Unforgettable scenic trips in Germany

Munich

The elegant capital of Bavaria — blends rich history, grand architecture, and vibrant culture, famous for its beer gardens, bratwursts, and gateway access to the stunning Bavarian Alps. Exploring the old town, English Garden, Linderhof Palace, beers and traditional German food. There are many options of day trips from Munich so it's recommended to spend at least 3-4 nights in Munich.

Munich Old Town

Linderhof Palace

Day trips from Munich for your references:

1. Neuschwanstein castle

This is a fairy-tale masterpiece perched above the Bavarian Alps, built by King Ludwig II, and world-famous as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Transportation: by train from Munich to Füssen (2-2.5hours), then take Bus 73 or 78 (direction: “Schloss Neuschwanstein or Schwangau" to the start of short walk uphill to the castle.

2. Hohenschwangau castle

A charming 19th-century palace nestled in Bavaria, Germany which was the childhood home of King Ludwig II and offers breathtaking views of the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle and Alpine lakes.

Transportation: by train from Munich to Füssen (2-2.5hours), the, take Bus 73 or 78 from Füssen Station to Hohenschwangau later a short walk uphill to the castle.

3. Zugspitze

Germany’s highest peak at 2,962 meters — offers breathtaking Alpine views, year-round snow, and panoramic vistas spanning Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

Transportation: by train from Munich Central to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Station (1.5hrs), then take the Zugspitzbahn cogwheel train from Garmisch Station to Eibsee Station, which will give the most scenic view from this railway.

When you reach Eibsee station, don't forget to spend some time to explore an idyllic forest lake - Lake Eib (Eibsee).

Zugspitze View

Eibsee

4. Königssee and Obersee in Berchtesgaden

Germany’s highest lake (603m), with drinkably pure waters shimmering into fjordlike depths.

Transportation: by train from Munich Central to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Station (1.5hrs), then take Bus 841 or 843 makes the trip out here from the Berchtesgaden train station.

Konigsee

Obersee

5. Walchensee

This is one of Germany’s deepest and most beautiful alpine lakes — captivates visitors with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounding mountain scenery, and peaceful hiking and swimming spots. Around the lake, you can visit The village of Wallgau, or try mountain hiking to Jochberg and Herzogstand.

Transportation: by train from Munich station to Kochel am See station (1.5hrs), then take a local bus to the lake. If you're already at Berchtesgaden, take bus 9608 (direction: Kochel am See) and get off at Walchensee (Herzogstandbahn) stop right by the lake.

Walchensee

Oberstdorf

A picturesque alpine resort town in Germany’s Allgäu region. It is famed for its stunning mountain scenery, ski jumping arena, and access to some of Bavaria’s most beautiful hiking trails.

If you're mountain vibe person, it's best to spend at least 4-5 nights in the town to explore the scenic hiking trail around this area.

1. Relaxing walks around the town:

• From lake "Moorweiher" to Trettachtal Valley (~2hrs).

• Excursion to the poets´s house - heading for Kornau (~1.5hrs).

• Rubi Circular Route (~2.5hrs): Follow the wild Trettach’s riverside trail through the forest from the Dummelsmoosbrücke bridge at the north-eastern edge of Oberstdorf and across the Karweidachbrücke bridge to the source of the Iller. As you move away from the Iller and the Rubinger Steg bridge and arrive in the tranquil district of Rubi.

Trettachtal Valley 

2. Suggested routes for Mid-altitude Hiking:

• A trip to Rohrmoos (~4.5hrs): Take the bus from Oberstdorf to Tiefenbach, the start the hiking trail from Winkel - Hüttenbühel - Rautweg (hiking trail to Rohrmoos) - Rohrmoos - Schattwald - Scheidthal-Alpe (not managed) - Sessel Alpe - Winkel - Tiefenbach.

  
  

• Hike into the Stillachtal Valley (~3hrs): Starting point from Oberstdorf - Öschwiesen - Renksteg - Stillachdammweg - Ski jumping hill (here you can take the inclined lift if you want to skip the hike to Schwand) - Schwand - Ringang - Fellhorn cable car valley station - Stillachsteg - Anatsstein - Birgsau - Einödsbach - Birgsau - Oberstdorf (you can take the bus from Fellhorn cable car station back to Oberstdorf).

  
  

  

• Hike into the Trettachtal valley (~5hrs) Don't forget to visit Christlessee (Lake Christles) in the valley! Starting point from Mühlenbrücke - Jägerstandweg - Gruben - Dietersberg - Mumme - Gottenried - Spielmannsau - Truppersoy - Christlessee - Golf course - Renksteg - Loreto Chapels. Bus route Oberstdorf - Spielmannsau: Stops Loretto-Kapellen, Renksteg, Golfplatz Abzw. Gerstruben, Christlessee-Gottenried and Spielmannsau.
  

