Planning a trip to Germany and only have five days to explore? You’ve come to the right spot (I like to think of myself as a self-proclaimed expert at maximizing limited PTO). This itinerary takes you through some of Bavaria’s most charming, historic, and unforgettable destinations, from fairytale towns and mountaintop views to powerful memorials and lively festivals. Whether it’s your first time in Germany or a quick stop on a European adventure, this 5-day Munich itinerary highlights the very best of southern Germany.
Psst: This itinerary uses Munich as the home base with fun day trips each day.
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Table of Contents
Quick Itinerary: 5 Days in Germany (with Munich as a homebase)
I know jam-packed itineraries aren’t for everyone, so here’s a sneak peek of what to expect during your time in Germany. If it looks like your kind of trip, then keep reading for all the details and insider tips! You’ll be busy and tired (I’m writing this a week after returning home, and I’m still exhausted), but the adventures are always worth it:)
- Day 1: Romantic Road (Day Trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber)
- Day 2: Zugspitze (Tallest Point in Germany)
- Day 3: Dachau Concentration Camp and Munich
- Day 4: Oktoberfest or National Park
- Day 5: Neuschwanstein Castle
Do I Need a Rental Car for this Itinerary?
Not necessarily…. HOWEVER, it would make your life easier. I went back and forth on whether or not to rent a car or take the trains everywhere, and I decided to do a bit of both! It’s definitely not the budget-friendly option, but since we only had 5 days to see all the coolest things in Germany, I knew it would be the easiest/most efficient option!
We drove to and from the airport, to Rothenburg and to the castle, and then took the train to Zugspitze, Dachau, and around Munich. In hindsight, I would have driven to Dachau and Zugspitze as well to save even more time. BUT, if you are just traveling around Munich or looking to save money,, then the trains are definitely your best bet.
I wrote a full (and super detailed) post about this decision and tips to know before deciding! You can check it out here.
Where to Stay for 5 Days in Germany
When deciding where to stay in Munich, it’s best to choose a neighborhood that matches your travel style, while keeping proximity to a train or U-Bahn station in mind, since Munich’s public transportation makes getting around easy.
Note: If you are renting a car, you would also have to double-check the parking situation.
Altstadt (Old Town) is perfect for first-time visitors who want to be steps away from Marienplatz, restaurants, and historic landmarks. For a trendier, artsy vibe, Glockenbachviertel and Maxvorstadt offer stylish cafés, galleries, and boutique hotels.
Schwabing is ideal for a quieter stay with easy access to the English Garden and also some fun nightlife. If you’re interested in modern architecture, sports, or large events, the Olympiapark neighborhood offers plenty of space, museums, and recreational activities (this is where we stayed for close proximity to Oktoberfest).
Budget travelers or those planning day trips might enjoy Laim or Sendling, which are more affordable but still well-connected.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Mercure Hotel in Olympia Park. It was about 6km from the Marienplatz and 5km from Theresienwiese (where Oktoberfest is held). There was on-site parking for $ 25 a night, and it was right down the street from the LeonrodPlatz train station. The hotel itself was basic, but comfy and had everything we needed. There was a bar in the lobby and a breakfast buffet for an additional cost.
Check current pricing and availability here!
When is the Best Time to Visit Munich?
The best time to visit Munich depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Spring (April to June) brings mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds, which are perfect for sightseeing and strolling through the English Garden.
Summer (July to August) is lively and warm, ideal for outdoor beer gardens, festivals, and lake days, though it’s also the busiest and most expensive season.
Fall (September to October) is a favorite for many travelers thanks to crisp air, colorful foliage, and the world-famous Oktoberfest…just be sure to book early as it is BUSY! We visited during the last week of Oktoberfest and booked our hotel 10 months before. The streets were always packed, restaurants had wait times, and prices were spendy.
Winter (November to March) transforms Munich into a festive wonderland with cozy Christmas markets, ice skating, and easy access to nearby ski resorts, though temperatures can be quite chilly.
Average Temperatures and Rainfall in Munich
Here’s a quick chart to see average temps and rainfalls to help make packing for your Germany vacation a bit easier! Just remember that temperatures will differ on your day trips, so it’s always best to pack in layers.
