpine Tour in a Porsche." Most of these spots are easy to reach by train bus or rental car.

• Which lesser-known or regional routes are documented for traveling around Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and what are the recognized reasons travelers prefer them?

  The Gerlos Alpine Road in Austria takes you through beautiful alpine meadows with spectacular views — it's actually featured in the "Summer 5-Country Alpine Tour in a Porsche." Germany's Romantic Road connects medieval towns and castles and you can experience it on the "10-Days Cheese & Alps Euro Rail Trail." The Grossglockner High Alpine Road crosses Austria's highest paved mountain pass while Switzerland's Entlebuch region a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve shows up in the "Fall/Spring 5-Country Alpine Tour." TourRadar travelers say they love these routes because they're more relaxed and let you really discover authentic villages and local culture off the typical tourist path.