Bavaria is too large for one base. Munich suits the south, Nuremberg opens Franconia, and Füssen or Berchtesgaden works for a focused Alpine stage.
Use rail between cities, then choose local transport or a car for a specific rural route. The Romantic Road is a touring corridor, not a single attraction.
Separate Franconia and the Alps
Nuremberg, Würzburg and Rothenburg make a northern route. Munich, Füssen and Berchtesgaden belong to different southern corridors.
Book the castle, not the view
Neuschwanstein interiors require an official timed tour. Viewpoints and transport have their own weather and access limits.
Leave space for regional trains
Branch lines and bus connections can turn a short map distance into most of a day.
A practical itinerary
- Days 1 to 3: explore Munich.
- Days 4 to 5: choose Nuremberg or the Romantic Road.
- Days 6 to 8: add Füssen or Berchtesgaden as a separate mountain stage.
Seasonal pressure
Summer, Oktoberfest periods and Christmas markets require early accommodation planning.
Mountain conditions
Check lifts, boats, paths and official weather information on the day of travel.
Places to add to your map
- Munich: Main southern hub.
- Nuremberg: Franconian city base.
- Füssen: Gateway for Neuschwanstein.
- Berchtesgaden: South-eastern Alpine base.
Open the route planner to place these stops in a wider Germany trip.
Continue planning
Questions about Bavaria
How many days do I need in Bavaria?
A week allows Munich and one other area. Ten to twelve days work better for a city pair plus a castle, touring or Alpine stage.
Can I see Bavaria by train?
The main cities and many tourist towns are rail-linked. Some scenic routes, trailheads and castle approaches still need buses, walking or a car.
Sources and updates
This guide was last reviewed on 28 August 2026. Transport, access and opening arrangements can change, so check the official source before travel.
- Official German rail journey planner, Deutsche Bahn
- Official Bavaria visitor information, Bavaria Tourism