This Bavarian Alps and Tyrolean Alps road trip combines thrilling hiking trails, deep river gorges, fairy tale castles, picturesque alpine towns, mountain lakes, and even thermal spas.
We created this route based on multiple trips to Bavaria and Tyrol, so it highlights only the very destinations.
Our 10-day Germany-Austria road trip begins in Munich, Germany. From the Munich International Airport, you’ll drive 1:30 hours to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, located at the base of the highest mountains of the Bavarian Alps. Walk through narrow gorges, swim in Lake Eibsee, and even tackle a Klettersteig.
The road trip continues along the German Alpine Road to Oberammergau, Linderhof Palace, and Neuschwanstein Castle and then crosses the border into Tyrol (Tirol), Austria. Hike to Coburger Hütte and Lake Drachensee and then drive to Ötztal to soak in the thermal waters of Aqua Dome, Austria’s most iconic thermal spa complex.
Next, you’ll drive through Innsbruck to Mayrhofen in Zillertal Valley. Walk across the famous suspension bridge at Olpererhütte in the Zillertal Alps and then continue your journey to Lake Achensee, the largest lake in Tyrol.
Detour to the majestic Grosser Ahornboden (“Great Maple Floor”) to eat lunch at an active alpine pasture.
The final destination on this Bavaria road trip is the picture-perfect town of Mittenwald, at the foot of the Karwendel mountain range.
Bavaria-Tyrol Itinerary Summary
- Day 1: Arrive in Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Day 2: Höllentalklamm Gorge and Lake Eibsee
- Day 3: Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau, and Neuschwanstein Castle
- Day 4: Lake Drachensee and Ehrwald
- Day 5: Aqua Dome Thermal Spa, Innsbruck, and Mayrhofen
- Day 6: Olpererhütte Mountain Hut and the Zillertal Alps
- Day 7: Lake Achensee
- Day 8: Grosser Ahornboden and Engalm Alpine Pasture
- Day 9: Mittenwald
- Day 10: Munich2 Nights in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria 2 Nights in Ehrwald, TyrolOptional: Add 1 Night at Aqua Dome in Ötztal, Tyrol2 Nights in Mayrhofen, Tyrol1 Night at Lake Achensee, TyrolOptional: Add 1-2 Nights at Die Eng in Grosser Ahornboden, Tyrol2 Nights in Mittenwald, BavariaOptional: Add 1-2 Nights in Munich, Bavaria
Bavaria – Tyrol Road Trip Map
Essential Tips for Traveling in Bavaria and Tyrol
1. Book your entrance tickets to Linderhof, Neuschwanstein, and Aqua Dome in advance.
2. Use the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Germany. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip. Check car rental rates here.
3. Purchase a vignette (toll sticker) when you cross the border into Austria. They are sold at gas stations near the Germany-Austria border.
4. Always have cash. Some establishments (guesthouses, restaurants, huts, toll booths) only accept payment in cash.
5. Some accommodations in Bavaria and Tyrol require a minimum stay of 2-3 nights.
6. Hotel wellness and spa areas are always included in the room rate. Spa treatments are an add-on, but not the facilities (pools, saunas, relaxation rooms).
Day 1: Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the most well-known alpine resort town in the Bavarian Alps. It’s located on the confluence of the Loisach and Partnach valleys between the Ammergauer Alpen, Ester Mountains, Wetterstein Mountains.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the Lüftlmalerei (“air paintings”), which adorn the facades of houses, businesses, churches, and other buildings. The art murals depict fanciful scenes from fairy tales, the Bible, and ordinary life.
For the most colorful display of Lüftlmalerei, amble down the Ludwigstraße street in Partenkirchen.
For a traditional Bavarian meal, we can’t recommend Zum Wildschütz enough.
Partnach Gorge
Partnachklamm (Partnach Gorge) is a deep river gorge in the Reintal Valley in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Millions of years ago, meltwater and debris hollowed out the rock, creating a splendidly narrow gorge.
A safe and secure path leads through the 700-meter-long Partnach Gorge, offering wondrous perspectives of this natural landmark.
The hike to Partnach Gorge begins at the Garmisch Olympia Stadium, where there’s a bus stop and paid car park (5 EUR for 24 hours). From here, it’s a 20-minute walk to the gorge entrance.
If time allows, you can extend the gorge walk to Berggasthof Eckbauer, a mountainside restaurant with a fabulous terrace.
