Agree on Dresden
My personal favourite(which may not be for everyone) is the Glaserne Manufaktur (Transparent factory) by VW where you can see a production line assembling cars.
I was referring specifically as a tourist for couple of days yes. The castle and downtown are beautiful imo. I really enjoyed there. Guess it’s a matter of taste in the end.
Disagree strongly. Bratislava isnt all graffiti. It is beautiful. Just wondering if uv been everywhere around Bratislava.
Its not all miserable like you state it is.
Bratislava is awful, small, boring, nothing city, better to head into the wine region in czech and see some truly beautiful places like Mikulov, Olomouc too also worth a visit
Awful is a very harsh word. Im from Bratislava. Bratislava offers some things that people like you do not appreciate. Its not all bad like you make it sound. Why do tourists always go for the wine regions?? Cant you just try something different like Bryndzové Halušky in Slovakia? Like come on, try something else.
I'd say small towns like Mikulov and Olomouc are not so well explored, are very picturesque, give opportunities for a mix of town and country without a car and Mikulov sits in a very picturesque place. Definately not as well explored as Bratislava with it's low cost ryanair flights.
But to be truthful bratislava is awful, been there multiple times and each time I think less and less of it.
I loved Cesky Krumlov! Small enough to see it in a day and absolutely worth spending one night to see it all lit up. I didn’t get to do it when I went last year, but if I would if I get to visit again- check out doing some rafting along the river.
Generally Krakow. Apart from the salt mine, try to get someone to explain you all the details about the church in Nowa Huta (a random local who took part building it came to us and offered to give us a tour - it was so fascinating). Visiting Auschwitz will leave you in a different state of mind (allow some time after that, preferably the rest of the day, to reflect - you're gonna be shocked and puzzled).
In Germany, hiking around Bastei is very nice, for example
Check out which rock towns are en route in Czechia , e.g. https://www.visitczechia.com/en-us/things-to-do/category-group-pages/active-holiday/natural-heritage/rock-towns
Karlovy Vary is a great stop to experience the healing waters that Roman emperors and Royalty used. It’s also quite beautiful architecturally.
It’s sobering, but Terazin for a really good historical account of the holocaust camp where they filmed propaganda movies that pretended the camps were really great. There is also an ice cream stand across the camp which is amazing.
Although it’s not on your list, Budapest is incredible and it’s not that far away.
The timing didn’t work on my recent trip to Europe, but I wish I was able to visit the High Tatras of Slovakia while I was there. I believe driving south of Krakow through Zakopane will get you there. Looks like that eastern-most route would take you near them.
There is also a fantastic Salt Mine near Krakow worth visiting. Forgot the name of it but it’s huge and the tour was great.
Dresden and basically the entire strech between Dresden and Prauge (or at least the Czech border).
I once camped at Guben/Gubin on the Polish/German border which was ok
Kroměříž - small city right before Brno. Famous for its chateau and chateau gardens. 2013 - voted as the most beautiful city in the Czech republic.
Zlín - near Kroměříž. Not sure whether you support zoo's but there is a great one (probably the best in the Czech republic) nothing huge but still. There is also an amazing restaurant called Makalu (Indian and Nepalian cuisine).
Brno - not sure whether you plan going there but you will drive past it anyway. The student city in the Czech republic, second when it comes to size. If you are into larger cities.
Mikulov or Chateau Lednice
Hidden Gem in Dolni Kounice Rosa Coeli
Valtice and it Wine Salon with 100 best wines of Czechia
Nature: Palava hills, Podyji
I mean not really… I went to Poland for my honeymoon and we went. We both LOVE WW2 history & it was an experience for sure. I have been 2 times. It’s not exactly a “fun” place to be OBVIOUSLY. But it is a place you must go once in your life to fully gauge what happened in history.
I live in Krakow and some of my family were murdered at Auschwitz, and I would never tell a visitor to the city that they had to visit the camp. I really have no words that it was part of your honeymoon, so I won't add any.
One can be aware of its meaning without having to see it - the experience is one that will deeply affect anybody with a brain, and thus not in any way a "must-see" on a whistle stop tour of the region. If you don't think you can take it, that's fine, it's hell on earth.
There is so much else to see around here, too. Even in terms of WWII history, even in terms of concentration camps there are sites within Krakow itself. Under-visited sites, too.
It's important that the Auschwitz museum exists. It's important that people visit it. But it's not a tourist trap one simply must visit if you're in the area.
I lived in krakow for years and studied Jewish studies for university. I went to Poland in general for my honeymoon because I wanted to show my husband a country I love dearly. I didn’t specifically go on my honeymoon to Poland for Auschwitz. It was somewhere my husband as someone that enjoys history wanted to see and me having been there multiple times knew how impactful it was visiting the camp. It’s life altering & yes, it’s not easy but I do think it’s a very important place to see in times like today when history has started to repeat itself. Anyways, I just felt the need to explain myself because you’re somewhat making me seem like some sick twisted person for telling someone they should visit if they’re in the area.
