Let’s read about the best places to visit in Bavaria – Bavaria Itinerary from Munich, Germany. This article is about the list of top things to do in Bavaria this weekend with magnificent and stunning Alps, fairytale towns, emerald lakes, snow-clad peaks, and lovely rivers. Bavaria is a world-famous holiday destination for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers.
- Visiting Munich then read about Munich 2 days itinerary.
- Places To Visit In Frankfurt, Germany – One Day Visit
 Bavaria is located in the heart of Europe in the Southeastern part of Germany, bordering Austria, the Czech Republic, and Liechtenstein.Â
So let’s explore the Top things to do in Bavaria, Germany, during winters full of snow. Believe me, this tour would be like a fairy-tale tour or riding through a wonderland.
Book your perfect stay in Garmisch with a view of the Bavarian Alps and a family-run eco-hotel.
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is well known for the annual Oktoberfest beer festival, art museums, and Nymphenburg Palace. In this post, I am talking about the best places to visit in Bavaria – a perfect day trip from Munich.Â
In this post, I will be talking about snowy parts of Germany in winter, but read this to know more about Europe in summers.
Best Places to Visit in Bavaria, Germany –
Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Top things to do in Bavaria
The most famous town in Bavaria with stunning mountain views, splendid nature, the unparalleled beauty of the countryside, and lovely painted houses reconnect us with beautiful pristine nature. Â
Garmisch is also a ski resort town famous for skiing, ice skating, hiking, and snowboarding. Garmisch hosted 1936’s winter OLYMPICS GAMES, making this place famous for winter sports lovers. Garmisch is a destination for both adventure lovers and nature lovers. Garmisch is located to the south of Munich at an hour’s drive.
Therefore it is one of the best places to visit in Bavaria – a perfect trip from Munich.
Famous Castles Tour in BavariaÂ
The most famous Neuschwanstein Castle is a gem of Bavaria. It is also called a fairy-tale castle in the Fussen town of Bavaria. This castle is designed by King Ludwig II as a dream castle with the help of a theater set designer. A castle tour from Munich is one of the top things to do in Bavaria, Germany.
If you are not staying in Garmisch, then book a full-day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich.Â
Walt Disney logo is derived from this castle which can be seen in their movies and theme park’s (Disneyland) entrance. The castle shown in the Sleeping – Beauty movie has been adapted from this castle. Â
This castle is located in Fussen – a small, romantic, southwest Bavarian town. It was built in the 19th century, and this castle is one of the most visited castles in the world. Scenic views of Hohenschwangau valley can be enjoyed from the top of the court. Purchase tickets online as there is always a huge rush/crowd on ticket counters. Read more details and tips on Neuschwanstein castle.
How to reach this castleÂ
There are two ways to reach this castle: hiking through mountains or horse carts. Even for horse carts, there are huge Queue. Better to go on weekdays and start early in the morning because sometimes it takes hours and hours to get on the horse cart. Â
There is another famous castle, Hohenschwangau castle, while going towards this Neuschwanstein castle.  Hohenschwangau castle is located at the site of Neuschwanstein castle and was also built in the 19th century. It was built on the ruined castle in Gothic style. This castle was Ludwig’s favorite summer stay option. Â
Zugspitze MountainÂ
 Located at 2962 m above sea level is the highest mountain in Germany. It lies towards the south of Garmisch and borders Austria over the western summit. It can be reached at the top of the mountain through hiking or by cable cars. Cable cars are the easiest access method to the top of Zugspitze peak. These superfast cable cars take 10 minutes to climb 1725 m and can carry up to 100 passengers in one go. Â
From the top stunning views can be enjoyed, and this place is always full of snow, even in summers too. Zugspitze is famous for skiing, glacier walking, snowboarding, and other winter sports/adventure fun. Zugspitze tour is one of the top things to do in Bavaria in winter.
Professional skiers come to this place for many tournaments and other events. While skiing, always keeps yourself safe by keeping some of the best ski walkie talkie to maintain connectivity while skiing is highly essential and recommended too. There is also a well-heated restaurant with 360 degrees panoramic views of Zugspitze for getting up fueled or charging up.
Enjoy Bavarian Lakes and RiversideÂ
Bavaria has an abundant treasure of turquoise lakes and picturesque Alpine rivers with emerald waters. The Upper Palatinate Forest has more than 4700 lakes and is known as the Land of Lakes. Lake Constance, Eibsee, and Starnberg are this region’s most famous and scenic lakes. Now you know the top things to do in Bavaria this weekend.
One can feel the total serenity of this place. Rafting, Kayaking, Boating, and swimming are significant activities done here. Also, you can explore some hidden lakes during the hike/trek to enjoy peaceful and pristine surroundings. Schliersee Lake is a beautiful and worth visiting place in the Bavarian region. These water activities are top things to do in Bavaria in summer and hence very popular among nature lovers.
