Bavaria is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful states/regions in Germany. Coming from the northern part of Germany (namely from the beautiful city of Bremen), I hate to admit that Bavaria is actually pretty. I mean, really pretty. Not like Switzerland pretty, but still beautiful.
Whether you want charming cities, towns, and villages or want to spend some time in nature, hiking, swimming, and doing other outdoor sports, Bavaria has it all.
This Bavaria itinerary is perfect to plan your trip and find out about the best things to do and see in Southern Germany. I have another post about the most beautiful places in Bavaria. However, visiting all these places would mean spending around 3 weeks in Bavaria – at least. I am aware that not all of us can spend so long in only this part of Germany.
So, whether you are in Bavaria for 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, or 10 days, this itinerary will help you find the best places to visit in Bavaria if you stay less than 3 weeks.
WHAT TO DO IN 3 DAYS IN BAVARIA
So, here are the best attractions to visit in Bavaria in 3 days.
- Munich (1 day)
- Schloss Neuschwanstein and Alpsee (1 day)
- Zugspitze and Eibsee (1 day)
Munich – 1 Day
I recommend starting your Bavaria trip from Munich. If you fly into Europe, Munich is a good starting point – whether you do a road trip or discover Central Europe (or just Bavaria) by train.
Arrive in Munich and get settled. Tip: Stay in the city center and discover many places on foot.
Munich is one of the most vibrant cities in Germany. With its stunning architecture, amazing food and buzzing nightlife, Munich is a great destination for travelers looking to explore something new.
Whether you’re interested in the city’s culture or just want to relax with a beer at one of the many Biergartens, Munich is sure to offer something for everyone. There’s plenty of shopping, entertainment, and activities to keep the whole family busy!
You have quite a bit to see in Munich, such as Marienplatz (market square), the old town, the view from the clock tower, Viktualienmarkt, the Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, and Englischer Garten.
Depending on your arrival time, I suggest staying around 1.5 days in Munich (and if you fly back home from Munich, you could spend another half day towards the end there).
WHERE TO STAY IN MUNICH
LUXURY: For a luxury hotel with beautiful rooms and excellent on-site dining, stay at the Mandarin Oriental Munich. It is located right in the center of Old Town.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL MUNICH
MID-RANGE: For a mid-range option, Hotel Mercure München City Center is a popular choice. It is centrally located and offers most facilities you’ll need for a weekend stay.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT MERCURE MÜNCHEN CITY CENTER
MID-RANGE: Another good choice for mid-range accommodation would be King’s Hotel First Class. This hotel has modest rooms but is located in the city’s heart and close to the train station and city landmarks.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT KING´S HOTEL FIRST CLASS
- If you stay only 3 days in Bavaria, then stay 1 day in Munich.
Schloss Neuschwanstein and Alpsee – 1 Day
Schloss Neuschwanstein, located in the southern part of Bavaria, is one of the most iconic castles in the world and a must-see to include on your 3-day itinerary.
But if you really want to experience something special, take a day trip outside of Munich and visit the amazing Neuschwanstein Castle! This 19th-century castle was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany.
With its towering spires, turrets, and dramatic views, it is truly a sight to behold. The palace is located in Hohenschwangau, a small village in the Bavarian Alps and it sits atop an incredible hill overlooking the beautiful countryside.
At Neuschwanstein Castle, you will rub shoulders with a lot of other tourists because it is anything but a hidden gem. You can do a guided tour of the castle if you‘d like to see the (apparently) stunning interior.
I skipped the tour because I was with my dog and dogs are not allowed to enter the castle itself. But even if you don’t do the tour, looking at this castle from a distance and hiking around it is well worth your time.
After seeing the castle, walk to the beautiful Alpsee Lake! What a perfect way to end this day.
When visiting Bavaria, make sure to take a day trip to Alpsee Lake. Located in the foothills of the Alps, this stunning lake is the perfect spot for a relaxing day in nature. With its crystal clear waters and blue sky backdrop, it’s no wonder that this has become one of the most popular tourist spots in Bavaria.
