Relaxed trip to Bavaria: Itinerary input

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.

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

For day 3 a trip to the Kenzenhütte in the mountains near Halblech

You can go with a small bus from Kenzen Car Park near Halblech up to the hut and start hiking
(Carpark 9km/10minutes from Schwangau by car or Bus)

When you stay in Schwangau in a Hotel they probably know the trip and can give advice and info

Schwangau is a good spot. Take the local bus 78 from Schwangau to Fussen and back; it runs late. There are cobbled sidestreets and paths in the eastern part of Fussen's old town, around the cemetery and St Stephen Monastery. Take the path by the Lech all the way to the falls. Bad Faulenbach is an attractive residential area.

Include the Museum of Bavarian Kings with your castle visits. Hike the Alpsee loop after this.

If the weather cooperates consider taking a boat ride on the Forggensee or even cycling around it. Bike rentals available in Schwangau. Easy, pleasant walk by the lake in Schwangau though the views from the opposite side of Forggensee are better. Hopfen am See is also easy and scenic. Check out the Schwangau and Fussen tourist websites for many hiking opportunities.

Linderhof coupled with Oberammergau would make for an excellent day if you want to get out and about.

Day 5: Harburg and Andech are good stopping points though Andech will add about 1.5 hours to your trip. I'd leave early and stop in Nordlingen, followed by Dinkelsbuhl if I had the time.

Day 6: Spend some time hiking down in the Tauber Valley from Rothenburg. There's a couple of paths leading through the vines from the west side wall.

Day 7: If you have enough time on the way to your Archtitectural Tour in Munich, Weissenburg is good for a short stop.

Day 9: I'd head to Schloss Nymphenburg in the morning. You can spend a few hours there.

On day 3 you could easily take a short drive to Ehrwald, Austria for the Zugspitze trip.

www.zugspitze.at

This may be of interest also…

https://www.highline179.tirol/en/

I would recommend the Schwansee for a walk.

One of my favorite valleys Hinterhornbachtal. Walk from Hinterhornbach to the Petersberg-Alm.

Thanks everyone! We will check out Zugspitz if the weather cooperates!!

And, I’m looking at some of the romantic road towns now.

And yes, working on booking lodging in Munich :-).