Discover the Beauty of Bavaria One Road Trip at a Time
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Bavaria, Germany‘s enchanting southern state? Imagine hitting the open road in a cozy campervan, with the freedom to explore picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and iconic cities at your own pace. Bavaria is a dream destination for road trippers, offering a diverse range of experiences, from breathtaking alpine scenery to rich cultural heritage. In this article, we’ll guide you through five incredible road trips around Bavaria, complete with key stops, route details, and camper-friendly places to stay.
1. The Bavarian Lakes and Castles Tour
Unveiling the Romance of Lakes and the Grandeur of Castles
Distance: Approximately 300 miles
Duration: 7-10 days
Overview
Our journey begins with the Bavarian Lakes and Castles Tour, a route that will immerse you in the natural beauty and history of Bavaria. Start your adventure in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, and make your way south to explore the stunning lakes and majestic castles that dot the landscape.
Key Stops
Munich
Kick off your road trip in Munich, where you can explore the historic Old Town, visit the world-famous Marienplatz, and indulge in some traditional Bavarian cuisine. Don’t forget to tour the iconic Nymphenburg Palace before hitting the road.
Lake Starnberg (Starnberger See)
Your first stop is Lake Starnberg, just a short drive from Munich. With crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing swim or a leisurely lakeside picnic.
Neuschwanstein Castle
As you head further south, you’ll encounter the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Take a guided tour of this architectural masterpiece and enjoy panoramic views from Marienbrücke.
Hohenschwangau Castle
Near Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll find Hohenschwangau Castle, another stunning royal residence. Explore the interior to learn about Bavarian royalty and their history.
Füssen
Füssen, a charming town nestled in the Bavarian Alps, is a great place to spend a night. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, visit the High Castle (Hohes Schloss), and savor Bavarian cuisine at local restaurants.
Eibsee Lake
On your way back to Munich, make a detour to Eibsee Lake, known for its emerald-green waters and incredible views of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain.
Camper-Friendly Accommodations
2. The Romantic Road Journey
A Romantic Tale of Medieval Towns and Fairytale Landscapes
Distance: Approximately 220 miles
Duration: 5-7 days
Overview
The Romantic Road is a quintessential Bavarian road trip that takes you through picturesque medieval towns, charming villages, and idyllic countryside. It’s a journey that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Key Stops
Würzburg
Start your journey in Würzburg, famous for the stunning Residenz Palace. Explore the palace gardens and take a leisurely walk along the scenic Main River.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a well-preserved medieval town with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk along the town walls for breathtaking views.
Nördlingen
Nördlingen is a charming town situated within a meteorite crater. Climb the Daniel Tower for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
Augsburg
Augsburg boasts a rich history and beautiful architecture. Visit the Augsburg Cathedral and the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex.
Neuschwanstein Castle (Again!) and Hohenschwangau Castle
This time, approach the castles from the north, as you loop back to Munich. Revisit the fairy tale castles and explore more of their enchanting surroundings.
Camper-Friendly Accommodations
3. The Alpine Adventure Route
Conquer the Bavarian Alps in Your Campervan
Distance: Approximately 250 miles
Duration: 7-10 days
Overview
The Alpine Adventure Route takes you through the breathtaking Bavarian Alps, offering stunning vistas, challenging hikes, and the opportunity to experience alpine culture.
Key Stops
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Start your journey in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a famous ski resort town. Ride the Zugspitze Cable Car for panoramic views of the Alps, and explore the charming town center.
Ettal
Visit Ettal Abbey, a magnificent Baroque-style Benedictine monastery, and sample some of the local liqueurs produced by the monks.
Oberammergau
Known for its passion play, Oberammergau is a picturesque village with beautifully painted houses. It’s a great place to pick up traditional Bavarian crafts as souvenirs.
Mittenwald
Mittenwald is renowned for its violin-making heritage. Explore the town’s historic violin-making workshops and hike through the Karwendel Nature Park.
Berchtesgaden and Königssee
Journey southeast to Berchtesgaden, where you can visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus) and explore the crystal-clear waters of Königssee by boat.
Bad Tölz
As you head back to Munich, make a stop in Bad Tölz. This charming town on the Isar River offers beautiful architecture and a relaxing atmosphere.
Camper-Friendly Accommodations
4. The Bavarian Beer Trail
Toast to Bavarian Culture on this Beer-Fueled Road Trip
Distance: Approximately 180 miles
Duration: 5-7 days
Overview
Bavaria is famous for its beer, and this road trip takes you on a journey to savor the best of Bavarian brews. Explore historic breweries, beer gardens, and charming towns along the way.
Key Stops
Munich
Start your adventure in Munich, the beer capital of Bavaria. Visit the world-famous Hofbräuhaus and sample traditional Bavarian beers.
Freising
Head north to Freising, home to the oldest brewery in the world, Weihenstephan Brewery. Take a brewery tour and enjoy beer tasting.
Ingolstadt
Ingolstadt is known for its regional specialty, the “Schlenkerla” beer. Visit local breweries and savor this unique smoked beer.
Regensburg
Regensburg boasts a rich beer culture and is home to the family-owned brewery, Thurn and Taxis. Explore the town’s historic streets and beer gardens.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg offers a mix of history and beer culture. Don’t miss a visit to Hausbrauerei Altstadthof and the Nuremberg Castle.
Bamberg
End your beer trail in Bamberg, famous for its distinctive smoked beer, “Rauchbier.” Explore the town and its charming breweries.
Camper-Friendly Accommodations
The Bavarian Forest and Cultural Heritage Trail
Journey through Nature and History in Bavaria
Distance: Approximately 250 miles
Duration: 6-8 days
Overview
The Bavarian Forest and Cultural Heritage Trail combines the beauty of Bavaria’s natural landscapes with its rich cultural heritage. This road trip takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and historic sites, providing a well-rounded experience of Bavarian culture and nature.
Key Stops
Passau
Begin your adventure in Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Explore the picturesque Old Town and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its impressive organ. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Danube River.
Bavarian Forest National Park
Head into the heart of the Bavarian Forest National Park, one of Europe’s largest forested protected areas. Hike along its well-marked trails, spot local wildlife, and breathe in the fresh forest air.
Zwiesel
Visit the charming town of Zwiesel, famous for its glassmaking tradition. Explore glassworks and learn about the art of glassblowing.
Regen
Regen offers a glimpse into Bavarian rural life. Stroll through the town and visit the local museums to discover the region’s history and culture.
Cham
Cham is a historical town with a beautiful old town center. Explore the medieval architecture and enjoy traditional Bavarian cuisine at local restaurants.
Walhalla Memorial
Take a short detour to the Walhalla Memorial, an impressive neoclassical building overlooking the Danube River. It honors famous figures from German history.
Amberg
Amberg is known for its well-preserved medieval old town. Walk along the town walls and visit the beautiful Gothic church, St. Martin’s.
Nuremberg (Optional Extension)
If you have extra time, consider extending your trip to Nuremberg, where you can explore its rich history and vibrant culture. Visit the Nuremberg Castle and the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market) during the holiday season.
Camper-Friendly Accommodations
This road trip will lead you through the serene beauty of the Bavarian Forest while allowing you to explore the cultural heritage and history of this remarkable region. Enjoy the tranquility of nature and immerse yourself in Bavaria’s unique traditions and landscapes.