Top 5 Bavarian Alps Day Trips: See Fairytale Spots

Dreaming of mountains that touch the sky and charming places that feel like they’re straight out of a storybook? So, that’s what the Bavarian Alps very much offer, and believe me, it’s almost more amazing in person. The best bit is that many spots can be reached in a single day, if you plan very very carefully. If you are wanting peaks, valleys and beer gardens – or, really, is there anything else – then, these Bavarian Alps day trips are certainly for you.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle: Disney’s Inspiration

Right, so no visit to Bavaria is, like, ever complete without visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. Too it’s the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. And just to let you know, it’s a sight to behold. The views are great as you climb the hill or are driven up in a horse drawn carriage. As I was saying, King Ludwig II started its building back in 1869, yet, unfortunately, he did die way before its completion.

Walking through the castle is actually pretty breathtaking. The design, it seems to be like something out of a Wagner opera – you know, dramatic and, like, larger than life? Still, what many visitors may actually not know is that the castle very nearly wasn’t open to them! Ludwig actually saw the Castle, a private refuge. Luckily that didn’t happen. After his death it was immediately opened up to the public. Over 1.3 million visit it every year, which actually translates to over 6000 per day in the peak season.

Getting there: Hop on a train to Füssen, then catch a short bus ride to Hohenschwangau. Now that bit is easy. Also that bit gets really busy! Make sure to book your tour tickets in advance to actually skip those long lines, and to make sure that you can get in, and stuff. Neuschwanstein Castle Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Neuschwanstein Tour)

2. Zugspitze: Reaching the Top of Germany

You fancy getting up very high, that’s quite easy around the Alps. But, it seems the best day trip just has to be to Germany’s highest peak: the Zugspitze! Catch a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a picturesque town nestled right at the base of the mountains, you can actually jump onto either a cogwheel train or, alternatively, the cable car right to the top.

Standing at nearly 3,000 meters, it’s pretty awesome up there, the views from the summit, well, are kind of breathtaking, you see four countries on a really clear day! So that includes Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland, I believe. It’s very much more than just views though! At the peak, you can wander on glaciers, could be have lunch at the summit restaurant, or you could just get your kicks from sledging, more or less whatever the time of the year.

Things to remember: Don’t forget layers – it really gets, well, very cold at the top, all year! Is that good advice? Seemingly so. Getting up there takes a good amount of time, too, you should arguably, be making an early start so you can, actually enjoy everything that is available to you at the very top. Read our full review: Zugspitze Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Zugspitze)

3. Oberammergau: Art, Wood, and Passion

Oberammergau is also definitely a town that earns a day trip. Basically it’s pretty famous for its woodcarvings. As I was saying, nearly every house is decorated in what is a traditional, colorful mural, pretty awesome for walks. And the level of detailing, which you have to remember has to be done on a large house is also simply pretty spectacular. Yet it is very very famous for its Passion Play.

As a matter of fact, so the play is held every ten years, that, like, involves a huge portion of the town’s population and stuff, now get this – the play is very, very important to the townspeople, this thing began in the 1630s when they pledged to put on a performance about the suffering of Jesus Christ every ten years, if, that is, they were spared from the plague, pretty wild right?

Why you should visit: Stroll the streets for eye candy; go see the Pilatushaus to observe artisans at their artistic work, seemingly, while trying something creative all by yourself. So you could check out the local crafts. This town it would appear provides something for everyone. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Oberammergau Day Trip). Full Review: Oberammergau Passion Play and Details.

4. Partnach Gorge: A Walk Through Water

Also if you are fond of the extraordinary, well, how do you fancy a hike through a gorge? Like the Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm in German) really just isn’t your average walk, okay? As I was saying, imagine walking through a natural tunnel with rock walls on each and every side of you. Just a little more, the river carves a route through. As a matter of fact, at times you are walking through tunnels and some times you find yourself gazing up at, well, what are 80-meter-high cliffs. Basically pretty spectacular! Yet keep in mind that you are getting pretty wet in some places so is that really for you? Could be not, or could be yes, who actually knows?!

When you walk from the Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski stadium, just slightly away you arrive at the entry to the gorge, the route basically is easy to walk but just bear in mind some surfaces can be quite wet and slippery. Basically in the winter the ice formations add a totally extra thing to the experience, is that any good? Arguably. To that I will also add it will be busy, so that’s not always, apparently, great!

Very important info: Do you wear great walking boots with great grip; also a waterproof, alright! Just to let you know – if it’s cold it actually can get pretty icy! Read our full review: Partnach Gorge Walk Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Explore Partnach Gorge)

5. Königssee: Bavaria’s Emerald Lake

Have you ever wanted to view a place which just makes you catch your breath? Too it’s Königssee. Take the train from Munich, or elsewhere in Bavaria, basically right to Berchtesgaden. Seemingly, from there you can take a very quick bus ride down to Königssee. The fun, or maybe that’s just my perspective, actually is that the lake only actually permits electrical boats. As I was saying, in this approach this makes sure that lake is calm, relaxing and peaceful.

Actually it makes it great for viewing, with its high sides and dramatic backdrop, to take photographs of, more or less anywhere! It should also be stated that St. Bartholomew’s Church basically adds a layer of magnificence to this lake; or alternatively from St. Bartholomews there actually is lots of walks for basically anyone. Are you more or less happy walking? Actually if not it appears to be alright – the boat journey on its own actually is more than good enough!

Great tips for travelling there: Try the freshly smoked fish basically sold directly from the boats by the church, if it takes your fancy of course! You know it’s super well-known. Or, basically you should be there, and actually test it all by yourself! Review and booking: Königssee Tour & Prices. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit Königssee Now)