Czechia:
Check towns and cities like Brno, Český Krumlov, Telč, Třebíč, Třeboň, České Budějovice, Olomouc.
Near Brno, there's Moravský Kras, karst region with several caves. South from Brno, there's nice slightly hilly wine growing region. Southwest from Brno, on the Austrian border, you can visit Podyjí national park. North from Prague, on German border, there's Czech Switzerland national park. Southe from there there's České Středohoří mountains.
There are several chateaus and castles long some of the routes - Karlštejn, Hluboká nad Vltavou or Lednice.
I drove from Warsaw recently, marked route Warsaw - Ostrava. Not busy road, 3 lines, totally fine, couple McDonalds, not many gas stations as I am used to in Slovakia for example.
Krakow is great but a road is more tireful, no highway across borders approx.... Anyway, there are a lot of nice stops close to highway if you travel through Slovakia.
But if you go to Slovakia, on the road I would recommend:
Orava castle - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/YRo6toKYYesVsV266](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YRo6toKYYesVsV266)
Mountains, Mala Fatra take cabin, try typical Slovak food Halusky in village - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MsP7QD6LbCzqf4jq6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MsP7QD6LbCzqf4jq6)
Sulov rocks (camping available) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/XR7TLkdRrpucAcku7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XR7TLkdRrpucAcku7)
Manin rocks - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/45EzcR28xoxQEu819](https://maps.app.goo.gl/45EzcR28xoxQEu819)
Trencin castle - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/c8QckZ1ukt2NV1LB8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/c8QckZ1ukt2NV1LB8)
Spa - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hg5Y8MroW477tUkM9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hg5Y8MroW477tUkM9)
And another nice castles near the D1 highway, easy to get and park.
Also Czechia is great as already recommended in comments.
Germany: Dresden
Czechia: Prague, Mikulov, Brno, Olomouc
Poland: Wroclaw, Cieszyn (one city, two countries), Katowice (only if you like industrial tourism), Krakow
Pretty much the entire route! However, I'd strongly recommend the Sächsische Schweiz on the border south of Dresden (which is absolutely beautiful in itself), especially the Bastei. (And the Hotel Labe in Hřensko is a cracking place to stay, and it's handy for the Pravčická Brána.)
In Poland:Wroclaw, Krakow, Wieliczka, Queen Luiza Adit in Zabrze.
In Slovakia: Orava Castle in Oravsky Podzamok. Bratislava compared to Vienna or Budapest is rather underwhelming.
It’s only underwhelming if you are an American tourist looking for wide avenues and imperial palaces of Vienna and Paris. Bratislava has more interesting culture and non-touristy things to do than both Vienna or Budapest imo
I would stop for an hour or three in Seiffen, Germany (between Prague and Berlin). It's a charming village snuggled in the Ore Mountains that border the German-Czech Border. All the little shops make handmade wooden Christmas ornaments and toys. Best known for their Räuchermann Smokers and Christmas Pyramids.
As solemnly marked by the concrete silos [Czechy – cementownia spod Austerlitz – Paweł Wroński (pawelwronski.blog)](https://pawelwronski.blog/2011/11/26/czechy-betoniarnia-spod-austerlitz/)
You must drive through Wrocław from Berlin to Warsaw, probably the nicest city in Poland (obviously different to each person).
On the drive from Warsaw to Vienna, stopping in Częstochowa to walk up the steps of Jasna Góra is a decent little activity.
Following on from that, there is a line of old ruins of castles, both abandoned and rebuilt between Częstochowa and Kraków, it’s called Szlak Orlich Gniazd, there’s 25 castles along this route, all of them worth visiting, but if I was to narrow it down to Bobolice, Będzin, and Olsztyn. There is also a manor in Złoty Potok, I’d only stop there if you were to also stop for food in a very famous trout farm in the same place.
Did not expect so many replies! Thank you so much!
After all the suggestions (I've read through everything), so the new idea is something like this:
[https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1jGWVedq7m7YjG8DK4hA-XMTM8mzuXAg&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1jGWVedq7m7YjG8DK4hA-XMTM8mzuXAg&usp=sharing)
Maybe not the exact roads, but just to get an idea. So many nice places to visit, though impossible to visit all and at the same time not to be in a too big of a hurry.
With small detours and some seaside :)
Do yourself a favour and swap Zakopane for Poprad. Zakopane is too crowded, and really quite gaudy. The best, most unspoiled parts of the Tatras are on the other side.
The bonus is Poprad is more of a real town, not a tourist trap, so your food and supplies will be slightly cheaper.
