This Bavarian road trip will bring you to famed cities, breathtaking landscapes, and medieval towns.
Germany is a large country made up of expansive states. Unlike Ireland where a 14-day trip can give you a well-rounded view of the entire island, Germany is best taken in small doses so you can enjoy the regions you’re in. Trying to fit too much into your itinerary can quickly become overwhelming.
As Germany’s largest state, Bavaria offers a wide range of opportunities for any type of traveler. Let’s walk you through a 5-day inspirational road trip through Bavaria that takes you through the capital city of Munich with stops in Fuessen, Oberammergau, Nuremberg, and Rothenburg.
Munich
Whether you are arriving from the US or a neighboring European country, we recommended starting and ending your road trip through Bavaria in the state’s capital city of Munich.
If you’re able and interested, one of the best ways to discover Munich is on foot. You can embark on a private walking tour through the heart of the city while learning about its colorful history and culture. Don’t worry about the distance or wonder if it will be too strenuous – as long as you pack comfortable shoes, this is an easy-paced, short walking tour. This is a great way to see key attractions and historical sites up-close and personal while hearing famous stories and intriguing facts from a local tour guide.
Tenon Tip: Not interested in walking? Ask your Travel Specialist about other options if you’d rather see these sites from the comfort of your car!
Fuessen & Ettal
Two hours outside of Munich lies the enchanting, old-world town of Fuessen. Situated in the foothills of the Alps, this town is framed by one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the world.
Towering far above the village, seemingly sculpted out of the mountains that rise magnificently to the heavens, is a sight you’ve only dreamed of: Neuschwanstein Castle.
After a tour of Fuessen, we can arrange private transport to nearby Linderhof Palace. This Bavarian palace is the smallest of three built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, and the only one that he lived to see completed. Although Linderhof is much smaller than Versailles, it is evident that the palace of King Louis XIV (who was an idol for Ludwig) was its inspiration.
After a full day of touring these two historical sites, you’ll spend the night in the famous town of Oberammergau.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Oberammergau
Known as the town of the live-action Passion Play performed by residents once every 10 years, Oberammergau is a small but incredibly special place. Surrounded by absolutely gorgeous scenery, the town itself offers a magical experience. Locals are particularly gifted in the arts and their work can be seen in wood shops and on painted murals. Most of the works depict biblical scenes but you can also find fairy tales and classical representations.
Tenon Tip: If you’re planning a road trip through Bavaria in 2022, you may want to time it around seeing the famous Passion Play in Oberammergau.
Oberammergau, Germany
Nuremberg
It’s time to start making our way back north to Munich. After meeting your driver-guide at your hotel in Oberammergau, you’ll travel to Nuremberg, home of the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Here, Hitler held several assemblies between 1933 and 1938 to glorify Nazism and inspire followers. For travelers who have studied Hitler and seen images of him speaking, the Rally Grounds will be a familiar sight. You can also visit the World War II Documentation Center at the Rally Grounds, which hosts a permanent exhibit titled, “Fascination and Terror” that examines the causes and consequences of the Nazi Party.
Continuing onward, you’ll stroll through the medieval city of Nuremberg to view some of its many highlights including its historic city center, imperial castle, Johannis Cemetery, and the Palace of Justice where the Nuremberg trials were held between 1945 and 1949.
Nuremberg, Germany
Rothenburg
Approximately 50 miles from Nuremberg is the town of Rothenburg. Make a pit stop here to enjoy a scenic walking tour of the historic Old Town with its romantic alleyways and picturesque squares. Each spot seems to offer an overview of the various aspects of the history of the town.
Tenon Tip: Treat yourself to a tour of some of the beautiful and important buildings in Rothenburg to find out what life was like in a medieval town.
After you’ve had your fill of the beautiful city of Rothenburg, you can depart for Munich to head home or continue onwards for more German adventures!
Rothenburg, Germany