| Month | Avg High (°F / °C) | Avg Low (°F / °C) | Avg Rainfall (in / mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 37°F / 3°C | 26°F / -3°C | 1.8 in / 46 mm |
| February | 41°F / 5°C | 28°F / -2°C | 1.6 in / 41 mm |
| March | 49°F / 9°C | 34°F / 1°C | 2.0 in / 50 mm |
| April | 57°F / 14°C | 39°F / 4°C | 2.3 in / 58 mm |
| May | 66°F / 19°C | 47°F / 8°C | 3.3 in / 84 mm |
| June | 72°F / 22°C | 52°F / 11°C | 3.9 in / 99 mm |
| July | 76°F / 24°C | 56°F / 13°C | 4.0 in / 102 mm |
| August | 75°F / 24°C | 55°F / 13°C | 3.9 in / 99 mm |
| September | 67°F / 19°C | 49°F / 9°C | 2.7 in / 69 mm |
| October | 57°F / 14°C | 42°F / 6°C | 2.2 in / 56 mm |
| November | 45°F / 7°C | 35°F / 2°C | 2.1 in / 53 mm |
| December | 38°F / 3°C | 28°F / -2°C | 2.0 in / 50 mm |
5 Days in Munich (With the Best Day Trips)
Now that we’ve covered the logistics, let’s dive into this epic itinerary. Here’s how to spend 5 days in Germany (with Munich as your home base).
Day 1: Drive the Romantic Road
Start your German adventure along the Romantic Road, a scenic route filled with medieval towns, castles, and rolling countryside. This road trip had been on my bucket list for YEARS, and it lived up to the hype.
Stop 1: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Make your main stop Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. We drove from Munich straight to Rothenburg to make sure we weren’t rushed (it was about a 2.5-hour drive). We saved the other stops for the way back.
After arriving and finding parking (full details here into the logistics), you can wander through its cobblestone streets, explore the charming town square, and don’t miss climbing the Town Hall Tower for panoramic views. Be sure to walk a section of the old city walls and stop by Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village for a touch of holiday magic.
Travel Tip: Arrive early to enjoy Rothenburg before the tour buses roll in. We got there around 9:30am, found parking right away and had about 1 hour before it got busy. And if you have more time in your itinerary, you could also stay for the Night Watchman’s tour. It’s a fun way to learn about the town’s history.
Stop 2: Dinkelsbuhl
On your way back to Munich, you can stop at a couple of other villages along the Romantic Road. Dinkelbuhl is just 40 minutes from Rothenburg and was a fun stop to spend an hour or so. You can walk the City Wall here (about 2 miles), or just stroll around the town. We shopped for lederhosen, and then found a cute patio to grab an Aperol Spritz (when in Europe…).
Stop 3: Nordlingen
If you have extra time, you could also stop at Nordlingen, which is about 30 minutes from Dinkelbuhl. We unfortunately ran out of time for this stop, but the Nordlingen Loop looks like a good walk!
Stop 4: Harburg Castle
Our last stop was to check out the historic Harburg Castle. After parking, you can walk up to the castle, where you are able to pay to explore the grounds (3.5 Euros) or book a guided tour of the interior. We just walked around the grounds for a bit!
Stop 5: Dinner in Munich
We then continued the trek back to Munich, where we returned to the hotel to park the car. We walked to the Leondplatz train station and took it to the Nationaltheater stop. Then, we walked to the famous Hofbräuhaus München Beer Hall for dinner and to immerse ourselves in the fun Oktoberfest vibes. It was BUSY, but no reservations are needed for the 1st floor.
Day 2: Visit Zugspitze – Germany’s Tallest Peak
On day two, head south toward Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet). This day trip surprised me in the best of ways. I mean… I didn’t know Germany had the most epic alpine lakes and mountain views.
Stop 1: Breakfast
We took the train from the main station in Munich (München Hauptbahnhof) to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From here, we walked to a cute little cafe (Cafe Bar Berge) to grab a quick breakfast before continuing the rest of the trek to Zugspitze.
Stop 2: Lake Eibsee
After breakfast, we walked back to the train station and made our way to the Zugspitze ticket office (you’ll see the signs to follow). We purchased our tickets the day of (risky I know), but you can also purchase them ahead of time here. We did get a bit of a discount by showing our train ticket (from Munich) when purchasing at the counter, but they do sometimes sell out.
Take the Cogwheel train to Lake Eibsee and spend some time admiring the views of this epic alpine lake. We stumbled upon paddleboat rentals and of course had to take them for a spin (it was only 12 Euros for 30 minutes!) There’s also a loop trail (4.4 miles) that takes you around the lake for all the best views.
Stop 3: Top of Germany
From the lake, you’ll be able to hop in the cable car to reach the top. For once, we were lucky to have the best clear views during our visit (this is a rare occurrence for us…ie, our Switzerland experience). At the top, take in the views from the rooftops, take the glacier gondola (included) to the free sledding hills, grab a drink with a view, or challenge yourself to hike to the tallest point (only recommended with proper gear).
Interested in all the logistics? Here’s the full guide to visiting!
Travel Tip: Be sure to dress in layers…the temperature difference between the base and summit can be dramatic! It was CHILLY!
Stop 4: Munich Nightlife
After your day of adventure, spend the night checking out Munich’s nightlife scene! We went down to Old Town to see the Marienplatz at night and bar-hopped a bit in the area. I’m NOT the nightlife expert, but here’s a helpful guide if you want more tips before going out.