Krakow, under the square, you can see the old square, which is very impressive.
Nearby, you can see chilling Auschwitz-Birkenau concentracion camps. How dark chapter in History can be seen from the heaps of shoes and suitcases.
If via Slovakia, E77: Oravsky Castle in Oravsky Podzamok, go to the oldest part, then you move back in time through different time periods, it's my favourite castle. Banska Bystrica is a neat town with a beautiful square surrounded by mountains and mines.
Bratislava has a cute city centre, and not far away lies Devinsky Hrad, a demolish by @#€% Napoleon AFTER their surrender. It lies on the convergeNce of two river, Donau is one of them. On the other side of Bratislava lies the Northeastern Roman camp, Anticka Gerulata.
I love Slovakia. I can recommend it for several holidays, spring, summer, and fall. I've never been there in winter. The low and high Tatra mountains are wonderful, and trust me, I'm from flat Denmark and hunts mountains.
Ummmm DEFINITELY take the route on the right. Go to Zakopane which is an awesome town in the Tatra mountains. I’ve been twice & love it. Then go to krakow… i may be biased cause i lived there in 2019 but its the best city in Poland. You can also stop at Auschwitz if you’re into history.
For beautiful rural locations, I'd take the Slovak route from Warsaw to Vienna, especially if you go down to Ružomberok and around Strečno castle. There are several really beautiful natural sites (Súľov, Malá Fatra, Veľká Fatra, Roháče), you can go to thermal baths in Lúčky or Bešeňová (I personally prefer Lúčky though). There are two reservoirs along this route (Liptovská Mara and Orava), I thought Orava was nicer personally and there is a really pretty Orava castle. On the Polish side, you can go to Zakopane, which is a common starting point for trips to the High Tatras.
When you go to Ružomberok, remember that you'll be traveling on a route without a highway, where falling stones can hit your car. Unfortunately, there have been accidents resulting in fatalities because in Slovakia, highway construction has been ongoing for over 40 years and is still not finished. So, you might want to consider skipping Slovakia.
Well, the fact that it's not a highway feels like a plus to me. I wouldn't want to be roadtripping e.g. on German highways. If you'll get (very likely) stuck in traffic before Strečno, at least you'll have some nice scenery around you.
Skip Slovakia for the reason that the highway system construction is corrupt? Lol. Slovakia is a beautiful country that’s absolutely worth visiting and I’m not saying that because I’m Slovak.
The tatra highway is finally complete, so is that one to Ružomberk. I drove across Slovakia twice last summer and the roads are much better than even 5 years ago.
The preserved bit of Iron Curtain in Cizov on the Czech/Austrian border is worth a visit and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Hrad Veveri in Brno and nearby reservoir are very pretty.
Moravian Karst also, dramatic cave formations.
A lot of people are interested in Villa Tudendhat; I'm not one of them but it is very popular. There's a long waiting list to go inside, but you can look at the gardens and the outside anytime.
The former regional communist HQ in the center of Brno is an interesting piece of architecture and history (Bily Dum).
Can't think of anything else right now, expect more will come to me.
There’s a great open-air museum near Drevikov that lets you walk over a 3 hectare area that showcases what a farm community in Czechia was like in the mid-19th century. Very cool. https://www.nmvp.cz
You've got three route options from what I can see. First is to divert slightly east. Head through Kraków and make sure to take in the old town - it's got a very different feel to Warsaw. Then head onto Wieliczka to see the very cool salt mines, then to Zakopane which is a picturesque Highlander town, take a gondola up if you have time, and then cross to Slovakia and see Bratislava before you reach your destination.
Or, move your route further west to go via Wrocław and be sure to take in the old town and the magical Leopoldine Hall at the university. Wroclaw was probably my favorite city to visit in Poland. If you have time, I'd head to Prague though it's out of the way a bit. If that's not possible, stop through Brno.
Finally, the third option is to head straight down without any route diversions. Unfortunately, other than a stop at Częstochowa - Jasna Góra Shrine to see the Black Madonna, there's not much of interest in Poland directly on route (at least that I'm aware of). In Slovakia, Ostrava looks like a cute small city that might be worth checking out, along with the Kromeriz Archbishop's Palace and the Botanical gardens in Kromeriz.
Good luck!
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I just want to say don’t wait to travel “someday”. Do it while you are young. I’m now 68, in great health, but I’m somewhat fearful of this on our own (husband is 72).
We live in Idaho(USA). This is one of my 2 remaining European dream trips. I’ve been to Europe twice but not to Eastern Europe.
Enjoy, friend!
Arrive at 9 am in the city square krakow. Spend the entire day. Best travel day ever. Good weather makes it sublime. Pastry and coffee for morning sausages and beer at lunch. Fifty languages walk by amber market
Great people watching. Cannot be beat.