When to Visit | The Partnach Gorge is open all-year-long. However, authorities may close the gorge, if it’s unsafe (e.g. too much snowmelt in Spring).
Opening Times | June – September: 8 am – 6 pm, October – May: 8 am – 8 pm
Entrance Fee |
Adults: 6 EURLocals and Guests with Valid Visitors Card: 5 EURChildren (ages 6-17): 3 EURChildren (ages 0 – 5): FreePersons with Disabilities: 4 EURDogs: 1 EUR
Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Budget | Olympiahaus is a traditional Bavarian guesthouse located at the historical Olympic stadium (where the ski jump is) and at the Partnach Gorge trailhead. The Olympiahaus features an on-site restaurant, breakfast buffet (optional), and free on-site parking.
Midrange-Luxury | Quartier – Lodges Biohotel is a modern hotel with nature-inspired minimalist interiors. Suites feature untreated stone pine paneling, natural bed linen, and metal-free beds. Breakfast is included. The hotel restaurant serves contemporary regional specialities, Tuesday to Saturday, 2 pm – 9:30 pm.
Luxury | Werdenfelserei is a standout boutique hotel which artfully combines traditional and modern alpine design. Highlights of staying here include the Zugspitze-facing rooftop pool, on-site restaurant, spa and wellness area, breakfast (included), and creative architecture.
More options: Hotel Schatten (budget), Central Garden-Mountain Apartment (midrange), aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen (midrange-luxury), Obermühle 4*S Boutique Resort (luxury), Private Spa & Garden Alpi (luxury).
Day 2: Höllentalklamm Gorge and Lake Eibsee
On Day 2 of your Bavaria road trip, we suggest hiking to the wild, rugged, and wet Höllentalklamm gorge and ending your day at Lake Eibsee.
Kreuzeck to Höllentalklamm Gorge Hike
Höllentalklamm (Valley of Hell Gorge) is another must-see gorge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Starting at the Kreuzeck cable car mountain station, you can hike over the Hupfleitenjoch saddle to Höllental valley. Eat a rich lunch at the modern Höllentalangerhütte and descend the valley and the gorge all the way to Hammersbach.
Opening Times | The gorge is open 24 hours during the snow-free season.
Entrance Fee | There is an admission fee to enter the Höllentalklamm gorge. Show your alpine club membership card to receive a discount.
Adults: 6 EURChildren (ages 7 – 17): 2 EURChildren (ages 0 – 6): Free
Lake Eibsee
Eibsee is an emerald-green mountain lake at the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain.
Rent a SUP, or pedal board, take a swim, or walk the 7.6 km circuit trail around the lake.
The best photo spots are along the north shore.
Parking | There are two pay-on-exit car parks (P1 and P2) at Eibsee, 100 meters from the lakeshore.
Earlybird Morning Fee (5 am – 9:30 am): 2.50 EURUp to 4 Hours: 8 EUREvery Additional Hour: 1 EUR
Stay in Garmisch
Budget | Olympiahaus
Midrange-Luxury | Quartier – Lodges Biohotel
Luxury | Werdenfelserei
More options: Hotel Schatten (budget), Central Garden-Mountain Apartment (midrange), aja Garmisch-Partenkirchen (midrange-luxury), Obermühle 4*S Boutique Resort (luxury), Private Spa & Garden Alpi (luxury).
Day 3: German Alpine Road & King Ludwig II’s Fairy Tale Castles
Day 3 of your Bavarian Alps road trip follows the German Alpine Road from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Oberammergau and onwards to Füssen. You’ll end the day in the town of Ehrwald, Austria.
With careful planning, you can visit the picturesque town of Oberammergau, Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle all in one day. However, it’s important to purchase your castle entrance tickets online in advance to secure the time slots you want.
Linderhof Palace
Schloss Linderhof is an intimate palace nestled in the Ammergau Alps in Upper Bavaria. It was built by the legendary King Ludwig II of Bavaria between 1868 and 1874.
In many ways, Linderhof is an ode to Versailles and French monarch Louis XIV, who Ludwig II idolized. The gilded baroque interior is ornamented with Gobelin tapestries, richly upholstered armchairs and sofas, extravagant canopies, and colorful ceiling paintings.
In order to see the interior of the palace, visitors must join a guided tour. Tours last 25 minutes and are conducted in English and German.
