Exploring Bavaria: A 9-Day Adventure Itinerary

Bavaria is a region in the south of Germany and is one of the country's main travel destinations. It is known for its charming cities, towns, and villages, as well as its natural beauty, with many opportunities for hiking, swimming, and other outdoor sports.

Day 1: Munich

Arrive in Munich and get settled. Munich is a vibrant city with stunning architecture, amazing food, and buzzing nightlife. There is plenty to see, including Marienplatz, the old town, the view from the clock tower, Viktualienmarkt, the Residenz, Nymphenburg Palace, and Englischer Garten.

Day 2: Dachau Concentration Camp

Start the day with a somber visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp, a former concentration camp located about a 45-minute drive from Munich.

Day 3: Fussen and Neuschwanstein Castle

Drive to Fussen, a gorgeous town in the Bavarian Alps, and visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. This 19th-century castle was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany.

Day 4: Ettal Abbey and Oberammergau

Visit the picturesque village of Ettal and the neighboring Ettal Abbey, a beautiful Benedictine monastery. Then, head to Oberammergau, a charming village known for its fairy-tale-like houses painted with scenes from Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

Day 5: Partnach Gorge and Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Explore the Partnach Gorge, a stunning 260-foot deep gorge with rushing water and dramatic views. Spend the evening in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a scenic area known for its beer gardens and Bavarian cuisine.

Day 6: Linderhof Castle and Plansee

Visit Linderhof Castle, a fairy-tale-like castle surrounded by lush mountains and gorges. Then, head to nearby Plansee, a picturesque Alpine lake.

Day 7: Walchensee and Unterwossen

Drive to Walchensee, one of Germany's largest and deepest Alpine lakes, nestled in the stunning Alps. Spend the night in the village of Unterwossen.

Day 8: Ice Caves in Werfen and Chiemsee

Cross the border into Austria and visit the ice caves in Werfen, the world's largest ice caves. On the way back, stop by Chiemsee, a freshwater lake in Southern Germany.

Day 9: Salzburg

Take a day trip to Salzburg, Austria. Explore the city's highlights, including Mozart's birthplace, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the old shops, and the Alter Markt Square.

Munich

• Marienplatz (market square)
• The old town
• The view from the clock tower
• Viktualienmarkt
• The Residenz
• Nymphenburg Palace
• Englischer Garten

Depending on your arrival time, I suggest staying around 1.5 days in Munich (and if you fly back home from Munich, you could spend another half day there).

Where to Stay in Munich

• Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Munich
• Mid-Range: Hotel Mercure München City Center or King’s Hotel First Class

Day 1: Exploring Munich

Use this 1 Day In Munich Guide to have you seeing all the “Must See Munich Sites” like the Altstadt, Hofbrauhaus, the Glockenspiel, and more.

Day 2: Munich and A Day Trip

Follow this 2 Days in Munich Itinerary to get exact details, directions, insider tips, and a walking guide for the day.

In the morning, head to the Dachau Concentration Camp. In the afternoon, upon returning to Munich, spend some relaxing time decompressing at the English Gardens and then spend the evening watching river surfers and eating at an outdoor Biergarten in the park.

Day 3: Rent a Car and Head to Garmisch

This morning, get your car rental early and head down to the breathtaking Bavarian Alps. It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau served as a prototype and model for the other German concentration camps that followed. The camp's layout and building plans were developed by Commandant Theodor Eicke and were applied to all later camps. Eicke became the chief inspector for all concentration camps and was responsible for organizing them according to his model.

The Dachau camp system grew to include nearly 100 sub-camps, which were mostly work camps, located throughout southern Germany and Austria. The main camp was liberated by U.S. forces on April 29, 1945, and over its twelve years of operation, it is believed that at least 40,000 prisoners died there.

The camp included two main sections: the camp area and the crematoria area. The camp area consisted of 32 barracks, including one for clergy imprisoned for opposing the Nazi regime and one reserved for medical experiments. The courtyard between the prison and the central kitchen was used for the summary execution of prisoners. The camp was surrounded by an electrified barbed-wire fence, a ditch, and a wall with seven guard towers.

In 1942, the crematorium area was constructed next to the main camp and included the old crematorium and a new crematorium with a gas chamber. While there is no credible evidence that the gas chamber was used to murder prisoners, those deemed too sick or weak to work were sent to the Hartheim "euthanasia" killing center near Linz, Austria. Mass executions by shooting also took place at a specially designed SS shooting range, where thousands of prisoners, including at least 4,000 Soviet prisoners of war, were murdered.

