Bavaria is one of Germany’s most romantic and picturesque regions. Renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, dense forests, and historic castles, at times it can look like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
This romantic road trip takes you through some of the most breathtaking national parks and landscapes in Germany, from the majestic peaks of Berchtesgaden National Park to the tranquil woods of Bavarian Forest National Park, and the gentle river valleys of Altmühltal Nature Park.
With Cheaper Than Cars, you can easily find the ideal vehicle for your Bavarian adventure. With convenient pick-up locations at Munich Airport and other major cities, you’re just a few clicks away from starting your journey through one of Germany’s most beautiful regions.
What To Expect
Bavaria is a relatively compact region, but one filled with natural diversity. It’s the perfect place for exploration and outdoor adventure, with a chance to enjoy great beer, wine, food, and culture along the way. Rich in history, each park on the route provides unique experiences, from walking in the Alps to exploring ancient forests and enchanting medieval towns.
Bavaria’s natural landscapes are well-preserved, making them a haven for nature lovers and photographers. This is scenic, natural Germany at its very best.
On this route, you’ll cover approximately 300 miles (480km), with a total driving time of around 8 to 10 hours. This makes it a relatively short road trip, but one that should enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Combining the trip with a city break in the regional capital of Munich, with its galleries, parks, and fantastic restaurants, is a great way to extend your Bavarian experience.
Here’s your itinerary for a road trip through enchanting Bavaria’s varied and scenic landscapes.
Berchtesgaden National Park
Located near the Austrian border, the Berchtesgaden National Park is one of Germany’s best-loved landscapes. Famous for its jaw-dropping alpine scenery, the park is home to the towering Watzmann Mountain, the second-highest peak in Germany, and the crystal-clear Lake Königssee, often regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the whole of the Alps.
A boat trip on the lake gives you unique views of the surrounding mountains, as well as access to the remote St Bartholomew’s Church. The Eagle’s Nest has a troubled history but is now a stunning lookout point across the mountains. You can travel on a miner’s train at the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine and take a boat ride on an underground salt lake.
Best Photography Spot: Lake Königssee at sunrise, with Watzmann Mountain in the background, is not to be missed.
- Distance from Munich International Airport: 107 miles (172km)
- Driving Time from Munich International Airport: Approximately 2 hours
Bavarian Forest National Park
Heading northeast, you’ll come to Germany’s oldest national park. Established in 1970, the Bavarian Forest Park is located along the border with the Czech Republic and is a haven for wildlife. Featuring vast forests and rolling hills, part of the park is being rewilded, allowing nature to reclaim it to its original state.
The park has an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, with campsites that allow you to extend your stay. Along the way, you may glimpse some of the park’s native wildlife, including lynx, deer, and wild boar. Not for the faint of heart, the Baumwipfelpfad treetop walk takes you high above the forest floor, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This is best experienced in the autumn as the leaves turn red, brown, and golden.
In the winter, the snow-covered landscape takes on a fairy-tale quality, perfect for cross-country skiing.
Best Photography Spot: The Baumwipfelpfad treetop walk offers spectacular views over the forest canopy, especially during autumn.
- Distance from Berchtesgaden National Park: 140 miles (225km)
- Driving Time from Berchtesgaden National Park: Approximately 3 hours
Altmühltal Nature Park
The final leg of your Bavarian road trip takes you to Altmühltal Nature Park. While not a national park, this much-loved nature reserve is home to some of Bavaria’s best-loved landscapes, particularly with locals. This is a gentler terrain made up of rolling hills, winding rivers, and limestone cliffs, dotted with fascinating medieval towns and castles. It has a gentler pace of life, combining natural beauty and history.
The Altmühl River meanders through the valley, providing opportunities for canoeing, as well as cycling and hiking along its banks. The Danube Gorge is a popular local beauty spot, and in the park, you’ll also find the historic Weltenburg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery dating back to the 7th century. They still brew their own Bavarian beer, which you can sample in the abbey’s beer garden.
Best Photography Spot: The Danube Gorge, with its towering limestone cliffs and the Weltenburg Abbey in the foreground, offers a stunning view.
- Distance from Bavarian Forest National Park: 124 miles (200km)
- Driving Time from Bavarian Forest National Park: Approximately 2.5 hours
What To Remember
This road trip through Bavaria’s natural parks and nature reserves combines everything that’s good about the region, from its stunning natural beauty to its timeless towns, and fascinating history. Combined with its relatively short distances, this makes it the perfect German road trip for a wide range of travellers.
Weather in Bavaria can differ greatly over the year, particularly in the mountainous regions, so come prepared. Bavaria’s well-maintained road network makes it easy to navigate the region, but in the winter months, there are sometimes road closures on the higher routes.
The parks are wonderful, unspoiled places that are cherished by Bavarians and visitors alike. Always take your rubbish with you and follow the park regulations, particularly if you’re camping or out on the trails.
With Cheaper Than Cars, we make it easy to find the perfect vehicle for your Bavarian road trip. Whatever your budget and preferences, we’ve got you covered.
Is It Time To Start Planning Your Bavarian Adventure?
There’s far more to Bavaria than beer festivals, and on this stunning road trip adventure, you can explore much more of what the region has to offer.
Whatever your German travel plans, Cheaper Than Cars makes adventure more affordable.
Why not start planning your Bavarian road trip today?