The area is also home to many local trails, making it a great spot for hiking. And it is just a stone´s throw from Neuschwanstein Castle.
You will most likely not need a full day, but anything between 4 hours (if you don’t hike around the lake) and 6-8 hours (including the hike of the lake and visiting the castle) should be enough. For more info, check out my detailed Neuschwanstein guide here.
➡️ Click here for the best hotels close to Neuschwanstein Castle
Then it is time to visit the next Bavarian pearl which is about one hour away (by car).
Eibsee & Zugspitze – 1 Day
Switzerland is my country for mountain lakes and mountain peaks, but there is a bit to see in Germany. After visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, head to Eibsee and the Zugspitze. They are located just next to each other and you can visit both attractions in a day.
If you want to get up to the Zugspitze mountain – the highest mountain in Germany – and hike the lovely Eibsee, probably the most beautiful lake in Germany, you should plan a day for it.
The day I visited Eibsee, it was very foggy, so I decided not to spend $60 for foggy views at Zugspitze summit. However, on a clear day, the views are probably well worth it.
Next to the Zugspitze is the pretty Eibsee – a picturesque lake tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, near Garmisch-Partenkirche. At almost 1,000 meters above sea level, it’s known for its crystal-clear water and breathtaking views of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.
Strolling around the lake (about an 8 km journey) offers breathtaking views, especially at the far end where it truly comes to life in vibrant colors. Give yourself 2-3 hours to fully experience the lake’s beauty from all angles
- If you stay more than 3 days in Southern Germany, here are more tips on how to spend them.
5-DAY BAVARIA ITINERARY
With 5 days in Bavaria, you can add two more places to your itinerary. My suggestion is to head south and visit a bigger city and the country’s most beautiful town.
- Munich (1 day)
- Schloss Neuschwanstein and Alpsee (1 day)
- Zugspitze and Eibsee (1 day)
- Würzburg or Nürnberg (1 day)
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 day)
Würzburg or Nuremberg – 1 Day
I have two cities for you to see that are just beautiful. It’s up to you which is the loveliest and which one you want to visit (visiting both in 5 days in Bavaria might be problematic due to the lack of time).
Würzburg
Würzburg is a medieval city with several stunning castles and fortresses. It is actually the starting point of the “Romantic Road,” which is a popular road trip, and you will pass several cute (and romantic) towns and villages along the way to Füssen and Neuschwanstein.
The city of Würzburg is located in the heart of Bavaria, Germany. It is famous for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Würzburg offers a taste of Bavarian life that is truly special.
Würzbzrg is home to one of the most breathtaking examples of Baroque architecture in the world: The Würzburg Residence. Built between 1720 and 1744, this palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning frescoes.
The drive itself is not scenic (more on nice scenic drives in Germany a bit later), but along with Würzburg, you will discover more places to see.
- I know that Würzburg is quite far away from Munich, and not everyone likes that long drive (around 300km).
- If you want to minimize your driving time, I suggest skipping Würzburg and heading to the next town (which is still quite a long drive but still closer to Munich).
- ➡️ Click here to find out about the best accommodation for your stay in Wurzburg.
- Find out more about how to spend a day in Wurzburg here.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is the second biggest city in Bavaria and also a gorgeous place to visit. The distance to Munich is much shorter (around 150km) and is a good alternative to Würzburg. You can stroll the old town, visit the Johannisfriedhof (a medieval cemetery), and enjoy the views from the St. Lorenz Church – to name a few attractions.
Another beautiful city in Bavaria is Nuremberg. Located in the Franconia region of Germany, it’s a great destination for history lovers. The city is full of cultural attractions, including the impressive castle that overlooks the city.
This large stone fortress was built in the 12th century and is a great place to visit. Inside, you can get an up-close look at the castle’s towers, gates and walls.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber – 1 Day
From Würzburg (around 50km) or Nuremberg (also around 50km), you can get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber – the prettiest town in Germany. It is one of the most popular spots on the Romantic Road and one of the most famous.