Beginning in 1942, German physicians performed medical experiments on prisoners at Dachau, and hundreds of prisoners died or were harmed as a result. Prisoners were also subjected to brutal treatment and terror detention, including standing cells, floggings, and being forced to stand at attention for extremely long periods.

Today, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is open to visitors daily from 9 am to 5 pm, offering guided tours in English and audio guides. Visitors can walk through the buildings and view the ovens used to cremate bodies, as well as various exhibits and artefacts. The site includes several religious memorials, serving as a reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the Nazi regime.

Fussen and Neuschenwenstein Castle

Fussen and Neuschwanstein Castle

The Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century historicist palace on a rugged hill in the foothills of the Alps in the south of Germany. It is located in the Swabia region of Bavaria, in the municipality of Schwangau, above the village of Hohenschwangau. The closest larger town is Fussen. The castle stands above the narrow gorge of the Pöllat stream, east of the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes, close to the mouth of the Lech into Forggensee.

The castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who felt the need to escape the constraints of court life in Munich. Construction began in 1869 but was never completed. The castle was intended to serve as a private residence for the king, but he died in 1886, and it was opened to the public shortly after his death. Since then, more than 61 million people have visited. More than 1.3 million people visit annually, with up to 6,000 per day in the summer.

The castle is only accessible via a guided tour, and tickets must be booked in advance online. The tour itself is approximately 35 minutes long. Visitors are not permitted to take photographs inside the castle.

The walk up to the castle from the town of Hohenschwangau takes around 40 minutes and is quite steep, so good weather is recommended. Alternatively, horse-drawn carriages and buses are available.

Hohenschwangau Castle, the childhood home of King Ludwig II, is located next to Neuschwanstein and is well worth a visit. The interior of the castle is fantastic, and tickets can be purchased on-site.

The Alpsee Lake is a short walk from Neuschwanstein and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The area is home to many local trails, making it a great spot for hiking.

Ettal Abbey, Oberammergau, Garmisch Partenkirchen

Ettal Abbey is a Benedictine abbey in the Bavarian Alps, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. It is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in the Alpine region. The abbey is known for its distillery, where monks make liqueurs with centuries-old recipes. Visitors can purchase souvenirs, liqueurs, and other products at the abbey's shop. The abbey also features a church with a beautiful dome and interior. The grounds are well-maintained, and there is a nearby cheese shop.

Oberammergau is a picturesque German village known for its painted facades, intricate woodwork, and the once-a-decade Passion Play. The village has charming lanes and houses, with stunning Alpine scenery as its backdrop. Visitors can explore the many painted buildings, such as the Oberammergau Church, and visit the local workshops to see woodcarving demonstrations. The Oberammergau Museum offers insights into the history and culture of the village, including information about the Passion Play.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, often affectionately known as Ga-Pa, is a town in the Bavarian Alps, offering stunning natural scenery and a variety of outdoor activities. One of the main attractions is the Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain, which can be reached by cogwheel train or gondola. The town also has the Partnach Gorge, a mesmerizing natural formation, and the Wank Mountain, offering breathtaking views. Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a rich Olympic history, with the Olympia Ski Stadium and Ski Jump serving as popular tourist destinations. The town also boasts scenic walking areas, such as Ludwigstraße and the Riessersee lake.

Partnach Gorge

The Partnach Gorge (German: Partnachklamm) is a deep gorge formed by a mountain stream known as the Partnach, in the Reintal valley near the south German town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The gorge is 702 metres long and, in some places, over 80 metres deep. It was designated a natural monument in 1912.

The gorge is a unique natural landmark. As you enter, you will be surrounded by massive rock faces and hear the water rushing through the gorge beneath you. The wild and boisterous waters have hollowed out the mountain over the centuries. As you stroll past the impressive rock faces, you will be amazed at all the new and breathtaking perspectives that await you along the trail.

The Partnach Gorge is suitable for families, and dogs on a leash are welcome. However, strollers and wheelchairs are not allowed due to the terrain. An entry fee is charged in summer between 8 am and 6 pm and in winter between 9 am and 5 pm. Outside these times, the gorge may be visited at individual risk.

The gorge is easily accessible from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is a 25-minute walk from the Olympic Stadium, and parking is available at the stadium for a small fee. The walk through the gorge takes around 40-60 minutes, and there are several dining options nearby.

The Partnach Gorge is a must-see natural wonder in Bavaria and is well worth the visit. The power of nature and the beauty of the surrounding landscape will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Frequently asked questions