For automotive enthusiasts and new BMW owners collecting their vehicles in Munich, there’s no better way to celebrate than by embarking on scenic road trips around Bavaria.
With its mix of unrestricted Autobahns, historic towns, alpine vistas, and cultural landmarks, Bavaria offers some of Europe’s most exhilarating drives.
This comprehensive guide showcases the best road trips around Bavaria with Munich as your base. Buckle up!
1. Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Alpine Adventure
Route distance: Approx. 90 km one way
Driving time: Around 1 hr 15 mins (without stops)
Ideal for: Mountain vistas, cultural landmarks, exhilarating drives, and alpine experiences.
Autobahn A95: Embrace the Open Road
Embark on your journey via the Autobahn A95, which connects Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This motorway is renowned for its sections without speed limits, particularly outside the Munich metropolitan area, allowing drivers to truly experience their vehicle’s performance.
Tip: Early mornings typically offer lighter traffic and clearer views of the Alps. Always adhere to posted speed limits, especially near urban areas.
Kesselbergstraße: A Historic and Scenic Drive
Consider a detour onto the Kesselbergstraße (B11), a historic mountain road between Lake Kochelsee and Lake Walchensee. Once a famed racing route, it now offers drivers a series of thrilling curves amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Driving Tip: On weekends and public holidays, the road is designated one-way uphill from Kochel to Walchensee to enhance safety. Be vigilant for cyclists and adhere to all traffic signs.
Photo Opportunity: Pause at designated viewpoints for panoramic shots of the lakes and surrounding mountains.
Oberammergau & Kloster Ettal: Cultural Gems
Oberammergau: This charming village is renowned for its Passion Play, a tradition since 1634, performed every ten years. While the next play is scheduled for 2030, the village itself offers delightful Lüftlmalerei (ornate frescoes) and artisan wood carving shops.
Kloster Ettal: Just a short drive from Oberammergau, this Benedictine monastery, established in 1330, boasts a stunning Baroque basilica. Visitors can explore the church, sample monastic brews, and purchase local products from the monastery shop. Guided tours are available, and the monastery grounds are open to the public. Check the official website for current opening hours and any special events.
Zugspitze: Ascend Germany's Highest Peak
At 2,962 meters, Zugspitze stands as Germany’s tallest mountain. From the base station at Lake Eibsee, visitors can choose between:
- Cogwheel Train: A scenic journey ascending through alpine landscapes.
- Cable Car (Seilbahn Zugspitze): A swift ascent offering panoramic views.
At the summit, enjoy 360-degree vistas spanning Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Facilities include restaurants, viewing platforms, and seasonal activities.
Tickets: Various ticket options are available, including round-trip and combination passes. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Pro Tip: Weather conditions can change rapidly; consult the official website for live updates and webcam feeds before your visit.
Cultural Stop: Franz Marc Museum, Kochel am See
Art enthusiasts should consider a detour to Kochel am See, home to the Franz Marc Museum. Dedicated to the works of the Expressionist painter Franz Marc, the museum also showcases pieces from the Der Blaue Reiter movement.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (April to October); 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (November to March). Closed on Mondays, except public holidays.
Visitor Info: The museum’s architecture harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings, offering visitors both cultural enrichment and scenic beauty.
2. Munich to Salzburg: A Journey Through History and Music
Route distance: Approx. 145 km one way
Driving time: Around 1 hr 45 mins (without stops)
Ideal for: Cultural exploration, historical landmarks, shopping, and musical heritage.
Autobahn A8: Scenic Drive with Speed Regulations
Embark on your journey via the Autobahn A8, connecting Munich to Salzburg. While some stretches of German autobahns are unrestricted, the A8 often has speed limits due to traffic density and safety considerations. Be attentive to posted signs and adjust your speed accordingly.
Tip: Early departures can help avoid peak traffic, especially near urban centers.
Designer Outlet Salzburg: Premium Shopping Experience
Located in Wals-Himmelreich, just outside Salzburg, the Designer Outlet Salzburg offers over 100 stores featuring international brands at discounted prices. It’s an excellent stop for fashion enthusiasts seeking deals on luxury items.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm; Saturday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday: Closed.
Access: Easily reachable by car via the A1 motorway; ample parking available.
Salzburg: A City of Musical and Historical Significance
The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is renowned for its baroque architecture and musical heritage.
