Uncover Beautiful Bavaria on this Circular Road Trip with Hertz
Starting and ending with a holiday in Munich, this Bavaria road trip takes you deep into one of Germany's most rewarding regions. Alpine lakes, fairy-tale castles, charming villages, and dramatic mountain scenery make it a journey that offers something new around every bend. Use the Hertz Road Trip Planner to explore the route for your Bavarian adventure.
BAVARIA ROAD TRIPS, ALPINE DRIVES AND GERMANY TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Plan your perfect Bavaria road trip with curated stops through mountain villages, lakeside towns and iconic landmarks, driving through the heart of southern Germany with your favourite rental car
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Beautiful Bavaria
Munich - Munich
This Bavarian road trip is perfect for those looking to experience Germany beyond the cities of Berlin and Frankfurt. Drive through incredible Alpine landscapes, sample the local cuisine and experience centuries-old traditions. Starting and ending in Munich, you’ll experience a perfect blend of city life and rustic beauty on this spellbinding road trip.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 1: Munich 1/13
Munich is a historic and bustling city, offering much more than beer and Oktoberfest. Explore the medieval Marienplatz – a public square filled with majestic buildings and the iconic Rathaus-Glockenspiel mechanical clock. Less than a mile north, the English Garden flourishes alongside the Isar river. This stunning urban park encompasses oak woodlands, grassy open spaces and the Kleinhesseloher See lake. Hire a boat and relax on the water, then head into one of the nearby cafes to relax and watch the world go by.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 2: Walchensee 2/13
Walchensee – Lake Walchen – boasts dazzling natural landscapes that are frostily enchanting in the winter and perfect for water sports and hikes during the summer. Try your hand at wind surfing, sailing and even diving. Lunch on the sun terrace at restaurant Karwendelblick. Then head to the Franz Marc Museum, a modest white building atop a grassy hill, to admire the masterpieces of this German impressionist painter, known as the founding member of the Der Blaue Reiter movement.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 3: Rosenheim 3/13
The Alpine city of Rosenheim instantly charms with pretty streets lined with buildings painted in soft shades of pink, yellow and green. The town square, Max-Josefs-Platz, is ideal for a spot of retail therapy and enjoying a freshly-baked bretzel in the Bavarian sunshine. Look out for the onion-shaped dome of St Nikolaus church, bulging up through the skyline. Just around the corner, you’ll find the Riedergarten, a beautifully-designed public garden filled with winding paths, perfectly-trimmed hedges and blooming borders.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 4: Prien am Chiemsee 4/13
In the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, discover the laidback village of Prien am Chiemsee. Explore walking and cycling routes around the expansive Chiemsee Lake, before hopping on a ferry to explore the islands that sit in these tranquil waters. Here you’ll find the magnificent – yet unfinished – Herrenchiemsee Palace, reminiscent of Versailles with its lavish, regal decor. Sail back into town to the popular Wieninger Bräu eatery to feast on schnitzel, steak and spätzle.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 5: Bergwalderlebnisweg Staffen 5/13
Park up, lace up your walking boots and take on the challenge of this hiking trail. This spectacular route leads you steadily uphill to enjoy panoramic views of the Chiemgau Alps at the pinnacle, before dipping back down through an ethereal forest trail. Look out for babbling brooks, untouched greenery and the resident three-spotted woodpecker. It should take around two hours to complete this family-friendly walk, with plenty of activities and photo opportunities along the way.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 6: Berchtesgaden 6/13
Stop by the charming village of Berchtesgaden, perched high up in the Bavarian Alps. Quaint buildings looking like something from an advent calendar are set against majestic mountain views. From underground train tours of a salt mine to the stunning setting of the Maria Gern chapel, there’s plenty of adventure to be had in this tiny town. Enjoy a meal in the Kehlsteinhaus mountaintop restaurant that towers above Berchtesgaden and explore the complex of buildings.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 7: Reit im Winkl 7/13
Take the scenic route to the small village of Reit im Winkl, winding through the snow-capped Chiemgau Alps, pausing to relish romantic viewpoints and breathe in the fresh mountain air. This village is renowned for skiing, walking routes and a love of Bavarian tradition. At special events, locals come together to celebrate German folktales, wearing traditional garb such as Lederhosen. Stop by the museum of local history to learn more about this tight-knit community, and then rent some skis and hit up the slopes.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 8: Rottach-Egern 8/13
From mountain peaks to serene lakes, the diverse landscape around Rottach-Egern offers fantastic driving routes. Loop around Lake Tegernsee, stopping off for a spot of lunch with a side of stunning views. Get your culture fix at St Laurentius Church, marvelling at its stunning gold embellished interior. Stay the night in a traditional Bavarian inn while sampling some of the gastronomical delights in the village. Postillion is a popular diner serving up a range of traditional German delights such as Schnitzel and Cheese Spätzle.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 9: Garmisch-Partenkirchen 9/13
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a thrill seeker’s dream with hiking, skiing and snowboarding all on the cards. During the winter months, the pristine white slopes are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Scale the tallest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze, in a cable car from the resort and pay a visit to the igloo village. The quieter summer season is equally beautiful in these parts, with incredible hiking trails winding through the vibrant green hills.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 10: Neuschwanstein Castle 10/13
Feel the magic of Neuschwanstein Castle – a fairy tale castle made reality. This majestic landmark is all about whimsy and romance, with spiral towers, stained-glass windows and a dramatic mountain backdrop. With every season the appearance of the castle changes, from the verdant green forest of the summer to the rich orange tones during autumn. Built in the 19th century, the castle was originally a hideaway for shy King Ludwig II. Today the doors are open for all to enjoy.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 11: Wolfratshausen 11/13
The city of Wolfratshausen is a former rafting town, situated between the Loisach and Isar rivers. Get into the swing of local traditions by building your own wooden raft from scratch – then enjoy a spot of sightseeing from the river. You can book one of these fun-filled activity afternoons with Flößerei Josef Seitner, experts in raft building. The tour includes local food and a fun-filled log raft ride as part of the package.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 12: Starnberg 12/13
Enjoy the romantic lakeside town of Starnberg, with its promenade running alongside the water to Possenhofen Castle. Though this building isn’t open to the public, you can continue your adventures on the wooden ferry boat to Rose Island. On this tiny islet there’s a fragrant rose garden, quaint buildings and villas built at the behest of King Maximillian II in the 19th century. Enjoy the serenity of this blooming escape before sailing back to the mainland.
Beautiful Bavaria
Stop 13: Munich 13/13
Spend your final day relaxing in Munich’s largest indoor spa - Therme Erding. Situated on the city’s outskirts, this soothing venue features 30 saunas, a wave pool and slides, as well as a range of luxurious areas and private suites where you can unwind. Enjoy lunch or dinner at one of its many eateries or drive 35 minutes into the heart of Munich to round off your trip with an authentic Bavarian feast.
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