Exploring Bavaria: How Much Does It Cost?

Planning a trip to Bavaria? Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect.

Bavaria is known for its stunning natural sights, including the Bavarian Alps, the glacier-carved valleys, and the ultra-charming town of Lindau. It's also home to Germany's top tourist attractions, including the Marienplatz central square in Munich, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the ancient town of Nuremberg.

The cost of your trip to Bavaria will depend on your travel style and speed. Bavaria is considered a very affordable place to visit, especially when compared to other places in Europe.

Here's a rough guide to the costs you can expect:

Accommodation

Hostels in Bavaria typically cost around €30-35 per night for a dorm bed, while private rooms can be around €80 per night. Mid-range hotels usually range from €110-170 per night.

Transportation

The best way to get around Bavaria is by train, and the Bayern Ticket offers unlimited travel on Bavaria's public transport for one day. It costs €25 for one traveller and an additional €8 for each extra traveller, up to a maximum of five adults.

Food

Food in Bavaria is typically inexpensive, with traditional dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and Schweinsbraten (roast pork) available at reasonable prices. A basic breakfast costs around €5-9, while lunch and dinner can range from €10-17 and €14-22, respectively.

Activities

Bavaria offers a range of activities to suit all budgets. Entrance tickets to attractions are generally affordable, with prices ranging from €18 for a visit to Neuschwanstein Castle to €82 for a tour of the Eagle's Nest. Many cities also offer free attractions, such as museums and galleries.

So, how much does a trip to Bavaria cost? For budget travellers, a daily allowance of $45-$80 should cover basic needs. Middle-class travellers can expect to spend at least $80-$130 per day, while luxury travellers should budget for over $160 per day.

Transport: from €25 for a Bayern Ticket to €129.50 for a first-class regional day ticket

Transport costs in Bavaria can vary depending on the type of ticket you buy and how many people are travelling with you. The Bayern Ticket is a day pass that allows unlimited travel on Bavaria's public transport for one day. It costs €25 for one traveller and an additional €8 for every extra traveller, up to a maximum of five adults. So, for a group of five, you can travel throughout Bavaria for just €11.40 per person, per day.

The Bayern Ticket covers travel on local trains, including DB's RE and RB trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, and buses. It is not valid on high-speed or long-distance trains, such as the ICE, IC, EC, and Railjet trains.

There are two versions of the Bayern Ticket: the standard ticket, which is valid from 9 am to 3 am the following day, and the Bayern-Ticket Nacht, which is valid from 6 pm to 6 am the following day. On weekends and public holidays, the standard ticket is valid for 27 hours, from midnight to 3 am the following day.

If you want to travel first-class, you can buy a first-class regional day ticket for Bavaria. This costs between €41.50 and €129.50, depending on the type of train and the day of travel.

Food: €30-€35 per day for budget travellers

When it comes to food, budget travellers can expect to spend around €30-€35 per day. This includes the cost of groceries, eating out at inexpensive restaurants, and street food. For example, a litre of milk costs around €1, a dozen eggs cost €2.50, and a loaf of bread costs €1.80. A basic breakfast typically costs between €5-€9, and may include a cappuccino (€3.50) and a pastry (€2-€4). Lunch, which is traditionally the main hot meal of the day in Germany, can cost around €25-€30 for a three-course meal. Dinner is usually lighter and less expensive, costing around €14 on average.

If you're looking to save money on food, consider buying groceries and preparing your own meals. You can also opt for cheaper options like street food, which typically costs around €3 for a sausage sandwich. Additionally, some restaurants offer lunch specials that are more affordable than their dinner options.

It's worth noting that food costs can vary depending on your location and preferences. Larger cities like Munich and Berlin may have higher prices than smaller towns or rural areas.

Accommodation: €30-€35 per night for a hostel dorm bed

When it comes to accommodation, there are a variety of options available in Bavaria to suit different budgets. If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider staying in a hostel.. Hostel dorm beds in Bavaria typically range from €30 to €35 per night. This is a great way to save money, especially if you're travelling alone or with a small group.

Hostels in Bavaria offer a social and economical option for travellers. For a well-reviewed hostel, you can expect to pay around €30-€35 per night for a dorm bed. This price point is standard across most parts of the region. If you're seeking an even more affordable option, some hostels may offer beds for as low as €27 per night.

For those seeking more privacy or travelling as a couple, private rooms in hostels are also available. These typically cost around €80 per night for a clean and basic room in a convenient location. If you're looking for something more luxurious, exceptionally well-reviewed private rooms can be found for around €110 per night.

Of course, if you prefer more traditional accommodation, hotels in Bavaria usually range from €110 to €170 per night for a mid-range option.

When planning your trip, it's advisable to book your accommodation in advance to ensure you have a wider range of options and can take advantage of any early bird discounts. This is especially important if you're visiting during peak season or popular events like Oktoberfest, as prices tend to increase and availability decreases during these times.

By opting for budget-friendly accommodation like hostels, you can significantly reduce your overall trip expenses and stretch your daily budget further. This is an excellent strategy for those seeking a more economical Bavarian vacation without compromising on comfort and convenience.

Activities: €11-€43 per day

Bavaria is a very affordable destination for activities, with prices ranging from €11 to €43 per day.

A Bayern Ticket is a great option for those wanting to travel cheaply and flexibly within Bavaria. This day pass allows unlimited travel on Bavaria's public transport for one day and costs €25 for one traveller, with an additional €8 for every extra traveller, up to five adults. This means that a group of five can explore all of Bavaria for just €11.40 per person, per day.

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, a first-class regional day ticket for Bavaria costs €41.50, and a first-class regional night ticket costs €38.50.

For those wanting to explore the Bavarian Forest, a Tree Top Walk in Neuschonau offers unforgettable views for €11.

For history lovers, a trip to the ancient town of Nuremberg is a must. Here, you can visit the National Germanic Museum and browse over a million unique artefacts from Germany's rich history, including historical documents, a fine arts archive and a collection of paintings.

For nature lovers, a stroll or challenging climb in the Bavarian Alps is the perfect activity, with peaks reaching 3,000 metres.

With so many options available, you can easily fill your days in Bavaria with fun and affordable activities.

Miscellaneous: €1.50 for a 500ml beer

When budgeting for a trip to Bavaria, it's important to consider variables such as transportation costs, food expenses, accommodation prices, and more. The cost of a beer in Bavaria can be a significant factor in your budget, especially if you plan to indulge in a few!

A 500ml beer in Bavaria typically costs around €1.50, which is a very reasonable price. This means that you can enjoy a few beers without breaking the bank. Of course, beer prices can vary depending on the brand, quality, and location, but this gives you a good starting point for your budget.

• Look for happy hours or drink specials at bars and restaurants. You can often find discounted prices on beers during certain times of the day.
• Buy beer from grocery stores or local markets. Beer is usually cheaper at stores than at bars or restaurants.
• Consider purchasing a beer pass or package. If you plan to drink a lot of beer, look for beer passes or packages that offer discounts on multiple beers.
• Share beers with your travel companions. If you're travelling with friends or family, consider sharing a large bottle or pitcher of beer instead of buying individual drinks.
• Bring your own beer. If you're staying at a place with a kitchen or fridge, you can buy beer in bulk and store it there.

By following these tips and considering the cost of a 500ml beer in your budget, you can enjoy your trip to Bavaria without worrying about the cost of beer. Cheers!

Frequently asked questions