7 Days Road Trip through Bavaria

Discover Germany's south by motorhome!

Bavaria is the largest federal state in Germany and covers the entire south-eastern part of the country. It consists of plateaus and medium-high mountains covered by forests and lined by rivers.

Thanks to its mix of impressive scenery, popular festivals and distinct local culture, this state is one of the most popular destinations in Germany.

As we are passionate campers and adventurers, we find that the best way to visit Bavaria is by motorhome. Including our warming seat pads and thermal blankets that let us be prepared for any weather.

Germany's southern border with Austria offers beautiful villages and castles, but also many of the most beautiful campsites. In this blog, we present a beautiful first-hand itinerary that we have already explored ourselves. It offers hikes on high plateaus, beautiful landscapes and historical sites.

Our first stop is Munich, of course. There you should not miss to feast on Bavarian delicacies like Weißwurst, Kaiserschmarrn and Käsespätzle. But as one of the world's most famous cities in Germany, Munich offers many sights and monuments and, with the English Garden, beautiful places to linger.

Due to its location far from the sea and close to the Alps, Munich can quickly experience weather changes and thunderstorms. So be sure to pack heating blankets and heat pads to prepare you for cold summer nights in the motorhome.

Stop 1: Dachau

The Dachau concentration camp was established in March 1933. It was the first regular concentration camp established by the Nazis.

Here it is good to stay at the München-Obermenzing campsite, a beautiful campsite in the forest, only 8 km from the city centre, where the Oktoberfest is usually held. From here, a visit to Dachau is an important historical point on our route that makes you think.

Depending on the time of year, this area can be the coldest part of our route. If you're staying not only in a motorhome but perhaps even in a tent, equip yourself with suitable heating products for outdoor use. Check out our heating pads and blankets from Outchair, which we never travel without.

Duration of stay: 1 day

Camping: Camping site Munich-Obermenzing

Stop 2: Schwangau near Füssen

Schwangau is one of the most popular areas in the Allgäu and attracts large crowds of tourists all year round. It is home to the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, perched on a hill in the Bavarian Alps and reminiscent of royal times. With its playful appearance, iconic limestone façade and deep blue turrets, it served as the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.

You should plan two days to visit the castle and the surrounding area with highlights such as the Marienbrücke, Pöllatschlucht or the seven lakes.

An insider tip: Park your motorhome in the charming village of Ettal and visit the Benedictine monastery there. Here you can taste the beer brewed by the monks themselves!

If you visit the castle and then hike down the Pöllat Gorge, you will always be exposed to fresh wind and shade. No matter what time of year it is. So be sure to pack one of our heat pads in your rucksack. You can strap it on and keep warm during the hike or use it as a warming seat cushion during breaks.

Duration of stay: 2 days

Camping: campsite by the lake near the castle

Stop 3: Salzburg

From Schwangau you drive east and reach the Austrian border in less than 3 hours. From here, Mozart's birthplace is only twenty minutes from the border. The city of Salzburg offers a multitude of churches, castles and palaces and its picturesque old town is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The two castles of Mirabell and the Hohensalzburg Fortress on the left and right of the Salzach are also absolute highlights of this city. Especially the spa garden in front of Mirabell Palace is the perfect place for a break. On the back-up, our heatable outdoor seat, you can enjoy your typical Bavarian-Austrian snack like the Leberkässemmel! 

Duration of stay: 3 days

Camping: Camping Panorama Stadtblick

Stop 4: Chiemsee

The last stop on this Bavaria itinerary is Lake Chiemsee, the largest lake in Bavaria, about 70 kilometres from Munich.

Lake Chiemsee, also called the "Bavarian Sea" because of its enormous size, is a popular destination with a vibrant town centre and several campsites around the lake.

The extravagant and opulent Herrenchiemsee Palace is enthroned on the largest island of the lake. The palace was built on the model of Versailles in Paris, but remained unfinished and has since been converted into a museum.

All three islands of the lake can be reached by ferry and offer many beautiful attractions and landscapes: a Benedictine monastery, beer gardens and numerous picturesque nature trails. As the perfect end to your eventful road trip, you can relax here and admire the breathtaking view of the lake.

Duration of stay: 1 day

Camping: Panorama Camping Harras

 

Are you ready to visit Bavaria with your camper van? Then pack your rucksack, including outdoor heating pad and off you go!