You can also stay beautiful Bavarian town of Schliersee and know why to stay in Schliersee.Â
ROMANTIC ROAD-TOURÂ
The scenic route from Wurzburg and Fussen passes along lush green patches surrounded by the snow-capped Alps, old town centers, beautiful vineyards, emerald waters and rugged hills till you reach to the top of Neuschwanstein Castle. This romantic road is used to be an ancient trade route since the Middle Ages, which is based on ancient Roman Road. Â
STAY IN GERMAN STYLED HOUSES AT MOUNTAINOUS Bavarian TOWNS
Garmisch, Mittenwald, Klais, and Fussen are some famous scenic towns of Bavaria where you can enjoy a typical German-style stay. These half-timbered houses are located on cobbled streets, surrounded by snow-clad rolling hills. Enjoy fresh mountain air, Alpine Meadows, beautiful panoramic views, and German hospitality.
VISIT NATIONAL PARKSÂ
Diverse displays of flora and fauna are found in forests or mountains of the Bavarian Alps. Hike through the Alps wilderness to discover unspoiled nature, vast landscapes, and spectacular views. These national parks can be visited all year round, whether it is summer or winter.
List of National Parks – Top Things to do in Bavaria, Germany
- Nationalparkzentrum – Haus der Berge
- Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald
- Tierfreigelaende im Nationalparkzentrum Lusen
- Nationalparkzentrum Falkenstein
- Schrainbachwasserfall
Tips for Best Places to Visit In Bavaria, Germany –
- Main Staying options in the countryside of the Bavarian Alps –
- Garmisch – 90 km from Munich
- Mittenwald – 105 km from Munich
- Fussen – 127 km from Munich
These top things to do in Bavaria, Germany, are well connected through rail and road networks. Euro-rail passes through all these towns and even small villages with proper stopping times. Rent-a-car is also another feasible option in the bavarian cities. Inter-city buses are also reasonable and a worthy alternative. We opted to stay in a family accommodation in Garmisch and explored these places within days and 2 nights. Â
Bavarian Alps can also be reached through the Austrian side via Innsbruck. Â
Day trips from Garmisch – Top things to do in Bavaria.
- Oberammergau
- Innsbruck
- Salzburg
- Dachau Concentration Camp
- Munich
- Ettal Monastery and Linderhof Palace
- Mittenwald
- So let’s explore fir-clad snowy Alpine mountains, rocky, snowy peaks, quaint towns, and snow-covered emerald lakes, and re-discover yourself while immersing in pure nature.Â
So these winters go for snowy holidays with the best places to visit in Bavaria a perfect day trip from Munich, Germany.
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Bavaria region is my paradise. I’m so glad that I have already planned another visit there in Summer 2022 🙂 Thank you for the great information!
This is one of my favourite areas of Germany. I love hiking here in the summer months and checking out some of the castles but sometimes I come here in the winter for winter photography. Also love the food in this region and found the locals to be helpful and nice. Reading this post and looking at these photos sure did bring back some great memories. 🙂
I loved staying the old Patton Hotel in Garmish. It was such a cool place to escape to when Iwas stationed in Germany.
Beautiful, oh. I made it very close to Alps during my trip to Munich, but by accident did ‘t get there. My phone got broken and alarm didn’t work. I was late for the transport there.
Can we get Airbnb homes there for a week’s stay?
yes you can get it. There are many family run home stays. You can check it thorugh their sites
That’s great. Thanks for replying.
Wow! Bavaria is such a magical place. Everything looks out of the world. Oh that fairy tale castle is an architectural excellence! It reminds me of all the fairy tales I’ve ever read. I never knew such castles exist in real world. The splendid views of the mountains and the sparkling snow covering everything around is a treat to the eyes. Thanks for introducing me to this beautiful destination!
Bavaria looks like an idyllic place right out of a snow globe or a fairytale! Snow capped mountains, cute gingerbread houses, castles and such gorgeous landscapes…it really does look like the perfect place to unwind in Germany!
Bavaria is so dreamy! Not that I have seen a lot, but I was recently in Munich and we took a road trip to Neuchwanstein Castle and I was in awe. Its a pity that it was Christmas Day and we couldn’t really go inside the castle but even from the outside and the drive up to it was magical! I cant wait to get back and explore more of Bavaria!
I had been to the Neushwanstein Castle this summer, it’s absolutely gorgeous! The scenery is just breathtaking from the top amd the castle looks so dreamy! Sadly missed out on Zugspitze Mountain, as we decided to spend more time in the Oktoberfest, which was super fun.
