Bavaria’s Best: One Week in Germany and Austria

Bavaria’s Best: One Week in Germany and Austria

One Week Itinerary: Germany & Austria

Southern Germany is an enchanting place to visit.  From fairytale castles to alpine adventures to exploring one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns, a trip to Bavaria ticks a lot of the boxes of the best things to see and do in Germany.   You can also combine your southern Germany trip with a visit to Austria!  Below is our one week Bavarian itinerary including a few days in Salzburg, Austria.

When we went

June, 2024.  We had mostly great weather with blue skies.  Temperatures were in the 60s-70s for the majority of the trip.  By the time we reached Munich, the temperatures had climbed into the 80s.  It was also great time of year to visit from the perspective that peak summer crowds had not yet arrived.  If possible, we highly recommend visiting in early to mid June for lower crowd levels and generally good weather.

Here is a map of our route:

Our driving route:  Beginning and ending at the Munich Airport (“F”)

WHAT THIS ITINERARY INCLUDES:

  • Salzburg, Austria
  • Dachau Concentration Camp, Dachau, Germany
  • Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
  • Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
  • Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak
  • The Kings Castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
  • Munich, Germany

DAY 1:

On Today’s Agenda:

  • Arrive in Munich, Germany
  • Drive to Salzburg, Austria
  • Explore Altstadt and Getreidegasse
  • Stiftskirche St. Peter

Where we stayed:

Hotel Am Dam | Salzburg, Austria

We arrived at the Munich Airport in the morning, got our rental car for the week, and headed south on the Autobahn to Salzburg, Austria. 

Once we arrived, we checked in to our hotel and then set out to explore.  We were hungry and ready for lunch so we first stopped at Cafe Tomaselli.  The cafe features an upstairs outdoor area, which is where we dined.  The fresh air and sunshine helped reset our internal clocks and we had a great meat of Austrian cuisine and beer with great views.

Cafe Tomaselli

From here we wandered Alstadt (old town), which is so charming with its cobblestone lanes and pretty facades.  Getriedegasse is especially charming with its boutiques and cafes and intricate signs depicting what the business sells.

Getreidegasse

We were ready for a cafe break so we popped into Cafe Mozart to try their famous Salzburger Nockerl, a light and fluffy concoction made of eggs and sugar and set over contrasting sour berries.  

The Salzburger Nockerl

From here, we headed to St. Peters Stiftskirche with the beautiful interior and cross above the altar that seems to be levitating.

The beautiful interior of St. Peters Stiftskirche

The Abbey of St. Peter’s church was first built in the year 696 and is the oldest monastery that still exists in the German speaking world today.  One can visit the church interior, Abbey, cemetery, and catacombs.  The cemetery was actually inspiration for a scene in the movie, The Sound of Music.

Dinner this evening was at Augustiner Gaststätte, with a great view over the Salzach River.  We had a delicious meal in the cozy ambiance of the restaurant!

A great first meal in Austria at Augustiner Gaststätte

DAY 2:

On Today’s Agenda:

  • Mozart’s Geburtshaus
  • Hohensalzburg Fortress
  • Mozart Concert at Mirabell Palace & Gardens

Where we stayed:

Hotel Am Dam | Salzburg, Austria

We began our morning with breakfast in the cozy nook of our hotel, enjoying traditional Austrian breakfast fare such as delicious coffee, cold cuts and cheese, and a variety of breads.

Our first stop of the day was Mozart’s Geburtshaus, the house where Mozart was born and lived during his childhood.

Mozart’s Geburtshaus

We purchased tickets on site and were one of two groups in the house.  We explored rooms, seeing how Mozart and his family lived.  On display were a harpsichord and his little childhood violin, plus letters he penned and music he wrote. 

Top to bottom:  A room in the house; Mozart’s childhood violin; music written by Mozart

The one hour visit was a great peek into Mozart’s life.

