Ultimate Bavaria Itinerary – Everything You Need To Plan Your Trip

Are you planning a trip to Bavaria? This Bavaria Itinerary includes all the top Bavarian sights and lesser-known gems that will make your trip around Bavaria an unforgettable vacation.

I grew up in Bavaria and always get asked for the perfect Bavaria itinerary, so I decided to put together this guide that will help you plan your trip. Of course, all the places and activities mentioned are all just suggestions and I encourage you to use this itinerary as a baseline and adjust it according to your interests, duration of your visit, and budget.

Day 1-3 Munich

Day 1 in Munich

On Day 1 in Munich, I would suggest a hop-on hop-off tour of Munich. This is a great way to get a feel for the city, see the top sights, and learn a bit about the history of Munich.

If you prefer something a bit more intimate, you can also do a walking tour of Munich. There are several options from general walking tours, to historic walking tours, and of course, food tours.

Some of the top places to visit in Munich you should not miss:

Marienplatz | Viktualienmarkt | Hofbräuhaus | English Garden | Munich Beer Gardens | Old & New Pinakothek | Deutsches Museum | Modern Pinakothek | BMW Museum | Olympic Stadium

Day 2 in Munich

On Day 2, I would suggest a day trip out to Berchtesgaden and the famous Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s summer home in the Bavarian Alps. While this place certainly has a dark history, it is one of the top day trip destinations from Munich and a very interesting place to visit.

If you are not into history, there is plenty of other things to, such as hiking, shopping, and more. The surroundings of this alpine Bavarian village is spectacular and a great way to see the beautiful mountains.

Day 3 in Munich

On your third day in Munich, I suggest you head to the Dachau Concentration Camp, just outside of the city. I highly recommend a guided tour, so you can learn more about the history about the tragic events that took place there during the NAZI regime.

It is a heartbreaking and gut-wrenching place, but I personally believe that it is important to visit these places to show respect to the victims by learning about what happened.

In the afternoon, make your way to Nuremberg, your next stop on the itinerary.

Day 4-6 Nuremberg

Day 4 in Nuremberg

On your first full day in Nuremberg, I suggest you explore the medieval city center, the fortress overlooking the city, and maybe add a little bit of shopping to your day plan.

Day 5 in Nuremberg

On your second day in Nuremberg, you should plan a day trip to Franconian Switzerland. This region is absolutely stunning. Tiny medieval villages with beautiful half-timbered houses dot the countryside in this mountainous region.

Day 6 in Nuremberg

On your last day in Bavaria’s second-largest city, head over to the Reichsparteitagsgelände (NAZI rally grounds), the area where Hitler had huge rallies and party conventions. The museum there has very interesting exhibits about the Nazi regime, with a special focus on the propaganda used to manipulate the German people.

After you explore the grounds and the museum, take a stroll around the Dutzendteich before you head to your next stop: Bamberg.

Day 7 Bamberg

Bamberg is known as the Beer Capital of Germany. It has one of the highest brewery densities in the country. Many of the small restaurants brew their own beer. A must-try is the Schlenkerle, a small restaurant/brewery that makes a unique smoked beer.

And if you are a homebrewer, the name Weyermann might ring a bell. They are one of the top Malt producers in the world and ship to over 135 countries. They even offer a tour of their facilities including a tasting of craft beers that use their various malts.

If you want to do even more Beer stuff, check out the Brewery Museum in Bamberg.

But no worries, if you are not into beer. Bamberg is a really quaint town that is worth your visit nonetheless. Check out the half-timbered houses along the River Regnitz and visit the painted city hall built over the river.

Day 8 Würzburg & Franconian Wine Villages

After indulging in a beer or two in the Capital of German Beer, you will now explore the one and only wine region of Bavaria. This small wine region along the Main river is famous for its dry white wines, mainly Silvaner and Riesling. If you prefer something a little sweeter, try a Bacchus or a Scheurebe.

As you drive along the Main River, enjoy the picturesque Franconian villages, stop for a wine tasting and try some local specialties. I grew up in this area and my favorite villages are: Volkach, Prichsenstadt, Iphofen, and Marktbreit.

Then make your way to Würzburg, the main city of the region. Visit the UNESCO Heritage site, the Würzburger Residenz, or take in the view over the city from the Fortress Marienburg.

Day 8 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most famous German villages. The iconic medieval town looks like straight out of a fairytale. Half-timbered houses, cobble-stoned streets, and a medieval city wall makes this town a favorite among international tourists.

A word of warning though: It does get crowded and busy, especially if you come between 10-6. Before and after the day-trippers, it is much more pleasurable to enjoy this little town.

Dubbed the Christmas City of Germany, check out the Christmas Museum and the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt store that will put you in the Holiday spirit all year round.

Things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber:

• Walk the medieval city walls
• Visit the Medieval Crime Museum
• Visit Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store & Christmas Museum
• Climb the City Hall Tower
• Visit Tauber Bridge
• Visit “das Plönlein and take the iconic photo (see above

Where to Stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber:

Hotel Herrenschlösschen | Burghotel | Romantik Hotel Markusturm
Villa Mittermeier Hotellerie und Restauration

Day 9-11 Romantic Road

If you are following this Bavaria itinerary, you have already driven on the Romanic Road (Romantische Straße) for the last two days. This designated road trip through Bavaria and Baden-Würtemberg starts in Würzburg, then goes to Rothenburg, via Augsburg and ends in Füssen.

While you can technically drive the 366 km (227 miles) in one day, I highly recommend taking your time. In this case, remember your famous Confucius saying: The Road is the Reward!

Pick a few towns and villages along the way, stop, take pictures, eat delicious German food, and meet the locals. Be spontaneous. Explore. Have fun!

Day 12-13 Füssen (Neuschwanstein Castle & Hohenzollern Castle)

The last town on the Romantic Road is Füssen, the gateway to one of the most famous sights in Bavaria if not all of Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle. I highly recommend spending the night in Füssen, so you can get to the entrance bright and early before the tour busses arrive.

Another must is the lesser-known Hohenschwangau Castle, the child-hood castle of Ludwig II. You will also have a stunning view of Neuschwanstein from there.

I recommend you spend at least a night or two in Füssen to give you enough time to explore the castles and maybe go for a hike in the beautiful mountain region Algäu.

Things to do in Füssen

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Hohenschwangau Castle
• High Castle Füssen
• Wieskirche (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Where to Stay in Füssen

Dreimaderlhaus – Boutique Hotel  | Hotel Sonne Füssen | Hotel Hirsch Füssen | Vitusfort

Day 14 Return to Munich

On your last day of your Bavaria Itinerary, head back to Munich, check off another beer garden from your list and indulge in one last delicious German meal before you head back home.