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The perfect 7 days in Bavaria Itinerary – exploring castles, mountains, and traditional cities

If you’re anything like me, you probably also have a hard time deciding for cities to visit once you arrive at a new destination. There’s so much to see, yet so little time – right?! I often find it difficult to choose my main points of interest and the perfect Itinerary from an outside position. If you’re feeling the same (or just looking for inspiration), I’ve got you covered. I’ll share my perfect Itinerary for 7 days in Bavaria that covers the most iconic spots.

Besides the step-by-step Itinerary, you’ll find a map and a rough price calculation for this trip at the end of the article.

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Where should you start your 7 days in Bavaria?

The two (international) airports in Bavaria are Nürnberg (NUE) and Munich (MUC). Since Munich is one of the largest hubs in Germany, we’ll start our 7-day Bavaria road trip here. But, of course, you can also swap the individual stops and choose a different city like Nürnberg as starting point.

Nürnberg and Munich offer good infrastructure, especially if you also want to rent a car.

The ultimate 7 days in Bavaria Itinerary

As mentioned, you can also start this round trip at any other point. However, we’ll start our road trip in Munich since the Bavarian capital is usually the first place for travelers visiting Bavaria – especially if you are traveling from abroad.

This specific seven-day trip Itinerary isn’t made for slow travelers. You’ll cover a new city daily to make the most of your stay in Bavaria. Feel free to skip a town if needed; however, these stops will give you an excellent overview of the main points of interest in this part of Germany.

Day 1 | Munich

München (de) = Munich (en)

The journey begins! You will spend your first day in Munich, the world-famous Bavarian capital. Since Munich is so much more than just the Oktoberfest and FC Bayern München, you’d need multiple days in Munich to cover all there is to see.

Here are some sights you should add to your list to get to know the city:

  • Stroll through the “Englischer Garten” and watch the surfers on the “Eisbachwelle.”
  • The tower of St. Peters Church (also known as “Alter Peter”) offers a great view of the city.
  • For a quick change of scenery, you can drop by the hip area called “Bahnwärter Thiel.” This spot is excellent for a night out and offers street food and small art studios during the day.
  • On Marienplatz, you can listen to the carillon and watch the hustle and bustle of the locals and tourists while enjoying fresh, local beer.

Many of Munich’s attractions are within walking distance of each other so that you can combine sightseeing with a long walk. After your sightseeing tour of Munich, you can end the evening in one of the many restaurants.

If you want to try good Bavarian cuisine, I’d recommend the “Augustiner Bräustuben” and “Donisl.” At night you can wander through the many bars and clubs.

The following day is packed – maybe you’d better try to get some rest. (I know it’s not that easy… Munich’s nightlife is great!)

Hotels in Munich

Watching surfers at Eisbachwelle
The view from Alter Peter
Inside Bahnwärter Thiel
There are so many churches to visit

Day 2 | Zugspitze – Neuschwanstein Castle – Füssen

A quick heads-up in advance: this day is packed! If you want to spend a little more time on the Zugspitze, the Eibsee, or the castle, I recommend spreading the two activities over two days. On the other hand, if you want to visit both spots in one day, as suggested, you should leave early to get the most out of it.

Step 1: Munich → Zugspitze | 1 hour 10 minutes

The second day of your journey takes you further south, close to the Austrian border. In the morning, you’ll go to Garmisch Patenkirchen to taste the mountain air. Then, you can hop into a cable car and ride up Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. The ride on the gondola or mountain railway is a sensation already. After arriving at the mountain station, you’ll have a fascinating view of the mountain landscape. The perfect start for your week in Bavaria!

At the foot of the Zugspitze is a lake called Eibsee, which you can reach after a 10-minute drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This lake is one of the most famous in Bavaria, as it offers a truly fantastic view with crystal clear water and mountain scenery. The valley station of the new Zugspitz cable car is only 200m from the lake and takes you directly to the Zugspitze. This specific cable car is one of the area’s newest and most innovative ones!

In addition, you can visit the lake before or after your trip up the mountain. Since the Eibsee is very well known, I recommend you get there early if you plan a short detour around the lake.

Before you start, you should know that the ride in a cable car can be challenging for travelers who are afraid of heights. The floor-to-ceiling glass gondolas take you to a dizzying height of 3000m – this can be frightening, even for passengers who are not scared of heights. The journey takes about 10 minutes and will definitely leave you speechless.