Stroll the picturesque old town. Walk the town wall and relax in the Burggarten. Since the city is quite small, one day is enough to see almost everything. However, this did not stop me from revisiting Rothenburg on my second Bavaria road trip and spending another two nights there. Rothenburg on a sunny day is just gorgeous – like a colorful fairytale town!
WHERE TO STAY IN ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER
If you stay overnight in Rothenburg, check out these hotels.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister – this is a well-rated hotel which is perfectly located in the old town of the city.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY AT HOTEL RECIHS-KÜCHENMEISTER
BUDGET: Hotel Gasthof zur Linde – On my second visit, I stayed at this 3-star property near the gates of the old town. Within a few minutes, you are right in the heart of Rothenburg. It is a quite simple place but was good enough for me.
➡️ BOOK YOUR STAY GASTHOF ZUR LINDE
BAVARIA ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN 7 DAYS
With one week in Bavaria, you can explore a few more gorgeous places. This also means that you have to add these new places mentioned now in between the other days.
- Munich (2 days)
- Schloss Neuschwanstein and Alpsee (1 day)
- Zugspitze and Eibsee (1 day)
- Würzburg or Nürnberg (1 day)
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 day)
- Königssee and Eagles´s Nest (1 day)
If you want to visit the above-mentioned places and the attractions below, it makes the most sense to visit Munich, then head north to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Würzburg/Nuremberg, and then visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Eibsee, which are in the south of Bavaria. Because all mentioned places now are also in the southern part of Bavaria.
Königssee Lake – 1 Day
Königssee is a stunning lake located in the Bavarian Alps. With its crystal clear water, majestic mountains and perfect reflection of the sky, it is no wonder that this lake has become one of the must-see attractions in Bavaria.
Germany’s cleanest lake is incredible, and a boat ride (on an electric boat to keep the water clean) is quite relaxing and interesting.
You can get out at St. Bartholomä or go to the other end of Königssee Lake and hop off there to hike around the other lake (Obersee) that is just next to it. There is no other way to see the end of the lake, as you cannot hike it all the way.
However, if you prefer not to hop on a boat (the cost is around 20€), go for a walk and do the 1 1/2-hour “Malerwinkel“ hike. I read so many positive reviews about this but was a bit disappointed because the hike was mostly through a forest with a few scenic views.
- You might need around 4-10 hours at Königssee Lake, and it is another place to see if you are in Bavaria for one week or longer.
- I would not squeeze in other attractions for this day – it is nice to have some quieter days as well and do not underestimate the travel time.
- ➡️ Here are the best hotels to stay near Königssee. My base was in Bad Reichenhall, which is great, but so is Berchtesgaden. From these two places, you can get to some major Bavaria attractions quickly (if you do not want to change hotels each day),
Eagle´s Nest – 1 Day
Close to Königssee Lake is Eagle´s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus). It is known for two reasons: its great views and as a place where politicians of the NS regime met and political decisions were made.
After initially considering the destruction of the building after World War II, it was decided that it should remain. Now it has become a must-see on many itineraries. You can either hike up or take a special bus up to learn about its history – and, of course, enjoy the view.
If you do the “easy” hike (up and down), I suggest planning in a full day – with less than one week in Bavaria, I would probably skip it, but that is just my suggestion.
- If you take the bus to get up and do some hiking at the peak, 4 to 7 hours should be enough. Ticket prices for the bus are quite reasonable (around 15€ round-trip).
- ➡️ Click here to find the best hotels near Kehlsteinhaus.
- Kehlsteinhaus is actually closed during the winter time and only open from mid-May to mid-October.
With these above-mentioned places, you have an amazing 7-day Bavaria itinerary. And if you have even more time to spend in Southern Germany I have the following suggestion.
HOW TO EXPLORE BAVARIA IN 10 DAYS
Okay, this is really weird as I am talking about Southern Germany and then adding Northern Austria. However, it is worth it to head to Salzburg.
