9-Day Germany Itinerary: Castles, Oktoberfest & the Romantic Road

Ready to explore Germany’s castles, charming towns, and world-famous beer culture? This is the exact 9-day Germany itinerary I’ve planned for our September trip! From Munich’s Oktoberfest and royal palaces to the scenic Romantic Road and the fairytale beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle, this route takes you through the heart of Bavaria. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to see more, this travel plan helps you make the most of a week in Germany during the fall. Expect cobblestone streets, medieval towers, traditional beer halls, and unforgettable alpine views.

Explore Oktoberfest Tents in September on a 9 Day Germany Itinerary.

Don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Germany Packing List for essentials to bring, especially if you’re traveling in the fall.

Day 1: Arrive in Munich & Get a Taste of the City

Highlights: Viktualienmarkt, Marienplatz, Oktoberfest or Beer Hall Dinner

Arrive in Munich, check into your hotel, and freshen up.
Travel to Theresienwiese by 11:00 to watch the Oktoberfest costume parade if arriving on the first Sunday of the festival.
Grab lunch at Viktualienmarkt – sample pretzels, sausages, and cheese.
Explore Marienplatz and watch the Glockenspiel chime.
Head to Oktoberfest early and enjoy dinner at the iconic Hofbräuhaus.

Day 2: Full Day at Oktoberfest

Get dressed in your Dirndl or Lederhosen
Arrive early to beat the crowds and soak up the Bavarian atmosphere.
Explore different beer tents, try traditional foods, and enjoy the rides.

Day 3: Royal Palaces & Munich Culture

Highlights: Nymphenburg Palace, Museums, Botanical Gardens

Visit Nymphenburg Palace and stroll the elegant gardens.
Pop into the Marstallmuseum for royal carriages and sleighs.
Spend the afternoon exploring the Residenz Palace, museums and historic churches.
Dinner in the city center or casual bites at Viktualienmarkt.

Day 4: Dachau Memorial & Free Time in Munich

Highlights: Emotional Dachau & Englischer Garten

Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial for a moving, reflective experience.
Free time to explore Englischer Garten
Walk or ride bikes to see the Japanese Teahouse, Monopteros Hill, & the Chinese Tower
Dinner in Englischer Garten on the lake or back to Oktoberfest

Day 5: Begin the Romantic Road: Munich to Würzburg

Highlights: Würzburg Residence, Fortress, Old Town

Rent a car, drive to Würzburg and explore the opulent Würzburg Residence and Gardens.
Visit the Cathedral and Marienberg Fortress for panoramic views.
Enjoy dinner riverside and sip local Franconian wine.
Overnight in Würzburg.

Visit Wurzburg Residenz on a 9 Day Germany Itinerary.

Day 6: Würzburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Highlights: Medieval Town Walls, Christmas Museum, Nightwatchman’s Tour

Drive to Rothenburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns.
Explore the town walls, visit the Christmas Museum, and see Plönlein Square.
Check out the Medieval Crime Museum and St. Jakob’s Church.
Have dinner in a historic tavern and join the Nightwatchman’s Tour.
Overnight in Rothenburg.

Day 7: Rothenburg to Dinkelsbühl, Nördlingen & Augsburg

Highlights: Town Walks, Towers & Medieval Charm

Morning stop in Dinkelsbühl for coffee and pastries, visit St. George’s Minster.
Continue to Nördlingen, a town built inside a meteorite crater.
Climb the Daniel Tower for sweeping views.
Drive on to Augsburg and have dinner at a cozy Bavarian inn.
Overnight in Augsburg.

Visit Hohenschwangau Castle on a 9 Day Germany Itinerary.

Day 8: Castles & Alps — Nördlingen to Füssen

Highlights: Neuschwanstein Castle, Füssen Old Town, Lake Views

Drive to Füssen with an optional scenic detour through Landsberg am Lech.
Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and nearby Marienbrücke for epic views.
Drive to Highline179 & Ehrenburg Castle Ruins OR take a Forggessee Boat Ride
Enjoy a lakeside dinner and watch the sunset over the Alps.
Overnight near Neuschwanstein.

Day 9: Hohenschwangau Castle & Return to Munich

Highlights: Castles, Views, Brews & Back to Munich

Visit Hohenschwangau Castle and walk around Alpsee Lake.
Explore Füssen’s Old Town, High Castle, and Lechfall.
Walk the easy treetop trail at Wanderlebniszentrum.
Drive to Freising & visit Weihenstephan Brewery – oldest operating brewery in the world.
Overnight near the airport to get ready for your flight the next morning.

This 9-day Germany itinerary covers the perfect mix of culture, history, and scenery. Whether you’re sipping beer in Munich, wandering medieval towns along the Romantic Road, or standing in awe at Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany offers unforgettable experiences.

Planning your trip in the fall? Don’t miss the magic of Oktoberfest and autumn in Bavaria. Looking for more travel tips? Check out my Packing List for Munich in the Fall and my Detailed 9 Day Germany Travel Guide will be available soon that includes ALL THE DETAILS!

If you loved this getaway, browse more travel destinations here.