Must-Do Activities in Germany: My Detailed 9-Day Travel Guide

We’re back from Germany and it was everything we hoped for and more. From clinking steins at Oktoberfest to wandering storybook towns along the Romantic Road, this updated 9-day travel guide includes all our favorite finds. I’m sharing honest reviews and real-time tips from the trip. Whether you are planning your first adventure through Bavaria or refining a return visit, this revised guide walks you through exactly what worked and what we’d tweak! It includes highlights from Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and beyond. Get ready for castles, cozy beer halls, alpine views, and practical planning advice to make your own Germany trip unforgettable.

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

From Oktoberfest to Castles: A 9-Day Journey Across Munich and the Romantic Road

Day 1 From Airport to Beer Garden: Our Oktoberfest Kickoff!

• 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.
• Head to Oktoberfest early and enjoy first beers, people, and dinner at the iconic Hofbräuhaus.

My husband and I arrived in Munich at 7:35 am and easily caught a taxi to our hotel. The Freenow App worked easily to help us get a Lyft and there were plenty available. There’s no need to schedule one ahead of time. We stayed at the Four Points Sheraton by Marriott in Arabella Park. This plan saved us some money and was near a Ubahn Station – super convenient. Our hotel stored our luggage and we freshened up in the hotel restroom.

The nearby Westin had a delicious & relaxing breakfast buffet. We decided was a must before a long day and our server was delightful! Now that we had some sustenance we caught the U4 to the Oktoberfest grounds. I like an app called Transit that gives me detailed information about how to navigate between trains, busses, and walking. Seeing all the trachten attire on the train confirmed we were absolutely in the right place!

Navigating Munich’s Oktoberfest: What to Expect on Your First Day

Since we took a bit more time with breakfast and taking everything in, we did not arrive in time for the parade. At first I was disappointed, but realized we still enjoyed taking in the first sights of this huge festival! Checking out all the booths on the main throughway allowed us to get our bearings. Then we headed into the Hofbrau Tent. Our group was amazed at the vast amount of space and people already celebrating. We joined a group of people at a standing table and made new friends where we stayed until early evening. Giant beers, pretzels, live music, and good conversation with young Americans, Parisians, Argentinians, and Mexicans made the day fly by.

Our friends finally arrived from their later flight and we all switched to a table in the outdoor biergarten of Hofbrau for dinner. This gave us a change of scenery on a warm evening. We even met a couple of German boys who were sitting at the table. They suggested currywurst for dinner. Not my favorite, but read on to find out the best foods to try! Of course we added a large pretzel as the side. After a long flight and long day, that included this extra large party, we headed back to check into the hotel. Getting some rest was imperative so we could do it all again!

If you go, the best strategy is to join in on a table early in the day. It allows you to meet new friends sharing the table. Be prepared to stick to your table unless you get a large group reservation early in the year. Amazing servers come to the table regularly, serving up beer in litre steins and an assortment food from a menu. Tip: You can order sparkling water that comes in a small stein to hydrate!

By the end of our first day, we were completely swept up in the energy of Oktoberfest. Between the music, the food, and the people, we knew we were in for an unforgettable adventure.

Day 2: Sample Old Town Munich and Another Day at Oktoberfest

• Catch the Glockenspiel show at the top of the hour
• Get dressed in your Dirndl or Lederhosen
• Arrive at Oktoberfest early to beat the crowds and soak up the Bavarian atmosphere.
• Explore different beer tents, try traditional foods, and enjoy the rides.

After a wild first day, we couldn’t wait to dive right back into the action the next morning! We got up early, ate a delicious buffet breakfast at our hotel Eisbach Restaurant. There was a wide assortment of pastries, homemade breads, eggs, bacon and bavarian white sausage. Traditional breakfast buffet items of fruit, yogurt, cereals, and granola were plentiful as well as juice choices and an espresso machine. After filling our bellies, we ventured off by train to take in the sights of Marienplatz Old Town since we missed this yesterday.

We enjoyed the Glockenspiel show and then had a coffee at Nespresso on the plaza. It is a warm & cozy coffee shop tucked in between many other beautiful shops to explore. Nearby Viktualienmarkt offered small biergartens and a yummy grilled cheese for lunch. I took a break from beer and enjoyed one of my favorites: a Hugo Spritz! We found different spritz recipes offered in many different spots if you’re not a full time beer drinker!