From here, we walked to the funicular to take us up to Hohensalzburg Fortress, the castle that sits high above the city of Salzburg.  We had pre-purchased tickets for the funicular and the castle.  After a short funicular ride up, we disembarked and explored the castle at our own pace.

Walking up to the castle entrance, you can take in panoramic views of Salzburg below.

Incredible views of Salzburg from Hohensalzburg Fortress

From here, we explored all the areas of the castle, including the marionette museum, the church, and the interior of the castle. 

Interior of the castle

We ended our tour with the observation area with beautiful views of the surrounding area.  Our total time at the castle was about two hours.

Views from the observation area

We ate lunch at the castle, as we were hungry by now.  The meal was fantastic and the views can’t be beat!

Lunch with a view

Dinner this evening was across the river from Altstadt in Neustadt (new town).  We ate at Braurestaurant Imlauer and enjoyed our meal before our special event this evening.  It was a short walk from the restaurant to Mirabell Palace & Gardens, where we took in a Mozart Concert. 

Ava at the fountain made famous from The Sound of Music at Mirabell Palace

Hearing Mozart’s music fill the gilded hall where Mozart himself once played was a bucket list experience for sure!  

Mozart’s music filled this hall where Mozart himself once played

HOW TO HAVE TWO GREAT DAYS IN SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

We have a two-day itinerary that goes in to much more detail at the above link regarding our two days in Salzburg.

DAY 3:

On Today’s Agenda:

  • Depart Salzburg
  • Visit Dachau Concentration Camp
  • Arrive in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
  • Nightwatchman’s Tour

Where we stayed:

Hotel Reichskuchenmeister | Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

It was time to leave Austria and head back into Germany.  The drive from Salzburg to Dachau, Germany, located just outside of Munich, took about two hours.  Dachau is home to the infamous concentration camp of the same name.  

Visiting a concentration camp is not the usual happy exploring one does at castles or museums when traveling.  However, it is a very important part of history and we wanted to pay our respects.  Our self-guided tour took us through the museum, where the history of the concentration camp was displayed on signs and artifacts were on display.  Visitors can also watch the documentary film, although we did not.  We were short on time and honestly knew it would be hard to watch.  Instead, after spending a good bit of time in the museum, we set out to explore the grounds, walking through recreated barracks and seeing the plats of land where other barracks once stood. 

Dachau Concentration Camp

We spent about an hour and a half at Dachau.  The entire family was glad to have come as it is an important part of history.  If we all take time to immerse ourselves in the uncomfortable histories of the past, we can have hope that these atrocities won’t be repeated.

From here, we continued driving to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval towns.  Entering through the towers and driving on the narrow cobblestone lanes felt a bit like being in a fairytale!

One of the gates in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Once we settled in to the hotel and parked the car for the day, we set out to explore.  The half-timbered buildings set on cobblestone lanes made Rothenburg feel so charming.

Our adorable hotel, Hotel Reichskuckenmeister

Dinner tonight was at Alter Keller, a cozy restaurant serving up traditional German food.  From here, we had a special tour:  The Nightwatchman Tour!

We were to meet in Marketplatz, the main square.  Suddenly, seemingly to emerge out of nowhere, the Nightwatchman arrived!  The Nightwatchman Tour is lead by a guide portraying a medieval nightwatchman.  He is dressed in nightwatchman garb:  a long black cloak, black tricorn hat, and carrying a Hellebarde, a long axe-type of weapon.  The nightwatchman also carries a lantern lit by candle light as they did back in the middle ages.  What a great get up for an evening tour through town!

The Nightwatchman

We enjoyed the tour, getting a glimpse into medieval life in this storybook town! 

Roaming around Rothenburg with the Nightwatchman as our lead

The guide has been doing this tour for decades and has it down pat.  He slips in a little bit of entertaining anecdotes along with Rothenburg’s history for an all around wonderful tour!

Such a great tour!