• Hike into Gerstruben (~4hrs) - A visit to the historic mountain farming village promises a panoramic and varied hike. Starting point: Oberstdorf - Mühlenbrücke - Jägerstand - Gruben - Dietersberg - Gottenried - Rautweg - Gerstruben - Hölltobel (alternatively via the road) - Dietersberg - Gruben - Jägerstand - Mühlenbrücke - Oberstdorf. Bus route Oberstdorf - Spielmannsau: Christlessee stop near Gottenried and Spielmannsau - near Rautweg.
  

  

  
  

• Hike into Oytal Valley (~3.5hrs) - Scenic floral views in the valley Starting point: Mühlenbrücke - Jägerstand - Dr.-Hohenadl-Weg - Oytalstraße - Oytal - Oytalstraße - Kühberg - Ski Jumping Arena - Oberstdorf.

  
  

• Panoramic trail to the Schönblick (~2hrs) Starting point: Oberstdorf (bus) - Riezlern - Oberwestegg - Mittelalpe - Schrattenwangalpe - Schönblick.

  Bus route Oberstdorf - Kleinwalsertal: Riezlern stop.

3. Suggested routes for Alpine-altitude Hiking:At

   Schlappoldsee (~3hrs): Starting point: Take bus 9822 from Oberstdorf to Fellhornbahn Valley Station (Faistenoy), then take the cable car to Middle Station. From here, follow the well-marked trail to Schlappoldsee (~2hr for round trip). You can continute to take the cable to Top station for panoramic view or take the cable car back to Fellhornbahn and take the bus back to Obersdorf.

   
   

   

   Mountain hike - Rubihorn (~5hrs): Starting point: From town center of Oberstdorf, you can take the cable car at Nebelhornbahn to Seealpe (Middle Station). From here, follow the signposted path toward Rubihorn (Roßbichl → Niedereck → Rubihorn). On the descent path from Rubihorn, you will reach Unterer Gaisalpsee Lake, then continue downhill to the Gaisalpe hut and follow the trail path Wallrafweg back to Oberstdorf.
   

   

   Mountain hike - Seealpsee - Nebelhorn (~5hrs): Starting point: From town center of Oberstdorf, you can take the cable car at Nebelhornbahn to Seealpe (Middle Station). From Seealpe (Middle station), follow the clear trail signs “Seealpsee / Edmund-Probst-Haus” to reach Seealpsee (~1hr), then continue uphill to reach Edmund-Probst-Haus (~1.5hrs). From Edmund-Probst-Haus, it’s a final short climb or cable car ride to the Nebelhorn Gipfelstation (summit). We suggest you to take the cable car from Nebelhorn summit back to Oberstdorf.
   

   

Würzburg

A vibrant Baroque city in northern Bavaria — is renowned for its magnificent Würzburg Residence (UNESCO World Heritage Site), scenic vineyards along the Main River, and lively blend of history, wine, and culture.

Recommended stay period for at least 2 nights in Wurzburg.

Suggested activities in Wurzburg and day trips:

1. Exploring the Old Town (Altstadt): Wurzburg Cathedral, Old Main Bridge, Market Square, Old Town Hall, and St. Mary's Chapel.

2. Visiting Wurzburg Residence.

3. Short hiking to Kapelle.

4. Day trips to Bamberg or Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

5. Take a spa day at Bad Kissingen.

Wurzburg Residence

Bamberg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Freiburg im Breisgau

Freiburg im Breisgau is a sunny, friendly city by the Black Forest, known for its beautiful old town and relaxed vibe.

If you're not in trekking around Black Forest area, spending at least 2 nights in Freiburg is enough to explore things around here. You can spend another 2-3 nights if you want to explore the Black Forest.

Suggested activities in Freiburg im Breisgau and day trips:

1. Enjoy one-day sightseeing around the city: Old Town area, Freiburg Cathedral and the market, Martinstor, Schwabentor, Augustiner Museum, Historisches Kaufhaus, short walk around Seepark, and easy-short hike to Schlossberg to have panoramic view of the city.

2. Take a train from Freiburg to Heidelberg (~2hrs) for a day-trip to visit Heidelberg Castle and explore the lovely town.

3. Another relaxing day-trip to the spa and garden town Baden-Baden (~2hours by train).

4. Departing from Freiburg's main station every half hour, the Höllentalbahn is a 'must-try' experience to the Black Forest. This route connects Freiburg im Breisgau with Donaueschingen via the dramatic Dreisam river valley and takes around 90 minutes.

5. Take a train for another short day trip to visit Colmar (~30minutes by train) or Strasbourg (~1hr by train) in France.

Heidelberg Old Town

Todtnau - Black Forest

Colmar-France