A 7-Day Adventure in the Bavarian Alps’ Top Sights & Castles

When you start your 7-day adventure in the Bavarian Alps, don’t miss the chance to explore Munich first. The city has this incredible mix of old-world charm and modern flair, and there’s so much to see. In just one day, you can get a real feel for its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and, of course, its famous beer culture.

Marienplatz, right in the heart of the old town, is the perfect place to start. The New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) and the Church of St. Peter are architectural gems, and from here, you can catch some amazing views of the city.

For something a little different, head over to the Eisbach wave in the English Garden. It’s incredible to watch surfers riding a man-made wave on the Eisbach River, no matter the weather.

If you’re craving a sneak peek of the epic views waiting for you in the Alps, the Olympic Tower is the place to go. From the top, you get a 360-degree view of Munich’s beautiful cityscape, its lively streets, and, in the distance, the stunning Alps.

For a lasting beautiful first impression of Bavarian Alps, let Neuschwanstein Castle be your first destination in the Bavarian Alps.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of those places you can’t forget once you’ve seen it. Built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II, it’s got that fairytale charm—both the castle itself and the incredible views of the Alps around it. It’s not hard to see why it inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

A guided tour takes you through rooms filled with royal luxury, giving you a real sense of the king’s extravagant world. But the castle’s just the beginning. The surrounding Alpine lake and nature preserve are perfect for a peaceful escape into nature.

One of the best views comes from Marienbrücke, a bridge just a short walk from the castle. Standing there, you get an amazing shot of the castle with the Alps in the background. Inside the castle, it’s just as mesmerizing, with walls covered in detailed frescoes that bring ancient myths to life.

Linderhof Palace

Did you know that Neuschwanstein Castle isn’t the only architectural masterpiece of King Ludwig II in the Bavarian Alps? There’s also Linderhof Palace, not far from Neuschwanstein. In fact, you can visit both in a single day trip from Munich!

So, what’s Linderhof Palace all about? It’s the smallest of the three palaces Ludwig II built, and the only one he saw completed. Despite its size, it’s known for its opulence and beauty. Linderhof is a reflection of Ludwig II’s reclusive nature, with lavish, decorative features that exceed even those that inspired it.

Each room in the palace, from the grand bedroom to the Hall of Mirrors, is elaborately decorated, offering a fascinating look into the king’s world. Guided tours, available in multiple languages, provide insights into his life and times.

The surrounding park is just as impressive, designed as a wonderland straight from Ludwig II’s imagination. You’ll find the Venus Grotto, an artificial replica of the Blue Grotto on Capri, and the Moorish Kiosk, where the king once sat on his peacock throne.

If you have a private car, it’s totally doable to visit both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof in one day. But if you’re relying on public transportation, it’s almost impossible. Unfortunately, there’s no direct bus link between the two attractions.

Day three of the 7-day trip to the Bavarian Alps kicks off the second leg of the journey. Say goodbye to Munich and head for Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Getting there? Super easy! A scenic drive along the E533 takes just over an hour. Or, if trains are more your thing, hop on one from München Hbf and you’ll be there in about 90 minutes.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, or GaPa, is the perfect base for exploring the area. Its location makes it easy to reach peaceful lakes like Eibsee, towering mountains like Zugspitze, and colorful towns like Oberammergau and Mittenwald. And by the way, Zugspitze is the tallest mountain in Germany!

GaPa itself is a total gem. The streets are lined with flower-covered chalets and houses decorated with murals that make it feel like walking through a storybook.

With a variety of places to stay and plenty of spots to enjoy local food, it’s a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere. GaPa offers a little bit of everything, and it’s totally worth it.

Once you arrive in GaPa, you might feel the urge to immediately explore the nearby attractions. However, not so fast! There are some interesting sights within the town itself that are definitely worth discovering.

It’s also a good idea to plan your visits to the tourist attractions around GaPa across different days. These spots can be conveniently grouped for various day trips from the town.

So, what’s the first thing you should see in GaPa? It’s Ludwigstrasse — the most beautiful street in town. The colorful houses set against the stunning mountain peaks make it a picture-perfect sight. Many people describe it as a fairy tale street, and I couldn’t agree more!

After a beautiful stroll along Ludwigstrasse, consider visiting the Werdenfels Museum. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, from prehistoric finds to works of art and craftsmanship. It also showcases collections related to local culture and carnival traditions.

