Oktoberfest, Austrian Alps, and Romantic Germany

Austria | Germany

Oktoberfest, Austrian Alps, and Romantic Germany

On this trip you’ll see Bavaria, fairy tale castles, charming medieval towns, gorgeous alpine scenery, and join the biggest recurring party in the world. Prost!

Length: 9 Days

Transportation: This is a train based trip – see our train Europe page. We would recommend you rent a car for one day to leave Munich, but it’s possible to do without this 1 day rental (we’ll discuss below).

Best Guide Book: Rick Steve’s Germany

Day 1 – Munich

Day 2 – Oktoberfest

  • Oktoberfest
    • 3rd Saturday in September through the 1st Sunday in October
    • MAKE A RESERVATION far in advance for your tent (and lodging)
  • Lunch and Dinner – at your Oktoberfest tent
  • Lodging—same place (night 2/3)

Day 3 – Neuschwanstein and Bavarian Alps

Day 4 – Salzburg

Day 5 – Hallstatt and Sound of Music

Day 6 – Nuremberg

Day 7 – Nuremberg to Rothenburg

Day 8 – Rothenberg

Day 9 – Munich

  • Fly Home

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Munich

Welcome to Bavaria. This is, for many, the most popular part of Germany and for good reason too. Here you’ll find alps, fairy tale castles, medieval villages, and beautiful scenery. There’s also a laid back gemütlichkeit vibe to the area. Plus, on this trip you’ll be visiting the largest recurring party in the world – Oktoberfest. We have designed the trip to hit some of the highlights of the area.

This trip is mostly train based to make travel easy and the trains are generally fast, organized, and efficient (see our Trains in Europe page for details on how to navigate the system). The one time we recommend you have a car is to head for a day trip to the Bavarian Alps. This is to allow you to see some of the most charming sites and villages, which unfortunately are not the easiest to get to via train or bus. If you don’t want to rent a car we’ll give you some other options below.

A note on trains: Most travel will be within Germany though you’ll visit Austria as well. German single country rail passes also allow travel to Austria (call or email to verify). You will have 5 rail days and there is a 5-day travel allowance in a one month pass – which is a pretty good deal, but not quite as inexpensive as buying point to point tickets for this trip. Point to point the train costs will be about $250. 5 days in a month rail pass (2nd class) is $263 but gives the convenience of just walking on and grabbing a seat (though sometimes it is worth reserving a seat on inter city trains). If you opt to bus or drive to the castles in Fussen then point to point tickets will save you a bit more. S Bahn trains in Munich are also covered by Eurailpass so getting to and from the airport can be covered but you’d then need to opt for a 7 day pass, which is more expensive.

In any case after arrival to Munich, find the airport S Bahn station and take the S1 or S8 to the main train station in the city center (near your lodging). It takes 35 minutes (slightly faster than for taxi and a taxi costs 9 times as much). There is also an airport bus which is one euro cheaper than the train that you could opt for. For more information see Munich airport transfers. If you have a big group, a taxi straight to your hotel may be more convenient but for two we’d still opt for the S Bahn. From here make you way to your lodging and drop your bags (there is also bag storage at the train station if necessary).

Our hope is that you arrive early enough to do some activities for the day. If you arrive at night, you may want to consider adding an extra day onto Munich. Depending on your arrival time this would be a good day to do a walking tour of Old Town Munich – either on your own or with a guide- we highly recommend this Munich walk. Highlights of Munich include the Marienplatz where you can see the Neues Rathaus, Altes Rathaus, and Rathaus Glockenspiel (try and catch it at 11, 12 or 5 for its”joust”). This is a beautiful square and along with everyone else simply drink in the beautiful architecture. Then head to St Peterskirche, the oldest church in Munich where you can climb its tower for an astounding view. Head to the lovely market, Viktualienmarkt and peruse wares. Next head to Munich’s baroque masterpiece, Asamkirche, wander the Pedestrian Mall (Kaufingerstrsse and Neuhauser Strasse) and walk to two more churches: Michaelskirche and Frauenkirche. Finish with drinks at Munich’s most famous beer hall, Hofbrauhaus (you can’t possibly visit Bavaria without your fair share of brews).

After drinks and lunch, head to the impressive royal residence housing the Residenzmuseum and Treasury. For some fresh air, enjoy the English garden and catch surfers on the river.

