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Germany
Ultimate Bavaria Road Trip: Fairy-Tale Castles, Alpine Lakes and Medieval Towns
16 days of wonder through Bavaria's greatest treasures: legendary castles, pristine alpine lakes, UNESCO World Heritage cities, and the world's most magical Christmas markets.
≈ 18
Days
1395
Km
16
Stops
Embark on the definitive journey through Bavaria, Germany's most enchanting region where fairy-tale castles rise above alpine valleys, crystal-clear lakes mirror snow-capped peaks, and perfectly preserved medieval towns transport you centuries back in time. From Munich's cosmopolitan elegance to Rothenburg's timeless cobblestone streets, this comprehensive itinerary unveils the full splendor of Bavarian heritage.
- Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale fortress that inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle
- The Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak with breathtaking four-country panoramas
- Königssee, the pristine fjord-like lake accessible only by silent electric boats
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany's best-preserved medieval walled city
- The Würzburg Residence, a Baroque masterpiece with the world's largest ceiling fresco
- Bamberg's UNESCO-listed old town with 2,300 historic monuments
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Discover Munich, Germany's third-largest city and the vibrant capital of Bavaria. This cosmopolitan metropolis will captivate you with its sumptuous palaces, majestic parks and churches with iconic bell towers. The convivial atmosphere of the famous Biergarten and the richness of its architectural heritage make it an essential destination to begin your exploration of Bavaria.
2
Stroll around Marienplatz, the beating heart of the old town, where the imposing New Town Hall reveals its famous mechanical carillon. Admire the Gothic architecture of the Frauenkirche with its iconic twin towers, then lose yourself in the picturesque lanes of the historic center where every facade tells centuries of Bavarian history.
3
Explore the Munich Residenz, one of Europe's largest urban palaces and former seat of the Dukes and Kings of Bavaria. Its 130 sumptuously decorated rooms, Renaissance courtyards and treasury will immerse you in the splendor of the Bavarian monarchy. The nearby English Garden, one of the world's largest urban parks, offers an ideal green retreat.
Activities
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Stroll through the Schwabing district and its art galleries
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Visit the Deutsches Museum, the world's largest science museum
Next stop
Distance:
68 km
Travel time:
55min
2
Day
3 photos
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1
Delve into the millennial history of Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities founded by the Romans. During the Renaissance, this city was a world-renowned financial and commercial center, rivaling Venice and Florence. Its exceptional architectural heritage bears witness to this glorious era when the powerful Fugger and Welser families dominated European trade.
2
Admire the sumptuous Renaissance Town Hall, a masterpiece by Elias Holl, whose Golden Hall dazzles with its coffered ceilings adorned with gold leaf. The three monumental fountains on Maximilianstraße, dedicated to Roman deities, form a unique ensemble listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3
Visit the Fuggerei, the world's oldest social housing complex still in operation since 1521. This picturesque neighborhood with ochre facades and cobblestone lanes offers a fascinating testimony to Renaissance philanthropy and the social organization of the era.
Activities
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Discover Augsburg Cathedral and its 11th-century Romanesque stained glass windows
Next stop
Distance:
152 km
Travel time:
1h50
3
Day
9 photos
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1
Discover Lake Constance, Europe's third-largest lake, nestled at the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This true inland sea with deep blue waters offers an exceptional natural setting, bordered by terraced vineyards and dominated by Alpine peaks. The Mediterranean microclimate even allows the cultivation of exotic fruits on its shores.
2
Explore Lindau, the pearl of the German shore, whose historic center occupies a picturesque island linked to the mainland. Its iconic harbor, guarded by a Bavarian lion and a lighthouse, offers one of Germany's most photographed views. The patrician houses with painted facades and medieval lanes create an atmosphere of rare elegance.
3
Wander along the lakeside promenades lined with palm trees and magnolias, where the panorama of the Swiss Alps creates a postcard-perfect setting. Numerous cruise options allow you to discover the charming towns of Constance and Meersburg from the lake's crystal-clear waters.
Activities
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Panoramic cruise on Lake Constance
Next stop
Distance:
148 km
Travel time:
1h55
4
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Behold Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria's absolute jewel and Germany's most visited site. This fairy-tale fortress, perched on a rocky spur facing the Alps, served as the model for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Its extravagant architecture blending Romanesque and Gothic styles emerges from the fir forests like a medieval dream come true.