What’s more, the museum hosts special exhibitions and offers an interactive experience with its new Zugspitze room. This room brings the history of the Zugspitze mountain to life in an exciting and playful way.

If you still have time and are up for a short hike, consider heading to Burgruine Werdenfels, located just north of the town. The Werdenfels Castle ruins sit majestically about 80 meters above the Loisach Valley.

This spot offers a unique chance to explore the region’s past while enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. It’s also a fantastic place to catch the sunset in GaPa.

On the fourth day of your week-long journey through the Bavarian Alps, have your cameras ready. You’ll visit two of the region’s most stunning spots: Eibsee and Zugspitze. However, these visits are weather-dependent.

If the sky is fully covered with clouds, you may need to adjust your plans. Consider swapping these destinations with Oberammergau, the Alpine Coaster, and Ettal Abbey, which are your Day 5 stops and are just as enjoyable, even in overcast weather.

So, what’s it like to visit Eibsee and Zugspitze? Picture yourself surrounded by the calm of clear, emerald waters and the excitement of standing at the highest point in Germany.

Eibsee, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains, feels like something out of a fantasy novel. You can hike around the lake, boat on its peaceful surface, or even take a refreshing swim. There are hidden gems to explore, like the Eibsee Nordufer and Eibsee-Brücke.

Zugspitze, on the other hand, offers stunning panoramic views of the Alpine landscape. You can walk along the ridge or simply take in the sights from the golden summit cross, marking Germany’s highest point. And don’t forget, Zugspitze is also home to the highest beer garden in Germany!

Since you’re already in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, getting to Eibsee and Zugspitze is a breeze. Amazingly, Eibsee is not out of the way to get to Zugspitze, so it is pretty logical to go on a day trip to these two in a single day. First, you need to get to Eibsee. You have a few options:

• Hop on a train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Grainau, then catch the Eibsee Zugspitzbahn. This should take around 35 minutes.
• There’s also a bus service that can take you directly from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Eibsee in about 40 minutes.
• If you prefer a quicker route, consider taking a taxi or driving. It’s a short 15-minute journey.

Once you’ve soaked in the beauty of Eibsee, Zugspitze is your next stop. Here’s how you can get there:

• Take the cogwheel train from Eibsee. It meanders through the valley before climbing up the Bavarian Zugspitze Railway rack railway to Zugspitzeplatt. From there, a cable car will whisk you up to the peak.
• If you’re up for a more direct route, catch the cable car from Eibsee straight to the mountain.

Learn more from the official website of Eibsee and Zugspitze.

A trip to the “Bavarian Alps” might sound like it’s all about the mountains, but there’s so much more waiting for you. It’s a mix of rich heritage, vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, thrilling adventures, and remarkable architecture.

On your 5th day in the Bavarian Alps, you’ll discover just that as you visit Oberammergau, Ettal Abbey, and the Alpine Coaster. What makes these places even better is how easy they are to get to—all served by a single bus line (#9606) connecting them to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. No need to memorize multiple bus numbers or juggle different schedules for this day!

Oberammergau

Oberammergau is famous worldwide for its Passion Play, a tradition that has been going strong for 380 years. The play, performed every ten years, features over 2,000 actors, singers, musicians, and technicians—all of whom are locals.

Even if your visit doesn’t fall during a performance, you can still explore the theater where it takes place. The Passion Play Theater, hosting performances since 1830, offers tours that give you a deeper understanding of the play’s importance to the village.

After the theater, take a walk through the village to admire the Lüftlmalerei—beautiful painted facades that depict biblical scenes and everyday life.

Lastly, don’t miss the chance to see the town’s famous wood-carving craftsmanship, a tradition dating back to 1520. At Pilatushaus, you can watch an artist turn a simple piece of wood into an intricate work of art.

Alpine Coaster

Adventure calls from the Alpine Coaster in Oberammergau. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a family with kids, the Alpine Coaster is a fun-filled ride for everyone.

Imagine being in a place where you can experience the thrill of the world’s longest weatherproof toboggan run, complete with a magnet system. That’s exactly what the Alpine Coaster in Oberammergau offers.

But this coaster isn’t just about the thrill—it’s about the breathtaking views and adventurous curves you’ll experience as you go downhill from the Kolbensattel Lodge on an 8,530-foot-long slide!

And the adventure doesn’t stop there. Getting to the Alpine Coaster is part of the fun. You can either take the Kolben chairlift or enjoy a leisurely 1.5-hour hike to reach the start of the ride.

