Waldkirch, Germany

[500gms]

Again when I am in need I turn to the forum for advice,

My daughter is going to Waldkirch for the designated "A" WF on Jan 26th, I have to book tickets from NYC. Is Zurich the closest probable direct and if it is, how do we get from Zurich to Waldkirch? HELP!!

[Zilverzmurfen]

Again when I am in need I turn to the forum for advice,

My daughter is going to Waldkirch for the designated "A" WF on Jan 26th, I have to book tickets from NYC. Is Zurich the closest probable direct and if it is, how do we get from Zurich to Waldkirch? HELP!!

I should probably not be replying at all, but as far as I can see it looks as if Zürich would be your best bet, airportwise.

As for travelling between the two places you could have a look at http://www.viamichelin.com (for maps and driving routes) alternatively trains in Germany or trains in Switzerland.

Sorry if this is of no help at all. Hope it works out!

[Mr Epee]

I'd go Zurich then hop a train to Waldkirch.

It's only about 2.5 hrs each way, and the cost should be around 100 bucks round trip.

German trains are generally very good, so I wouldn't worry about it at all, but make sure you get the schedule ahead of time.

Best of luck with your trip.

[Mr Epee]

I just had a second thought... the other option would be to fly into Frankfurt am Main. The trip is a little longer in distance, but only about 15min longer in travel time. It's a little more expensive

BONUS: If you go this route, you won't have the additional customs/passport control to enter Germany/EU.

[fleuretrogue]

Zurich is close by, though Basel is closest. Also strasbourg france is only about 40 minutes by car. Frankfurt is a good bet as well.

Again when I am in need I turn to the forum for advice,

My daughter is going to Waldkirch for the designated "A" WF on Jan 26th, I have to book tickets from NYC. Is Zurich the closest probable direct and if it is, how do we get from Zurich to Waldkirch? HELP!!

[KD5MDK]

Based on that, I would suggest you check out Frankfurt am Main for sure, because of the advantages (don't have to cross an additional border), and that as one of the largest airports in Europe, it probably has cheaper flights to NYC than the not as big ones.

[millsisland]

http://www.bahn.de

Go to "international guests" for the English version.

You might check with some of the other fencers signed up for this trip; their addresses were on the heading of the e-mail notice from Corinne Greenman.

Mills

[banane16]

I believe you want to go to Waldkirch with the postal code D-79183, because there are several places with a very simular name all over Germany. The route planner told me that driving from Frankfurt/Main means an about 3 h drive, which I would not recomment to anybody not used to the German autobahn system: there is no speed limit at many places, which means that everyone goes as fast as he can!

train is about 2,5 to 3 h also. you might want to take a taxi from Freiburg im Breisgau, because from there to Waldkirch there is a commuter train very probably with no English signs.

the nearest German airport would be Stuttgart, but it is only local, though I believe there should be flights from Frankfurt or Munich airport. I would not recommend Zurich or Basel, since they are NON-EU, which means that you stand a good chance of 2 rather serious checks on the borders.

remember though, that it is winter in Germany now also – many places are rather snowy, which always can cause delays. I would think about travelling on day in advance, just to be sure.

Good look for you and especially your daughter in the competition!

[downunder]

i suggest finding out what other participants are doing.

You are mad to attempt to travel to that kind of competition by yourselves.

[Boo Boo]

You might check with some of the other fencers signed up for this trip; their addresses were on the heading of the e-mail notice from Corinne Greenman.

I agree with millsisland (and Downunder) - contact some of the other participants on the list of other fencers going.

I am not US or a junior, but when we travel on trips we get together and - where possible - co-ordinate our travel arrangements. We help each other to find the best travel deals, travelling together often allows us to share costs (like taxis) and it is good for morale and team bonding.

I would guess that things aren't as easy from the US (since many of you will travel from different airports etc.), but you may be able to work together to make the best of things

Good luck.
Boo

[500gms]

Thanks for all the advice....
To downunder,
The USFA offers no help when it comes to arranging travel to designated European tournaments. I guess its because the fencers are flying from all over the US. We like to fly out of Newark rather than JFK and I am always trying to save money on these trips so sometimes checking with other parents and fencers doesn't help.

I think if the USFA acted on officially appointing the women's foil coach the situation would clear up. Also, now that Corinne has created an international website (a really good idea!) maybe she could add a section giving location (I had a difficult time finding Waldkirch until I discovered Nahoow and read the tournament flyer) and the easiest ways to get to the tournaments from major airports.

By the way, the Frankfurt suggestion makes alot of sense, however, I don't ride German rail so If anyone reads this that lives in Germany, How difficult is it to get to Waldkirch from Frankfurt by rail? How many train transfers etc.
and don't forget, time and money are very, very important, but so is ease of connection cause we're traveling with fencing gear, ie. large rolling Uhlmann
bag, school books and clothing.

[Zilverzmurfen]

By the way, the Frankfurt suggestion makes alot of sense, however, I don't ride German rail so If anyone reads this that lives in Germany, How difficult is it to get to Waldkirch from Frankfurt by rail? How many train transfers etc.
and don't forget, time and money are very, very important, but so is ease of connection cause we're traveling with fencing gear, ie. large rolling Uhlmann
bag, school books and clothing.