A morning of regrouping and relaxing helped us revive our energy for what was next. We traveled back to the hotel to quickly change into our dirndls and lederhosen before traveling back to Oktoberfest. Once back at the festival grounds we walked around, enjoyed the booths, and then headed into Marstall. We lucked into a seating by the hostess at a large table and were introduced to a young couple and several delightful Germans. They became our best friends for the next 6 hours! We enjoyed the beautiful tent, live band elevated to our left and a delicious dinner. The traditional menu of roast chicken, pig knuckles, pretzels, sauerkraut and potatoes satisfied and complimented the atmosphere. Our group marveled at how good everything tasted and the quality of the service in such a larger-than-life environment!

Oktoberfest Experience: The Best Beer Tents and Food to Try

We hated to leave this incredible spot, but needed to see the rest of what Oktoberfest had to offer. Now that it was getting dark, the tents were ramping up. We grabbed a table upstairs at Lowenbrau for a few liters of beer, made friends with an American traveling solo, and danced to Sweet Caroline! Next we walked through and sampled the brews at Hacker, Schottenhamel, Paulaner, and Augustiner. Believe it or not, most of the crowd was dancing on tables to more American music at every stop! Difficult to find a table at this hour, we took pictures at the famous Bavarian statue and finished off the night in a smaller tent. One final beer and snack of bratwurst was in order before heading back to our hotel via Lyft.

By the end of Day 2, we felt fully immersed in the Bavarian spirit! There’s something magical about Oktoberfest that goes beyond the beer and food. It’s the friendly people, the music that makes everyone sing along (even if you don’t know the words), and the sense of celebration that fills the air. As night darkened over the tents and the crowds grew even livelier, we felt lucky to be part of this epic tradition. Prost to an unforgettable day!

Day 3: Royal Palaces & Munich Culture

• 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 at the original brick and mortar Hofbrauhaus.

Rain is common during this time of year and we had to don our raingear before heading out to Nymphenburg Palace. We took the Ubahn to the main station and then hopped in a Lyft for the rest of the 30 minute trip and were dropped off at the door to the ticket office. We purchased ahead so presented our tickets and enjoyed the beautiful, large Baroque palace. It is one of the most famous royal residences in Europe. It’s famous for serving as the summer residence of the Bavarian rulers from the House of Wittelsbach.

Exploring Nymphenburg Palace: A Must-See in Munich

Construction on the palace began in 1664 and was commissioned by Elector Ferdinand Maria for his wife Henriette Adelaide of Savoy to celebrate the birth of their son Maximilian II Emanuel. The 600 meter grand facade is one of Europe’s largest and features lavish Baroque and Rococo interiors. As an art minor who loved every minute of art history in college, the beauty of this palace with its famous hall of mirrors, breathtaking frescoes and chandeliers made me stand in amazement in every room.

A fun highlight was the Marstallmuseum on the Nymphenburg Palace grounds. This museum preserves and showcases the royal carriages, sleighs, and equestrian gear. It all belonged to the Electors and Kings of Bavaria. More than 40 carriages, gala coaches, sleighs and other horse drawn vehicles from 1700-1900 are on exhibit. It includes Emperor Charles VII’s French Rococo style Coronation coach, King Ludwig II’s coaches & sleighs, and the Hercules racing sleigh belonging to Elector Max Emanuel.

The plan was to grab a bite at the Schlosscafe im Palmenhaus, a palace location, but since they were closed we walked to a nearby historic restaurant called Metzgerwirt. This bavarian inn dates back to 1730. In the traditionally decorated dining room, I had delicious pork schnitzel, herb seasoned potatoes, and a simple salad. My husband tried and loved the roast beef with crispy fried potatoes. It was one of my most delicious and memorable of our authentic meals!

Visiting Munich’s Residenz Palace: A Deep Dive into Bavarian Royalty

After lunch we traveled back toward the Old Town of Munich for another tour. Residenz Munchen was up next. While our morning location was the summer house, this was the town house! The Munich Residence, open to the public since 1920, is now one of Europe’s key palace museums. Built by the House of Wittelsbach, it reflects the the interests of Bavarian rulers. They reigned as dukes, electors, and kings from the 16th to the 20th century. The palace showcases a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles, with interiors that still display the era’s grandeur. I was in awe of the original furnishings, artwork, and treasures that embody the changing symbols of royal power across so many centuries.