Day 3: Reflect at Dachau Concentration Camp + Explore Munich
Day 3 starts with a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, located just outside Munich. As the first Nazi concentration camp, Dachau serves as a powerful reminder of history and is one of the most important memorials in Germany. Plan to spend a few hours walking through the exhibits and memorial areas. It’s a somber but meaningful experience.
It’s free to enter, but you can get the audio tour for a small fee (highly recommend).
In the afternoon, spend some time exploring more of Munich. You could tour the Deutsches Museum, stroll through the English Gardens, or shop at the open-air market, Viktualienmarkt. While you’re out and about, grab dinner at any restaurant that sounds good at the time (I love a bit of flexibility and last-minute finds).
Day 4: Oktoberfest or a Day in Nature
Option 1: Oktoberfest
If your trip falls in late September or early October, spending the day at Oktoberfest is an absolute must! Held annually in Munich, it’s the world’s largest beer festival filled with music, food, traditional Bavarian outfits, and of course, plenty of beer. Reserve a table in one of the famous beer tents (must be done FAR in advance), enjoy roasted chicken or sausages, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
If you don’t have a table reservation, you can still walk around the grounds and enjoy the vibe it just might be harder to actually order a beer as you can only do so at a table inside the tents.
This was actually the main reason we visited Munich and it was fun (and a true bucket list item), BUT I was pleasantly surprised with everything else we did during our 5 days in Germany.
Option 2: Berchtesgaden
If you’re visiting outside of festival season or prefer a quieter day, consider exploring one of Germany’s beautiful national parks instead. Berchtesgaden National Park is only a couple of hours from Munich and offers incredible views, boat rides on Königssee Lake, and plenty of hiking trails.
The Konigssee to Rothbach Waterfall trail looks PERFECT. And is going to be my perfect excuse to return someday as we ran out of time on this trip.
Day 5: Visit Neuschwanstein Castle
We decided to drive to the castle (for full flexibility), but you could also take the train. Just adjust the stops as needed, depending on your mode of transportation 🙂 I almost skipped this day due to complete exhaustion, but I’m SO glad we powered through. It’s amazing.
Stop 1: Tegelbergbahn
Before heading to the castle, stop at the nearby cable car, Tegelbergbahn. Unfortunately, during our visit, it was closed for maintenance when we arrived, but it look like it would be a super scenic ride! There’s also a toboggan ride at the base that looks fun if visiting in dry weather!
Stop 2: Neuschwanstein Castle
I can’t believe I was almost going to skip this stop. The Neuschwanstein Castle turned out to be one of my most favorite stops! Perched high above the village of Hohenschwangau, this fairytale castle inspired Walt Disney’s famous Sleeping Beauty Castle. You can take a guided tour of the lavish interior, or just explore the grounds (what we did).
Make sure to walk to the famous Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) for postcard-worthy views of the castle and the valley below. AND THEN continue past the bridge, where you’ll find a trail to even better views.
🏰 Travel Tip: If you want to see the inside, book your castle tickets online in advance…same-day tickets often sell out!
Stop 3: Hohenschwangau Castle
Spend the rest of your day exploring the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle or enjoying the peaceful mountain scenery before heading back toward Munich or your next destination. If you have time, you could also wander around Fussen for a bit.
Stop 4: Lake Forggensee
If you drove from Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle, make a bonus stop at Lake Forggensee on your way back. We grabbed a drink at Cafe Maria with the perfect lakeside views. From the cafe, you can walk on the beach and say hi to the community ducks.
Then make your way back to the hotel to pack up and get ready to depart in the morning 🙁
5 Days in Germany Budget
We are DINKS who both work (over) full-time and definitely splurge on travel. Although we aren’t exactly luxury travelers, we aren’t budget travelers either. You could definitely visit Germany for cheaper OR significantly more. HOWEVER, I like to give a breakdown so you can have an idea as to what to expect if you are planning on taking a similar vacay.
- Flights: $800
- Car Rental: $450
- Gas: $150 (the most expensive gas of my life)
- Travel insurance: $65 pp
- Hotel: $1700 (2 people)
- Oktoberfest: $75 for table reservation pp (+ an unreasonably expensive Drindl)
- Parking: $150 (Hotel and parking lots)
- Food and Drinks: $350
- Zugspitze: $85 (Train, cogwheel, Cable car, and boat)
Total: $2,600 (per person)
Final Thoughts: 5 days in Germany
This 5-day Germany itinerary perfectly blends history, nature, and culture. From medieval towns and snow-capped peaks to somber memorials and vibrant celebrations, you’ll experience the heart and soul of Bavaria in just under a week.
Whether you’re chasing fairytale castles, mountain views, or Bavarian beer, Germany’s southern region is sure to leave you planning your next visit before you even leave.
More PTO-friendly Bucket-list guides!