2
Enter the sumptuous apartments where King Ludwig II of Bavaria brought to life his romantic fantasies inspired by Wagner's operas. The throne room, never completed, was meant to rival the Palatine Chapel of Byzantium, while the artificially lit grotto evokes the legends of Tannhäuser. Each room reveals the eccentric and visionary personality of this solitary monarch.
3
Admire Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig II's childhood home, whose romantic frescoes depicting Germanic legends profoundly influenced the future king's imagination. The view from the gardens over both castles and Lake Alpsee composes a panorama of surreal beauty.
Activities
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Hike to Marienbrücke bridge for the iconic view of Neuschwanstein
Next stop
Distance:
32 km
Travel time:
35min
5
Day
3 photos
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1
Visit Linderhof Palace, the most intimate of Ludwig II's palaces and the only one he saw completed in his lifetime. This rococo gem nestled in an Alpine valley enchants with its hilly park dotted with gushing fountains, sculpted groves and exotic pavilions. The Venus Grotto, artificially lit, recreates a scene from the opera Tannhäuser with a navigable underground lake.
2
Discover Ettal Abbey, a masterpiece of Bavarian Baroque founded in 1330 by Emperor Louis IV. Its monumental dome, one of Germany's largest, houses celestial frescoes of breathtaking magnificence. The Benedictine monks still perpetuate the tradition of monastic brewing and liqueur distillation to this day.
3
Wander through the lanes of Oberammergau, a village world-famous for its facades painted with biblical frescoes and fairytale scenes. This tradition of Lüftlmalerei, trompe-l'oeil painting on plaster, transforms every house into a work of art. The village also hosts the famous Passion Play every ten years since 1634.
Activities
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Discover the local woodcarving craft tradition
Next stop
Distance:
22 km
Travel time:
25min
6
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Conquer the Zugspitze, Germany's highest point at 2,962 meters altitude. Accessible by modern cable car or historic cogwheel train, this summit offers dizzying panoramas over four countries and more than 400 Alpine peaks. On clear days, the view stretches from the Italian Dolomites to the Bavarian plains in a grandiose natural spectacle.
2
Marvel at Lake Eibsee, an emerald lake with crystal-clear waters nestled at the foot of the Zugspitze. This natural jewel, dotted with eight small islands, offers a mountain setting of exceptional purity. The 7-kilometer trail circling it allows you to appreciate its multiple shades of blue and green depending on the light.
3
Explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a world-renowned Alpine resort that hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics. This twin town with authentic charm preserves its traditional houses with painted facades and cobblestone lanes. It's the ideal starting point for countless Alpine hikes and mountain activities.
Activities
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Panoramic cable car ascent to the Zugspitze
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
7
Day
4 photos
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1
Climb the Herzogstand, a hiker's paradise culminating at 1,731 meters between two strikingly beautiful lakes. This iconic summit offers one of Bavaria's finest panoramas, embracing at a glance the steel-reflecting Kochelsee and the turquoise Walchensee. A cable car allows non-hikers easy access to this natural spectacle.
2
Discover the Walchensee, one of Germany's deepest and purest Alpine lakes. Its intensely blue waters, often compared to tropical lagoons, contrast magnificently with the surrounding snow-capped peaks. This natural dam lake served as the setting for numerous films and remains a well-kept secret among Bavarians.
3
Contemplate the Kochelsee, a more peaceful and accessible lake bordered by green meadows and traditional villages. It was here that painter Franz Marc, a major figure of German Expressionism, found inspiration for his famous works. The Franz Marc Museum in the nearby village pays tribute to this master of color.
Activities
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Panoramic ridge hike on the Herzogstand
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
50min
8
Day
2 photos
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1
Savor the beauty of Tegernsee, a resort lake prized by Bavarian aristocracy for centuries. Nestled at the foot of the Alps in a setting of wooded mountains, this lake with pure waters hosts elegant towns with geranium-bedecked houses on its shores. The refined atmosphere and preserved setting make it a destination of choice for Munich residents seeking nature.
2
Visit the former Benedictine Abbey of Tegernsee, founded in the 8th century, whose monastic brewery perpetuates a millennium-old tradition. The Baroque church, remodeled in the 17th century, houses remarkable artistic treasures. The cloister garden offers peaceful views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
3
Ascend to the summit of Wallberg by panoramic cable car for a 360-degree view of the Bavarian Alps. At 1,722 meters altitude, the panorama encompasses Tegernsee in its entirety, the Austrian mountain ranges and on clear days, as far as Munich. A panoramic terrace allows you to admire this spectacle in any season.