Before you arrive, you should check the departure times on the official Zugspitze website. Here you can also check which days the cable cars are closed and where you can find additional parking spaces. The cable car ride (ascent and descent) costs you €63 in summer and €57 in winter, and you can purchase your tickets online.

PS: Don’t forget to pack a jacket and skip the open sandals (even in summer). It’s cold up there!

Step 2: Zugspitze → Neuschwanstein Castle | 1 hour 15 minutes

The fastest route for this part often leads through Austria. Before you set off, you should check this and – if necessary – check whether you are allowed to cross the border and the costs thereby incurred. I’d recommend choosing the route within Germany – it only takes 10 minutes longer.

After an exciting morning in the mountains, you’ll continue to the next iconic destination: Neuschwanstein Castle. Of course, this world-famous attraction should not be missing from any Bavaria Itinerary. Entry to the castle costs €15 and includes a guided tour. Unfortunately, visiting the castle on your own is not possible, and a tour lasts about 30 minutes.

You can park your car in Hohenschwangau, as there is no direct access to the castle. Then, you can hike up to Neuschwanstein castle (approx. 30 minutes) or use the shuttle bus. The bus takes you to the Marienbrücke, where you have to walk another 15 minutes downhill to the castle. Option three would be the horse carriage, which will take you to a turning point just before the castle. You’d still have a 15-minute walk ahead of you from this point.

The iconic photo spot can be found on the Marienbrücke, about 15 minutes’ walking distance from the castle. Please note that the bridge may be closed on some days in winter due to the weather.

You can read more about recent information and prices on the official website of Neuschwanstein Castle. I recommend you buy the tickets online in advance, even if there is a fee of €2.50. Since the ticket contingents are limited, you’re not at risk of not getting a ticket after your arrival. You can also check the seasonal opening times on their website.

I would generally plan 2.5 hours for a visit since the outdoor area and the view from the Marienbrücke should also be considered. In addition, the paths between the castle, bridge, and car park also take some time.

Step 3: Füssen

The cute town of Füssen is only a 10-minute drive from the castle and is a great place to stay for the night. You can end the adventurous day in a cozy, traditional restaurant. Then, if you don’t fall straight into bed from exhaustion, you can use the remaining time for a walk around the city center.

Hotels in Füssen

The iconic view of Neuschwanstein Castle
The Zugspitz Platform
The ride is amazing!
Eibsee with the stunning view

Day 3 | Rothenburg ob der Tauber (along the romantic road?)

After checking some of the top attractions in southern Germany off our to-do list, we are now driving north, more precisely to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The drive from Füssen to Rothenburg takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes along the A7 highway.

Alternatively, you can also drive the Romantic Road. This route takes you from Füssen via many small towns to Rothenburg (and even on to Würzburg). 

But what exactly is the Romantic Road? In short, this route connects culturally significant cities along picturesque countryside and traditional villages. It extends over 470km and 29 towns – so it will take you some time if you should aim for this route. 

The Romantic Road is particularly popular with travelers who prefer to travel slowly and are also interested in the culture and history of smaller towns. If you’re in Bavaria for only seven days and want to explore more than just this region, I would rather skip it, as the journey from Füssen to Rothenburg o.d.T on the Romantic Road takes twice as much time (without the stops along the route). However, since you’ll hear about this route often, especially concerning cities like Füssen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, I wanted to give you a quick insight into what you’d have to expect.

Arrived in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you’ll get to explore a magical city full of medieval flair. Especially during the Christmas season, Rothenburg is a magnet for visitors from all over the world!

To get the most out of your day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, these are the best places to visit:

  • Walk past the “Plönlein” – the well-known postcard motif of the city
  • Tour the city walls and enjoy the view of the city and the surrounding area
  • Visit the Kaethe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum
  • Learn about the past in the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum.

If you are not too tired after the long drive and the day in the city, you can participate in one of the iconic night guard tours*.

Hotels in Rothenburg

The Iconic “Plönlein” Spot
The view from the city walls
Christmas Mood at Kaethe Wohlfahrt
“Schneeballen” are a local classic

Day 4 | Würzburg

Würzburg (de) = Wuerzburg (en)

On this day, you’ll explore the city of Würzburg, which is only a 45-minute drive from Rothenburg.

