Lyla Lindsey
Backpacking through Bavaria and Austria is a great option for budget-conscious travellers who want to experience stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. Both regions offer an extensive network of regional trains and other transportation options, making it easy to get around and explore the area.
Bavaria, located in the south-east of Germany, is known for its picturesque cities, charming villages, and beautiful natural landscapes. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is a popular destination for travellers due to its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its rich cultural offerings. The region also boasts stunning natural attractions, such as the Bavarian Alps, which offer countless outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, and trekking. Bavaria is also home to historic sites like the Neuschwanstein Castle, inspired by Disney's Sleeping Beauty, and Hitler's Eagle's Nest, a historical bunker system with original structures intact.
Austria, neighbouring Bavaria to the south, is a culturally rich country with magnificent mountains, laid-back wine taverns, trendy bars, and friendly locals. Vienna, its capital, showcases imperial architecture, including the Belvedere Palace and Schönbrunn Palace, while Salzburg, known for its Baroque architecture, serves as the gateway to the dramatic Sound of Music alpine scenery. Beyond its cities, Austria offers an array of outdoor adventures, from hiking and skiing in the Alps to exploring the picturesque town of Hallstatt.
Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or cultural explorer, backpacking through Bavaria and Austria promises a memorable journey filled with breathtaking sights, delicious cuisine, and unique experiences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Munich |
| Ending Point | Munich |
| Total Distance Covered | 1000+ km |
| Total Time | 10-11 days |
| Best Time to Visit | May, June, July, August, September, October |
| Mode of Transport | Car, Train, Bus, Cable Car, Boat |
| Attractions | Castles, Lakes, Mountains, Gorges, Caves, Cities, Towns, Villages, Churches, Cathedrals, Abbeys, Gardens, Ski Jumps, Stadiums, Concentration Camp, Olympic Village, Waterfalls, Glaciers, Vineyards, Restaurants, Cafes, Bakeries, Breweries, Museums, Memorials, Parks, Forests, Ice Caves, Sound of Music Locations |
| Activities | Hiking, Swimming, Boating, Tobogganing, Skiing, Paragliding, Cycling, Horse Riding, Shopping, Eating, Drinking, Relaxing, Walking, Touring, Photography, Sightseeing |
Munich
Marienplatz
The Marienplatz is the central square in the heart of Munich, where you can hear the famous Glockenspiel (clock) chime every day at 11 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. from March through October.
Viktualienmarkt
Viktualienmarkt is a daily fixture in the city centre. It’s the perfect place to sample Bavarian treats such as Bratwurst (sausage) and Leberkase (meatloaf).
Hofbrauhaus
Dachau Concentration Camp
The Dachau Concentration Camp is a sombre lesson in world history. This concentration camp held tens of thousands of prisoners (Jews, homosexuals, communists), who were then murdered here.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular castles in Germany. It is said to have inspired Walt Disney. The castle is surrounded by lush mountains and gorges and its spires reach out to the sky.
Ettal Abbey
Ettal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery that is absolutely stunning on the inside. It also houses a brewery. Try the locally-brewed beer or Ettal liqueurs made by the monks.
Oberammergau
Oberammergau is Savi and Vid's favourite village in the area. The walls of all the houses in this village are painted with fairy-tales by the Brothers Grimm.
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Neuschwanstein Castle
The castle is a romantic ideal of a knight's castle. It was designed by the stage designer Christian Jank and realised by the architect Eduard Riedel. It is furnished with numerous towers, ornamental turrets, gables, balconies, pinnacles, and sculptures. The basic style was first planned to be neo-Gothic but the palace was primarily built in the Romanesque style in the end.
A visit to Neuschwanstein Castle is only possible as part of a guided tour. Tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle are available online. Remaining tickets are available on-site at the Ticket Centre Hohenschwangau, subject to availability and exclusively for the same day. Reservations are not possible.
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Zugspitze
The return trip starts in Garmisch aboard a cogwheel train that chugs along the mountain base to the Eibsee. From the crest, there’s a magnificent panorama of the main Tyrolean mountain ranges, as well as the Bavarian Alps and Mt Säntis in Switzerland.
The best way to experience Zugspitze is by taking a cable car up to the summit. You can also opt for a private full-day tour of Neuschwanstein Castle from Innsbruck or a private day tour of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze Mountain.
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Lake Eibsee
The Eibsee lake is a popular destination for swimming, hiking, and boating during the summer months. Visitors can rent pedal boats, rowing boats, and stand-up paddle boards to explore the lake. Those who prefer a quieter experience can take a round trip on an electric boat. In winter, the lake offers a picturesque winter landscape, with the Eibsee circular trail remaining passable. The lake is often completely frozen in January, giving the landscape a magical feel.
The Zugspitze cable car, opened in 2017, is located near the lake, providing easy access to the summit of Zugspitze. The lake is also accessible by public transport, with the Eibsee bus departing from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and driving through Grainau. Alternatively, visitors can drive and park at the Eibsee Hotel or the Zugspitzbahn car park, although parking fees apply.
The lake has a length of 2450 metres, a width of 850 metres, and a depth of up to 32.5 metres. It is located 1000 metres above sea level, resulting in slightly colder temperatures than expected, especially in spring and autumn. The water temperature in the summer ranges from 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for swimming.
The 7.5-kilometre hiking trail around the lake leads to breathtaking spots for photography and nature appreciation. The trail is easily accessible and takes about two hours to complete. Visitors can also explore the small islands in the lake by renting paddle boats, rowing boats, or stand-up paddle boards. Additionally, a tour boat called "Reserl" offers 20-minute round trips.
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Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The hiking trails around Garmisch-Partenkirchen are memorable as well as exhilarating. The trails are well-signed, waymarked, and easy-to-follow. It’s very unlikely that you’ll be confused about trail direction. That being said, it’s always a good idea to carry a trail map.
Many hiking trails in the Bavarian Alps lead to mountain huts, alpine pasture huts, and mountain restaurants. These establishments usually only accept payment in cash so always bring cash.
- Partnach Gorge to Berggasthof Eckbauer
- Kreuzeck to Höllentalklamm Gorge
- Lake Eibsee Circuit Trail
- Hochplatte Trail
- Lake Drachensee Hike
- Wank to Esterbergalm Circuit Trail
- Alpspitze Via Ferrata
- Rotmoosalm – Wangalm – Wettersteinhütte Circuit Trail
When to Hike: Summer and early Fall: mid June until late September. However, some trails are accessible all year-round.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to get to Bavaria and Austria is by flying into Munich and then renting a car. You can also take a train to Munich and then rent a car.
Some things to do in Bavaria include visiting the Dachau Concentration Camp, Viktualienmarkt, the Neuschwanstein Castle, the Linderhof Castle, the Partnach Gorge, and the Walchensee.
Some things to do in Austria include visiting Salzburg, the ice caves in Werfen, and the Grossglockner High Alpine Road.
Some good places to stay in Bavaria and Austria include the Hotel Grunwald Garni, Hotel Blaue Gams, and Hotel-Gasthof Sonnenbichl.
Some good restaurants in Bavaria and Austria include the Hofbrauhaus, Viktualienmarkt, and the Gasthof Sonnenbichl.