Activities
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Lakeside walk and discovery of the villages of Bad Wiessee and Rottach-Egern
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
55min
9
Day
5 photos
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1
Sail on the Chiemsee, nicknamed the Bavarian Sea with its 80 km² surface area. Bavaria's largest lake and Germany's third-largest, this majestic body of water bordered by the Alps harbors several islands, each concealing unique treasures. The panorama of snow-capped peaks from the lake's calm waters composes a tableau of absolute serenity.
2
Discover Herrenchiemsee Palace on Herreninsel (Men's Island), Ludwig II's grandiose tribute to Versailles. This unfinished castle surpasses its French model through the splendor of its Hall of Mirrors, longer than the original. The French-style gardens, monumental fountains and royal apartments bear witness to the poetic megalomania of the builder king.
3
Explore Fraueninsel (Women's Island), a charming fishing village dominated by a Benedictine convent founded in the 8th century. The nuns still produce liqueurs and marzipan according to centuries-old recipes today. The flower-lined lanes, fishermen's houses with colorful shutters and Romanesque church create a timeless atmosphere.
Activities
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Boat crossing to the islands of Chiemsee
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
55min
10
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Behold the Königssee, the absolute jewel of German lakes, set between 1,800-meter vertical cliffs in the heart of Berchtesgaden National Park. This fjord-like lake with exceptionally pure emerald-green waters can only be explored by silent electric boats, perpetuating a century-old ecological tradition.
2
Navigate to St. Bartholomew's pilgrimage church, a Baroque gem with red onion domes perched on a peninsula at the foot of the vertiginous Watzmann wall. The legendary echo of the captain's trumpet resonating seven times against the cliffs is a magical moment of the crossing. This site of surreal beauty ranks among Germany's most photographed.
3
Hike in Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany's only Alpine national park, classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This natural sanctuary is home to chamois, marmots and golden eagles in a setting of jagged peaks, tumultuous waterfalls and flowering alpine meadows. The town of Berchtesgaden itself charms with its preserved Bavarian authenticity.
Activities
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Electric boat cruise on Königssee
Next stop
Distance:
145 km
Travel time:
2h
11
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Discover Passau, the Bavarian Venice, a spectacular city built at the confluence of three waterways: the blue Danube, the green Inn and the black Ilz. This unique geographical setting creates a fascinating chromatic spectacle where waters of different colors are slow to mix. The old town on its peninsula offers romantic perspectives at every turn of the lane.
2
Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, an Italian Baroque masterpiece housing the world's largest cathedral organ with its 17,974 pipes. Daily organ concerts make this monumental instrument resonate beneath vaults adorned with gilded stucco and celestial frescoes. The exceptional acoustics of this sanctuary make it a high point of European sacred music.
3
Stroll through the old town with its typically Italian pastel facades, a legacy of master builders from the peninsula after the fire of 1662. The elegant squares, vaulted passages and picturesque staircases bear witness to Passau's historic role as a commercial crossroads between Central Europe and Italy.
Activities
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Walk along the quays at the confluence of the three rivers
Next stop
Distance:
118 km
Travel time:
1h25
12
Day
4 photos
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1
Explore Regensburg, Bavaria's first capital, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city with 2,000 years of history houses more than 1,500 buildings classified as historic monuments, constituting Germany's best-preserved medieval ensemble. The patrician towers competing in height bear witness to the power of medieval merchant families.
2
Cross the Stone Bridge, a masterpiece of 12th-century medieval engineering that served as the model for Prague's Charles Bridge. At 310 meters long and supported by 16 arches, this bridge offers a splendid panoramic view of the old town skyline dominated by the spires of the Gothic cathedral. It was once the only stone bridge over the Danube between Ulm and Vienna.
3
Admire St. Peter's Cathedral, the only example of pure French Gothic in Bavaria, whose medieval stained glass windows rank among Germany's finest. The old town abounds with architectural treasures: the old town hall where the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire sat, the colorful patrician houses and Renaissance interior courtyards.
Activities
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Walk along the Danube quays at sunset
Next stop
Distance:
105 km
Travel time:
1h15
13
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Immerse yourself in the history of Nuremberg, Bavaria's second city and an imperial city of capital importance in the Middle Ages. This powerful city where the Diets of the Holy Roman Empire were held and where the imperial crown jewels were kept retains an authentic medieval atmosphere behind its imposing walls. Its Christmas market, the Christkindlesmarkt, is Germany's most famous.