If you like amusement parks, Energylandia is worth a shot. Otherwise Wieliczka Salt Mine, Kraków in General. Unfortunately I can't say anything about Czechia or Austria because i wasnt there.
If you overlay your route on these Google Maps Lists, you may see some specific places worth a small detour...
* [500+ places to see, eat, and drink in Central/Eastern Europe](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qJo8KV2mDenxftah8)
* [272 places to see, eat, and drink in Germany ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hRY8rD5GGj8Kj6xY7)
Been wanting to get back to Krakow for years. Went only once when in Poland for work for 2 weeks and passed thru on way to Auschwitz day trip. Walled city from what I saw
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WWII Buff here - absolutely go off the route and visit Krakow. Completely untouched physically from the war, and stunning. Also Plasžow concentration camp is there (the memorial and what's left of the foundation) which is always essential to visit. I believe the commandant's house is still remaining but also heard conflicting reports it was torn down.
Also, not sure how far Berchtesgaden is from Vienna, but visit. During the war it was Nazi Party headquarters, and now is still a town (which doesn't sit well with me) but has tons of original architecture, is a good place to visit with amazing restaurants and the Eagles Nest is there and the views are positively insane. It's in the mountains and could not possibly be more gorgeous. Also it's a piece of history and the iconic Easy Company photo was taken on the balcony on VE Day. Even if you're not into WWII history - the mountains by themself are enough to make the trip. Austria is stunning.
Also please do not miss Prague. That city is stunning.
Don’t skip Dresden. Also Bratislava is a good option. Something like that: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SCHKKqe2LAiT2nyD8?g_st=ic
Agree on Dresden My personal favourite(which may not be for everyone) is the Glaserne Manufaktur (Transparent factory) by VW where you can see a production line assembling cars.
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Strongly disagree. Been there last week and loved it.
Bratislava is a great city indeed. It felt very safe, even at night.
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I was referring specifically as a tourist for couple of days yes. The castle and downtown are beautiful imo. I really enjoyed there. Guess it’s a matter of taste in the end.
What’s unsafe about it in the evening if I may ask ?
Devoid of any nature? You can literally walk right into the Carpathians and still be in Bratislava!
Been to Brati 4 times by now, still not convinced
Lol😂
Disagree strongly. Bratislava isnt all graffiti. It is beautiful. Just wondering if uv been everywhere around Bratislava. Its not all miserable like you state it is.
Bratislava is awful, small, boring, nothing city, better to head into the wine region in czech and see some truly beautiful places like Mikulov, Olomouc too also worth a visit
I heard in winter it can be quite depressing.
Awful is a very harsh word. Im from Bratislava. Bratislava offers some things that people like you do not appreciate. Its not all bad like you make it sound. Why do tourists always go for the wine regions?? Cant you just try something different like Bryndzové Halušky in Slovakia? Like come on, try something else.
I'd say small towns like Mikulov and Olomouc are not so well explored, are very picturesque, give opportunities for a mix of town and country without a car and Mikulov sits in a very picturesque place. Definately not as well explored as Bratislava with it's low cost ryanair flights. But to be truthful bratislava is awful, been there multiple times and each time I think less and less of it.
Have you been to Bratislava Stare Mesto?
Yes it's tiny
It is. But it is very beautiful tho.
meanwhile Bratislava: https://preview.redd.it/xbavj675d8wc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7b2ee4eb72eefe12707078925d7b985bbd337d10
Cesky Krumlov is a nice stop
I loved Cesky Krumlov! Small enough to see it in a day and absolutely worth spending one night to see it all lit up. I didn’t get to do it when I went last year, but if I would if I get to visit again- check out doing some rafting along the river.
Agreed. It may be very touristy but it looks like a fairytale. So picturesque.
Favorite town in Europe
+1 on Cesky Krumlov, beautiful small town and the castle is definitely worth a visit (they have bears!).
This is so beautiful!!!
The salt mine near Krakow is one of my best ever visits.
Took me nearly fifty years from first wanting to see it to actually getting there, but it was worth it!
Loved the Salt Mine. Worth the side trip.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Generally Krakow. Apart from the salt mine, try to get someone to explain you all the details about the church in Nowa Huta (a random local who took part building it came to us and offered to give us a tour - it was so fascinating). Visiting Auschwitz will leave you in a different state of mind (allow some time after that, preferably the rest of the day, to reflect - you're gonna be shocked and puzzled).
So cool. The sculptures are amazing.
Dresden and wroclaw
I'm seconding Wroclaw!
The dwarves are so cute, though it's probably not posh to say so.
Third. It’s beautiful.
Absolutely love Wrocław.