Original Hofbrauhaus Beer Hall: More Steins of Beer, Bavarian Dinner, and a Surprising Past

Window shopping in Old Town Munich made hours fly by as we walked around taking in all the sights and amazing architecture. We wound up at the original Hofbrauhaus for dinner. Lively atmosphere, liter steins, and live music greeted us and we once again enjoyed pretzels, delicious brot (bread), pork knuckles and roast chicken. Some say skip this, but we wanted the contrast from the Oktoberfest location. Beautiful old building, darling beer garden, and ability to get a table in this popular spot told us we made the right choice.

Interestingly, and after the fact, I found out there is quite a dark past for this beer hall. It was actually the location Hitler announced his Twenty Five Point Program at the National Socialist Meeting in 1920. The quiet upstairs Festival Room was where this political manifesto was first announced and his famous “Why We Are Antisemites” speech was given. With all the joyful revelry between such a mix of nationalities it’s hard to imagine those rooms being tied to years of planning by the Nazi regime.

Today was a perfect blend of history, culture, and delicious food. Exploring the royal palaces and wandering through Munich’s historic streets was like stepping into a living museum. The afternoon flew by as we soaked in the beauty of the Residenz Palace and the charm of Old Town. Our dinner at Hofbrauhaus capped off the day with great food, laughter, and a lively atmosphere. We ended the day grateful for all the stories Munich had to tell.

Day 4: Dachau Memorial & Stroll Around Munich

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

Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

We started our morning with breakfast at the hotel before catching the S2 train to Dachau. It’s just 10–12 miles from Munich. No advance tickets are required. From the Dachau station, visitors can take a short bus ride to the memorial or walk the same several-mile route prisoners were once forced to take. Busses were crowded so we actually grabbed an Uber due to the weather.

A gray, heavy sky hung over the site, adding to the solemn atmosphere. At the Visitor Center, we purchased tickets and picked up audio guides (available in multiple languages). While the exhibit signage is in both German and English, the audio guide allows you to move through the memorial at your own pace.

The tour begins near the large living quarters once used by the Nazis who ran the camp and leads toward the infamous Main Gate marked with the chilling phrase “Arbeit macht frei”—“work sets you free.” From there, visitors move through the reconstructed barracks, roll-call yard, and crematorium. The scenes feel eerily familiar from films and documentaries, yet seeing the spaces firsthand is a sobering reminder of the atrocities that took place here. Exhibits detail the daily lives of prisoners, medical experiments, systemic violence, and the liberation of the camp by U.S. forces in April 1945.

Along the perimeter of the camp, several religious memorials offer places of quiet refuge … spaces deliberately designed to soften the harshness of the site and invite reflection. But it was the International Memorial Sculpture that stopped me in my tracks. Created by Nandor Glid, a Holocaust survivor from Yugoslavia, the twisted, skeletal forms of bodies entangled in barbed wire speak a truth that words can barely touch. It’s a raw tribute to the lives lost … and to those who lived through unimaginable suffering, stripped of their humanity. Standing there, the sculpture made the ghosts of this place feel piercingly real.

Afternoon: A Return to Lightness in the Englischer Garten

After the intensity of Dachau, we returned to Munich by train for a lighter afternoon. From the train station, we traveled the Ubahn close to Englischer Garten and ducked into Zum Brunnwart for a pint and warming up. We popped open the umbrellas afterwards and wandered through the Englischer Garten, rain drizzling on us the rest of the day.

Endless walking and biking paths connect some of the park’s highlights: the Japanese Teahouse, Monopteros Hill with its sweeping views, and the lively Chinese Tower. Despite the rain, the park had a calm charm to it that was both lush, peaceful, and full of life.

By the time we reached the beautiful Seehaus on the lake, the dreariness had given way to warmth, cocktails, and a delicious meal. Sitting lakeside with attentive service and glowing views reminded us why we travel: for connection, new perspectives, simple joys, and the chance to savor moments with the people we love.

Today felt like two different worlds woven together. Dachau was heavy . . . necessary, uncomfortable, and deeply human. The Englischer Garten was soft and restorative, a reminder that beauty and peace can coexist with memory and grief. Traveling teaches you that life is both: the weight of what has been, and the lightness of where you are now. I’m grateful we experienced both in the same day.

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.

