📍 Germany

FAIRY TALE GERMANY: CASTLES AND ALPINE VILLAGES TOUR

Castles pierce the sky with flair, half-timbered villages nestle in valleys, tradition stays alive. Fairytale Germany is enchantment in its purest form.

≈ 9
Days
669
Km
5
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Cochem castle on the Moselle, Rothenburg and its ramparts, Bavaria's royal castles, Munich. Fairy tale Germany really exists, between half-timbered houses and dream castles.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Cochem

river castle romantic

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9 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Walk along the Moselle quays in Cochem and views of half-timbered houses.
2
Walk up to Reichsburg Cochem and panorama over the wine valley.
3
Historic center: Marktplatz and Saint-Martin church.
4
Sesselbahn cable car to the Pinnerkreuz viewpoint.
🎯

Activities

→
1-hour panoramic cruise on the Moselle (loop departing from Cochem).
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Photo walk on Cochem bridge for the aligned view of town + castle.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 35min
2
Day

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

pristine medieval wall

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8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Burg Eltz: forest trail from Wierschem parking lot to the castle and inner courtyard.
2
Würzburg: Alte Mainbrücke (old bridge) with statues and view of the fortress.
3
Würzburg: Marienberg Fortress (ramparts, gardens, panorama over the Main).
4
Würzburg: Würzburg Residence (UNESCO) and Hofkirche (exteriors and main halls).
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

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Würzburg tourist train (40 min) to overview the main sites of the historic center.
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Photo stops in the vineyards around Würzburg according to designated viewpoints.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 116 km
Travel time: 1h10
3
Day

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

pristine medieval wall

Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Photo 1Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Photo 2Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Photo 3Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Photo 4Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Photo 5Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Photo 6Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Photo 7Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Rothenburg: complete tour of the ramparts (Stadtmauer) and medieval gates.
2
Burggarten: views over the Tauber and rooftops, ideal at sunset.
3
Marktplatz: Rathaus, Ratstrinkstube and animated clock (Glockenspiel).
4
Plönlein and Siebersturm: iconic medieval perspective.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Photo walk through the alleyways (early morning to avoid crowds).
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Climb up the Rathaus tower for panorama over the old town.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 160 km
Travel time: 2h
4
Day

Sonnenbuehl

pastoral valley village

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4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Dinkelsbühl: intra-muros loop (gates, towers, promenade around the moats).
2
Dinkelsbühl: Münster Sankt Georg (Gothic nave and tower).
3
Hohenzollern Castle: ramparts, courtyards and views over the Swabian Jura (afternoon).
🎯

Activities

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Walking route to the ponds and the old debtors' prison in Dinkelsbühl.
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Twilight viewpoint over Hohenzollern from the signposted viewpoints at the castle parking.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 210 km
Travel time: 2h30
5
Day

Hohenschwangau

royal castle mountain

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9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Lichtenstein Castle: courtyard and bridge, interior visit (morning, low crowds).
2
Arrival in Hohenschwangau: visit to Hohenschwangau Castle.
3
Museum of the Bavarian Kings (Museum der Bayerischen Könige) on the shores of Alpsee.
4
Walk along the shores of Alpsee: beaches and views of the mountain ranges.
🎯

Activities

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Warm-up walk in late afternoon towards the first viewpoints of Neuschwanstein (reconnaissance).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 1h40
6
Day

Munich

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10 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Neuschwanstein: morning ascent via Pöllat gorge to Marienbrücke (main viewpoint).
2
Interior visit of Neuschwanstein (late morning slot).
3
Journey to Munich and settling in then first discovery of the historic center.
🎯

Activities

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Loop of descents by trails above Marienbrücke for additional secure viewpoints.
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Urban walk in Munich: Isartor → Viktualienmarkt → Marienplatz.
7
Day

Munich

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10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Munich Residenz: Residence (main halls) + Antiquarium (Renaissance gallery).
2
Treasury of the Residence (schatzkammer).
3
Cuvilliés Theatre (visit).
4
Marienplatz: Glockenspiel (times 11:00/12:00/17:00) and Neues Rathaus (elevator to the belfry).
+2 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Free walking tour in the old town (Odeonsplatz, Feldherrnhalle, Theatinerkirche).
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Museum option: Deutsches Museum (iconic sections of your choice).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 45min
8
Day

Munich

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10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Free morning in Munich for additional activities (Maxvorstadt district or banks of the Isar).

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🛡️ Travel advice - Germany

Check official recommendations

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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 7 and 11 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.