Choice attractions:
Hohensalzburg Fortress: One of Europe’s largest medieval castles, offering panoramic views of the city, Hohensalzburg Fortress is a must-see. Opening hours: January to April & October to December: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; May to September: 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Mozart’s Birthplace: Located on Getreidegasse, this museum showcases the life and works of the composer. Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, with the last admission at 5:00 pm.
Café-Konditorei Fürst: Home of the original Mozartkugel, a chocolate delicacy created in 1890. These confections are still handmade following the original recipe. Check the official website for opening hours of their five locations.
Culinary Tip: Don’t miss trying the Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé that embodies the city’s culinary tradition.
Herrenchiemsee Palace: A Tribute to Versailles
On your return journey, consider a detour to Herrenchiemsee Palace, situated on Herreninsel Island in Lake Chiemsee. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, the palace is a homage to the Palace of Versailles.
Visitor information:
Access: Reachable by ferry from Prien am Chiemsee; the ferry ride offers scenic lake views. Opening hours: April to October: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; November to March: 10:00 am to 4:45 pm.
Note: Guided tours are the only way to view the palace’s interiors; it’s advisable to check the schedule in advance.
Recommended Activities:
Obersalzberg Documentation Center: Located in Berchtesgaden, this centre provides insights into the region’s World War II history. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:00 pm).
Original Sound of Music Tour: Explore filming locations from the iconic movie, including Mirabell Gardens and Leopoldskron Palace. Tours are conducted daily and last approximately 4 hours.
3. Munich – Dachau – Ingolstadt Village: Reflective and Retail Excursion
Route distance: Approx. 120 km round trip
Driving time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes (excluding stops)
Ideal for: Historical reflection, cultural exploration, and premium shopping.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: A Solemn Journey into History
Begin your day with a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, the first Nazi concentration camp established in 1933. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Third Reich.
Visitor information:
- Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on December 24.
- Admission: Free; no prior registration required.
- Guided tours: English-language tours are available daily at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
- Audio guides: Available in multiple languages for €5.
- Parking: Available at Alte Römerstraße 75, 85221 Dachau.
Allocate approximately 5 to 6 hours for a comprehensive visit, allowing time for reflection and exploration of the extensive exhibits.
Dachau Palace (Schloss Dachau): Baroque Elegance with Panoramic Views
A short drive from the memorial site brings you to Dachau Palace, a former summer residence of Bavarian dukes. The palace offers stunning views over Munich and the Alps from its beautifully terraced gardens.
Visitor information:
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Closed on Mondays, Shrove Tuesday, and December 24, 25, and 31.
- Admission: €2 per person.
- Tickets: Available at the palace café; if closed, please ring the bell.
The palace also hosts concerts and cultural events; check the local schedule for any performances during your visit.
Scheyern Abbey: A Benedictine Monastery Rich in History
Continue your journey to Kloster Scheyern, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1119. The monastery complex includes a basilica, brewery, and guesthouse, offering a glimpse into monastic life and traditions.
Visitor information:
- Address: Prielhof 1, 85298 Scheyern, Germany.
- Phone: +49 8441 7520.
While specific opening hours are not listed, the monastery grounds are generally open to visitors. It’s advisable to contact the monastery directly for information on guided tours, the brewery, and the on-site restaurant, Klosterschenke Braustüberl, known for its traditional Bavarian cuisine and house-brewed beers.
Ingolstadt Village: Luxury Shopping in an Open-Air Setting
Visitor information:
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.
- Address: Otto-Hahn-Straße 1, 85055 Ingolstadt, Germany.
Services:
- Concierge Services
- Hands-free Shopping
- Personal Shopping
- Appointments
- Free Wi-Fi and Parking
- Electric Car Charging Stations
Historical Note: Ingolstadt's Literary Legacy
Ingolstadt holds a unique place in literary history as the setting for Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein studies at the University of Ingolstadt, where he discovers the secret of life and creates his infamous creature. While the university no longer exists in its original form, the city’s association with this classic tale adds a layer of intrigue to your visit.
4. Munich to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof: Royal Castles Tour
Route distance: Approx. 250 km round trip
Driving time: Around 3 hours 30 minutes (excluding stops)
Ideal for: Fairy-tale architecture, scenic drives, and cultural exploration.