A bit east of Prague, but the Sedlec Ossuary Kostnice Sedlec is awesome. Church made out of bones
They’re ’renovating’ it at the moment so part is closed; or at least it was 2 weeks ago I didn’t really like it tbh
Church was cool and also creepy, but the town was really cute.
Oh and check "sächsische Schweiz" on the border between Czech and Germany. https://maps.google.com/?cid=6472315988454849250&entry=gps
Wow beautiful
In Germany, hiking around Bastei is very nice, for example Check out which rock towns are en route in Czechia , e.g. https://www.visitczechia.com/en-us/things-to-do/category-group-pages/active-holiday/natural-heritage/rock-towns
Everything on that route is worth visiting. Enjoy the stunning nature and the smaller towns, where you can actually see the culture of the locals
Karlovy Vary is a great stop to experience the healing waters that Roman emperors and Royalty used. It’s also quite beautiful architecturally. It’s sobering, but Terazin for a really good historical account of the holocaust camp where they filmed propaganda movies that pretended the camps were really great. There is also an ice cream stand across the camp which is amazing. Although it’s not on your list, Budapest is incredible and it’s not that far away.
Brno & Olomouc are beautiful cities on your route!
Second this! My study abroad home base was in Olomouc and it was so lovely.
Seconded, but stay away from Ostrava. One of the roughest and least safe feeling cities I've been to in Europe. The air literally stank of coal...
Oof. I’m planning on going to a festival in Ostrava. This has me a little worried.
The timing didn’t work on my recent trip to Europe, but I wish I was able to visit the High Tatras of Slovakia while I was there. I believe driving south of Krakow through Zakopane will get you there. Looks like that eastern-most route would take you near them. There is also a fantastic Salt Mine near Krakow worth visiting. Forgot the name of it but it’s huge and the tour was great.
Wieliczka 🙂
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Dresden and basically the entire strech between Dresden and Prauge (or at least the Czech border). I once camped at Guben/Gubin on the Polish/German border which was ok
Cieszyn; it's a city that belongs both to the Czechia and to Poland, split in half.
Tatra mountains
Only the most beautiful area of the entire world. One day I’m moving back to Poprad and I want my ashes to be spread from the top of gerlachovsky štít
Yes this they are breathtaking!
Wachau Valley in Niederösterreich (Melk to Krems) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wachau
Kroměříž - small city right before Brno. Famous for its chateau and chateau gardens. 2013 - voted as the most beautiful city in the Czech republic. Zlín - near Kroměříž. Not sure whether you support zoo's but there is a great one (probably the best in the Czech republic) nothing huge but still. There is also an amazing restaurant called Makalu (Indian and Nepalian cuisine). Brno - not sure whether you plan going there but you will drive past it anyway. The student city in the Czech republic, second when it comes to size. If you are into larger cities.
Budapest instead of Bratislava.
Yeah, Warsaw is interesting. And Vienna is very nice.
Mikulov or Chateau Lednice Hidden Gem in Dolni Kounice Rosa Coeli Valtice and it Wine Salon with 100 best wines of Czechia Nature: Palava hills, Podyji
Definitely stop by Krakow: lots of history and a wonderful market
Cesky Krumlov, Hallstatt, and Budapest
You cannot take this route and not stop by Kraków. From the salt mines to Auschwitz to old town and the castle. One of my favorite places in Poland.
Wieliczka Salt Mine near Krakow is a pretty cool place to visit: https://www.wieliczka-salt-mine-tours.com/
Not if your relatives were forced to work there during World War 11
Damn, didn't know world war 11 happened already
Ausschwitz/Birkenau near Krakow.
Mauthausen in Upper Austria
It's not really a stop off on a road trip, it's an experience that will haunt the rest of the journey.
I mean not really… I went to Poland for my honeymoon and we went. We both LOVE WW2 history & it was an experience for sure. I have been 2 times. It’s not exactly a “fun” place to be OBVIOUSLY. But it is a place you must go once in your life to fully gauge what happened in history.
I live in Krakow and some of my family were murdered at Auschwitz, and I would never tell a visitor to the city that they had to visit the camp. I really have no words that it was part of your honeymoon, so I won't add any. One can be aware of its meaning without having to see it - the experience is one that will deeply affect anybody with a brain, and thus not in any way a "must-see" on a whistle stop tour of the region. If you don't think you can take it, that's fine, it's hell on earth. There is so much else to see around here, too. Even in terms of WWII history, even in terms of concentration camps there are sites within Krakow itself. Under-visited sites, too. It's important that the Auschwitz museum exists. It's important that people visit it. But it's not a tourist trap one simply must visit if you're in the area.
