If you’re looking for a corner of the world that seems lifted from the pages of a fairy tale, welcome to Bavaria and the Austrian Alps. Here, crystal-blue lakes reflect snow-capped peaks, wildflower fields spill across valleys, and palaces built by “mad kings” crown the hillsides.
This 7 days Bavaria and Austrian Alps itinerary combines cultural icons and hidden gems: from the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenzollern to medieval villages, baroque churches, Tyrolean ski towns, and Mozart’s Salzburg. Every stop is wrapped in Alpine beauty and timeless charm.
Highlights
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Visit the world-famous castles of Hohenzollern and Neuschwanstein
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Wander through fairytale-like Bavarian villages
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Ride mountain lifts to breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps
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Explore Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and Austria’s cultural jewel
Day 1: Blaubeuren & Hohenzollern Castle (Arrival in Munich)
Begin your journey with a stop at the Blautopf in Blaubeuren, a spring-fed pond glowing in surreal shades of blue thanks to limestone nanoparticles. Stroll through Blaubeuren’s old town with its timber-framed houses before continuing to Hohenzollern Castle ancestral home of Prussian emperors.
Tip: while the castle interiors are impressive, some of the best views are from afar. A short hike reveals panoramas as majestic as the castle itself.
Accommodation: Hotel Die Burg Donaueschingen / Hotel Waldblick or similar
Day 2: Mainau Island & Lindau (Lake Constance)
Head south to Lake Constance, where the island of Mainau blooms like a giant botanical garden. Wander among tropical plants, sculptures, fountains, and flower-filled promenades especially dazzling in spring.
In the afternoon, drive along vineyard slopes to Lindau, a medieval town on an island in the lake. Its lively squares, waterfront cafés, and pastel buildings create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Hotel & Pension Seereich / Schloss Hotel Wasserburg or similar
Day 3: Füssen & Neuschwanstein Castle
Today you move into the Alps. The romantic town of Füssen welcomes you with baroque churches and medieval streets. From here, climb towards the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, perched dramatically above the valley. From its hilltop, admire sweeping views of lakes, forests, and the neighboring Hohenschwangau Castle.
Accommodation: Hotel Alte Post / Kopa Garni (Oberammergau) or similar
Day 4: Oberammergau & Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Spend the day exploring two classic Bavarian towns.
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Oberammergau — nestled in a mountain valley, known for fresco-painted houses, woodcarving, and cuckoo clocks.
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Ettal Monastery — an optional stop en route, with ornate frescoes and baroque grandeur.
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Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Ga-Pa) — gateway to Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze. Ride a cable car for Alpine panoramas, or simply stroll this lively ski town, famous for its New Year’s ski jump.
Accommodation: Hotel Alte Post / Kopa Garni (Oberammergau) or similar
Day 5: Mittenwald & Innsbruck
Start with a walk through Mittenwald, a picture-perfect village on the Austrian border, known for its violin-making tradition. Continue into Austria and arrive at Innsbruck, the “capital of the Alps.”
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Climb the Stadtturm tower for views of the Nordkette mountains.
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Ride the Patscherkofel cable car for higher peaks.
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Stroll Innsbruck’s Old Town and the gardens of Ambras Castle.
Accommodation: Central Hotel Fügen / Landgasthof Gappen or similar
Day 6: Tyrol
Dive deep into the Austrian Alps, where ski resorts line the valleys: Mayrhofen, Gerlos, Kaprun, Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm.
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In winter: ski or snowboard on world-class pistes.
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In summer: hike endless Alpine trails with wildflower meadows and lakes.
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Easier options: visit the mighty Krimml Waterfalls or take a boat ride on Lake Zell.
Accommodation: Central Hotel Fügen / Landgasthof Gappen or similar
Day 7: Salzburg & Surroundings
End your journey in Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and one of Europe’s most elegant cities.
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Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views.
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Explore the historic Old Town and Mozart’s residence.
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Enjoy Austrian cuisine in a cozy tavern.
Optional detours:
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Drive the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, one of Europe’s most scenic drives.
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Visit lakeside villages like St. Gilgen.
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See the Eagle’s Nest, the Nazi regime’s mountaintop retreat.
Why This Itinerary Works
This 7-day Bavaria & Austrian Alps itinerary blends legendary castles, storybook villages, and unforgettable Alpine landscapes. It captures both the grandeur (palaces, peaks, Mozart) and the small charms (woodcarvings, blue springs, lakeside cafés) that make this region feel timeless.