2
Visit the Kaiserburg, the imperial fortress dominating the city from its rocky promontory. This complex castle, enlarged over the centuries, was the residence of all the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The view from its ramparts encompasses the red roofs of the old town, the church towers and the meanders of the Pegnitz River.
3
Discover the old town rebuilt after the destruction of 1945, where half-timbered houses stand alongside the Gothic churches of St. Sebaldus and St. Lawrence. The Nuremberg Trials courthouse, Albrecht Dürer's house and the Documentation Center on Nazism bear witness to both the dark and bright pages of this city of art and culture.
Activities
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Visit the Germanic National Museum, the largest museum of German art and culture
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Stroll through the medieval lanes of the artisans' quarter
Next stop
Distance:
63 km
Travel time:
50min
14
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Marvel at Bamberg, one of Germany's most beautiful cities, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This millennial city miraculously spared by bombing has more than 2,300 buildings classified as historic monuments. Built on seven hills like Rome, it harmoniously blends medieval, Baroque and Rococo architecture in an ensemble of exceptional coherence.
2
Photograph the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall built on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz River, Bavaria's most iconic monument. Its trompe-l'oeil frescoes adorning the half-timbered facades create the illusion of three-dimensional sculptures. According to legend, when the bishop refused to cede land, the burghers created this island to build their town hall.
3
Visit the four-towered Imperial Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece housing the tomb of Emperor Henry II and the famous Bamberg Horseman, the first life-size equestrian statue of the Middle Ages. Little Venice, the former fishermen's quarter with colorful houses reflected in the river, completes this enchanting picture.
Activities
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Tasting of Rauchbier, the smoked beer that is a unique local specialty in the world
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h10
15
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Admire the Würzburg Residence, one of Europe's most beautiful Baroque palaces, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural masterpiece commands respect from the grand ceremonial staircase, covered by the world's largest fresco painted by Tiepolo depicting the four continents. The 340 sumptuously decorated rooms rival Versailles in magnificence.
2
Explore Würzburg, an elegant city in the heart of Bavarian Franconia wine country. Dominated by Marienberg Fortress perched on its hill, this episcopal city abounds with Baroque churches with dazzling interiors. The Old Main Bridge, adorned with monumental statues of saints, offers a romantic view of the terraced vineyards.
3
Discover the renowned Franconia vineyards producing excellent white wine served in the characteristic flat bottles called Bocksbeutel. The wine region stretches along the Main River in a hilly landscape punctuated by picturesque wine villages and castles overlooking the hillsides.
Activities
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Walk across the Old Bridge and Franconian wine tasting
Next stop
Distance:
62 km
Travel time:
55min
16
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Enter Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany's most beautiful medieval city, comparable to Carcassonne in its exceptional preservation. This fortified town seems frozen in the Renaissance with its intact ramparts, watchtowers and cobblestone lanes lined with half-timbered houses adorned with flowering geraniums. Time stopped here in the 16th century.
2
Walk the complete circuit of the ramparts on the covered sentry path, offering unique perspectives over the red roofs and flowering inner courtyards. The 42 towers punctuating the walls and the monumental fortified gates bear witness to the power of this Free Imperial City. The Plönlein, a picturesque intersection between two towers, is Bavaria's most photographed view.
3
Visit St. James's Church housing the Altar of the Holy Blood, a masterpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider, and the Medieval Crime Museum displaying torture and justice instruments of the era. The Christmas Museum open year-round perpetuates the tradition of Käthe Wohlfahrt's handcrafted decorations, famous worldwide.
Activities
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Night watchman guided tour in period costume
Next stop
Distance:
165 km
Travel time:
2h10
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, ideal touring, mild conditions, beautiful scenery.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, festival season, long daylight hours, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere.
Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, autumn colors, Oktoberfest, harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful photography, wine season.
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, winter sports, lowest prices, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions, cultural focus, festive season, snow activities.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 22 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Germany?
Rich history, cultural contributions, and efficient modern society from Bavaria to Berlin. Experience Oktoberfest, medieval towns, and world-class museums with excellent transportation infrastructure. The country offers diverse landscapes, outstanding cuisine, and important historical sites. Germany provides cultural depth, historical significance, and modern efficiency in heart of Europe.