German Alps Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty of the German Alps on an unforgettable 8-day road trip from Munich. This route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes and historical sites in the country, including Chiemsee, Salzburg, Berchtesgaden, Kufstein, Rottach-Egern, Innsbruck, and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The total distance is 827 km and the best time of year to take the trip is from April to October.
The roads in Germany are well maintained, making the drive comfortable and safe. However, be aware that the route includes some curvy roads and a border crossing. The scenery along the way is varied and spectacular, from lush meadows in the valley to snow-capped mountain peaks. You can also visit some of the most famous historical sites in the region, including the Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden and the Golden Roof in Innsbruck.
The German Alps Road Trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. You will come away with unforgettable memories and a very high level of experience.
8
number of days
827 km
route length
fair
budget
family
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on the right
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START
Munich
Distance 834 km
Driving time 14.4 h
Pace: modest
216.8 kWh
Airports
MUC
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Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is the ideal starting point for the German Alps Road Trip. It is one of the most vibrant cities in Germany, known for its rich culture, history and lively nightlife.
The city is perfect for exploring on foot, with several attractions to visit such as the Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz with its Glockenspiel, and the Bavarian National Museum with its impressive collection of art. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Isar River, enjoy a beer in one of the traditional beer gardens, and take a tour of the BMW factory.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Munich Airport (MUC), which offers a wide range of car rental services. From here, visitors can get to the city center in less than 40 minutes by car.
Taking a road trip through the German Alps is a great way to experience the stunning scenery and majestic mountains of the region. Munich is a great place to start the journey, with plenty of attractions to explore before setting off for the next destination.
1
Munich
- Rosenheim
- Chiemsee
Distance 141 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: modest
36.6 kWh
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Start your road trip from Munich and take a 141 km drive to Chiemsee, a journey that will take you through the beautiful Bavarian countryside, with its picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. Along the way, you will pass through the charming city of Rosenheim, a city known for its historical sites and monuments.
As you drive, be sure to take in the stunning views of the Bavarian Alps and the vast forests of the region. Make sure to stop and explore the charming towns and villages you pass through, and take in the unique culture and architecture of the area.
When you arrive in Chiemsee, you will be greeted by the picturesque lake, which is surrounded by mountains and dotted with small villages. Here you can take a boat ride across the lake to visit the Herrenchiemsee Palace, the largest of King Ludwig II's palaces.
Your journey is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to take in all the sights and attractions along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Chiemsee - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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2
Chiemsee
- Salzburg
Distance 65 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
19.6 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Chiemsee to Salzburg and explore the best of both places! This 65km journey will take you less than an hour, and you will cross the state border in between. To make the most of your trip, visit Herrenchiemsee Castle in Chiemsee, a royal palace of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, and the Salzburg Cathedral in Salzburg, a Romanesque-style church. For a unique experience, check out the Hellbrunn Palace in Salzburg, with its trick fountains and secret grottoes. For nature lovers, the Chiemsee Lake is a great spot for swimming, boating and hiking, while the Salzach River and the Untersberg Mountain offer breathtaking views. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Salzburg - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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Salzburg - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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3
Salzburg
- Obersalzberg
- Berchtesgaden
Distance 46 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
11.8 kWh
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Embark on a breathtaking road trip from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden, passing through the picturesque Obersalzberg. With only 46 km to cover and a driving time of fewer than an hour, you will cross the state border and be treated to some of the most stunning landscapes Austria has to offer. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the many photo opportunities along the way.
