Tips for itinerary and visits between Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Hello, We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria. Here’s our itinerary: Day 1: Brussels-Munich Day 2: Munich Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg. Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights. Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky. Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air. What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see. We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning. This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day. Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway. But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning. We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked. Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits! Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May? Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!

Hi there,

From Garmisch, there are tons of things to see and especially hikes to do: among others: Olympic sites,

Full day: - Neuschwanstein Castle: book NOW! (and if it's already fully booked, get there as early as possible to buy a same-day ticket—there are plenty, but don’t plan anything else fixed for that day). Also consider the nearby old castle: Hohenschwangau. - To combine with: Füssen, a lovely town center, and Wieskirche, a UNESCO site, plus several nearby lakes for a stroll.

Full day: - Linderhof Castle - To combine with: Plansee in Austria (and Heiterwangersee, connected by boat), Ehrenberg Castle (great view), Highline 179, Reutte

Watch out if you want to take the crossing between Germany and Austria on the 179: there are often traffic jams, so go during off-peak hours. (No other crossing is possible—the other roads are blocked.)

Hikes: Full day: - Schachen Castle, after a 7-hour round-trip hike (check if it’s open yet—depends on the snow)

- Zugspitze

- And plenty of other hikes, varying in difficulty: There are several pretty gorges and waterfalls, or mountains.

Thanks so much for your ideas! I didn’t realize you had to book so far in advance for Neuschwanstein Castle. And visiting the Eagle’s Nest and Lake Königssee in a single day—by getting to the Eagle’s Nest really early—does that sound doable to you? It’d be on a Monday, so I’m guessing there’ll be fewer people than on the weekend. I know it’d be better to spend a full day at each place, but that’ll be tough. Are the lakes in Bavaria, especially near Grainau and such, as beautiful as Königssee?

Sorry, I only know the Füssen/Reutte side!