Itineraries for Your Trip to Bavaria
3 Days in Bavaria for Families
To a kid who grew up reading Grimm's Fairy Tales and memorizing the words from Disney films, Bavaria always seemed like a place where fairy tales were brought to life. I imagined a magical faraway land where Sleeping Beauty’s castle rose from misty mountains, with its storybook medieval towns and lakeside palaces built by a Mad King.
My first starry-eyed visit to Bavaria didn’t disappoint, and even though I was no longer a kid, the free state was as enchanting as I had imagined. If you’re traveling to Bavaria with kids, share the magic with them using this three-day itinerary.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to the mesmerizingly beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle.
It can be cool on the mountaintops even in midsummer, so pack a light sweater if you’re heading into the Alps.
Start your trip in the Bavarian capital of Munich with a kid-friendly tour. Time your visit to Marienplatz to watch the animated clock of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel, visit the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) at the Old Town Hall, climb the tower of St. Peter's Church, and browse the stalls at the daily Viktualienmarkt open-air market—pretzels and bratwurst quiet the fussiest of kids!
Let off steam on a family walk, bike ride, or Segway tour through the English Garden. Watch daredevil surfers riding the waves at Eisbachwelle or rent a paddleboat on Kleinhesseloher Lake. SEA LIFE® Munich aquarium is popular with all ages.
Prebook skip-the-line tickets for Neuschwanstein Castle —otherwise, the wait can be long. The fairy-tale Sleeping Beauty-inspired castle is magnificent. For something memorable, ride to the castle in a horse-drawn carriage and walk back down the mountain through the forest.
he Bavarian Alps provide a beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventures, whether you fancy a hike in the hills, a canyoning tour, or a ride on the world’s longest alpine coaster. Or, visit nearby attractions, such as the village of Oberammergau, known for its striking frescos, and Linderhof Castle, another of King Ludwig II’s (the “Mad King”) fantastical creations.
Bavaria’s Disney-esque landscapes continue in Rothenburg ob der Tauber—the picturesque medieval town inspired the original Pinocchio film. Kids love climbing the old city walls, walking the ramparts, and peeking out the watchtowers. Amid the cobbled lanes and half-timbered buildings are the Kaethe Wohlfahrt Christmas store, Käthes Spielzeugladen toy store, and bakeries selling the schneeballen (snowballs), the city’s famous sweet treat.
It’s about an hour’s drive to Nuremberg. Hop on the Bimmelbahn tourist train to see the Imperial Castle and the medieval Old Town, uncover Nuremberg’s toy-making legacy at the hands-on Toy Museum, and enjoy the Playmobil Fun Park.