There are no tickets for this tour, rather you pay at the end of the tour.  Genius!  You’ll likely be slipping him a few extra well-deserved Euros for the entertaining and educational hour of roaming through Rothenburg ob der Tauber by candlelight!

After the tour, we grabbed a drink in the Biergarten outside of our hotel.  Then Braden and I set out to explore a bit. 

Marktplatz at night

What a cozy town to explore at night.  Having Rothenburg to ourselves in the twilight was pure magic!  We enjoyed window shopping and meandering around the town before calling it a night.

DAY 4:

On Today’s Agenda:

  • Explore Rothenburg
  • Pics at Plonlein
  • Walk the medieval wall
  • Depart Rothenburg
  • Drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Where we stayed:

Airbnb | Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The next morning, after breakfast at our hotel, we set out to explore more of Rothenburg.

Good morning, Rothenburg

We first made our way to Plönlein.  Plönlein means “small square at the fountain” and refers to the area with the picturesque yellow, half-timbered building complete with cobblestone lanes around it. 

Plönlein in the morning, without the crowds!

Throughout the day, crowds surround Plönlein as it is a very popular photo spot.  We found that early morning is the best time for photos of Plönlein.  Not only is the morning light great for photos, but you’ll encounter just a few other people around.  During the day, it gets increasingly busy and difficult to get good photos of.

After our photos of Plönlein, we turned left right before the gate and walked a short distance up the hill.  We then entered the intact medieval city wall.  

Braden by one of the entrances of the wall

The wall is about 20 feet high

Exploring ramparts, checking out canons, smelling the cool dirt, and walking on the hard pack in the ramparts contributed to our feeling of being transported back to the middle ages. 

I loved walking this intact medieval wall

We walked a good portion of the wall, taking in views of the town below and the countryside beyond the walls.  

View of Rothenburg with the wall to the right

Views of Rothenburg from within the wall

Looking out to the countryside from the wall

WHY YOU NEED TO STAY IN ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER

For a more in-depth article in all there is to see and do in Rothenburg along with our full experience, click the link above to go to our Rothenburg ob der Tauber article.

It was time to pack up and head south to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we stayed for the next three days.  Located on the border of southern Germany and northern Austria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen makes a great base.  While here, you can visit Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, visit the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, and so much more.

Once we arrived at our Airbnb, we went to a nearby grocery store to stock up for the next few days.  At this point of the trip, we really appreciated having a kitchen, space to spread out, and laundry facilities.

This evening was spent cooking a meal and eating together around the table in the cozy kitchen.  We were living like the locals and loving it!  After dinner, we played card games outside with beautiful Bavaria surrounding us.

Relaxing after dinner outside of our Airbnb

DAY 5:

On Today’s Agenda:

  • Visit the Kings Castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
  • Glide down the mountainside on a summer luge run

Where we stayed:

Airbnb | Garmisch-Partenkirchen

No visit to Bavaria is complete without seeing the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein.  Located just an hour from where were staying in Garmish-Partenkirchen, we were on the road after breakfast to begin our castle tours.

We had pre-booked our tickets to tour both Neuschwanstein and King Ludwig’s actual boyhood home, Hohenschwangau.  When we arrived, we parked in the P4 Parking Lot, the one closest to the castles.

We had a short wait for the shuttle bus up to Neuschwanstein.  The bus dropped off at the intersection of paths:  one path to Marienbrucke, the bridge spanning a gorge, and the other the path which leads to Neuschwanstein Castle. 

The intersection of paths where the bus drops off

We recommend going to Neuschwanstein first.  As the bus drops off, the majority of people rush right to Marienbrucke to get those incredible views of Neuschwanstein.  The bridge can get crowded quickly, with people all vying to get photos of the famous castle.  If you wait until after your tour, you’ll likely have less crowds to contend with on the bridge, as it seems to be busiest when the bus drops off people.