Again, I would suggest you search trains on www.bahn.de.

I had a brief look and saw the the train ride between Frankfurt am M. is 57 €, between 2½-3 hours and 1-2 transfers, all depending on what time you need to travel. As you did not specify time (only date) you should go to the site and check for yourself.

[Boo Boo]

Have you seen this - http://www.fie.ch/download/calendar/fr/2006-41.pdf

Not incredibly informative, but, useful if you don't have it already.

Boo

[mlr2fence]

Taking a German train is no problem. Most of the conductors speak English--or enough to verify that you have the correct train. If they don't, another passenger will. Just make sure that you are standing on the platform ready to board when the train arrives. Depending on the schedule they don't stay in the station very long. Just toss your gear on board and hop on. Make sure that you have the correct train and car. They usually have sign boards on the platforms that announce the trains that are arriving.
Also, email the hotel or local organizers to ask them what they suggest--they know the area best!

[mlr2fence]

i suggest finding out what other participants are doing.

You are mad to attempt to travel to that kind of competition by yourselves.

Why? Please explain.

[banane16]

From Frankfurt Fernbahnhof (train station right at Frankfurt airport ) to Waldkirch you need to change 2 or 3 x.

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/que...45372&OK#focus

IC /ICE is a national train, most likely rather comfortable, just be shure to not enter the smokers section. S-bahn is a kind of commuter train, most likely not too comfortable. one way trip about 57 euro/person, about 2,5 h. As said before, I would rather think of taking a taxi from Freiburg to Waldkirch, especially when you have a lot of luggage.

can´t you ask someone at the Waldkirch club to pick you up somewhere and help you with the accommodation? (at least that is what our club does when we host an international tournament ...)

their clubs website is:
www.fechten-waldkirch.de (German only, of course), the head of the fencing departments mail ad is Dr.A.Rosenberger@t-online.de ,
deputy: Wolters-architekt@gmx.de.
Most likely, they are able to reply to an English mail, as most germans have basic knowledge of the language.

[gladius]

My suggestions are:

(a) if you travel on your own

find the cheapest airfare from Newark to either Basel/Mulhouse, Strasbourg, or Stuttgart (the 3 closest airports to Waldkirch, between 40 and 60 miles) and combine it with a rentcar. Frankfurt is quite far away and shlepping fencing bags through changing trains 2-3 times is no fun at all.

(b) if you travel with other fencers

Check with their plans and with others who've been there before.

Last, but not least, go there a day earlier. It costs one night in the hotel, but it's worth it. No need to save $100 and be dead, or late, on the strip.

[ekaihatsu]

Zurich is close by, though Basel is closest. Also strasbourg france is only about 40 minutes by car. Frankfurt is a good bet as well.

I went into Waldkirch and drove to Basel to pick up other athletes for that tournament years ago. I went as a referee. It was my first time driving in Eurpoe and there I was, on the AUTOBAN!!! YIKES!!! But, the drive actually wasn't bad at all! Just stay inthe right lane and drive at your comfort speed. If they flash their headlights at you, they're not being rude, it's their way of saying I'm passing you.

Good luck to you and your daughter. It's a great tournament.

[epeeisky]

If you haven't picked an airline yet, Lufthansa is probally the best bet. They fly out of Newark and JFK and fly to all over Germany(including direct flights to both Frankfurt and Munich). When my dad goes to Germany he uses that airline and is fairly happy with them.

[wpotere]

Thanks for all the advice....
To downunder,
The USFA offers no help when it comes to arranging travel to designated European tournaments. I guess its because the fencers are flying from all over the US. We like to fly out of Newark rather than JFK and I am always trying to save money on these trips so sometimes checking with other parents and fencers doesn't help.

I think if the USFA acted on officially appointing the women's foil coach the situation would clear up. Also, now that Corinne has created an international website (a really good idea!) maybe she could add a section giving location (I had a difficult time finding Waldkirch until I discovered Nahoow and read the tournament flyer) and the easiest ways to get to the tournaments from major airports.

By the way, the Frankfurt suggestion makes alot of sense, however, I don't ride German rail so If anyone reads this that lives in Germany, How difficult is it to get to Waldkirch from Frankfurt by rail? How many train transfers etc.
and don't forget, time and money are very, very important, but so is ease of connection cause we're traveling with fencing gear, ie. large rolling Uhlmann
bag, school books and clothing.

I live in Heidelberg Germany. Flying into Frankfurt is your best bet. If you fly further south, you will have the Alps to deal with and snow can get rather deep thus causing many of the passes to be closed this time of year. This makes traveling a mess from the south.

Transportation there is probably best by train. As others have said, you can use the WEB page www.bahn.de to get your connection information. If you need help, please feel free to ask.

or

You can rent a car at the airport. Now, with that said, you will need to know a few things. First, driving here is much faster but more civilized. You only drive in the right lane unless you are passing. People will and do speeds in excess of 120 MPH in certain areas. Second, gas cost is much more. Cost here is about 12 dollars per gallon so be ready to pay. Hertz is at Frankfurt but, if you rent from a local place away from the airport, you are likely to pay a lot less.

Overall, your trip should be pretty easy. If you need any further help, please let me know. I speak enough German to get by and could help to point you in the right direction.