This city is known for its charming city center, history, and tradition around wine. As with most other cities, you can experience a lot here. If I had to narrow it down, I’d recommend the following things to do in Würzburg:

  • Visit the Würzburg Residence and stroll through the beautiful garden.
  • Walk through the old town past the “Falkenhaus,” St. Mary’s Church, and St. Kilian’s Cathedral.
  • Take a picture underneath the colorful umbrellas in the “Schustergasse.”
  • In the Neumünster Church, you will find great architecture and a crypt.
  • Marienberg Fortress is one of the main attractions of the city. The trail along the grapevines is gorgeous.
  • Stroll across the “Alte Brücke” and enjoy the view

In the evening, I recommend you immerse yourself in the world of wine. For example, you can reserve a table in the Julius Spital and try the local wine accompanied by delicious German cuisine. Afterward, you should stop by the Old Bridge and drink a so-called “Brückenschoppen.” This term describes the serving and enjoyment of wine on the bridge.

In the evening, many people drink wine along the bridge with friends and family and enjoy the atmosphere.

An absolute must-do in Würzburg!

Hotels in Würzburg

Schustergasse
Würzburg Residence
The stunning view from the fortress
Crossing “Alte Brücke” and St Kilians Cathedral in the center

Day 5 | Bamberg and Nürnberg

Nürnberg (de) = Nuermberg (en)

The next destination on your seven-day trip through Bavaria will be the beautiful city of Nürnberg – which I also call my home. I’ve been in love with this city since day 1, which is why it shouldn’t be missing from this itinerary. The ride from Würzburg to Nürnberg takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. But before we talk about Nürnberg, I wanted to give you a quick tip for an additional stopover.

Bamberg is a very picturesque and charming town that wouldn’t be that much of a detour on your way to Nürnberg. If you liked Würzburg and Rothenburg, Bamberg would inspire you just as much. The journey from Würzburg to Bamberg takes 1 hour, and from Bamberg to Nürnberg, it’s another 50 minutes. The city is also known as “Franconian Rome” and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the monastery garden, The new residence, or walk through the charming old town. Bamberg, aka “little Venice,” has a lot to offer. 

Back to our main stop of the day: Nürnberg is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. The city has a lot to offer. However, in my opinion, the most important stops for your visit are:

  • Walk up to the Kaiserburg. You’ll have a fantastic view of the old town from there.
  • Going for a long walk in the old town is a must! The beautiful alleys, lively shopping streets, and museums inspire me every time. 
  • The Henkersteg and the view from the Museumsbrücke are particularly beautiful.
  • Admire the half-timbered houses in Weißgerbergasse.
  • Stroll through the picturesque “Handwerkerhof.”
  • The best way to immerse yourself in the moving history of the city is to visit the “Reichsparteitagsgelände.”

If you need a break from sightseeing, you can find my favorite cafes in Nürnberg in this guide. 

You will find many restaurants and bars to end the adventurous day.

Hotels in Nürnberg

The view from the Museumsbrücke
Strolling through the old town is a must. Can you spot thee castle in the back?
Handwerkerhof
half timbered houses in Weißgerbergasse

Day 6 | Regensburg

Day 6 of your 7 days in Bavaria takes you to the city I grew up in: Regensburg. The university town on the Danube river combines modern and medieval gems. The old town of Regensburg has even made it onto the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

The journey from Nürnberg to Regensburg takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Therefore, if you made a stop in Bamberg the day before, you can also use the morning of this day for more sightseeing in Nürnberg and drive on to Regensburg later that day.

Once you arrive in Regensburg, you should visit the following places:

  • First of all, you should, of course, take a walk through the old town. You will pass sights such as the old town hall, the cathedral or the golden tower here.
  • On the way to the river bank, you can hardly miss the historical Wurstkuchel. This iconic cottage on the Danube is the perfect stop to take a break for a bratwurst sandwich.
  • Take a break in one of the many cafés in the old town and watch the hustle and bustle in the alleys while having coffee and cake. 
  • A walk across the “Steinerne Brücke” is a must. You’ll have a fantastic view of the Danube River and the city and get to the charming district called “Stadtamhof” or the Danube Islands.

Regensburg has many bars where you can end the last evening before your return to Munich.

Short boat trips on the Danube, which also lead past the Walhalla, for example, are trendy. If you are not a fan of ships, you can also drive to the Walhalla by car. Evening picnics at the Walhalla are an excellent date-night idea!