Before, or after the guided tour, you can explore the park grounds surrounding the palace. Don’t miss the Moorish Kiosk
Tickets & Pricing | Linderhof Ticket Shop
Arrival | We recommend arriving at Schloss Linderhof 20-30 minutes before your guided tour. That will afford you sufficient time to walk to the palace and even tour the palace grounds.
Address | Linderhof 12, 82488 Ettal, Germany
Parking | 3 EUR. Cash Only | Google Maps
Other Considerations | The Venus Grotto is closed for renovation until 2024.
Oberammergau
Oberammergau is a charming town in the Bavarian Alps, north of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s one of the best places to admire Lüftlmalerei (“air paintings”) in the region. Some of the houses depict scenes from Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel.
Oberammergau is famous for staging a passion play every 10 years, since 1634.
Walk through the town, grab a pastry from Aurhammer Bäckerei, or lunch at Ammergauer Maxbräu beer garden.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is the most famous castle in Germany and perhaps the world. Enthroned on a hill opposite the Castle of Hohenschwangau, much of its appeal lies in its alpine surroundings.
Though built in a neo-Gothic style, Neuschwanstein is a modern 19th century building. The interior is vibrantly painted with scenes from mythology, opera, and medieval sagas. It’s mesmerizing.
Like Linderhof, the only way to see the castle’s interior is by joining a guided tour. Tours are conducted every 5 minutes. The quality of the tour is mediocre at best. But, the rooms are splendid and worth seeing even if you feel like a herded cow.
Tickets & Pricing | Ticket Shop
Arrival | From the car parks, allow 40 minutes to walk up to the castle entrance. You can pass through the main gate 45 minutes before your guided tour.
Parking | 10 EUR at P1 or P2
Castle Viewpoints | The best viewpoints of Neuschwanstein are from:
Marienbrücke bridge (closed in 2022)The ski slope near Alpe Reith, close to the Tegelbergbahn valley station.The trail to Tegelberg. See this Wikiloc description.
Drive to Ehrwald
On your way to Ehrwald, you can detour to Lake Plansee for a swim.
Make sure to purchase a vignette when you enter Austria.
Stay in Ehrwald
Budget | The spotless and charming Mellow Mountain Hostel has a range of bedrooms: double and triple rooms as well as 4-person and 6-person dormitories. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, sauna, and cozy living space.
Midrange | Der Grüne Baum Hotel is a comfortable, boutique hotel in the center of Ehrwald. With its fresh Tyrolean interiors, modern spa oasis, and in-house restaurant, it strikes just the right balance between urban and nature. Guests can choose between breakfast-only, or half board.
Luxury | The historic, family-run Romantik Hotel Spielmann is beautifully put together, with an ivy-covered facade accented by painted window frames and rustic Tyrolean interiors. Highlights of staying here are the sensational mountain views, excellent service, delicious food, and the new wellness area comprising a mountain-facing infinity rock pool and numerous saunas.
Customize Day 3
There are a few ways to alter this itinerary.
After visiting Oberammergau and Linderhof, you can stay in Füssen and visit Neuschwanstein Castle the next morning. You can visit Oberammergau, Linderhof, Neuschwanstein, and Ehrwald as day trips from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If you do that we suggest staying in Garmisch for 4-5 nights. If you’ve already visited these main attractions (or have no interest in them), you can hike to the summit of Hochplatte in the Ammergau Alps (trail guide coming soon), or tackle the Alpsitz Ferrata in the Wetterstein Mountains.
Day 4: Lake Drachensee
Day 4 of your Tyrolean Alps road trip is all about hiking to the Coburger mountain hut and Drachensee lake in the Mieminger Chain.
Hike to Lake Drachensee & Coburger Hütte
Lake Drachensee (“Dragon Lake”) is a spectacular mountain lake encircled by rugged, limestone peaks. It’s an impressive landscape shared only by the Coburger Hütte mountain refuge (1917 m), which is perched above the lake.
The hike to Lake Drachensee begins with the Erhwalder Almbahn cableway ascent. Start as early as possible. This is a popular hike.
Stay in Ehrwald
Budget | Mellow Mountain Hostel
Midrange | Der Grüne Baum Hotel
Luxury | Romantik Hotel Spielmann
Day 5: Aqua Dome, Innsbruck, and Mayrhofen
On day 5 of your Bavarian Alps – Tyrolean Alps itinerary, visit the world-famous Aqua Dome thermal spa. After soaking in thermal water, continue your trip to Innsbruck and onwards to Mayrhofen.