We headed towards Neuschwanstein, a ten minute walk on a woodsy path.  As you get close, the castle starts peeking out from the trees!

Getting close to Neuschwanstein!

You walk right along the side of it on the path to enter the front of the castle

With a little bit of time before our tour, we checked out the castle from various viewpoints, including a great view of Marienbrucke.

The front of Neuschwanstein

Marienbrucke, the bridge spanning the gorge – and where you get those epic views of Neuschwanstein

Shortly before our tour time, we entered the front of the castle, scanning our tickets here for entry.  We then watched the monitor for our tour time. 

Tour times and group numbers displayed on the monitor

Once it was time for our tour, we scanned our tickets again and walked through the turnstile for the interior castle tour.

During the tour, we saw King Ludwig’s bedroom with an exquisite starry night ceiling above his bed.  The banquet hall is adorned with crown chandeliers and impressive frescoes adorn the walls.  Most interesting is the indoor grotto, complete with a cave with stalactites!  Ludwig wanted the outdoors brought in as he was a bit of a recluse, preferring to stay inside his castle than to venture out.

After the tour, you are free to go to the cafe, step onto the back balcony, and take photos. 

Ava on the balcony of Neuschwanstein, looking out over Hohenschwangau

Once we exited the castle, we made our way to Marienbrucke for the fantastic view of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle is just gorgeous

We caught the bus back down to the P4 parking lot and then walked about 10 minutes uphill to Hohenschwangau, the path leads right from the P4 parking lot. 

The path that leads from the P4 parking lot up to Hohenschwangau Castle

Once up there, it was the same as Neuschwanstein:  watch for your tour time on the monitor, wander to take in the views, and then scan your ticket and get on your tour when your time pops up.

Exploring the exterior of Hohenschwangau Castle before our tour – note Neuschwanstein in the distance over Braden’s shoulder!

Hohenschwangau is more historical than Neuschwanstein as it was Ludwig’s actual boyhood home, having lived here with his parents and younger brother, Otto.  He dreamt of building a fantastical castle just a short distance away.  Once construction began when he was an adult, he had a telescope set up from his bedroom in Hohenschwangau to watch Neuschwanstein’s progress.

The smaller, yet more historic, Hohenschwangau Castle

After completing both castle tours, we dined at the biergarten below Hohenschwangau Castle, enjoying beer and charcuterie while listening to live traditional music.

The biergarten we dined at is the yellow building below Hohenschwangau

Our delicious post touring fare

From here, we drove about five minutes to Tegelburg Sommer Rodelbahn, which is a summer luge run.  In alpine regions, these are quite common and can range from long and fast to shorter and better suited for children.  This one happened to be the latter, but since we were so close, we gave it a try. 

Tegelburg Sommer Rodelbahn

We had fun!  It was a unique experience to cruise down a mountainside with just a handbrake between you and the luge run. 

Getting towed up

We also saw paragliders in the sky, as this is a popular area to do so.

Lots of paragliders overhead

From here, we finally were ready to wind down with a great dinner at Schloss Brauhaus.  With more live music and delicious German fare we said “Prost!” to a great day in Bavaria.

Prost!  At Schloss Brauhaus in Schwangau

GUIDE TO VISITING THE KING’S CASTLES:  NEUSCHWANSTEIN & HOHENSCHWANGAU

We have an in-depth article with pertinent planning information and helpful tips for visiting both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles in the above link.

DAY 6:

On Today’s Agenda:

  • Stand at the top of Germany at Zugspitze
  • Explore Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Where we stayed:

Airbnb | Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitze, is located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, another reason why it’s a great place to stay.  With visiting Zugspitze, you really need to wait for a clear day otherwise you’ll just have clouds surrounding you – not worth the time nor the money to trek up there!

On the day we hoped to visit we watched the weather and saw that the clearest part of the day would be around noon.  So, we rallied the troops and drove the short distance to the station where we would begin our journey to Zugspitze.

