Discover cities, countryside and people on Bavaria’s scenic routes, which criss-cross the state, allowing you to enjoy the unique scenery of the various regions. Whether you are travelling by car, motorbike or bicycle – the journey is the destination. Be sure to make enough time for all the attractions along the way and have all their details to hand. Visitors who prefer walking will be pleased to hear that many routes are linked to hiking trails. You can also do a circuit by connecting two scenic routes with each other and travelling along the second route backwards, as it were. Keen photographers will find a wealth of delightful subject matter along these scenic routes. From Franconia to the Bavarian Forest, Upper and Lower Bavaria and on into the Allgäu and Bavarian Swabia, the whole region is rich in tourist hotspots. You’re sure to have plenty of fun as you holiday along Bavaria’s scenic routes.
Here is a small selection of the most beautiful scenic routes through the Bavarian countryside:
The German Toy Route
in Bavaria goes from Nuremberg to Coburg, passing through Zirndorf, Schwabach, Gößweinstein and Muggendorf. As well as renowned toy manufacturers, visitors of all ages can look forward to museums, theme parks, trade fairs, festivals and factory outlets on the German Toy Route.
The German Crystal Road
runs between Neustadt an der Waldnaab and Passau and tells the story and traditions of glass-blowing in Bavaria. Stops along the Crystal Road include Frauenau, with the oldest glass hut in Germany, Bodenmais, the glass forest in Regen, Zwiesel and Plößberg, where the glass-smelting kilns were produced.
The Route of the Young Danube
begins, at least in Bavaria, in Neu-Ulm and follows the River Danube to Günzburg, Dillingen, Höchstätt and Ingolstadt. The journey then takes visitors to Weltenburg Abbey and the famous Danube Gorge, Kelheim, the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg and on to Straubing, Deggendorf and Passau.
Sisi’s Road
focusses on the places that played a key role in the life of the young Empress in Augsburg, Aichach and on Lake Starnberg. The theme of Sisi can be found wherever you look along the route.
The German Alpine Road – Germany’s oldest scenic route
The beautiful route of the German Alpine Road leads from Lindau on Lake Constance through the Allgäu and Bavarian Swabia to picturesque Lake Königssee before finishing in Bad Reichenhall in Upper Bavaria. Along the way, you can explore places such as Bad Hindelang, Füssen with sights that include the royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, the Pfaffenwinkel, the Zugspitze – Germany’s highest mountain – and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Passing through Oberammergau, past Ettal Abbey and Linderhof Palace, the route goes on to Lake Walchensee and Lake Kochelsee. From Bad Tölz it then leads to Lake Tegernsee and Lake Schliersee, on to Reit in Winkl, further to Lake Königssee and finally to Bad Reichenhall.
The Castle Road
As you travel along Bavaria’s Castle Road make time to explore the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Nuremberg Castle. Cadolzburg Castle and the Veste Coburg are both on this route, as is the Rosenberg Fortress in Kronach and the castle of Plassenburg in Kulmbach. The destination at the end of the romantic Castle Road is Bayreuth with its captivating buildings from the time of the Margravine Wilhelmine.
The Romantic Road – one of Germany’s most famous scenic routes
leads from Franconia through Bavarian Swabia to the Allgäu. The route begins in Würzburg with its famous Residence, then goes through the Taubertal valley and on to the medieval city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, as well as Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen in the Donau-Ries district. These are followed by Harburg, Donauwörth and Augsburg, home of the Fugger family. The route then continues to Friedberg, Landsberg am Lech, Schongau and Peiting. In Steingaden, the Pilgrimage Church of Wies is not to be missed, while the fairy-tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are also attractive destinations. The route ends in the picturesque setting of Füssen, with its many sights and attractions.
The Route of Emperors and Kings – travel in the footsteps of monarchs
from Regensburg towards Passau. Important stops along the way include the Walhalla, just outside Regensburg, and the Danube cities of Straubing and Deggendorf, before you reach Passau. What is extra special about this scenic route is that you can either travel overland by car or bike, or cruise down the river, as the nobility used to do in days gone by.
Classic Car Routes
For classic car enthusiasts, we have collaborated with our partners to put together various excursions under the slogan “By classic car through Bavaria”.
- Classic car and Youngtimer rally around Lake Chiemsee
Starting from Chiemsee, visit Wasserburg am Inn, Rosenheim, Aschau im Chiemgau, Burhausen with the longest castle in the world, and Lake Königssee in the Berchtesgaden National Park. - Home of handicrafts
From the state capital Munich, this route takes you to the most beautiful lakes of the Alpine uplands.
Length: 220 km - Bavarian Romantic Tour
Historical places, old trading routes – this tour between Nördlingen and Garmisch-Partenkirchen invites you to dream.
Length: 270 km - Between nature and tradition
On the trail of traditional handicrafts, this route takes you not only to Altmühl and the Bavarian Danube but all the way from Nuremberg to the Bavarian Forest.
Length: 430 km - Vine & Hop Tour
From the Franconian vineyards on the river Main through picturesque Franconian Switzerland and on to the Upper Palatinate, the home of Zoigl beer.
Length: 410 km - Classic car and Youngtimer rally from Schloss Leitheim
Excursions to Castle Dennenlohe, Eichstätt, Aichach and Neuburg an der Donau feature on the itinerary. - Spas, castles, half-timbered buildings
On the route from Heroldsbach to Bad Kissingen you pass the castles of Thurn and Eyrichshof, the natural beauty of the Haßberg Mountains and the spa resorts of Bad Steben and Bad Brückenau. - Castle Tour
The Castle Tour in the north of Bavaria is noted for its many unmissable attractions. From Würzburg in Franconia it leads to the city of Augsburg in Bavarian Swabia, home of the Fugger family. - From forest to world cultural heritage
Experience craftsmanship, nature and culture between the porcelain city of Selb and the Danube Gorge at Kelheim. - Culture and indulgence
Over mountains and past lakes from Munich to Berchtesgaden. - Mountain views
A trip through the mountains of southern Bavaria from Oberstdorf to Lake Chiemsee.
We hope you have fun on your travels, get inspired, and naturally enjoy the many experiences you will encounter on the most beautiful routes through Bavaria; one-way or circular, bike tour, road trip, bus adventure or river cruise.