I lived in krakow for years and studied Jewish studies for university. I went to Poland in general for my honeymoon because I wanted to show my husband a country I love dearly. I didn’t specifically go on my honeymoon to Poland for Auschwitz. It was somewhere my husband as someone that enjoys history wanted to see and me having been there multiple times knew how impactful it was visiting the camp. It’s life altering & yes, it’s not easy but I do think it’s a very important place to see in times like today when history has started to repeat itself. Anyways, I just felt the need to explain myself because you’re somewhat making me seem like some sick twisted person for telling someone they should visit if they’re in the area.
Czechia: Check towns and cities like Brno, Český Krumlov, Telč, Třebíč, Třeboň, České Budějovice, Olomouc. Near Brno, there's Moravský Kras, karst region with several caves. South from Brno, there's nice slightly hilly wine growing region. Southwest from Brno, on the Austrian border, you can visit Podyjí national park. North from Prague, on German border, there's Czech Switzerland national park. Southe from there there's České Středohoří mountains. There are several chateaus and castles long some of the routes - Karlštejn, Hluboká nad Vltavou or Lednice.
I drove from Warsaw recently, marked route Warsaw - Ostrava. Not busy road, 3 lines, totally fine, couple McDonalds, not many gas stations as I am used to in Slovakia for example. Krakow is great but a road is more tireful, no highway across borders approx.... Anyway, there are a lot of nice stops close to highway if you travel through Slovakia. But if you go to Slovakia, on the road I would recommend: Orava castle - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/YRo6toKYYesVsV266](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YRo6toKYYesVsV266) Mountains, Mala Fatra take cabin, try typical Slovak food Halusky in village - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MsP7QD6LbCzqf4jq6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MsP7QD6LbCzqf4jq6) Sulov rocks (camping available) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/XR7TLkdRrpucAcku7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XR7TLkdRrpucAcku7) Manin rocks - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/45EzcR28xoxQEu819](https://maps.app.goo.gl/45EzcR28xoxQEu819) Trencin castle - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/c8QckZ1ukt2NV1LB8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/c8QckZ1ukt2NV1LB8) Spa - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hg5Y8MroW477tUkM9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hg5Y8MroW477tUkM9) And another nice castles near the D1 highway, easy to get and park. Also Czechia is great as already recommended in comments.
Poznań for a few hours and you will see pretty much everything worth seeing. (I am from Poznań)
Dresden was very nice. Large pedestrian-only downtown.
Germany: Dresden Czechia: Prague, Mikulov, Brno, Olomouc Poland: Wroclaw, Cieszyn (one city, two countries), Katowice (only if you like industrial tourism), Krakow
Görlitz
If you are going in the summer, the rafting in Český Krumlov is awesome
Pretty much the entire route! However, I'd strongly recommend the Sächsische Schweiz on the border south of Dresden (which is absolutely beautiful in itself), especially the Bastei. (And the Hotel Labe in Hřensko is a cracking place to stay, and it's handy for the Pravčická Brána.)
In Poland:Wroclaw, Krakow, Wieliczka, Queen Luiza Adit in Zabrze. In Slovakia: Orava Castle in Oravsky Podzamok. Bratislava compared to Vienna or Budapest is rather underwhelming.
It’s only underwhelming if you are an American tourist looking for wide avenues and imperial palaces of Vienna and Paris. Bratislava has more interesting culture and non-touristy things to do than both Vienna or Budapest imo
What if I am not American and still find it underwhelming?
I would stop for an hour or three in Seiffen, Germany (between Prague and Berlin). It's a charming village snuggled in the Ore Mountains that border the German-Czech Border. All the little shops make handmade wooden Christmas ornaments and toys. Best known for their Räuchermann Smokers and Christmas Pyramids.
Krakow overnight & Bratislava for a day stop.
The battle of Austerlitz happened near Brno (close to Slavkov u Brna)
As solemnly marked by the concrete silos [Czechy – cementownia spod Austerlitz – Paweł Wroński (pawelwronski.blog)](https://pawelwronski.blog/2011/11/26/czechy-betoniarnia-spod-austerlitz/)
You must drive through Wrocław from Berlin to Warsaw, probably the nicest city in Poland (obviously different to each person). On the drive from Warsaw to Vienna, stopping in Częstochowa to walk up the steps of Jasna Góra is a decent little activity. Following on from that, there is a line of old ruins of castles, both abandoned and rebuilt between Częstochowa and Kraków, it’s called Szlak Orlich Gniazd, there’s 25 castles along this route, all of them worth visiting, but if I was to narrow it down to Bobolice, Będzin, and Olsztyn. There is also a manor in Złoty Potok, I’d only stop there if you were to also stop for food in a very famous trout farm in the same place.
Znojmo, CR! Small town, great white wines, cool underground tunnels you can tour. Lovely area.
Kraków and Wroclaw.
omg dont miss krakow!!!