- Munich (2 days)
- Schloss Neuschwanstein and Alpsee (1 day)
- Zugspitze and Eibsee (1 day)
- Würzburg or Nürnberg (1 day)
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 day)
- Königssee and Eagles´s Nest (2 days)
- Salzburg (1,5 – 2 days)
Salzburg – 2 Days
Why did I add the Austrian city of Salzburg to this list? Well, this pretty city is very close to Eagle´s Nest, and if you stay in Berchtesgaden, then a trip to Salzburg is definitely a must (even if it isn’t located in Bavaria).
I am in love with Salzburg. This gorgeous place knew how to amaze me – and all the other tourists. It takes about an hour (or even less) to get there from Bavaria. So, if you have a spare day, then Salzburg should be on your 10-day itinerary for Bavaria. Visit the beautiful Mirabell Garden and Palace, get to Hohensalzburg Fortress, explore the pretty old town, and much more.
To find out more about this beautiful city, check out my detailed Salzburg guide.
WHERE TO STAY IN SALZBURG
LUXURY HOTEL – RADISSON BLU: If you want to stay in the old town – and prefer a luxury hotel – then the Radisson Blu most likely is the perfect choice for you.
➡️ Check out rates for the hotel here.
MID-RANGE – STAR INN PREMIUM SALZBURG: If you are looking for a good but more affordable hotel in the city center, then the Star Inn Premium Salzburg would be a good pick.
➡️ Check out rates for the hotel here.
BUDGET – IBIS BUDGET AIRPORT SALZBURG: I normally opt for hotels in the city center – however, since I was driving my own car, I decided to stay outside the main city center. So, I ended up at Ibis Salzburg Airport. There was enough free parking, and I had to walk for about 7 minutes to the bus stop, which was perfect for me.
➡️ Check out the prices for the hotel here.
Depending on your arrival time, I suggest staying one or two nights before heading to the next pretty place in Austria. If you are in a rush, you surely can visit the main attractions in one day – but it would be less enjoyable.
If you plan a longer trip to Austria, read my 5-day Austria itinerary.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR BAVARIA TRIP
Here are some FAQs and answers and travel tips for your Bavaria trip.
HOW TO GET AROUND BAVARIA
Whether you opt for road-tripping or getting around by public transportation – both allow you to experience Bavaria at its best.
BAVARIA ROAD TRIP
Driving in Bavaria is a good way to get around. There are some very scenic routes, and there are no tolls for cars in Germany. Overall, the streets are well-paved and safe, and people drive well.
There are freeways without speed limits, but most roads have a speed limit that you should stick to (speed cams are spread throughout the country).
A parking disc might be useful in some places, but you will often have to pay cash for parking in cities, towns, or tourist attractions. Day tickets for attractions like Neuschwanstein cost around 6€; parking in Munich‘s city center would be much higher.
Petrol in Bavaria is quite expensive. Diesel costs about $1.50, and petrol (gasoline) is about $1.60 (per liter), but it can get way more expensive at times. This is just an average, as prices vary greatly. In the morning prices are highest, and during the day, prices decrease. It gets the cheapest in the evening – apparently 7 pm is the best time to refuel your vehicle.
Most petrol stations (actually, all) are self-service, and you can pay cash or with a credit card at the cashier. In smaller villages, there might be machines you have to pay at directly.
If you plan to rent a car, make sure to find the best deals here.
Find out more about how to plan a perfect road trip here.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN BAVARIA
Getting around via trains and buses is actually quite easy.
While the Deutsche Bahn (the national train company) is not really my favorite company to travel with, they get you from one place to the other, and in Bavaria, they actually come in handy. It is not cheap and often not on time, but well, we can’t have it all.
If you are in Bavaria, you can buy daily tickets and use them for all of Bavaria’s trains and buses. If you get “Bayern Tickets,” they are actually not expensive. They cost about 25€ for one person a day, and each additional person (max of 5 people) costs 3-5€ extra.