Autobahn A96 & B17: Journey Through Bavaria's Heartland
Depart Munich via the A96 Autobahn, transitioning onto the B17, part of the famed Romantic Road. This route meanders through picturesque towns and verdant landscapes, offering glimpses of traditional Bavarian life.
Tip: Consider stopping in Landsberg am Lech, a charming town with medieval architecture and riverside views, perfect for a brief respite.
Neuschwanstein Castle: King Ludwig II's Dream Realised
Perched above Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein Castle epitomises 19th-century Romanticism. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, its turrets and towers inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Visitor information:
- Opening hours: April 1 to October 15: daily, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; October 16 to March 31: daily, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed on January 1, December 24, 25, and 31.
- Admission: €21 regular; €20 reduced.
- Guided tours: Available in German and English; duration approximately 30 minutes.
- Tickets: Advance booking recommended via the official website.
Wieskirche: A Rococo Masterpiece Amidst the Meadows
The Pilgrimage Church of Wies, or Wieskirche, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite Rococo architecture and serene setting.
Visitor information:
- Opening hours: January and February: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; March and April: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm; May to August: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; September and October: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm; November and December: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Admission: Free; donations appreciated.
Linderhof Palace: An Intimate Royal Retreat
Nestled in the Graswang Valley, Linderhof Palace is the only castle King Ludwig II lived to see completed. Inspired by the French Loire Valley châteaux, it boasts ornate interiors and meticulously landscaped gardens.
Visitor information:
- Opening hours: April 1 to October 15: daily, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; October 16 to March 31: daily, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on January 1, Shrove Tuesday, December 24, 25, and 31.
- Admission: €10 regular; €9 reduced.
- Guided tours: Mandatory for palace entry; available in German and English; duration approximately 25 minutes.
- Tickets: Available on-site and via the official website.
5. Munich to Regensburg via Landshut: A Journey Through Medieval Bavaria
Route distance: Approx. 125 km one way
Driving time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes (excluding stops)
Ideal for: Gothic and Renaissance architecture, UNESCO heritage, and riverside charm.
Route Overview: A92 to B15 – Through Bavaria’s Historic Heartland
Depart Munich via the A92 Autobahn, heading northeast towards Landshut. From there, continue on the B15, a scenic federal road that meanders through the verdant Bavarian countryside, dotted with charming villages and rolling hills, leading you to the UNESCO-listed city of Regensburg.
Landshut: A Gothic Gem on the River Isar
Nestled along the Isar River, Landshut boasts a well-preserved medieval old town, vibrant with colourful facades and steeped in history.
Highlights:
Trausnitz Castle (Burg Trausnitz): Perched above the town, this 13th-century fortress served as the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Explore its mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the famed “Fools’ Staircase” and the Chamber of Art and Curiosities.
Opening hours: April 1 to October 5, daily, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; October 6 to March 30, daily, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed on January 1, Shrove Tuesday, December 24, 25, and 31.
Admission: €6 regular; €5 reduced. Children under 18: free.
Guided tours: Monday to Saturday, every 30 minutes; Sundays and public holidays, self-guided visits only.
Altstadt (Old Town): Stroll through the historic centre, where Gothic architecture meets lively cafés and boutiques.
St. Martin’s Church: Marvel at one of the tallest brick towers in the world, soaring to 130.6 metres.
Regensburg: A UNESCO World Heritage Treasure
Regensburg, one of Germany’s oldest towns, offers a tapestry of Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture, all nestled along the Danube River.
Must-See Attractions:
- Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke): Dating back to the 12th century, this iconic bridge was a marvel of medieval engineering and remains a symbol of the city. Open year-round, 24/7, with free entry.
- Regensburg Cathedral (St. Peter’s Cathedral): A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for its stunning stained glass windows and the famous Regensburger Domspatzen boys’ choir.
- St. Emmeram’s Palace (Thurn und Taxis Palace): Once a Benedictine monastery, this sprawling complex became the residence of the princely Thurn und Taxis family. Explore opulent state rooms, the cloister, and the carriage museum.
Culinary tip: Don’t miss the historic Wurstkuchl, reputedly the world’s oldest sausage kitchen, serving traditional Bavarian sausages by the Danube since the 12th century.
6. Munich to Berchtesgaden and Königssee: Bavarian Alps Serenity
Route distance: Approx. 155 km one way
Driving time: Around 2 hours 15 minutes (excluding stops)
Ideal for: Alpine scenery, historical exploration, and tranquil lake experiences.