This is just one of the many stages of your road trip, so make sure to make the most of it! Visit the historical sites of Obersalzberg, the beautiful Salzburg Lake District, and the stunning Berchtesgaden National Park. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Berchtesgaden - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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4
Berchtesgaden
- Königssee
- Kufstein
Distance 97 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: modest
25.1 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip beginning in Berchtesgaden, Germany! Just a short 97km drive from Berchtesgaden lies the beautiful Königssee, a stunning lake surrounded by majestic mountains. Stop here to take in the breathtaking views, and be sure to take a boat ride across the lake for a closer look at the surrounding nature. As you continue on your journey, you will cross the German-Austrian border, before eventually arriving in the quaint town of Kufstein. Be sure to take a stroll through the old town and explore the historical sites, such as the Kufstein Fortress. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenic road, and be sure to keep an eye out for the many attractions, accommodation options, and restaurants that line the route. With a driving time of fewer than two hours, this stage of your journey is sure to be a memorable one! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Kufstein - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
Kufstein - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - www.needpix.com
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5
Kufstein
- Rottach-Egern
Distance 59 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
15.4 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Kufstein, Austria and ending in Rottach-Egern, just 59 km away. This drive will take you no more than two hours, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenery. Along the way, you will cross the state border and experience some winding roads. Make sure to pay attention to the picturesque views!
In Kufstein, explore the old town, the fortress, and the Stadtpfarrkirche. Don't forget to visit the Kufsteinerland Museum and the Wildpark Aurach.
Then, take a turn towards Rottach-Egern, a charming village located on the lake Tegernsee. Here, you can take a break and enjoy the stunning landscapes. Make sure to visit the nearby Tegernsee Abbey and the Wallberg mountain with its cable car.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Rottach-Egern - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Rottach-Egern
- Innsbruck
Distance 84 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
25.2 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Rottach-Egern, Germany to Innsbruck, Austria! This 84 km journey will take you less than two hours and will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. As you drive, you will cross the state border, so be sure to have your passport ready! Along the way, you can take in the stunning views of the Bavarian Alps and admire the historical sites, such as the ruins of the castle of Tegernsee. Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the scenic road, with its lush meadows and crystal-clear lakes. As you approach Innsbruck, you will be greeted by the majestic view of the city's skyline and the majestic Nordkette mountain range. There are plenty of attractions to explore in Innsbruck, including the Imperial Palace and the Golden Roof. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage of your road trip!
Innsbruck - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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7
Innsbruck
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Distance 109 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
32.7 kWh
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Embark on a 109km journey from Innsbruck, Austria to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. This scenic road trip takes less than 2 hours and offers picturesque landscapes, winding roads and a border crossing.
Start your adventure in Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol and explore the city’s famous attractions such as the Golden Roof, the Imperial Palace and the Bergisel Ski Jump. After that, drive along the Inn Valley, a beautiful natural landscape, to the Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Once in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, visit the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, and take the cable car to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view. Also, don’t miss the Partnach Gorge, a spectacular river canyon with a thundering waterfall.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - CMS-media-panel
Garmisch-Partenkirchen - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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8
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Füssen
Distance 70 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: modest
18.2 kWh
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Are you ready to explore some of Germany's most breathtaking sights? Then join us on a road trip from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Füssen! This 70km journey will take you less than two hours of driving, but you'll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the country.
Your first stop is the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace that was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. From there, you'll continue on your journey to Füssen, where you can explore the Old Town and take a stroll along the Lech River.
As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for historical sites, scenic roads, and other interesting sights. And don't forget to take plenty of photos!
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your keys and let's hit the road!
Füssen - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
Füssen - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
Füssen - Germany - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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9
Füssen
- Wieskirche
- Munich
Distance 164 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
49.1 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Then Füssen is the perfect starting point! Located in the Bavarian Alps, it is the perfect place to start your journey. From here, you will drive 164 km to Munich, with stops at the Wieskirche and Tegernsee. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy the picturesque landscapes, scenic roads, and historical sites. The Wieskirche is an 18th-century church, renowned for its stunning rococo architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely worth a visit. Further on, you will find Tegernsee, an idyllic lake surrounded by lush forests. It is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the tranquility of nature. All in all, you can expect to reach Munich in fewer than 3 hours. And don't forget to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Munich
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Touring Germany's Alpine region is an experience of a lifetime, and a road trip to Munich is the perfect way to finish it off. Located in Bavaria, Munich is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, boasting a rich cultural heritage and plenty of attractions.
