Let's cut to the chase: Southern Germany by train isn't just convenient, it's the best way to experience the region. You glide past storybook landscapes, hop between medieval towns in under an hour, and arrive right in the heart of every city. No parking stress, no autobahn tolls. I've pieced together this 7-day itinerary after a decade of living here and helping friends navigate the rails. It's the trip I wish someone had laid out for me when I first arrived.
Your Journey at a Glance
How to Plan Your Southern Germany Train Itinerary: Tickets & Passes
Before we dive into castles and beer halls, let's sort out the practical stuff. Getting the right ticket saves you money and headaches.
The Deutschland-Ticket (49 Euro Ticket) is a game-changer for regional travel. For 49 euros a month, you get unlimited travel on all regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn) and local transport across Germany. It's perfect for this itinerary, as most legs (Munich to Nuremberg, Nuremberg to Rothenburg, etc.) are served by regional trains. You cannot, however, use it on high-speed ICE trains. Buy it online via the Deutsche Bahn website or their app.
For pure flexibility, the Bavaria Ticket is a solid day pass for regional travel within Bavaria. It's ideal if your travel doesn't span a full month. It covers up to 5 people traveling together after 9 AM on weekdays (all day on weekends).
My non-consensus tip: Don't automatically book seat reservations. On regional trains, they're unnecessary. Even on popular ICE routes like Munich to Frankfurt, outside of peak Friday/Sunday evenings, you'll almost always find a seat. Save the 4-5 euros per leg. The only exception? If you're traveling as a group larger than four and want to sit together.
The 7-Day Southern Germany Train Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Breakdown
This loop starts and ends in Munich, the region's main transport hub. It balances big cities with small towns and iconic sights with local gems.
Days 1 & 2: Munich – The Royal Gateway
Fly into Munich Airport (MUC). Take the S-Bahn S1 or S8 (covered by the Deutschland-Ticket) directly to the Hauptbahnhof (main station). Drop your bags at your hotel (see recommendations below) and start exploring.
Must-Dos: The Marienplatz Glockenspiel show (daily at 11 AM & 12 PM), Viktualienmarkt for lunch, and the sprawling Englischer Garten. Dedicate half a day to the Residenz Munich (Max-Joseph-Platz 3, 10 AM-6 PM daily, entry ~15€). It's often overlooked for Nymphenburg Palace, but its opulent rooms and treasury tell a richer story of Bavarian power.
Train Tip: Use the S-Bahn to reach Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site (a somber but essential visit) or take a short regional train to Starnberg for a lakeside stroll.
Day 3: Munich to Füssen (for Neuschwanstein) & on to Nuremberg
This is a travel-heavy but spectacular day. Catch an early regional train (RE) from Munich to Füssen (approx. 2 hours). From Füssen station, bus 73 or 78 takes you to Hohenschwangau. You must book tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle online in advance via the official website. The 14€ guided tour is worth it, though the interior (unfinished) can feel anticlimactic compared to the exterior fantasy. The view from Marienbrücke bridge is non-negotiable.
After your visit, return to Füssen and take a train to Nuremberg (requires a change in Augsburg or Munich, total travel ~3-3.5 hours).
Days 4 & 5: Nuremberg – History and Heartiness
Nuremberg's Hauptbahnhof is centrally located. Focus on the intertwined medieval and WWII history.
Day 4: Walk the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle, Burg 13, 9 AM-6 PM, ~7€). Get lost in the half-timbered buildings of the Altstadt. For dinner, head to Bratwurst Röslein (Rathauspl. 6) for the city's famous small, grilled sausages (6 for ~9€).
Day 5: Visit the Dokumentationszentrum Reichsparteitagsgelände (Documentation Center, Bayernstraße 110, 9 AM-6 PM, ~6€) to grapple with the city's Nazi past. In the afternoon, take the U-Bahn to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum (Kartäusergasse 1) for an incredible deep dive into German culture.
Day 6: The Romantic Road by Train – Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
While you can't do the whole Romantic Road by train, you can hit its crown jewel. A direct regional train from Nuremberg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The town is a perfectly preserved medieval postcard.
Walk the completely intact town walls. Visit the Medieval Crime Museum. The real magic is after the day-trippers leave. Stay overnight. Dine at Gasthof Goldener Hirsch (Untere Schmiedgasse 16) for Franconian fare, then join the Night Watchman's Tour (8 PM, meet at Market Square, ~9€) – it's touristy but brilliantly atmospheric.