Hotels in Regensburg

A small, green, old house in a medieval city. In front, there is a display of the city
The iconic Wurstkuchl restaurant
The view through two big pillars towards the landscape. You can see the Danube river and green, fresh fields and bushes along it. The sky is blue and the sun is shining
The fantastic view from the Walhalla plateau
Two People crossing the old stone bridge of Regensburg on a Sunny day
On the Steinerne Brücke
A small alley in the medieval old town of Regensburg. On the right, there is a old house with cute windows, the house on the left is also traditional and red
The old town with cute alleys

Day 7 | Back in Munich

München (de) = Munich (en)

The last day of your round trip through Bavaria takes you back to Munich. Depending on your arrival time in Regensburg the day before, you could also spend some more time exploring the city. Alternatively, you can continue to Munich right after breakfast and discover the corners of the town you didn’t see on the first day. The journey from Regensburg to Munich takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you drive directly to the airport, you’d only have a 1hr 10min ride.

What foods to try during your 7 days in Bavaria

Besides all the adventures and impressions, the best thing about traveling is often the local cuisine. Bavaria also has a lot to offer here. On your round trip, you will find some of the most famous Bavarian dishes. For example, you can eat “Schneeballen” (snowballs) in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Or maybe you try a classic “Weißwurst” (white sausage) breakfast in Munich and then enjoy “Schäufele” or “Bratwurst” in Nürnberg? A pretzel is a perfect snack between meals, and you will definitely find the classic Schnitzel on every menu.

PS: An iconic combination would be a portion of “Käsespätzle” with a view from the Zugspitze!

What you should know before spending 7 days in Bavaria

  • Sundays are rest days, so you should plan shopping or similar tasks during the week. On weekdays, supermarkets here usually close at 8 p.m. Some shops close even earlier.
  • The smaller the town, the more cash you’ll need. Although card payment is widely accepted, you often come across specific limitations. Smaller shops, in particular, often only accept EC cards and sometimes only accept cards above a specific value. In traditional shops like smaller bakeries, you might only be able to pay cash. So I would recommend always having some cash on hand. 
  • Driving in Germany is, in general, really pleasant and easy. However, in the southern regions, you should ensure that you get the right winter tires in the colder months. You may have also heard that some highways in Germany have no speed limits. Nevertheless, please drive carefully and don’t let speeders harass you in your rearview mirror.
  • The expression “Servus” is used here both to greet and to say goodbye.
  • English is widely spoken, and you can usually find someone speaking it. However, dialects differ within Bavaria. So don’t be surprised if everything sounds different throughout your trip.
  • Public toilets usually charge fees. Most of the time, you’ll find entry gates (especially on motorways) or staff asking for payment, which is around 50-70 cents.

How much will a road trip for 7 days in Bavaria cost?

Let’s talk about the price of this trip. Germany isn’t the most expensive country on the European average, but this trip will not be a bargain either.

Of course, the exact costs depend on your travel time, the accommodation, and the car you drive. 

Here is an example of a trip calculation to give you a rough overview.

As a database for this calculation, I chose a week in May for two persons, the mid-range hotels of the respective stops, a mid-range car, and the entrance fees for the attractions mentioned on day 2.

I also calculated €10 per day for parking spaces – this changes if you book a hotel with free parking, for example.

You’d still need to add the cost of fuel, meals, shopping, etc., on top of this. 

You can find a rough estimate of the current prices in Bavaria here (10/22):

dinner

~15-25€

Coffee

~ 3-5€

Museum

~ 5-15€

Gas

~ 2€/liter

1L Water

~0.8€/bottle

Map

I hope you found this Bavaria itinerary helpful. Even if you’re not staying an entire 7 days in Bavaria, you can now narrow it down to your specific points of interest. 

If you have more questions or something to add to the list, please let me know or leave it in the comments for others to read. Also, don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest boards so you can access it as soon as you start planning your Bavaria itinerary!

As always, stay happy and healthy!

See you soon,

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Hi there, I'm Julia. I am a german native travel blogger and content creator showing you the world through my eyes. Welcome to the page!

13 Comments

  5. We have travelled all over Europe but have not spent any time exploring the castles, mountains or cities of Bavaria. I am sure that 7 days would give us a taste test of this lovely region. But I am sure we will want many visits to see it all. We certainly will be checking out the wine from this region. We will try to book a “Brückenschoppen”. Thanks for this great itinerary. We can certainly build our trip on this.

    Reply

  8. Great itinerary! There is so much to see in this region. I’ve done Munich and Rothenburg ob der Tauber but I’ve been dying to go back to see Neuschwanstein Castle. I’ll be saving this for when I’m able to go back, thanks!

    Reply

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