Route Overview: A8 East to B20 – Through Bavaria's Alpine Landscapes
Depart Munich via the A8 Autobahn, heading east towards Salzburg. Exit at Bad Reichenhall and continue on the B20, which winds through the picturesque Berchtesgadener Land, offering stunning views of the Bavarian Alps.
Königssee: Bavaria’s Pristine Alpine Lake
Nestled within the Berchtesgaden National Park, Königssee is renowned for its emerald-green waters and fjord-like appearance, surrounded by steep mountain cliffs.
Visitor information:
- Boat Tours: Electric-powered boats operate year-round, weather permitting. Services may be suspended if the lake is frozen.
- Departure Point: Seelände, 83471 Schönau am Königssee.
- Tickets: Available on-site or via the official website.
Highlights:
- St. Bartholomä Church: Accessible only by boat, this iconic pilgrimage church is set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
- Echo Wall: Experience the unique acoustics as boatmen demonstrate the lake’s famous echo.
Tip: To avoid crowds, consider taking the earliest boat departure.
Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus): Historical Heights
Perched atop the Kehlstein mountain at 1,834 metres, the Eagle’s Nest was constructed in 1938 as a diplomatic retreat. Today, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.
Visitor information:
- Opening hours: Mid-May to end of October, daily, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm (weather permitting).
- Access: Private vehicles are not permitted. Visitors must take a special bus from the Kehlstein Bus Parking Area, Salzbergstraße 45, 83471 Berchtesgaden.
- Tickets: Available on-site or via the official website.
Highlights:
- Historical significance: Learn about the site’s history through informative displays.
- Restaurant: Dine with a view at the on-site restaurant, offering traditional Bavarian cuisine.
Tip: Arrive early to secure bus tickets and enjoy clearer morning views.
Berchtesgaden National Park: Nature's Masterpiece
Germany’s only alpine national park, Berchtesgaden National Park spans over 210 square kilometres of protected wilderness.
Visitor information:
- National Park Centre: Located at Hanielstraße 7, 83471 Berchtesgaden.
- Opening hours: May to October, daily, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; November to April, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Admission: Free.
Highlights:
- Hiking trails: Explore a network of trails suitable for all levels, offering breathtaking views of the Alps.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for native species such as golden eagles, ibex, and marmots.
Tip: Visit the Wimbachklamm Gorge, a short but spectacular hike featuring wooden walkways over cascading waterfalls.
7. Family Excursion: Munich to LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort
Route distance: Approx. 120 km one way
Driving time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
Ideal for: Families, LEGO fans, and imaginative detours.
LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort: Imagination Meets Engineering
Highlights:
- Over 60 rides and attractions across themed areas such as LEGO NINJAGO World, Pirate Land, and MINILAND.
- Millions of LEGO bricks assembled into intricate models — including miniature versions of German cities and landmarks.
- Driving School where kids can earn a “LEGOLAND licence” and cruise in mini electric cars.
Visitor information:
- Opening hours: Daily from late March to early November, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (extended on peak days).
- Admission: From €44.50 per person online in advance; discounted family tickets available.
- Parking: €8 per vehicle; EV charging stations available.
Tip: Visit on a weekday if possible to avoid peak crowds, and download the park app for live queue times and show schedules.
A8 Autobahn: Effortless Driving to and from LEGOLAND
Whether you’re heading out for a day of LEGO-fuelled fun or cruising back to Munich after a family adventure, the A8 Autobahn offers a smooth, direct route.
While there are occasional speed limits and construction zones, you’ll also enjoy open stretches that allow you to savour the drive – especially gratifying if you’ve just collected your new BMW and want to experience it on the open road!
Road Trips Around Bavaria: Final Word
For those embarking on these unforgettable road trips around Bavaria, KING’s Hotels Munich offers the perfect starting point.
Located in the heart of Munich, KING’s Hotels provide comfortable accommodations, secure parking, and easy access to major Autobahns. Whether you’re collecting your new BMW or simply wish to explore Bavaria’s scenic routes, KING’s Hotels ensure a restful stay before and after your journeys.
Embark on these scenic road trips around Bavaria to experience the region’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty!
* Book a hotel in Munich city centre – click here!