Day 7: Rothenburg to Munich & Departure
Enjoy a quiet morning in Rothenburg before the crowds return. Take a late morning train back to Munich (requires 1-2 changes, approx. 2.5-3 hours total). If your flight is late, store your luggage at Munich Hauptbahnhof and do some last-minute souvenir shopping or enjoy one final beer garden.
Where to Stay on Your Southern Germany Train Trip
Your priority: proximity to the Hauptbahnhof (main station). It makes arrival, departure, and day trips effortless. Here are my picks across budgets.
| City | Hotel Recommendation | Address & Proximity | Why It Works | Approx. Price/Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Munich | Hotel München City Center | Landwehrstr. 77 5-min walk to Hbf |
No-frills, clean, perfect for train access. Family-run feel. | €100-€140 |
| Nuremberg | Five Reasons Hotel & Hostel | Frauentormauer 42 7-min walk to Hbf |
Modern, great social areas, offers both private rooms and dorms. | €80-€120 (private) |
| Rothenburg | Hotel-Gasthof Goldener Hirsch | Untere Schmiedgasse 16 15-min walk from station |
You're sleeping INSIDE the medieval town. Authentic, includes breakfast. | €110-€160 |
Can't-Miss Food & Drink Stops Along the Rails
Southern German cuisine is hearty. Don't just eat at the train station. Plan these stops.
In Munich: Avoid the Hofbräuhaus tourist crush. Go to Augustiner-Keller (Arnulfstr. 52, near Hbf) for a massive beer garden and classic Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle). For a quick, amazing lunch, Dallmayr Delikatessenhaus near Marienplatz has a stunning gourmet cafeteria.
In Nuremberg: Besides Bratwurst Röslein, try Albrecht Dürer Stube (Albrecht-Dürer-Str. 6) for a cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere and excellent Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast).
In Rothenburg: You must try a Schneeball (snowball). It's a pastry made of shortcrust strips formed into a ball. Original (plain) is fine, but try one dipped in chocolate. Bäckerei Striffler (several locations) makes the best.
The Local's Bag of Tricks: Expert Tips for Train Travel
- DB Navigator App is Your Bible: Download it. Real-time platform info, delay alerts, and digital tickets all in one place. It works offline once your trip is loaded.
- The Platform Number Secret: On the app or station boards, look for the train's Wagenreihung (carriage sequence). It shows a diagram of where each carriage will stop on the platform. Stand where your reserved seat or preferred class (1st/2nd) will be. Saves frantic running.
- Quiet Zones: Look for signs with a shushing face on some carriages. These are designated quiet areas—no phone calls, loud conversations. Perfect for reading or napping.
- Luggage: There are usually racks at the ends of carriages and above seats. Never leave it unattended. For peace of mind, use a small lock to secure your backpack to the rack.
Your Southern Germany Train Trip Questions Answered
Is a 7-day Southern Germany itinerary by train too rushed?
It's a solid introduction, not a deep dive. You'll get a taste of the major themes: royal Munich, historic Nuremberg, and a medieval town. If you have 10 days, add two nights in Stuttgart for the car museums and more wine country, or extend in Rothenburg for true relaxation.
What's the biggest mistake first-timers make with a Bavaria train itinerary?
Overpacking their day with back-to-back train journeys. Account for connection times, getting to/from stations, and simply being tired. The itinerary above has one long travel day (Day 3), but the others are manageable. Build in 90-minute "station to hotel to first attraction" buffers you didn't think you needed.
Can I do this Southern Germany train trip in winter?
Absolutely, and it's magical. Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Munich, and Rothenburg are world-class (end of Nov to Dec 23rd). Trains are warm and reliable even in snow. Just pack for cold, potentially wet weather. The trade-off: some outdoor attractions, like castle courtyards, can be icy, and daylight hours are short.
How do I handle luggage storage between check-out and train departures?
Most major train stations (Munich, Nuremberg) have paid lockers or staffed left-luggage offices (Gepäckaufbewahrung). It's usually 3-8 euros per item for 24 hours. This is a lifesaver on your last day or when doing a day trip like Neuschwanstein. Always have a few euros in coins for the older lockers.
So there you have it. A Southern Germany itinerary by train that's actually doable, packed with the good stuff, and light on the logistical headaches. The rails here are your ticket to a deeper, more relaxed experience. Just book that Deutschland-Ticket, pack your walking shoes, and get ready for a proper adventure.