I have never really considered to travel to Germany but I have to be honest with you, I could not stop reading your post and your pictures have sold me. This place looks so amazing and your post was so informative. Bavaria looks like a place I would love to explore for a few weeks!
Bavaria has been on my wish list for so long! I’d love to see all the castles, especially Neuschwanstein Castle, of course. As beautiful as all the snow is and how much fun skiing can be, I think I’d want to visit in the summer so I can hike!
The little that I saw of Germany was enough for me to want to return. No doubt that Neuschwastein castle is high on my list but am intrigued by the other one you mentioned – Hohenschwangau castle. Got to read that one up. I would like to do the Alps as well as the drives around. Bet I will find things that I never dreamt of.
I love visiting national parks. It will be exciting to discover the mountains of Bavarian Alps. The fact that Bavaria is so close to Munich makes it an easily doable destination. I am a public transport person so would love to go with Euro rail pass. The castle at Fussen also sound interesting.
Bavaria has transformed into a winter wonderland in winter! Top thing for me is definitely visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. I still haven’t seen a castle in real life!
To be honest I have never wanted to visit Germany. Perhaps because I live in Switzerland and Germany and they have a lot of resemblance. But after your post I kind of change my mind! Mostly for the amazing Neuschwanstein castle! Very impressive! And the 4700 lake at the Upper palatine forest! I love lakes and water activities so it would be an adventure to discover some of them. Your post just convinced me to take a drive by Bavaria when we hit on our road trip in Europe this summer!
I spent a little time in Bavaria and can attest to it’s beauty. There is just so much to see and I love how many castles dot the Romantic Road. Granted, I was visiting during the summer, so my views were a little more colorful than yours, but no less breathtaking.
Bavaria looks like a fairy tale! I spent a lot of time around Scottish and Irish castles, which where great, but mostly in ruins, so I cannot wait to visit some of these! It’s like a live action Beauty and the Beast (although they’re French). I also love the option to stay in traditional German houses! Talk about an authentic experience. Thanks for all the tips!
I was just talking about this place today with my Colombian friend who has family in Germany. I’d definitely have to rent a car if I went. Garmisch sounds amazing. Thanks for the tips 🙂
Bavaria looks so magical. You had me with your first line “fairytale towns, emerald lakes, snow clad peaks, lovely rivers”. I’ve heard so much about Neuschwanstein Castle and would love to see it in person too. It does look very cold though so maybe I should visit in summer!
The hubby and I really want to visit Bavaria and normally don’t like going to cold places in the winter but this is one place we want to see at Christmastime. Your photos are inspiring in showing how beautiful the winter can be in Germany. Thanks for the excellent guide.
Bavaria in the winter is so magical – it’s like the stuff that you only read about! The architecture of Germany is also breathtaking. I would love to explore those castles. I could use your guide.. hopefully soon!
So seductive and beautiful! It is true, a trip to Bavaria sounds as stepping into a fairytail. I lived in Germnay for a while and I visited Bavaria but I did not know many of the places you described! You write in a beautiful way and the pictures are simply stunning. Now I wish to come back and hit some of the places you listed here. Thanks for sharing!
Zugapitze looks so cool. A seriously fast cable car sounds super fun. And the views are incredible. So much snow!
Oh my the architecture in Bavaria is simply stunning. I would love to visit Garmisch Partenkirchen and immerse myself in the mountainous landscape and the countryside. The houses do look very pretty. And the castle tour as well sound like fun, the castle looks like it’s out of a farytail.
Omg you had me at fairytale castle! Neuschwanstein looks so enchanting…especially in the winter weather. I truly would have loved to explore more of Germany – all of your suggested sights looks absolutely amazing. I can’t believe to hear that the upper palatinate alone has 4,700 lakes! That is so incredible.
Have been for the first time in Germany last Christmas and only went to Dusseldorf unfortunately. Wish we were able to go to Berlin and Munich. We love sports so would’ve paid a visit to Garmisch for sure. Neuschwanstein Castle is also so high on our list of castle to see! Great guide, can’t wait to go!
I’m in the Dolomiti as I write this, so can relate to this snowy beautiful winter wonderland. The fairytale castle is incredible, and more so in the snow. I plan to be in Munich in March, so will definitely remember your post. The romantic road route looks very romantic, I’d love to drive through here.
This is amazing! I have read before about Bavaria and now tha I also read your article and also seen these great pictures, I am convinced that I need l to visit it. I believe I will most enjoy the German like houses. They look so picturesque.. I am wondering whether the locals are as friendly as the scenery 😊
yes locals are very friendly
Bavaria sounds like the crown jewel of Germany with its Cinderella castle and beer festival. I really want to visit some day. It looks so beautiful in the winter too, like something out of a fairytale!