Bavaria
5
Day Itinerary •
Germany
Five days in Bavaria and Munich gives you the full extraordinary depth of Germany's finest state, from the medieval splendour of Munich through Neuschwanstein and the extraordinary Wieskirche to the emerald fjord of the Konigssee, the Eagle's Nest above Berchtesgaden and the finest medieval city in Germany at Regensburg with its 12th-century stone bridge and oldest sausage kitchen in the world. This route covers every dimension of Bavaria from the city culture of Munich and the royal fantasy of Neuschwanstein through the Alpine drama of Berchtesgaden and Konigssee to the UNESCO medieval perfection of Regensburg and the extraordinary Walhalla replica Parthenon above the Danube. Five days in the most extraordinary and diverse region in Germany.
Best Time To Visit
April to October
Getting There
Fly into Munich (MUC)
Getting Around
Bayern-Ticket for all regional trains, MVV in Munich
Budget Per Day
Approx 95 to 455 EUR per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, some Alpine excursions
DAY 1
MUNICH
MORNING
MUNICH MARIENPLATZ AND THE VIKTUALIENMARKT, THE HEART OF BAVARIA
Munich's Marienplatz is the most extraordinary city square in southern Germany, its extraordinary neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus with the famous Glockenspiel carillon, the medieval Altes Rathaus and the Marian Column of 1638 giving it a grandeur unlike any other Bavarian city centre. The adjacent Viktualienmarkt, Munich's daily outdoor food market since 1807, is the finest open-air food market in Germany with extraordinary Bavarian cheese, bread, meat and produce stalls. Entry free. Train/Travel: 20 min walk
MIDDAY
THE DEUTSCHES MUSEUM, THE GREATEST SCIENCE MUSEUM IN THE WORLD
The Deutsches Museum on its island in the Isar is the largest science and technology museum in the world by exhibit floor area, its extraordinary collections of mining, aviation, shipping, chemistry and musical instruments spread across 73,000 square metres giving the finest museum experience in Munich. The replica coal mine in the basement and the extraordinary aviation hall with original WWI and WWII aircraft are both remarkable. Entry approx 15 euros. Train/Travel: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
THE ENGLISH GARDEN AND THE EISBACH SURFERS
Munich's English Garden at 3.7 square kilometres is larger than Central Park and the finest urban park in Germany, its extraordinary Chinese Tower beer garden, the Japanese tea house and the extraordinary artificial Eisbach wave where surfers ride a standing wave in the middle of the city year-round making it the finest afternoon destination in Munich. The beer garden at the Chinese Tower holds 7,000 people. Entry free.
đź’Ž HIDDEN GEM
The Alter Sudlicher Friedhof old cemetery near the Sendlinger Tor is the most extraordinary hidden garden in Munich, a former municipal cemetery closed in 1944 and now a park of extraordinary mature chestnut trees, elaborate 19th-century tombstones and the graves of extraordinary Bavarians including Max von Pettenkofer and the Lenbach family. The combination of extraordinary monumental sculpture and the dappled shade of the chestnut canopy makes it the finest hidden place in central Munich. Entry free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe Luitpold, Maximilianstrasse The finest historic cafe in Munich since 1888. Outstanding Bavarian breakfast and extraordinary cakes. | Lunch: Viktualienmarkt stalls Outstanding market lunch. Fresh Obatzda cheese, pretzels and Weisswurst from the market vendors. | Dinner: Augustiner-Keller, Arnulfstrasse The finest traditional beer hall in Munich. Outstanding Bavarian food and Augustiner Lagerbier vom Holzfass.
DAY 2
NEUSCHWANSTEIN
MORNING
NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, THE MOST FAMOUS CASTLE IN THE WORLD
Neuschwanstein is the most extraordinary castle in the world, the fantasy palace built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria between 1869 and 1886 that inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Its extraordinary white limestone towers above the Pöllat gorge, the extraordinary throne room with its Byzantine golden mosaics, the singer's hall and the unfinished interior of Ludwig's unfinished dream make it the most visited site in Germany. Entry approx 15 euros. Book online months ahead. Train/Travel: 2 hours train and bus
MIDDAY
HOHENSCHWANGAU CASTLE AND THE ALPSEE, LUDWIG'S CHILDHOOD HOME
Hohenschwangau Castle below Neuschwanstein is the most extraordinary royal childhood home in Germany, the yellow castle where Ludwig II grew up surrounded by murals of medieval German legends that shaped his obsessive vision. The extraordinary Alpsee lake below both castles, with its extraordinary reflections of the castles in the clear Alpine water, is the finest natural landscape in the Allgau Alps. Entry approx 20 euros. Train/Travel: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
FUSSEN AND THE FINEST MEDIEVAL TOWN IN THE ALLGAU
Fussen at the end of the Romantic Road is the finest small medieval town in Bavaria, its extraordinary Hohes Schloss with its extraordinary trompe l'oeil facade painting, the High Gothic basilica of St Magnus and the extraordinary frescoed streets of the Altstadt making it the finest hidden town near Neuschwanstein. The Lech waterfall at the edge of town is extraordinary. Entry to castle gallery approx 7 euros.
