Willkommen in Deutschland! Germany – the land of beer, bratwurst and breathtaking castles! I spent a full week traveling Bavaria’s famous Romantic Road during the Oktoberfest season, and have all the tips, tricks and a picture-perfect itinerary to share with you for you to make the most of this epic trip experience as well.
Day by day, our itinerary went:
- Day 1-2 – Munich & Oktoberfest
- Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle
- Day 4: The Alps (Berchtesgaden and Salzburg)
- Day 5-6: Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob de Tauber
- Day 7: Bamberg
Munich & Oktoberfest
Where to Stay: Castle Moerlbach
- As a group of 6, we decided to find an Airbnb on the outskirts of Munich near beautiful Starnberg Lake, a 25 minute drive into the city. I couldn’t recommend the Airbnb more!
- It’s a 19th century manor home that has quite the history. The current owners purchased the property in the early 2000s and began renovations, converting their new home into a residence for long and short term rentals for those traveling throughout Bavaria.
- The property sits beside a working farm with sheep who wander the back yard, and the entire countryside of the area was a breath of fresh air after the busy streets of Munich. For those looking for an idyllic experience with the best of all worlds, Castle Moerlbach is for you. There are easily accessible bus/ train routes into Munich, as well as plenty of taxis in the area.
Exploring Munich:
- If you only have a few hours to explore Munich as we did, head right to the Marienplatz, the city’s historic town square.
- Looking for lunch or dinner? Check out Ratskeller Munchen right in the beautiful town hall. Dating from the 19th century, Ratskeller is the classic German restaurant and bar that many town halls boasted in bygone eras for politicians to have a place to drink without the eyes of the townspeople on them. So this historic spot is the perfect place to soak in the rich traditions, delicious food and Bavarian beer the region is well known for.
Oktoberfest Tips & Resources:
- Guide to the best tents at Oktoberfest
- At least before 5 pm, traditionalists will be happy with the Ochsenbraterei. The overall by far most traditional atmosphere offers the Augustiner-Festhalle, which is renowned for its classic Bavarian experience. The music there is significantly more traditional than elsewhere, consisting of a repertoire that has remained unchanged for decades, and the tent itself has been basically the same since 1928, preserving its historical charm and authenticity. The rustic wooden interiors and the traditional costumes of the staff contribute to the immersive experience. Festzelt is the second biggest party tent and one of the oldest tents at Oktoberfest, attracting visitors with its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere. Although the biggest party tent, Hofbrau, was already booked, we can still visit during the day, as it is the only tent with standing room where you can drink without needing a seat, offering a more flexible and spontaneous experience.
- Start in the tents in the morning to secure your spot (especially at the crowded ones like Hofbrahaus)
- Get half chickens for lunch at a table with your steins of beer
- End the evening walking around the rides/games of the fair!
Neuschwanstein Castle
The drive from Munich to the iconic, fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein takes ~ 2 hours depending where in the city you’re coming from.
- You’ll want to plan at least 3-4 hours to tour the inside of the castle, walk the beautiful grounds, and shop in the surrounding village.
- You’ll need a pre-booked ticket to tour the inside of the castle.
- Also note that from the parking lot it’s a ~30 minute uphill walk to the castle entrance. There are horse drawn carriages that bring you up as well if the steep incline of the castle road isn’t for you!
On your way back to Munich, stop at the Seehaus Hopfensee (boasting an amazing outdoor patio) for dinner overlooking the mountains and a gorgeous lake!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
- Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Eisenhut
- Where to Eat & Drink:
- Cafe Einzigartig – delicious, we had breakfast here each morning
- Agnes Stüberl – must try the spaetzel
- Zur Holl Mittelalterliche Trinkstube – authentic wine tasting experience in Old Town Rothenburg
- Mucho Amor Cocktail Bar – best cocktails in Rothenburg, speakeasy vibes
- Gela’s Lounge and Bar – live music great local vibes
- What to Do:
- History tour around Rothenberg
- The tour starts from the Marktplatz each day at 2 p.m. You should also check out the Night Watchmen’s Tour in the evening for a completely different tour experience!
- Rothenburg Tourism Page
- Crime Museum
- Rathaus tower – for the best views climb to the top!
- History tour around Rothenberg
Bamberg: Craft Brewery Capitol
- Take the Bamberg Beer History Tour:
- Bamberg is famous for its beer culture. Its specialties are smoked beer and stuffed onion. If you’re a fan of craft beer, you can even book a beer tour. Bamberg’s history is intricately intertwined with the history of beer, making it the perfect place to follow the footsteps of brewing from its monastic beginnings via the flourishing hop trade to the global commercial malt houses.
- Discover more about the fine art of brewing and learn about customs and traditions concerned with drinking beer. Visit the main attractions of the town, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Marvel at the original locations of the Bamberg beer war, meet the Säufermännla, and sample delicacies of the town in a pub brewery. Along the way, see the Pfahlplätzchen, the Eisgrube with the Upper Parish Church, the Domberg, and the Sandstraße.
Berchtesgaden
What to Do:
- Explore Old Town (Marktbrunnen), stroll shops, take in surrounding views
- Explore Lake Königssee (third deepest, and cleanest, lake in Germany) – less than 15 mins away from town center. See Saint Bartholomew’s Church (beautiful, pilgrimage church dating back to 1697, restaurant and pier next to it)
- Check out Eagles Nest, the mountainside headquarters of Hitler’s Nazi Regime during WWII.
- Take Rossfeld Panorama Strasse through the Alps, an iconic panoramic road that brings you into Austria. You’ll feel like you’re in a scene from the Sound of Music!
Where to Eat:
- Restaurant Café Graflhöhe “Windbeutelbaron”: (~15 mins to northeast) best view of valley & alps! Outdoor terrace with panoramic views. Specially known for their cream puffs
- Berggasthof-Pension Oberkälberstein Springl: cozy inn with terrace with great views (~10 mins northwest)
Beyond Bavaria: Salzburg
What to Do:
- Start in “New Town,” make way to “Old Town”
- Mirabell Palace (free!): featured in The Sound of Music, stroll gardens
- built in 1606 by Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich Raitenau for Salome Alt, the love of his life
- Cross over Salzach River into Old Town – cross at either Staatsbrücke or Makartsteg Bridge (filled with padlocks to lock in love)
- Griesgasse street: scenic walk, west until reach Museumsplatz – public square under impressive cliff
- Getreidegasse street: Mozart’s birthplace in Old Town, also great shopping and sightseeing, 200 meters (3 mins on foot) from Haus der Natur
- Wander thorugh Old Market (Alter Markt)
- Residenzplatz square: 16th-century square with Baroque fountain. bordered by Salzburg Cathedral on south and DomQuartier Salzburg to west
- DomQuartier Salzburg: UNESCO World Heritage site – large Baroque complex, art and culture, collection of museums
- Fortress Hohensalzburg
- Take the Salzburg Cable Car (funicular) to Fortress Hohensalzburg – views of city and Alps – ticket includes admission to fortress
- Dates back to 11th century (built in 1077) – largest fortress in all of central europe – several museums inside – built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard. fort, private residence, prison and military barracks – climb the Reckturm watchtower for unparalleled views of Salzburg and the surrounding area
Where to Eat / Drink:
- Augustiner Bräu Kloster Mülln: Augustiner monks founded this brewery in 1621 and it remains Austria’s biggest beer tavern