Munich

Grab dinner at Andeschser Am Dom, Wirsthaus Maximilian, or Pescheria.

For lodging we recommend Hotel Uhland or Hotel Marc (night 1/3), but seriously book early if it’s Oktoberfest season.

Day 2 – Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is the big draw for this trip and rightly so. It is a whole lot of fun and a cultural experience par excellence. Oktoberfest is a giant party that has been happening annually since 1830 and runs the 3rd Saturday in September through the 1st Sunday in October. It’s also incredibly popular witnessing thousands upon thousands of locals and tourists alike streaming into the tents during this period.

There are a whole series of tents – choose one and make reservations at it to assure seating and food, however though you are free to wander through the tent if you have an assigned seat. There are 8 are tents each seating about 6000, as well as some additional smaller ones. Our favorite tents are Marstall Festzelt and Festzelt Tradition. Be sure and MAKE A RESERVATION far in advance for your tent or you will likely not get a place. You can wait in a line to get admitted without a reservation and sit at a communal table (and make friends with other tourists or locals which is a huge plus) but if you’re more than a single or duo traveler, this could be very difficult. Expect carnival rides, dancing, beer (a million gallons) and strangers who are suddenly your best friends. Not German? Not to worry you will be adopted as one within about 15 minutes. Plan spending the day. A word of caution – probably best to do the roller coaster BEFORE a lot of beer…

If there is something you missed in Munich on day one, you can do it in the morning before Oktoberfest then head over to the tents.

Enjoy both lunch and dinner at Oktobefest (along with a bunch of pretzels and sickly sweets).

Stay in the same lodging as the first night.

Oktoberfest
Photo courtesy of Sally Cade Holmes

Day 3 – Neuschwanstein and Bavarian Alps

Today you will visit the famous romantic castles of Bavaria. They were built (Neuschwanstein) or remodeled (Hohenschwangau) by a Bavarian King (Ludwig II) in the 1800’s although designed to look much older. Never mind the history – they are really spectacular. Ludwig is also known as “Mad” King Ludwig; he became king of Bavaria at 18, was declared mentally unfit for use, and died at age 40. But in the meantime he built the fairy tale castle Disney used so frequently as inspiration.

Getting here makes a great day trip from Munich and there are several ways to do this. We recommend renting a car just for the day. Why? You can hit the small towns and castles without trouble and without doing a group tour. You can actually pick up a car at Munich’s main train station. Check out Holiday Autos and make sure you select the train station for a good option. We will describe the itinerary with a car below the other transport options.

Other transport options: bus tour or train. If you opt for a tour you will most likely get to see Neuschwanstein as well as Linderhof Palace and Oberammergau in a long day. There are a variety of tour operators, though this is a nice tour option. Generally these tours are more expensive than arranging it on your own, and we are generally not enamored of long group bus tours so we suggest doing this on your own instead. The other option would be to take the train. Grab the Flixbus train from Munich to Fussen (about 2 hours, leaves every hour, purchase the Bayern Ticket). The 7:52 will get you to Fussen at 9:55 and a cab or infrequent bus will get you to the ticket office before most of the rest of the train crowds coming by bus. Again, this option limits you to the two castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau and the town of Fussen, unless you plan for long cab rides.

Let’s say you choose our option and use a car. Head to Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein (1h40 drive). You will need tickets when you arrive – click on their descriptions for more info. One advantage of a prearranged bus tour is this is already set up for you. We think both castles are worth a visit – the interior and history of sunny Hohenschwangau is more interesting, but Neuschwanstein has the more beautiful exterior and is the fairly tale castle if your Walt Disney daydreams. Be sure and take the walk up to Mary’s bridge to get the best view back over Neuschwanstein castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle

After the castles, head to the charming town of Fussen (6 min drive). Wander the town and grab lunch at Hotel zum Hechten, Restaurant Ritterstuben, or the Markthalle (a farmers market food hall with many options). Definitely don’t forget ice cream at Eiscafe Hohes Schloß (we don’t care that it’s September).

Next head to Linderhof Palace (47 min drive). Though not as well known as the famous Neuschwanstein, this castle is more off-the-beaten-path and in many ways equally wonderful. Set in a forest, King Ludwig lived in this palace the longest, and Wagner delighted him here with his musical talents. Don’t miss the well-lit grotto or the gardens. From Linderhof, head to Oberammergau (15 min drive). This exceptionally charming Bavarian alps town houses the famous Passion Play every 10 years and is known for it’s woodworking. Grab a coffee or drink here before heading to the Weiskirche (24 min drive), a famous Rococco church.