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The Wieskirche pilgrimage church in a meadow near Steingaden is the most extraordinary rococo interior in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, its extraordinary white and gold stucco, the extraordinary trompe l'oeil ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann and its extraordinary remote location in an Alpine meadow with cowbells audible outside making it one of the most beautiful buildings in Germany. Entry free. The approach through the meadow is extraordinary at dawn.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel Muller, Hohenschwangau Outstanding Bavarian breakfast below Neuschwanstein. Book early to secure the castle view table. | Lunch: Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein area Outstanding Bavarian lunch in the Alpsee Bergwelt restaurant above the valley. | Dinner: Zum Hechten, Fussen The finest traditional restaurant in Fussen. Outstanding Allgau trout and local venison.
DAY 3
NYMPHENBURG AND THE ALPS
MORNING
THE NYMPHENBURG PALACE AND GARDENS, MUNICH'S ROYAL SUMMER RESIDENCE
Nymphenburg Palace is the most extraordinary baroque palace in Munich, its extraordinary 600-metre facade, the Amalienburg hunting lodge by Cuvillies within the park, the extraordinary Museum of Royal Carriages and the formal canal garden giving the finest royal experience in Bavaria after Neuschwanstein. The Palace is a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre. Entry to palace approx 15 euros, park free. Train/Travel: 30 min tram
MIDDAY
DACHAU CONCENTRATION CAMP MEMORIAL, THE FIRST NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMP
Dachau opened in March 1933 as the first concentration camp of the Nazi regime, its extraordinary documentary museum, the reconstructed barracks, the crematorium and the remarkable memorial chapel giving the finest and most thorough account of the concentration camp system available in southern Germany. The site is 30 minutes by S-Bahn from Munich. Entry free, audio guide approx 4 euros. Train/Travel: 45 min S-Bahn
AFTERNOON
THE BAVARIAN ALPS AND GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN
Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 2,962 metres, is the finest Alpine resort town in Bavaria, its extraordinary Partnachklamm gorge accessible year-round, the extraordinary Olympic ski stadium from 1936 and the Zugspitze cable car giving the finest high-altitude experience in Germany. The Partnachklamm gorge walk is extraordinary in all seasons. Entry approx 6 euros.
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The Zugspitze summit at 2,962 metres by the extraordinary Bayerische Zugspitzbahn cog railway from Garmisch is the most extraordinary mountain experience in Germany, the cog train ascending through extraordinary alpine meadows and glacial tunnels to the summit with its extraordinary 360-degree view over four countries. The Zugspitzplatt glacier at the top is retreating rapidly and should be seen soon. Cable car and cog railway return approx 60 euros. The summit at dawn before the cable cars start is extraordinary by ski.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe Nymphenburg, palace grounds Outstanding breakfast at the palace cafe before the crowds arrive. Local honey and Bavarian bread. | Lunch: Dachau town cafe Simple lunch in Dachau town. Allow enough time for the full memorial visit before lunch. | Dinner: Wirtshaus in der Au, Munich The finest traditional Bavarian restaurant in Munich. Outstanding Schweinsbraten and home-made Spatzle.
DAY 4
BERCHTESGADEN
MORNING
THE BAVARIAN ALPS: BERCHTESGADEN AND THE KONIGSSEE
The Konigssee near Berchtesgaden is the most extraordinary lake in Germany, a 5-km fjord of emerald water enclosed by near-vertical rock walls rising 2,000 metres, accessible only by silent electric boat. The extraordinary St Bartholomew's church on its peninsula and the echo demonstration where the boatman plays a bugle note that returns from the cliff face are remarkable. Boat entry approx 22 euros return. The Watzmann east face above the lake is the finest alpine wall in Germany. Train/Travel: 2 hours train
MIDDAY
THE EAGLE'S NEST AND HITLER'S ALPINE RETREAT
The Kehlsteinhaus, known as the Eagle's Nest, is the most extraordinary viewpoint in the Bavarian Alps, a teahouse built at 1,834 metres for Hitler's 50th birthday accessible via a mountain road and a 124-metre elevator cut through solid rock. The extraordinary panorama over the Berchtesgaden valley, Austria and the Salzburg plain and the remarkable historical context make it the finest mountain excursion in Bavaria. Entry by bus from Berchtesgaden approx 30 euros. Open May to October only. Train/Travel: 45 min bus
AFTERNOON
BERCHTESGADEN AND THE SALT MINE TOUR
The Berchtesgaden salt mine, producing salt since 1517, offers the most extraordinary underground tour in Bavaria, its extraordinary wooden slides between mining levels, the crossing of an underground salt lake by wooden boat and the extraordinary salt cathedral chamber making it the finest industrial heritage attraction in the Alps. Entry approx 25 euros. The Berchtesgaden Altstadt with its royal palace is extraordinary. Entry to palace museum approx 8 euros.
