MUNICH and The BAVARIAN REGION, GERMANY 9 Days
This itinerary visits Munich, Dachau concentration camp, Neuschwanstein Castle, and the Bavarian towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bamberg, and Nuremberg.
Munich, known for Oktoberfest, is a great starting point to explore southern Germany. It is Germany’s third-largest city after Berlin and Hamburg. With its mix of historic sites, culture, and nature, Munich attracts visitors with its blend of old and new.
Bavaria, a region in Germany, has many beautiful villages like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nördlingen, and Dinkelsbühl. These villages are known for their pretty buildings, including decorated churches, public buildings, and homes. Bavaria also has a lively music and theater culture, making it rich in culture.
🇩🇪 Trip Essentials
Transport: The rail system is world-class. If renting a car, traffic and parking can be a "nuisance” in the big cities.
Parking: Download the EasyPark App (PayPal/CC). It’s an on-demand parking service. No meters needed; extend sessions remotely.
Currency: Euro.
Guides: DK Munich and Lonely Planet Munich.
DAY 1
Arrive at Munich airport and transfer to your hotel.
Greater Munich <map>
From the airport, take Uber or the S-Bahn trains to the Munich city center.
The S1 and S8 trains run every 10 minutes from the airport.
Best way to get around Munich: Use the S-Bahn and U-Bahn train network.
Overnight: Munich (4 nights).
<Where to stay> City center recommended. Find Munich’s main sights here, including Marienplatz (the central square), plus many great restaurants and pubs.
DAYS 2 - 4
Munich is home to centuries-old buildings, numerous museums, and is known
for its annual Oktoberfest celebration (described below) and its beer halls.Its cultural scene is second to none in Germany, with the museums even
considered by some to outrank Berlin in quality.
Must-see Highlights:
Marienplatz is the heart of Munich, where pedestrians gather. Home to the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall).
Glockenspiel, watch the clock figures dance at 11:00, 12:00, and 17:00 in the Neues Rathaus tower.
Frauenkirche - iconic twin-domed church and landmark. It is considered a symbol of the Bavarian capital city.
Viktualienmarkt-the Viktualienmarkt has developed into a high-end gourmet food market.
<Located near the Marienplatz, a 5-minute walk>Residenz - is the former residence of the Bavarian Kings. Highlights include the Cuvilliers theatre and treasures from the former
royal collections. Located north of Marienplatz, a 10-minute walk.Hofbräuhaus-located in the center of Munich and the world’s most famous beer hall. <reserve a table>
English Beer Garden accommodates up to 7,000 people.
The food stalls offer traditional Schweinshaxn(roasted pork knuckle) and Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick).
Getting there: take the U-Bahn train to Münchner Freiheit station, then it’s a 15-minute walk to the beer garden.
Dachau Concentration Camp - one of the earliest camps developed after Hitler's rise to power.
Explore the barracks, cells, and the unimaginable gas chambers.Getting there: Take the S2 train to Dachau Bahnhof, then by bus (#726) to Dachau Ratiborer Straße. (1 hr. each way)
ℹ️ All the sites are within walking distance except Dachau, which is farther and needs other transportation.
Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival and traveling fun fair.
Held every year, this 2-week folk festival runs from mid or late September to the first weekend of October and attracts
over six million visitors annually.
DAY 5
Embark on Neuschwanstein Castle, built for King Ludwig II between 1869 and 1886, on a rocky cliff with mountain views.
It’s the most beautiful castle near Munich—and perhaps in Germany—and inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.Fun facts about the castle.
Guided Tours run 30 minutes. (book in advance)
Getting there from Munich: Neuschwanstein Castle is situated near Füssen in southwest Bavaria.
Planning a day trip from Munich, hop on a direct train from Munich to Füssen (2 hrs.) and then Bus 73 or 78 directly
to the Castle’s ticket office. —The same trip by car takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.Overnight: Füssen, (1 night) <where to stay>
The Munich Center Walking Loop 👉
Total Walking Distance: ~ 4.5 km (2.8 mi.)
Walking Time: ~90 minutes (pure walking)
DAY 6
Depart for Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
One of the most beautiful medieval towns on the
Romantic Road. At street level, Schmiedgasse is a
busy area in Rothenburg with many shops and restaurants.
Visiting Old Town Rothenburg is like stepping back 400 years.
Explore colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets,
historic buildings, and a medieval city wall.Must do: The Night Watchman tour.
Visit the German Christmas Museum.
Overnight: Rothenburg ( 1 night) <where to stay>
Driving time:
Fussen —> Rothenburg, 2.5 hrs.
DAY 7
Embark on Bamberg, a Unesco World Heritage town.
With its cobblestone streets, and the Old Town Hall featuring external murals and half-timbered architecture.
Bamberg is home to some of the best-preserved medieval buildings in Germany.
The town boasts numerous walking paths, including the popular Bamberg River Path. <route>
In the late afternoon, continue to Nuremberg.
Overnight: Nuremberg, (1 night)
Driving time:
Rothenburg —> Bamberg, 1.5 hrs.
Bamberg —> Nuremberg, 1 hr.
DAY 8
Explore Nuremberg on foot. <map>
Nuremberg is popular with history fans. You can learn about WWII, including the Nuremberg Palace of Justice,
where the 1945 Nuremberg trials took place. <Learn more>Things to do - Nuremberg is known for its well-preserved historical landmarks, like the imperial castle and the walled Old Town.
Nuremberg is dotted with restaurants. You must try the sausages called Nürnberger Bratwürste; they are a classic.
Tour the Rock-Cut Cellars - a vast maze of rock-cut cellars over 600 years old, where Nuremberg Rotbier (red ale)
was traditionally aged.Guided tours start at Albrecht-Dürer-Platz, where a stairway leads into Nuremberg's underworld.
Later in the day, drive to Munich.
Overnight: Munich (airport hotel) for your flight the following day.
The Hilton Munich Airport is located between Terminals 1 and 2.
Driving time:
Nuremberg —> Munich. 2 hrs.
DAY 9
Depart Munich to fly home or choose another European destination.
Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic Itineraries make for a great add-on.
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) people.
Budget: $3,200
Moderate: $3,800
Luxury: $4,500 +
Average cost:
RAIL TRAVEL RESOURCES:
🌤️ Climate
Pleasant weather usually happens in June, July, and August.
The warmest months are May through September.
The coldest months are December, January, and February.
Each month gets an average of 13-15 rainy days.
Snow is common from December through early March.
Munich and Bavaria Gallery
🎬 Video
sources: wikipedia.org, kartenmaterial@Bbb@wikivoyageNo copyright infringement is intended on this website by travelwildnow.com