Start off your Munich adventure at the Marienplatz, the city's main square. Here you'll find the New Town Hall, a stunning neo-Gothic building, as well as the Glockenspiel, a grand clock tower that plays a captivating show of music and mechanical figures several times a day. Don't miss the chance to explore the city's many museums, from the Deutsches Museum, the world's largest science and technology museum, to the Bavarian National Museum and the Egyptian Museum.
No trip to Munich is complete without a visit to the Hofbräuhaus, one of the world's most famous beer halls. Enjoy a stein of one of their famed brews, and be sure to sample some of their traditional Bavarian cuisine. For some outdoor fun, take a stroll through the Englischer Garten, a sprawling park that features a Japanese teahouse, a Chinese pagoda and even a surfers' paradise on the Eisbach River.
Complete your German Alps Road Trip with a visit to the city of Munich. The closest international airport to Munich is Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (IATA: MUC), where you can catch flights to many destinations around the world.
German Alps Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Munich
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End:
Munich
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Distance:
827 km
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Stay:
8 days
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Getting there:
Munich Airport (MUC)
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When to drive:
June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Road Trip spanning approximately 827 kilometers from Munich through the stunning landscapes of the German Alps. Visit awe-inspiring lakes, majestic mountains, and historic towns. Discover the serene beauty of Chiemsee, immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Salzburg, absorb the historical significance of Berchtesgaden, explore the fortified city of Kufstein, relax in the idyllic Rottach-Egern, experience the urban alpine flair of Innsbruck, and stand in awe of the peaks surrounding Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This journey promises a tapestry of memorable experiences.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Chiemsee: Often referred to as the `Bavarian Sea,` this lake hosts the magnificent Herrenchiemsee Palace, modeled after Versailles and commissioned by King Ludwig II.
- Salzburg: Explore the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, visit the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed baroque old town.
- Berchtesgaden: Delve into contemporary history at Hitler's mountain retreat, the Eagle's Nest, and take in the stunning vistas of Berchtesgaden National Park, home to the emerald-green Königssee.
- Kufstein: Admire the imposing Kufstein Fortress, an emblem of the region, and wander through the enchanting old town with its historic buildings and local craft shops.
- Rottach-Egern: Nestled on the shores of Lake Tegernsee, this village offers captivating Alpine scenery and is a haven for outdoor activities.
- Innsbruck: Witness the splendor of the Golden Roof in the heart of the old town and ride the Nordkette Cable Car for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Tyrolean Alps.
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Conquer the Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, and explore the dramatic Partnach Gorge with its cascading waterfalls.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal time for this Road Trip is from late spring to early autumn (April to October), offering ideal weather conditions for driving and full access to all attractions, including mountain passes and outdoor activities.
Potential Risks:
Caution is advised on winding mountain Roads, and drivers should stay informed about local weather forecasts due to potential rapid changes. Be prepared for border crossings if venturing into Austria, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary vignette or toll pass.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route is budget-friendly with various accommodation options, from upscale hotels to traditional Alpine lodges.
- German Roads are renowned for their excellent conditions and safety features.
- Many areas along this route offer culinary delights, including Bavarian beer, local cheeses, and traditional pastries.
- Depending on the time of year, Roadtrippers can enjoy a myriad of festivals celebrating Bavarian culture and traditions.
- The region is steeped in history, with each town offering museums, historical tours, and landmarks detailing their unique past.
A good choice for:
The German Alps Road Trip is an exceptional adventure that caters to a wide spectrum of interests, from natural wonders and outdoor pursuits to cultural heritage and historical explorations. It's an ideal vacation for drivers seeking the thrill of the open Road paired with the allure of Alpine beauty and historic discovery.
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