If you happen to have more time, or choose to skip one of the aforementioned activities, you can also head over to more attractions nearby. Tegelburg gondola offers a scenic ride up with great views over the alps. Even more fun is their summer luge course – trust us, this is a blast. The gondola and luge are probably best if you end up adding a day and stay in Fussen, but it could be worked into a non-relaxing somewhat hectic day.

After the Weiskirche drive back to Munich (1h24 drive).

Grab dinner at one of the restaurants you didn’t try the previous day, and remain in the same lodgings.

Day 4 – Salzburg

Today head out to the charming Austrian city of Salzburg (1.5 hour train).

While might mostly know Salzburg from sweeping scenes in The Sound of Music, it really is one of the most beautiful towns in Austria. It’s biggest claim to fame is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who was born in the city. Get ready to enjoy it’s beautiful fortress, palaces, and churches, fun museums, and the surrounding countryside. It’s small enough to stroll thoroughly, enjoying every bit of it.

Try to arrive in time for the walking tour from the TI at 12:15 as your introduction to the city. Even better, arrive early, drop your bags, then start exploring. Start with stopping into the Salzburg Cathedral. Wander Getreidegasse and Alter Markt old shopping lanes and grab a coffee and pastry at Cafe Tomaselli before your tour which will wind you through the highlights of the town.

After your tour head to the Balkan Grill for lunch. Visit the Mirabell Gardens and Palace or Mozart’s Birthplace (or both depending on how quickly you move). Climb or take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress where you’ll get the best views over the city.

You have some options for dinner: Stiegkeller (with amazing views over the city), Restaurant Triangle, Zum Zirkelwirt, Die Weisse, or treat yourself to dinner at Esszimmer (it has a Michelin star so get reservations).

You can’t visit Salzburg without enjoying it’s classical music. After all, it was the home of Mozart. Plenty of venues offer live shows, but our recommendation is to head to an evening concert at Schlosskonzerte after dinner. This is also your only option to get inside the Mirabell Palace.

For lodging, try and stay in the Old Town or within a quick walk of it. We recommend Hotel Wolf Dietrich, Hotel am Dom, Salzburg Place to Stay, or The Mozart Hotel (night 1/2).

Salzburg
Photo courtesy of Alex Stage

Day 5 – Hallstadt and Sound of Music

Sound of Music and Hallstatt – all day bus tour

Get ready to sing. No really. Today you’re heading into the Alps on an 8 hour tour of the Sound of Music sites and Hallstatt. Yes, we are recommending you see some of the Sound of Music sites because frankly they’re some of the prettiest sites in this region, many with historical significance. It gives you a wonderful experience touring Austria’s countryside while listening to some iconic music that made Salzburg famous. It also gives you the extra benefit of visiting the lovely village of Hallstatt which is stunning. Part of the joy of Austria is the breathtaking country and mountain scenery and this gets you both. We recommend you opt for Bob’s Special Tours to see more, or you can choose Panorama Tours and pick either the Sound of Music or Hallstatt (or another Alpine village if you prefer).

You probably won’t have much time when you get back. Take a pretty evening stroll along the Salzach River which runs through town.

For dinner, pick one of the restaurants you didn’t try the night before. Lodging is the same place as the previous night.

If you have additional flexibility with your schedule you can consider adding an additional day onto Salzburg. With that day options include a 4 mile bike ride along the Salzach River to Hellbrunn Palace and a visit to the beautiful palace and gardens. There are other tours operating out of Salzburg including a visit Berchtesgadan which was home to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest or a visit to a 500 year old salt mine. Again we either recommend Bob’s Bavarian Mountain tour or Panorama Tours.

Austrian Alps
Photo courtesy of Alex Stage

Day 6 – Nuremburg

Today you’ll be heading to the German city of Nuremburg. Bavaria’s second largest city is a wonderful place full of history, museums, and beer. It also houses the best Christmas market in Germany (in our opinion) so you should feel tempted to return in winter (see our German Christmas Markets itinerary). Nuremburg served as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire for centuries, and most German kings lived here. Artist Albrecht Dürer grew up here and much of his art was inspired by his time in this city. The Nazis seized Nuremberg as their starting platform and in this city the fanatical political rallies were held, boycotts of Jewish businesses started, and the Nuremberg Laws which outlawed German citizenship for Jews began. In 1945 the Allies bombed the city to the ground and after WWII it was selected as a site of the war crimes tribunal (Nuremberg Trials). Decades of amazing and painstaking reconstruction (using original stone from the city) nearly all of the city’s main sites stand again.