You cannot use all trains with your Bayern Ticket (not the express trains, for example, so make sure to always sit on the right train). But you can use public transportation in the cities and towns – there might be some restrictions on private bus companies, etc.
Buy your ticket from the ticket machine to avoid paying fees (they are not high, just a few euros, but it can add up if you buy a ticket each day).
BEST TIME TO VISIT BAVARIA
- Summer in Europe can be crazy. Many places get really crowded. Personally, it spoils my trips, but not everyone is as sensitive as I am.
- Since we cannot rely on seasons and how the weather is supposed to be at a certain time, I would advise visiting from September to early October or April to June. May and June are probably the best months in my opinion.
- If you are into Christmas markets and winter activities, then Bavaria is also great to visit in the winter (December), and given its mountains, it is a popular skiing destination.
IS BAVARIA EXPENSIVE?
- Prices in Bavaria for accommodations, fuel, and food are generally higher than in the rest of Germany.
- However, compared to Switzerland or Austria, it is a bit more affordable.
- Accommodation, in particular, can get very expensive (some cities/areas charge an additional city tax for each night).
- Munich and the main tourist spots tend to be pricier. You can have a quick lunch in a regular restaurant for about 10€. Of course, prices vary greatly, and you can find much cheaper and more luxurious restaurants.
- Entry to castles like Neuschwanstein Castle is about 13€ per person, and to me, that‘s quite reasonable.
WHERE TO STAY IN BAVARIA FOR 3-10 DAYS
I visited Bavaria several times, and normally, Munich is my base from which I get around. However, this time I road-tripped Bavaria for about two weeks and stayed at each place for no more than 5 nights.
If you stay in Munich, you can do a lot of day trips. But if you drive and don’t mind changing hotels, I recommend staying in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and visiting Würzburg, etc., from there.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also a great base because you can visit places like Eibsee, Zugspitze, and Schloss Neuschwanstein from there.
Berchtesgaden is a good base if you want to explore places like Königssee, Eagle´s Nest, and Salzburg.
LANGUAGE IN BAVARIA
There are different dialects spoken in Germany, and though everyone understands High German, not everyone speaks it perfectly. However, as someone who doesn’t understand any Bavarian dialect, I had no issues, and people tried to adjust.
Basic English is spoken in all touristy areas.
SAFETY IN BAVARIA
I think that it is safe to say that Bavaria is a safe place to visit. Bavaria´s crime rate is quite low. Just keep your eyes open and exercise common sense – especially in tourist areas. It is recommended to keep your belongings and your wallet close to you.
If you get around by car, don’t leave valuables on display.
MORE TIPS FOR YOUR BAVARIA ITINERARY
Here are some more tips for your itinerary.
- Water: Yes to free water! Germans love their sparkling water, but we also enjoy free water (non-sparkling, of course). To enjoy fresh water, bring your reusable water bottle. In many parts of Bavaria, you can refill your bottle with fresh water from fountains. Shy away from it if it says, “KEIN TRINKWASSER” or there is a sign with somehow indicates it is not safe water to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping in Germany is common, though not necessary. If you like the service you receive, feel free to leave a tip (around 10% in restaurants), and you can also tip taxi drivers (depending on the driving time, about 1-5€).
- Money: Credit and debit cards are accepted widely. However, in smaller shops and villages, that might not be the case, so always bring enough cash. American Express is, unfortunately, not accepted everywhere, and Visa and MasterCard are more common.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON AN ITINERARY FOR BAVARIA
If you still have more time to explore this lovely area, head to my post about Bavaria’s most beautiful places and get some inspiration for more locations to see! However, I am sure with this Bavaria itinerary. You are well set!
Here are a few of my favorite posts I have written for you:
- Here are the most beautiful places in Bavaria
- Best travel tips for Germany
- Check out this Germany itinerary
- Check out this Germany and Switzerland itinerary
- Switzerland: 5-day itinerary
Stay safe and enjoy!
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