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The Ramsau valley near Berchtesgaden is the most extraordinarily photogenic valley in the Bavarian Alps, its extraordinary Church of St Sebastian reflected in the Ramsauer Ache river with the Reiteralpe mountains behind giving the most photographed winter image in Germany. The valley walk from Ramsau to the Hintersee lake through extraordinary mixed Alpine forest passes the extraordinary Wimbach gorge. Entirely free via public footpath. The dawn light on the church reflection is extraordinary in all seasons.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel zum Turken, Berchtesgaden Outstanding Bavarian breakfast with extraordinary Watzmann views. The oldest hotel near the Eagle's Nest. | Lunch: Berchtesgaden market Outstanding local Bavarian sausages and bread from the market stalls before the afternoon salt mine. | Dinner: Restaurant 1697, Berchtesgaden The finest restaurant in Berchtesgaden. Outstanding Alpine cuisine and local venison.
DAY 5
REGENSBURG AND THE DANUBE
MORNING
REGENSBURG, THE FINEST MEDIEVAL CITY IN BAVARIA
Regensburg is the most extraordinarily preserved medieval city in Germany, its extraordinary 12th-century stone bridge, the Cathedral of St Peter with the finest Gothic nave in Bavaria, the extraordinary patrician towers rivalling the Italian cities and the Porta Praetoria Roman gate from 179AD making it the finest UNESCO World Heritage medieval city in the country. The Altstadt is 80 per cent intact medieval fabric. Entry to cathedral free, towers approx 5 euros. Train/Travel: 1.5 hours train
MIDDAY
THE WELTENBURG MONASTERY AND THE DANUBE GORGE
The Weltenburg Monastery at the extraordinary Danube Gorge is the most dramatically sited monastery in Bavaria, its extraordinary baroque church designed by the Asam brothers, the oldest monastic brewery in the world operating since 1050 and the extraordinary boat journey through the Danube gorge from Kelheim giving it a character unlike any other monastery in Germany. Boat entry approx 11 euros return. Brewery tour and tasting approx 8 euros. Train/Travel: 1 hour by boat and bus
AFTERNOON
LANDSHUT AND THE FINEST GOTHIC BRICK CHURCH IN THE WORLD
The Church of St Martin in Landshut has the tallest brick tower in the world at 130.6 metres, its extraordinary late Gothic nave, the extraordinary Mater Dolorosa altarpiece and the remarkable Landshut town hall with its extraordinary Renaissance facade making this the finest hidden town in Lower Bavaria. The Landshut Wedding festival, recreating a 1475 royal wedding, is the finest historic pageant in Germany. Entry to church free.
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The Walhalla near Regensburg, a replica of the Parthenon built by Ludwig I above the Danube between 1830 and 1842 to honour distinguished Germans, is one of the most extraordinary and least visited neoclassical buildings in Europe, its extraordinary hilltop setting above the Danube, the 65 marble busts and 64 plaques of distinguished Germans from Albert the Great to Sophie Scholl and the extraordinary view down the Danube valley making it the finest hidden monument in Bavaria. Entry approx 4 euros.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Historische Wurstkuche, Regensburg The oldest sausage kitchen in the world, operating since 1135. Outstanding Regensburger Wurst on the Danube. | Lunch: Weltenburg Monastery brewery Outstanding monastic beer and Bavarian food at the oldest monastery brewery in the world. | Dinner: Zum Fischerwirt, Regensburg Outstanding Regensburg traditional food at the finest riverside restaurant in the city.
Where To Stay
Munich, Nights 1 and 5 Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten or Bayerischer Hof. Approx 150 to 400 euros per night. Hohenschwangau, Night 2 Hotel Muller. Approx 80 to 180 euros per night. Berchtesgaden, Night 4 Hotel zum Turken or Kempinski Berchtesgaden. Approx 100 to 350 euros per night.
Top Tips
1. Eagle's Nest bus: the only way up is the special bus from Kehlstein car park. Road closed to private cars.
2. Konigssee echo: the boatman plays a bugle note at the echo point. The return from the cliff face is extraordinary.
3. Berchtesgaden salt mine: book online ahead. The wooden slide between levels is extraordinary and compulsory.
4. Regensburg Wurst kitchen: the oldest restaurant in the world opens at 8am. Queue early for the finest breakfast.
5. Walhalla: 358 steps from the Danube landing stage. The view from the top over the river is extraordinary.
6. Weltenburg monastery brewery: the Barock Dunkel dark beer is the finest monastic beer in Germany. Extraordinary.
Total Budget
95 to 450 EUR/day