Ettal Abbey

Adventure calls from the Alpine Coaster in Oberammergau. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a family with kids, the Alpine Coaster is a fun-filled ride for everyone.

Imagine experiencing the thrill of the world’s longest weatherproof toboggan run, equipped with a magnet system. That’s exactly what the Alpine Coaster in Oberammergau offers.

But the coaster isn’t just about the thrill—it’s also about the breathtaking views and adventurous curves as you slide downhill from the Kolbensattel Lodge on an 8,530-foot-long track!

And the adventure doesn’t end there. Getting to the Alpine Coaster is part of the experience. You can either take the Kolben chairlift or enjoy a leisurely 1.5-hour hike to the starting point of the ride.

On the sixth day of your journey through the Bavarian Alps, you’ll experience another mix of adventures. Starting in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you’ll make your way to Mittenwald, where you’ll get a fresh, stunning view of the mountains.

As you stroll through the village, it will feel like you’re stepping into a storybook, with its charming streets and colorful buildings. You’ll also visit a mysterious, awe-inspiring spot shaped by the forces of nature.

Mittenwald

Mittenwald, located near the Austrian-German border, is just a short 15-minute drive or a 30-minute train ride from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Much like Oberammergau, the village is renowned for its Lüftlmalerei, a style of fresco painting that transforms its buildings into works of art. With the mountains towering in the background, the view of Mittenwald is unforgettable.

The village is also famous for its tradition of violin-making. To dive deeper into this heritage, visit the Violin Museum, located in the heart of the village, surrounded by charming, colorful houses.

There are plenty of things to do in Mittenwald, but if there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss during your 7-day trip to the Bavarian Alps, it’s the Leutasch Gorge and Karwendel.

Leutasch Gorge

Leutasch Gorge is a stunning display of nature’s power, with the Leutascher Ache river carving its path through the mountains over millions of years. The river’s vibrant blues, turquoise, and greens give the place an almost magical feel.

When you visit, you can explore the gorge on a themed trail full of interesting facts, stories, and incredible views. The trail features a panoramic bridge that takes you right over the river.

If you’re traveling with a stroller or a dog, there’s a shorter, 500-meter circular walk that’s just as enjoyable. For a little extra fun, try the ghost quiz or wander through the fairy tale forest.

From Mittenwald, catch the 431 bus to “Seefeld i. T. Bahnhof.” In just 10-15 minutes, you’ll wind your way around the mountain and get off at the “Leutasch Geisterklamm” stop. From there, it’s easy to follow the paths up to the gorge.

Karwendel

The Karwendel Alps, the largest mountain range in the Northern Limestone Alps, are just a short trip from Mittenwald. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, even more impressive than those at Zugspitze.

To reach this stunning spot, simply take the Karwendelbahn cable car from the eastern edge of Mittenwald. In just seven minutes, the cable car will take you high into the mountains without any stops.

Once you’re in Karwendel, there’s no shortage of activities. You can explore dramatic cirques, visit cozy mountain huts, and take in jaw-dropping viewpoints.

After a day of adventure, relax and soak in the scenery at the Berggaststätte Karwendelbahn Mittenwald, a restaurant conveniently located near the cable car station.

While there’s still plenty to do in the Bavarian Alps, I recommend spending your last day of the trip unwinding so you can return home feeling refreshed. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you’ll find several day spas, ideal for relaxing before you head back—whether that’s for your next trip or simply to enjoy a peaceful day at home.

If you’re craving more adventure, consider a laid-back activity like a scenic hike. The best part? In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can start your hike right away—no long drives or multiple train rides needed.

One trail to check out is the Partnach Gorge Trail. This popular loop is known as one of the most stunning hikes in the area, with its trailhead near the Olympic Ski Jump.

As you walk through the gorge, the blue water and dramatic landscapes will take your breath away. The gorge stretches 702 meters and plunges to depths of up to 80 meters. Along the way, you’ll pass through dark tunnels and waterfalls, making it an unforgettable experience.

For more details, visit the official Partnach Gorge website.

For a change of pace, take a day trip to Innsbruck. Just over an hour away by bus or car, Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and a true gem in Austria, blending rich history, impressive architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

To get the most out of your visit, I recommend taking a self-guided walking tour. You’ll learn about the city’s fascinating past while taking in its architectural highlights.

If you have time, be sure to visit the Court Church, Ambras Castle, and the Tyrol Panorama. These are some of the city’s top attractions and offer a deeper look into its history and culture.