Arrive in this lovely city in time for lunch. Grab lunch at Bratwursthausle, famous around the country for their homemade sausages. The first Nurnberger sausages were made in 1313 and the traditional way to cook them continues today at this restaurant.

Head to the Nazi Documentation Center for a fantastic museum dedicated to exploring and seeking to explain the rise of the Nazi party through their use of propaganda and political maneuvers. Don’t miss the Nurnberg trials courtroom. Leave with a better understanding how a few evil people can hijack an entire country.

On that uplifting note, enjoy wandering around the Old Town before heading to dinner at Albrecht Durer Stube or Heilig Geist Spital.

If you’re craving one of Nuremberg’s famous beers, head to Bratwurst Roslein after dinner and enjoy their beer garden.

For lodging we recommend Hotel Victoria or Hotel Drei Raben (night 1/1).

Day 7 – Nuremburg to Rothenburg

Have a lazy morning or enjoy popping into some of the sites you didn’t enter the day before including St. Lawrence Church (Lorenzkirche), the Imperial Castle (Kaiserburg), and the Albrecht Durer House.

Catch the Walking tour of Nurnberg (offered daily at 11AM) at the TI office located on Hauptmarkt.

After the tour, grab a quick lunch and catch a train to Rothenburg (1.5 hours).

Rothenburg is the cutest town in Germany and ranks up there as one of the best medieval sites in in the world. In the middle ages Rothenburg was a free imperial city, one of Germany’s largest towns from 1150 to 1400. Then industry and trade tumbled and Rothenburg was left to slumber in charm until resurrected by tourism. Legendarily it was spared destruction in the Thirty Years War by a bet with the mayor and a large tankard of wine (watch the show depicting this on the clock in the market square) and then again in World War Two when the US assistant Secretary of War ordered the town not to be shelled and US troops and the local German commander negotiated its survival. It feels like a city preserved in medieval time; it actually is the country’s best-preserved medieval walled town. It’s even more lovely after night fall when the crowds disperse.

This town is a joy to wander. We recommend you take the walking tour through the TI the following day, but if you want to jump-start your exploration, Rick Steves Germany has a particularly good self-guided walking tour. Be sure and see the Mesitertrunk show on the clocktower in the market square, the wood carved masterpiece Altar of the Holy Blood by Tilman Riemeschneider in St. Jakobskirke, the Medieval crime and punishment museum, walk the still completely intact wall, and enjoy the view from Castle Garden Viewpoint.

Grab dinner at Zur Hoell or Klosterstuble. We strongly recommend going on the Night Watchman Tour Rothenburg (the TI tour earlier in the day is not in lieu of this) where a very funny guide will lead your around the city at night, telling you fantastic historical stories.

We strongly recommend you stay within the city walls if possible (the train station is a short 10 minute walk away). Our favorites are Pension Elke or Hotel Klosterstuble (night 1/1).

Rothenburg

Day 8 – Rothenberg

Continue to stroll around the town the next morning. Pop into the variety of shops, including the Christmas headquarters of the Kathe Wohlfahrt empire. For good German souvenirs head into the Friese shop located on the Market square for lovely crafts and very friendly experience (if you want a German stein we can’t recommend this shop enough). Sample a Rothenburger Schneeballen (though be warned they aren’t very good) at Backereien.

Grab lunch and a beer or glass of wine at Altfrankische Weinstube am Klosterhof or Restaurant Glocke.

In the afternoon take the 1.5 hour TI Old Town Historic Walk, offered at 14:00 daily, which leaves from the market square.

If you have time and energy it’s also fun to take a pleasant stroll into the Tauber river valley and get a nice view up to the ramparts of the town.

Grab an afternoon train to Munich (3h24 – 4 hours depending on time and route).

Back in Munich, have dinner at one last beer garden, Augustiner Beer Garden.

For lodging we again recommend Hotel Uhland or Hotel Marc as on the first night (night 1/1).

Rothenburg

Day 9 – Munich

All good trips must come to an end. Catch a train to the airport and bid auf wiedersehen to Germany. Catch your flight home.

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