We picked up our rental car early at the Munich airport’s Enterprise location, grabbed a quick coffee, checked out of Four Points Sheraton by Marriott, and officially set off toward Würzburg . . . the starting point of our trek on the Romantic Road. Dale can now proudly say he’s driven the Autobahn. And yes, the rumors are true: there are areas with no speed limit … but we quickly learned that many stretches through towns and near exits are strictly regulated. Our rental car gave alerts & beeped whenever he went over the limit!

After a smooth two-and-a-half-hour drive, we checked into the Maritim Hotel Würzburg and strolled down the street for a casual pizza lunch at Locanda Würzburg, overlooking the river. The thin-crust pies loaded with fresh toppings were a refreshing break from Bavarian fare. The boys ordered Dunkel beers, and the girls enjoyed exploring Franconian wine options. We were now in the heart of Germany’s wine region, after all.

Touring the Wurzburg Residenz

With full stomachs, we walked to the magnificent Würzburg Residence, the city’s Baroque showpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets (with an audio guide) can be purchased at the entrance.

The moment I stepped inside, I was awestruck by the soaring ceiling frescoes. The Residence, built between 1720 and 1744 and furnished over the next several decades, served as the palace of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. Its seamless blend of German Baroque, French Classicism, and Viennese imperial influences, crafted by three generations of artisans, makes it one of the most stunning palaces in Europe.

Würzburg suffered massive destruction in a 1945 air raid, and the Residence endured extensive fire and water damage. The restoration, completed in 1987, returned treasures like the Hall of Mirrors to their former splendor.

The Residence Gardens are equally enchanting: terraced lawns, fountains, arbors, pagodas, and sculpted flower beds create a layered, storybook landscape. Locals jogged and strolled through the grounds as we wandered the pathways. It was easy to imagine the conversations and court life that once filled these same spaces.

After the gardens, we stepped into the Würzburg Cathedral, dedicated to St. Kilian. Built in Romanesque style and the fourth-largest cathedral in Germany, it also serves as the burial site for the city’s Prince-Bishops. The connected monastery dates back to the 8th century, adding an unmistakable sense of history to the space.

Dinner at Alter Kranen on the Main River

A peaceful walk along the river brought us back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. We chose Alter Kranen, an award-winning restaurant serving Bavarian specialties with views of the Main River. Our window table overlooked the historic Alter Kranen (Old Crane), the fortress on the hill, and the famous old bridge. Built between 1770 and 1773, the crane once played a crucial role in Würzburg’s port operations through the mid-19th century.Dinner was hearty and delicious: cheesy starters, roast beef, pork schnitzel, and warm apple strudel for dessert. I tried spinatknödel, spinach dumplings on salsify with cream sauce, walnuts, and a fresh salad, quite comforting and flavorful. More Dunkels for the guys, wine for the ladies, and a wonderful close to our first full day on the Romantic Road.

Today felt like a perfect start to the Romantic Road . . . beautiful sights, good food, and easy moments together. Würzburg’s history and river views set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Day 6: Würzburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

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

• Marienburg Fortress
• 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.

Our next morning started with a coffee and quiche at Cafehaus Bruckenback on the Alte Mainbrucke before hiking up to the Marienburg Fortress.

Overlooking Würzburg, Marienberg Fortress has guarded the city for over 1,000 years. Once the seat of powerful prince-bishops, the fortress features massive bastions, the historic Marienkapelle, sweeping views, and the beautifully restored Princes’ Garden. Today, it also houses the Museum für Franken, showcasing outstanding art and cultural treasures.

Following the fortress visit, we checked out of the Maritim Hotel Wurzburg and for an hour and a half to Rothenburg via many small villages along the Romantic Road.

• Town Walls & Tower Walk: Rothenburg’s town walls and towers are well-preserved and you can take a walking tour along the ramparts. Go to the tower & torture museum.
• Visit Christmas Museum
• Plönlein: One of the most photographed spots in Rothenburg, this picturesque square is a must-see.

Rothenburg is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval towns in Germany, filled with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and fascinating museums. We drove into town & checked into Hotel Eisenhut. Hotel Sonne is another great option, but we loved the old world feel of Hotel Eisenhut and its great location. However you can’t really go wrong in this adorable small town.

We visited the Christmas Museum and took a ton of pictures at Plonlein which is one of the most photographed spots in Rothenburg. Lunch was at Gasthof Butz, a traditional Bavarian restaurant that serves hearty local dishes. Try their “Schweinshaxe” (pork knuckle) or “Käsespätzle” (cheese noodles).

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.

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?

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