Ultimate 7-Day Southern Germany Itinerary: Castles, Culture & Alps

So you've got a week to explore Southern Germany. Great choice. You're looking at a region packed with world-famous castles, alpine panoramas that look Photoshopped (they're not), and towns so quaint they feel like movie sets. But here's the thing most generic itineraries miss: trying to cram in every single highlight will leave you exhausted, not enchanted. Based on more trips here than I can count, this 7-day Southern Germany itinerary is built on a simple principle—depth over breadth. We'll focus on Bavaria's heartland with a crucial dip into Baden-Württemberg, balancing iconic sights with local immersion and, most importantly, realistic travel times. Forget the frantic checklist. Let's plan a trip you'll actually remember.

Day 1: Munich First Impressions

Fly into Munich Airport (MUC). The S-Bahn S1 or S8 train gets you to the city center (Hauptbahnhof or Marienplatz) in about 45 minutes. Don't check into your hotel and immediately sprint to sights. Get oriented first.

Start at Marienplatz for the 11 am or 12 pm Glockenspiel show at the New Town Hall. It's touristy, but it's a rite of passage. The real magic is wandering the surrounding streets. Head to the Viktualienmarkt, the city's daily food market. Grab a quick Weisswurst (white sausage) from a stall—it's a Munich thing, eat it before noon traditionally.

Spend your afternoon in one of two ways, based on your energy. Option A (Culture): Dive into the Residenz München, the former royal palace. It's vast, so pick a section like the Treasury or the Antiquarium. Address: Residenzstraße 1, 80333 München. Hours: 9 am-6 pm (Apr-Oct), 10 am-5 pm (Nov-Mar). Ticket: Around €9-15.

Option B (Relaxation): Stroll through the English Garden, one of the world's largest urban parks. Find the surfers at the Eisbach wave, a surreal Munich staple.

Evening: Your first dinner should be at a classic beer hall. Hofbräuhaus is the famous one (Platzl 9), but it's a circus. For a slightly more local vibe with equally great food and beer, try Augustiner-Keller (Arnulfstraße 52). Expect hearty Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), giant pretzels, and a lively atmosphere.

Day 2: The Fairytale Castle Day Trip

Today is for Neuschwanstein Castle. Book your timed entry ticket online weeks in advance. This is non-negotiable. The official website is Hohenschwangau.

Getting There: Take a train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen (about 2 hours). From Füssen station, bus 78 or 73 goes to Hohenschwangau. The whole journey is smooth with a Bavaria Ticket (€27 for one person, €39 for up to 5), valid on regional trains and buses after 9 am on weekdays.

Your ticket time is for Neuschwanstein. Before or after, visit Hohenschwangau Castle, the less dramatic but historically authentic childhood home of King Ludwig II. The view of the Alpsee lake is stunning.

The castle interior is ornate but unfinished. The real spectacle is the exterior and the views. Plan for a full day, returning to Munich in the evening.

Day 3: Germany's Highest Peak & Alpine Adventure

Head south again, but this time to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The train from Munich takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes (again, use the Bavaria Ticket).

Your mission: ascend the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 2,962 meters. You'll take the Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train from the base to the Eibsee, then the cable car to the summit. Round-trip ticket: Around €63.50. Check the weather before you go; if it's fully cloudy, the view is just white.

The 360-degree panorama over the Alps and into four countries is breathtaking. Have lunch at the summit restaurant—it's pricey, but the setting is unbeatable.

Back down, if time and energy allow, visit the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm). It's a spectacular walk through a narrow, water-carved ravine (€7 entry). A perfect counterpoint to the high-altitude vistas.

Evening: Stay overnight in Garmisch. It's a charming alpine town. Try Gasthof Fraundorfer (Ludwigstraße 24) for regional food and live Bavarian music.

Day 4: Royal Splendor & The Romantic Road Begins

From Garmisch, take a morning train/bus to Oberammergau (famous for its Passion Play), then continue to Linderhof Palace. This is King Ludwig II's smaller, but exquisite, rococo palace and my personal favorite. The gardens and the Venus Grotto—an artificial cave with a lake and lighting—are bizarre and wonderful. Address: Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal. Ticket: €10 (gardens free).

After Linderhof, collect your rental car in nearby Ettal or Oberammergau. This is the ideal start point for the Romantic Road. Drive north to Wieskirche, a UNESCO-listed pilgrimage church that's a masterpiece of Bavarian rococo. It's a quick, worthwhile stop.

Continue driving to Landsberg am Lech, a lovely walled town perfect for a relaxed overnight stop, avoiding the bigger tourist hubs. Walk the historic center and have dinner by the river.

Day 5: The Heart of the Romantic Road

A short drive brings you to the highlight: Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Yes, it's touristy. It's also perfectly preserved and utterly magical, especially early in the morning or after the day-tripper buses leave.

Park outside the old town walls (follow signs to Parkplatz). Walk the city walls (Stadtmauer), visit the Medieval Crime Museum (surprisingly fascinating), and get lost in the cobbled lanes. Don't miss the view from the Burggarten (Castle Garden).

The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas stores are famous. For a unique experience, take the Night Watchman's Tour (8 pm, English). It's historical, theatrical, and highly entertaining.

Evening: Stay within the walls. Dine at Altfränkische Weinstube (Klosterhof 7) for cozy, traditional atmosphere.

Day 6: University Charm & Black Forest Gateway

Drive west, leaving Bavaria for Baden-Württemberg. Your destination is Heidelberg. Park at a garage like Parkhaus am Kornmarkt.

Heidelberg is a university town with a romantic ruin. Take the funicular up to Heidelberg Castle. The guided tour is good, but the main attraction is the view over the red-roofed old town and the Neckar River. See the world's largest wine barrel.

Walk back down through the hillside gardens. Cross the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) and hike up the Philosopher's Walk (Philosophenweg) for the classic castle photo op.

Spend the late afternoon wandering the Hauptstrasse (main street) and its side alleys. It's a different, more scholarly vibe than Bavaria.

Drive about an hour south to your base for the Black Forest. I recommend Baden-Baden for elegance and spa culture, or Triberg for classic cuckoo clocks and waterfalls. Check in and relax.

Day 7: Black Forest & Departure

Your final morning depends on your departure airport (Frankfurt/FRA or Stuttgart/STR are both roughly 1.5-2 hours drive).

If based near Triberg: See the Triberg Waterfalls (Germany's highest) and visit the House of 1000 Clocks. Drive a section of the Black Forest High Road (B500) for sweeping views.

If based in Baden-Baden: Take a morning stroll through the Lichtentaler Allee park, or even indulge in a 3-hour spa session at the historic Friedrichsbad (mixed nude bathing, be warned) for the ultimate relaxation before your flight.

Drop off your rental car at your chosen airport and depart, having experienced the incredible diversity of Southern Germany.

Getting Around Southern Germany

This itinerary blends train and car for efficiency and flexibility.

Most people think a car is freedom. It is, but German cities have Umweltzones (environmental zones) requiring a sticker, and parking in old towns is a nightmare. The hybrid approach is the expert's choice.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Spotlight

Book well ahead, especially for small towns like Rothenburg. Here are specific recommendations across budgets.

For budget travelers, look for Pensionen (guesthouses) or well-reviewed hostels in each location. Airbnb can be a good option in the countryside.