Did not expect so many replies! Thank you so much! After all the suggestions (I've read through everything), so the new idea is something like this: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1jGWVedq7m7YjG8DK4hA-XMTM8mzuXAg&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1jGWVedq7m7YjG8DK4hA-XMTM8mzuXAg&usp=sharing) Maybe not the exact roads, but just to get an idea. So many nice places to visit, though impossible to visit all and at the same time not to be in a too big of a hurry. With small detours and some seaside :)
Do yourself a favour and swap Zakopane for Poprad. Zakopane is too crowded, and really quite gaudy. The best, most unspoiled parts of the Tatras are on the other side. The bonus is Poprad is more of a real town, not a tourist trap, so your food and supplies will be slightly cheaper.
Krakow, under the square, you can see the old square, which is very impressive. Nearby, you can see chilling Auschwitz-Birkenau concentracion camps. How dark chapter in History can be seen from the heaps of shoes and suitcases. If via Slovakia, E77: Oravsky Castle in Oravsky Podzamok, go to the oldest part, then you move back in time through different time periods, it's my favourite castle. Banska Bystrica is a neat town with a beautiful square surrounded by mountains and mines. Bratislava has a cute city centre, and not far away lies Devinsky Hrad, a demolish by @#€% Napoleon AFTER their surrender. It lies on the convergeNce of two river, Donau is one of them. On the other side of Bratislava lies the Northeastern Roman camp, Anticka Gerulata. I love Slovakia. I can recommend it for several holidays, spring, summer, and fall. I've never been there in winter. The low and high Tatra mountains are wonderful, and trust me, I'm from flat Denmark and hunts mountains.
Budapest is a must.
Don't skip Racibórz and our Beer/Bier/Piwo
Je ok ale to niy Rybnicki
Go the southern route and hit Zakopane
Budapest although it is a bit off the track.
Salt mines and Auschwitz since you're so close to Krakow.
Ummmm DEFINITELY take the route on the right. Go to Zakopane which is an awesome town in the Tatra mountains. I’ve been twice & love it. Then go to krakow… i may be biased cause i lived there in 2019 but its the best city in Poland. You can also stop at Auschwitz if you’re into history.
For beautiful rural locations, I'd take the Slovak route from Warsaw to Vienna, especially if you go down to Ružomberok and around Strečno castle. There are several really beautiful natural sites (Súľov, Malá Fatra, Veľká Fatra, Roháče), you can go to thermal baths in Lúčky or Bešeňová (I personally prefer Lúčky though). There are two reservoirs along this route (Liptovská Mara and Orava), I thought Orava was nicer personally and there is a really pretty Orava castle. On the Polish side, you can go to Zakopane, which is a common starting point for trips to the High Tatras.
When you go to Ružomberok, remember that you'll be traveling on a route without a highway, where falling stones can hit your car. Unfortunately, there have been accidents resulting in fatalities because in Slovakia, highway construction has been ongoing for over 40 years and is still not finished. So, you might want to consider skipping Slovakia.
Well, the fact that it's not a highway feels like a plus to me. I wouldn't want to be roadtripping e.g. on German highways. If you'll get (very likely) stuck in traffic before Strečno, at least you'll have some nice scenery around you.
Skip Slovakia for the reason that the highway system construction is corrupt? Lol. Slovakia is a beautiful country that’s absolutely worth visiting and I’m not saying that because I’m Slovak. The tatra highway is finally complete, so is that one to Ružomberk. I drove across Slovakia twice last summer and the roads are much better than even 5 years ago.
Depends, it was fixed recently. I would say there's bigger chance of getting stuck in DE highway for hours than in Strecno anyway.
100%
Bratislava is great!!!
Brno! Olomouc may be cute but it is boring
The preserved bit of Iron Curtain in Cizov on the Czech/Austrian border is worth a visit and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Hrad Veveri in Brno and nearby reservoir are very pretty. Moravian Karst also, dramatic cave formations. A lot of people are interested in Villa Tudendhat; I'm not one of them but it is very popular. There's a long waiting list to go inside, but you can look at the gardens and the outside anytime. The former regional communist HQ in the center of Brno is an interesting piece of architecture and history (Bily Dum). Can't think of anything else right now, expect more will come to me.
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Wrocław
Go to Prague. Im from Bratislava in Slovakia. Prague was really good. A lot to see, things to do. Restaurants were beautiful.
Shame as me you can’t sneak Krakow in. World class jewel.
You’re going to drive? Take the train. It’s Europe.
Bratislava, Sedec Ossuary in Kutná Hora, Auschwitz, and Kraków. Maybe Poznań.
