How to Spend 3 Days in Bavaria

Three days in Bavaria are just enough time to take in the highlights of Germany’s mountainous southern state. Combine sightseeing with beer tasting in Munich; discover the storybook villages and fairy-tale castles of the Romantic Road; and marvel at the wild landscapes of the Bavarian Alps. Here’s how. 

Day 1: Sightseeing in Munich

Famous for its beer-brewing heritage and world-renowned Oktoberfest, Munich is the obvious place to start. Get to know the Bavarian capital on a walking, biking, or Segway tour—or check off the sights at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off bus. Must-see landmarks include the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus), St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche), and Frauenkirche cathedral. Afterward, stroll the English Garden, or wander the stalls at the lively Viktualienmarkt market. For dinner, tuck into traditional Bavarian fare like pork knuckle, pretzels, and spaetzle at one of Munich’s legendary beer halls or beer gardens, such as the Hofbräuhaus. Join a beer-tasting experience for an introduction to local favorites and insight into Bavaria’s beer-making legacy.

Day 2: Exploring the Bavarian Alps

Head south to admire the snow-blanketed peaks and lush valleys of the Bavarian Alps. The most impressive route is part of the German Alpine Road, which runs from Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden. Along the way, stop at Neuschwanstein Castle, built by the “Mad” King Ludwig II and one of Bavaria’s most photographed sights—prebook skip-the-line tickets to save time. Day tours from Munich often include visits to attractions such as Linderhof Palace (another of Ludwig II’s creations) and Hohenschwangau Castle (his childhood home).

Day 3: Driving the Romantic Road

Set out on one of Europe’s most picturesque routes, the 220-mile-long (354-kilometer-long) Romantic Road, which runs from Füssen in the south to Würzburg in the north. It’s possible to travel the most scenic stretch—between Augsburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber—in one day. Join a tour to make the most of your time, as public transit is limited along the Romantic Road. Photo ops are around every corner, so take time to stop in the villages of Donauwörth and Dinkelsbühl and see the 11th-century Harburg Castle. Rothenburg is the route’s star, a remarkably preserved medieval town where you can browse artisan shops and walk the old city walls and cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop, open year-round.