Travel to and from Berwang
ARRIVAL TIMES SATURDAY 14th AUGUST
Following feedback from 2026 course members, we plan to have a first sing through of the Brahms on Saturday between 5-7pm. Of course we understand it may not be possible for everyone to manage this but please take it into account when making your travel arrangements
ARRIVAL BY AIR
Flying to Munich
Lufthansa (https://www.lufthansa.com/gb/en/homepage) fly from most countries to Munich, as do other airlines.
LH flights for our dates next year are currently quite reasonable and have attractive luggage allowances.
Coach from Munich Airport to Berwang
A coach will only run if it is financially viable and the cost is likely to be in excess of €100 return, or €50+ for a single journey. You will be informed as to the viability of the coach at the beginning of June 2027 and, if it is not to run, alternative travel arrangements to get to Berwang will be suggested. Please indicate when booking if you would be interested in the coach option.
If the coach runs, your flight must arrive in Munich by 12:00 noon on Saturday 14 August. On the return journey please book flights to depart from Munich after 14:00.
It is also possible to hire a car at Munich Airport.
Flying to Memmingen*
Ryanair (Ryanair) fly from London Stansted to Memmingen. These flights look attractive in price but remember that luggage costs extra. Check regularly for information about the new flight schedule.
From there you get a bus from the airport to Memmingen town. Then take the train to Bichlbach-Berwang (you will need to change trains twice).
Train journeys, including the bus from the airport to the rail station, Bichlbach-Berwang may be booked through Deutsche Bahn (Deutsche Bahn).
NB. There is currently no return flight on a Sunday so you would need to return to the UK on Monday 23 August.
You will be collected from Bichlbach-Berwang station and transported to Berwang, a short journey up the hill; transport will also be arranged back to the station for the return journey to Memmingen.
It is also possible to hire a car at Memmingen Airport.
ARRIVAL BY TRAIN
Please plan your train journey to Bichlbach-Berwang station, if possible arriving no later than 16:00 on Saturday 14 August. In this case you will be collected from Bichlbach-Berwang station and transported to Berwang, a short journey up the hill; transport will also be arranged back to the station for the return journey. If you arrive while the first sing through is taking place (5-7pm) on Saturday you will have to arrange your own transport via bus or taxi.
A Personal Experience - Cambridge to Berwang by rail: worth the journey? Mark Jolly
Could travelling by train to the Austrian Alps compete with flying?
On my journey from Cambridge to Berwang via Brussels and Cologne, rail proved easy to book, surprisingly competitive on cost and an enjoyable part of the holiday.
Booking: Planning the route and booking trains and seat reservations through Interrail’s website and app was straightforward. The app held my pass and let me adjust the route using live delay information. Reservations cost extra and are compulsory on Eurostar and some high-speed trains; booking early matters because pass-holder availability on Eurostar can be limited. Travelling via Brussels also avoided a cross-city station change in Paris.
Cost: My rail trip cost £564, including a £131 Brussels hotel stay and a £65 first-class upgrade. Based on the fares I found, flying with checked luggage and transfers would have cost roughly £550—very little less. Second-class rail travel with a cheaper hotel would have brought the total to around £450. These were prices for my trip, rather than current fare quotes.
Time: The outward journey took about 15 hours plus an overnight stay in Brussels. Delays and a missed connection added an hour, but I still reached the welcome meal. Returning in one day took roughly 17 hours door to door, with the final delays occurring back in London.
The verdict: I would do it again. First class offered welcome comfort and better seat availability on crowded services, while the pass provided flexibility. Rail required substantial travel time, but its cost was close to flying—and the journey felt like part of the holiday, not just a way to get there.
Read the full article for the detailed costs, booking tips and journey diary.
ARRIVAL BY CAR
We suggest aiming to arrive in Berwang no later than 16:00 on Saturday 14 August so that you have time to check in and find your way to the rehearsal room.
If you would like advice about travel routes and overnight accommodation en-route from the UK to Austria, please contact Jean on office@berwangmusic.com