Aqua Dome
Aqua Dome is a striking thermal spa (“Therme” in German) in Längenfeld, Ötztal Valley. It’s a bucket list attraction for many and definitely worthy of a visit.
Float in the basins, enjoy the sauna complex, and even consider spending the night. Check the rates on Booking.com.
We’ve detailed everything you need to know about visiting in this Aqua Dome guide and our Aqua Dome Hotel Review.
Important | Book your entrance ticket in advance.
Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol. It’s located in the Inn Valley between the Karwendel Mountains and the Tux Alps. Stroll through the Altstadt (Old Town), visit the Hofburg, see the Golden Roof, take the cable car up to Nordkette, visit the nearby Ambras Castle, or even the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.
Also, check out these tours:
This itinerary doesn’t linger in Innsbruck, but it’s a city worth visiting for at least 1-2 nights. We recommend: Montagu Hostel (budget), NALA individuellhotel (midrange), or Hotel Zach (luxury).
If you skipped Aqua Dome today, you can walk the delightfully easy Stone Pine Trail close to Innsbruck instead.
Drive to Mayrhofen
Mayrhofen is an alpine town in Zillertal in Tyrol, a one-hour drive from Innsbruck. The town center is always a vibrant place, bustling with hikers, cyclists, and climbers. It’s packed with sports shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Stay in Mayrhofen
Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof is a cozy and traditional guesthouse in Mayrhofen with an attractive price point. Guests love the location, outdoor swimming pool, and hospitality. Breakfast is included.
Midrange | We stayed in the 4-star Alpenhotel Kramerwirt, a family-run hotel in the center of Mayrhofen. This traditional Austrian hotel exhibits a high standard of hospitality, food, and comfort. We loved the spaciousness, light, bedding, and design of our “Superior Room.” In the evenings, guests are treated to live music by local bands and ensembles. Another reason to stay at Alpenhotel Kramerwirt is their generous breakfast buffet. We’re still dreaming about it.
Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only is a luxurious hotel in Mayrhofen featuring beautiful spa facilities, outstanding cuisine, and alpine-modern furnishings. This is the best place to stay in Mayrhofen for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.
More options: Haus Claudia und Haus Monika (budget guesthouse) and ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort (luxury hotel with spa).
Day 6: Olpererhütte and the Zillertal Alps
On Day 6 of your Tyrolean itinerary, you will hike a stretch of the Berlin High Trail to the iconic Olpererhütte. The suspension bridge, several meters away from the hut, is one of the most popular photo motifs in Austria.
Olpererhütte Hike
Olpererhütte is a mountain refuge in the Zillertal Alps, overlooking the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir.
We recommend hiking to Olpererhütte the “long way” via Friesenberghaus. This longer route unfolds dramatically, rewarding hikers with jaw-dropping alpine views.
The trail begins at the Schlegeisspeicher reservoir, which is accessible by a toll road (open during the snow-free season). You can drive, or take a bus to the reservoir.
Stay in Mayrhofen
Budget | Landhotel Rauchenwalderhof
Midrange | Alpenhotel Kramerwirt
Luxury | ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat- Adults only
More options: Haus Claudia und Haus Monika (budget guesthouse) and ZillergrundRock Luxury Mountain Resort (luxury hotel with spa).
Day 7: Achensee
Lake Achensee is the largest lake in Tyrol, stretching between the Karwendel and Rofan mountains. It’s a popular destination for windsurfing, sailing, and swimming.
Today, you can spend the whole day relaxing by the lake. Alternatively, you can hike to panoramic Bärenkopf peak, walk up to the lovely Berggasthaus Dalfaz Alm, take the Rofanbahn cableway to Erfurter Hütte and hike to Rofanspitz, or Hochiss.
Hike to Bärenkopf
Bärenkopf is a panoramic summit overlooking Lake Achensee, the Karwendel mountains, and the Rofan mountains. The hike to Bärenkopf begins at the Karwendel-Bergbahn mountain station. It’s a 7.8 km lollipop-circuit, which takes 3:15 hours.
Stay at Lake Achensee
There are three “villages” around Lake Achensee: Achenkirch in the north, Pertisau in the southwest, and Maurach in the southeast. We recommend staying in Maurach, or Pertisau.
