When heading to the Bavarian Alps in Germany we were more than excited to explore the Alpine Road. With nothing booked in advance and little to no planning before taking off, we were ready for anything! Once we were on the German Alpine Road we also realized how close Austria was. Feeling spontaneous, we couldn’t pass up the chance to see another amazing European country. Hopefully this Southern Germany itinerary can help you plan your next Bavaria road trip, and consider adding a detour into Austria like we did!

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One Week German Alpine Road Trip with Austria Detour

Start/End: Munich, Germany – If you’re short on time then the easiest way to do this German Alpine road trip would be to fly in and out of Munich International Airport. Make sure to leave an extra day or two to visit Munich as it’s one of Germany’s most magical major cities.

Have more than one week? You can easily add a drive down Germany’s Romantic Road to your trip!

Day One: Füssen, Germany

Hike to the top of the city and visit the High Castle of Füssen Enjoy the cafe culture in the lively city center Visit Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castle Rent bikes and take in the views of the Bavarian Alps in Germany Hike to Queen Mary’s Bridge



Distance to Next Stop: 1 Hour – 59 Km

Check out the latest prices for where to stay in Füssen

Day Two: Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany

Take a cable car to the top of Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany Hike Partnach Gorge just outside of the city center Visit the Linderhof Palace which is the smallest of the King Ludwig II Palaces Wander through the streets of the city and enjoy one of the many traditional Bavarian Alps restaurants Go skiing if visiting during the winter months



Distance to Next Stop: 22 min – 17 Km

We highly recommended taking a detour to Lake Walchensee. This was by far some of the most beautiful and clear water we saw on our entire trip!

Check out the latest prices for where to stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Day Three: Mittenwald, Germany

Enjoy one of the most beautiful small towns in all of Germany Hike the Karwendel Alps or take the cable car to the top Enjoy a beer at the Mittenwald Brewery which opened in 1860 If you’re in town on a Tuesday you can also take a tour of the Mittenwald Brewery Ski the Alps in the winter months and take in the Bavarian Alps of Germany Detour off the German Alpine Road and venture into Austria



Distance to Next Stop: 45min – 41Km

Check out the latest prices for where to stay in Mittenwald

Day Four: Innsbruck, Austria

Get lost in the beautiful streets of old town Take the cable car from Innsbruck to Seegrube for panoramic views of the city Visit Ambras Castle and stroll through the immaculate gardens Have dinner at the top of the famous Bergisel Ski Jump Of course if you go in winter hit the world famous ski slopes



Distance to Next Stop: 2 hour 17 min – 155 Km

Check out the latest prices for where to stay in Innsbruck

Day Five: Berchtesgaden and Lake Königssee, Germany

Take an electric boat tour ride of the lake Hike around the base of Lake Königssee for incredible views of the Bavarian Alps Jump in and cool off in the crystal clear water Explore the old town of Berchtesgaden Visit the Crows Nest



Distance to Next Stop: 1 Hour 17 Min – 72 Km

Check out the latest prices for where to stay in Berchtesgaden / Königssee

Day Six: Hallstatt, Austria

Walk around the small downtown area Head to the famous Hallstatt Viewpoint for a photo Rent an electric boat and see Hallstatt from the lake Hike above the city for amazing waterfalls and views Visit a 7,000 year old salt mine that’s said to be the oldest in the world Hallstatt Austria: What to Know Before you Go



Distance to Next Stop: 1 Hour 11 Min – 71 Km

Check out the latest prices for where to stay in Hallstatt

Day Seven: Salzburg, Austria

Hike up to the 11th century fortress of Hohensalzburg Visit the Marabell Palace and gardens Check out the marble domed Salzburg Cathedral Go shopping on the busy street of Getreidegasse See the birthplace of Mozart



Distance to Next Stop: 1 Hour 16 Min – 85 Km

Check out the latest prices for where to stay in Salzburg

Have any recommendations for other great stops along the German Alpine Road? How about any questions about our Austria and Bavaria road trip? Let us know about your Germany itinerary in the comments below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte and Jake

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