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Relaxed trip to Bavaria: Itinerary input

Hello! My husband and I are planning a trip to Bavaria for September. We prefer a slower, more immersive style of travel. We spent 7 days in Vienna for Christmas markets and loved it, 9 days in Paris, 5 days in Bayeux, etc. We really prefer seeing less and experiencing more.

This itinerary is currently crafted to give us time to relax and experience the Bavarian Alps, a smaller town and Munich. We like good food, good scenery, getting a flavor of life, history, hiking, relaxing. Your thoughts are welcome!

12-Day Germany Trip: Schwangau, Rothenburg, Munich
Dates: Depart Sept 15, home Sept 25

Day 0 — Flight to Munich (depart around 4 pm. Nonstop) Tuesday, Sept 15.

Day 1 — Arrival in Munich → Drive to Schwangau (Wednesday, Sept. 16). Stay at spa-style hotel with great views, etc. Walk along Alpsee lake (30–60 min loop). Explore Füssen Old Town — cobblestone streets, small shops

Day 2 — Sept 17: Castles & Alpine Views (Thursday, Sept 17)

Day 3 — Sept 18: Alpine Hikes & Relaxation (Friday)

Day 4 — Sept 19: Scenic / Leisure Day (Saturday)

Day 5 — Schwangau → Rothenburg (Sunday, Sept 20). Optional stop: Andechs Abbey for lunch
Optional stop: Harburg Castle. Night watchman tour at 8 pm

Day 6 — Rothenburg Full Day (Monday, Sept 21)

Day 7 — Rothenburg → Munich (Tuesday, Sept 22)
Guided Historical & Architectural Walking Tour (2–3 hrs)

Day 8 — Munich (Wednesday, Sept 23). Oktoberfest & Local Exploration

Day 9 — Flexible / Light Immersion (Thursday, Sept. 24)

Day 10 — Departure (Friday, Sept 25)

Posted by
9872 posts

Just a few tips from someone that lived in Bavaria for four years (Augsburg).
Do not miss going up to the top of the Zugspitze (highest mountain in Germany). You can take the cog train or cable car from near Garmisch.
Your plan is to go from Schwnagau to Rothenburg. You would be taking The Romantic Road.
https://www.romanticroadgermany.com

It's not too hard to see the reason for the popularity - despite the modern roots of the idea, the tour combines the historic cities of Würzburg and Augsburg with the three medieval walled towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen, and then finishes off with the tourist highlights of Neuschwanstein Castle and the Alps.

There are some wonderful medieval walled towns along this road. Dinkelsbuhl and Nordlingen are worth a few hours. They are like Rothenburg, but not full of tourists.
Augsburg is a city founded over 2000 years ago by Roman Emperor Augustus and worth a half day.
Stop and visit the Rathaus and see the 350 year old settlement for the poor nearby.

Oberammergau (location of Passion Play is on the road as well).

Regarding going to the Oktoberfest in Munich, be sure you have hotel reservations in Munich before you go.

Posted by
3021 posts

Driving tight after the flight is cautioned by some. Get good sleep on the flight