The majority of the hotels around Lake Achensee are half board only, which means that breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate. We love half board, because it simplifies your day and it’s ultimately more relaxing and convenient.
If you’re not staying in a hotel with half board, we highly recommend eating dinner at Fischerwirt am Achensee in Achenkirch.
Maurach
Midrange | Hotel-Pension Huber-Hochland is a traditional half board hotel. Guests have access to a small wellness area, which includes an indoor pool, steam bath, Finnish sauna, and infrared cabin.
Luxury | The 4-star Hotel St.Georg zum See is an alpine-chic hotel with spacious rooms, modern wellness facilities, and a gourmet half-board offering (rich breakfast buffet and 5-course dinner).
Pertisau
Adults-only Luxury | The 4-star Hotel Auszeit pampers guests with its relaxing spa facilities (4 modern saunas, relaxing room, outdoor pool, sun garden), beautiful frooms, scenic setting, and excellent breakfast.
More options: Hotel Bergland (midrange)
Day 8: Grosser Ahornboden
Day 8 of your Bavarian-Tyrolean Alps road trip steers you to a remote corner of Karwendel Nature Park. This is one of the most arresting places in Austria, only accessible from late May until mid/late October.
Though located in Tyrol, Grosser Ahornboden can only be accessed by car from the Risstal valley in Bavaria.
Drive the toll road (5 EUR, cash only) to the end of Risstal Valley. You can park at the free car park across from Die Eng – Alpengasthof und Naturhotel.
Engalm Dorf and Grosser Ahornboden
Grosser Ahornboden is a gorgeous wide grassy plain, flanked by the Karwendel mountains, in the secluded Hinterrisstal (“Upper Riss Valley”).
It’s called Grosser Ahornboden, “Great Maple Floor,” because it’s studded with 2,300 sycamore maple trees, some 600 years old.
After parking, walk 5 minutes to the Eng Almdorf alpine pasture village. Here, you’ll find a restaurant, a shop selling local products, and a few other huts.
A visit to Grosser Ahornboden need not be more complicated than enjoying lunch at the Eng Alm Rasthütte and savoring the views.
If your schedule allows, we highly recommend staying at Die Eng for 1-2 nights, so you can enjoy this alpine paradise a little longer. With more time, you can hike to Gamsjoch Peak, Binsalm alpine pasture, and Falkenhütte mountain hut.
Otherwise continue your drive to Mittenwald in Upper Bavaria.
Stay in Mittenwald
Budget | Pension Karner is a friendly and comfortable bed and breakfast in Mittenwald. Payment: cash only.
More options: Post Hotel Mittenwald (midrange), Alpenhotel Rieger (luxury)
Day 9: Mittenwald
Mittenwald is one of the most beautiful towns in the Bavarian Alps. Like Oberammergau, it’s famous for its colorful Lüftlmalerei (“air paintings”).
Mittenwald Altstadt
Obermarkt street is packed with restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and Konditoreien (patisseries). The town backdrop is the mighty Karwendel mountain range.
For a mouthwatering selection of cakes, visit Bsonders & Guad.
Hiking and cycling trails abound. A popular attraction is the Leutasch Gorge along the Bavarian-Tyrolean border. Via ferrata enthusiasts ought to consider the Mittenwalder Höhenweg.
Tip | If you’re visiting Mittenwald in early-mid September, try to see an Almabtrieb, a decadent procession in which goats, cattle, and other animals return to the valley from the mountain pastures. Animals are decked in ceremonial bells and headdresses. Dates are posted on the Alpenwelt Karwendel website.
Stay in Mittenwald
Budget | Pension Karner
Midrange | Post Hotel Mittenwald
Luxury | Alpenhotel Rieger
Day 10: Munich
It’s a 1:45 -2 hour drive from Mittenwald to the Munich International Airport.
On your last day, you can continue exploring Mittenwald, or head directly to Munich, the capital of Bavaria.
If you’ve traveling to Bavaria in early Fall, you could potentially time your visit with Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival.
Oktoberfest Dates:
2022: September 17 – October 32023: September 16 – October 3
If you extend your visit to Munich, we recommend staying at Euro Youth Hotel Munich (budget), Bavaria Boutique Hotel (midrange), DO & CO Hotel München (luxury), or BEYOND by Geisel (Splurge).
Alps Travel Essentials
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Germany. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your can rental as early as possible.
Source: moonhoneytravelers
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