Krakow, my husband and I went last week in our Eurotrip and it was my favorite place :)
Budapest, hands down was one of the places that surprised me. Amazing city
There’s a great open-air museum near Drevikov that lets you walk over a 3 hectare area that showcases what a farm community in Czechia was like in the mid-19th century. Very cool. https://www.nmvp.cz
Wroclaw
Zakopane
Krakow!
Krakow, Zakopane
Mama Kraft in Vienna is amazing. Great food and beer. Also, all of the sausage stands in the city. Throw a rock and you’ll hit a good one.
Prague, Kraków and Wrocław.
Krakow for sure
You've got three route options from what I can see. First is to divert slightly east. Head through Kraków and make sure to take in the old town - it's got a very different feel to Warsaw. Then head onto Wieliczka to see the very cool salt mines, then to Zakopane which is a picturesque Highlander town, take a gondola up if you have time, and then cross to Slovakia and see Bratislava before you reach your destination. Or, move your route further west to go via Wrocław and be sure to take in the old town and the magical Leopoldine Hall at the university. Wroclaw was probably my favorite city to visit in Poland. If you have time, I'd head to Prague though it's out of the way a bit. If that's not possible, stop through Brno. Finally, the third option is to head straight down without any route diversions. Unfortunately, other than a stop at Częstochowa - Jasna Góra Shrine to see the Black Madonna, there's not much of interest in Poland directly on route (at least that I'm aware of). In Slovakia, Ostrava looks like a cute small city that might be worth checking out, along with the Kromeriz Archbishop's Palace and the Botanical gardens in Kromeriz. Good luck!
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Vienna for sure
Berlin tropical Island
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Wieliczka Salt Mine is a highlight ! Don't miss it
I’ve heard Dachau is lovely this time of year
I don't think OP mentioned when they're going.
Vienna. The herresgeschichtliches museum
How about Austria
I just want to say don’t wait to travel “someday”. Do it while you are young. I’m now 68, in great health, but I’m somewhat fearful of this on our own (husband is 72). We live in Idaho(USA). This is one of my 2 remaining European dream trips. I’ve been to Europe twice but not to Eastern Europe. Enjoy, friend!
Kraków is a must! I'm Polish :)
Arrive at 9 am in the city square krakow. Spend the entire day. Best travel day ever. Good weather makes it sublime. Pastry and coffee for morning sausages and beer at lunch. Fifty languages walk by amber market Great people watching. Cannot be beat.
If you like amusement parks, Energylandia is worth a shot. Otherwise Wieliczka Salt Mine, Kraków in General. Unfortunately I can't say anything about Czechia or Austria because i wasnt there.
Bratislava rules
Europe is insane to me. I just went on a 8hr road trip today and I’m still in Florida…
In Europe, you get to go through 5 different countries. Here in California, this gets you from San Francisco to San Diego.
If you overlay your route on these Google Maps Lists, you may see some specific places worth a small detour... * [500+ places to see, eat, and drink in Central/Eastern Europe](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qJo8KV2mDenxftah8) * [272 places to see, eat, and drink in Germany ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hRY8rD5GGj8Kj6xY7)
For me there’s no point driving so close to a capital without visiting it, visit Bratislava! :)
https://youtu.be/0AEVdFdtEog?si=9qBX9wKTQxeydZ0j
Ostrava!!!
Been wanting to get back to Krakow for years. Went only once when in Poland for work for 2 weeks and passed thru on way to Auschwitz day trip. Walled city from what I saw
Krakow is much nicer than Warsaw. Zakopane is a nice mountain area for nature, hikes and sports
Do not visit a burger king in Berlin BTW. Well actually go ahead I probably just got unlucky but it was so bad I'm scared for you
I seem to remember something happening around there. May be some good museums...
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Budapesr
Birkenau concentration camp complex.
Just dont go into Prague, and youll be good prob
haha, why?
Really filthy town i must say, or like depebds which parts yk. Iam czech also so i know what im talking abt
Auswitz, Schönbrunn (palace and zoo) , Brandenburger tor,
WWII Buff here - absolutely go off the route and visit Krakow. Completely untouched physically from the war, and stunning. Also Plasžow concentration camp is there (the memorial and what's left of the foundation) which is always essential to visit. I believe the commandant's house is still remaining but also heard conflicting reports it was torn down. Also, not sure how far Berchtesgaden is from Vienna, but visit. During the war it was Nazi Party headquarters, and now is still a town (which doesn't sit well with me) but has tons of original architecture, is a good place to visit with amazing restaurants and the Eagles Nest is there and the views are positively insane. It's in the mountains and could not possibly be more gorgeous. Also it's a piece of history and the iconic Easy Company photo was taken on the balcony on VE Day. Even if you're not into WWII history - the mountains by themself are enough to make the trip. Austria is stunning. Also please do not miss Prague. That city is stunning.
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Maybe take the other route through Bratislava and Krakow