The station in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

We purchased our tickets on-site and waited for the train that would take us to Eibsee, a 30 minute train ride away.  We boarded the train and saw some of the most beautiful countryside pass by from the windows. 

Some of the beautiful countryside seen from the train

Once in Eibsee, we got off the train, crossed over a street, and boarded the gondola that would take us up to the peak.

Entering the building to take the gondola up to the peak, Zugspitze

While on the gondola, you are rewarded with the most magnificent views. 

The views on the gondola are incredible the whole way up

It is the longest freespan gondola in the world!  The large gondola whisks you up over hikers, next to Lake Eibsee, and then seemingly vertically along the mountainside for the final ascent to Zugspitze.

Once at the top, you are free to roam all the viewing areas. 

One of the observation decks

There are multiple levels, restaurants, and Germany’s highest bar with undisputed best views!  

Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak

The golden cross marks the official highest point in Germany.  One can actually climb to it, via ladder and cables.  I had planned to climb to the top, but during our visit in mid-June it was still closed due to snow still covering the path.  

The path to the golden cross that marks Germany’s official highest point was still snow-covered in mid-June

After taking in the views, we dined at Panorama 2962 Restaurant with views out of the windows unlike any other dining experience while eating our delicious lunch.

You can also cross into the Austrian side, simply by walking through a door.  Gone are the days when you needed to show your passport to officially cross the border!  

The Austrian side

There was a snowhill on the Austrian side – Mike is the tall guy to the left

After a few hours up here, we headed back down, taking the gondola back to Eibsee and the train back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.  This trip was so worth it – some of the most incredible scenery we have ever seen! 

VISITING ZUGSPITZE:  HELPFUL INFO & TIPS

For more in-depth info on planning, purchasing tickets, the route, and lots of photos, click the above link for our article on visiting Zugspitze.

DAY 7:

On Today’s Agenda:

  • Depart Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • Drive to Munich
  • BMW Welt
  • Say “Prost!” to a wonderful time in Germany at Hofbrauhaus

Where we stayed:

Munich Marriott Hotel | Munich, Germany

On our final full day in Germany, we packed up and headed back towards Munich, leaving Garmisch-Partenkirchen mid-morning.  It is an easy drive, taking just over an hour.  

We checked in to our hotel and enjoyed a late lunch.  Mike, Braden, and Ava went to BMW Welt while Skylar and I got organized in the hotel.

BMW Welt features the new car showroom section, which is free to visit.  There are interactive exhibits and a fully robotic coffee barista!  Across the bridge is the BMW Museum with several sections of the history of BMW.  Gift shops are on-site.  The museum takes about an hour and a half to get through.  They really enjoyed their visit!

BMW Welt

After they came back, we ventured into the beautiful historic part of Munich.  It was early evening so we did not have a lot of time here.  The only thing we did have time for was Hofbrauhaus!

Hofbrauhaus in Munich

Hofbrauhaus is Germany’s most famous Biergarten.  The frescoes are beautiful and the music festive. 

The interior of Hofbrauhaus

A live band played while big steins of beer and even larger pretzels were served.  We sat outside, finding a table in the shade as it was 85 degrees this day.  

Prost!  To a great trip to Germany

Hofbrauhaus is Munich’s oldest brewery, going back as far as the 1600s.  The brewery was created because beer was expensive.  It was gaining popularity in northern Germany so in order to avoid expensive import fees, Munich created its own brewery.  Today, it sometimes sees 35,000 people a day!  On the day we visited, it was very crowded, which apparently is the norm.  But it was a fun atmosphere and a great way to end an incredible trip to Germany!

DAY 8:

Travel Day Home!

With one week in the Bavarian part of Germany, you can see some of Germany’s best!  This itinerary will guide you through a wonderful week in this enchanting area.

Read More!

For more information on travel in Bavaria:

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