Bavarian Alps
Bavarian Alps
Short overview
Germany's highest peaks rise above emerald lakes, onion-domed churches and painted villages. Come for hiking, castles and cosy mountain huts — and expect some of the best-value mountain travel in the Alps.
Best times to go
June – September
Mountain huts and cable cars are open, the lakes are swimmable and trails are snow-free.
December – February
Christmas markets, snowy villages and affordable skiing in Garmisch and Berchtesgaden.
Good for
hikers, families, castle fans and anyone wanting dramatic scenery on a budget.
Skip if
you want big-city nightlife or guaranteed sunshine — mountain weather changes fast and evenings are quiet.
Things to do
Zugspitze
Ride the cogwheel train and cable car to Germany's highest summit at 2,962 m.
Half day
€70–75 return
Zugspitze
Ride the cogwheel train and cable car to Germany's highest summit at 2,962 m.
Half day
€70–75 return
Zugspitze
Ride the cogwheel train and cable car to Germany's highest summit at 2,962 m.
Half day
€70–75 return
Neuschwanstein Castle
The fairytale castle of King Ludwig II, perched above a gorge near Füssen.
Half day
€21 entry (book ahead)
Half day
€21 entry (book ahead)
Königssee boat trip
Glide across a fjord-like lake to the red-domed chapel of St. Bartholomä.
3–4 hours
€25 return boat
3–4 hours
€25 return boat
Cheapest
€
50
/week
Free hikes, gorges and lakes, plus one castle visit.
Best value
€
220
/week
Zugspitze, Neuschwanstein, Königssee and the Partnach Gorge.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Guided via ferrata, paragliding and a spa day in a mountain hotel.
Cheapest
€
50
/week
Free hikes, gorges and lakes, plus one castle visit.
Best value
€
220
/week
Zugspitze, Neuschwanstein, Königssee and the Partnach Gorge.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Guided via ferrata, paragliding and a spa day in a mountain hotel.
Cheapest
€
50
/week
Free hikes, gorges and lakes, plus one castle visit.
Best value
€
220
/week
Zugspitze, Neuschwanstein, Königssee and the Partnach Gorge.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Guided via ferrata, paragliding and a spa day in a mountain hotel.
Food and drink
Mountain food here is hearty and cheap. Stop at huts for lunch and finish with sweet dumplings or pancakes.
Breakfast
Cheapest
Bakery breakfast
Fresh rolls, butter and jam from the village Bäckerei.
€
4
Best value
Brezn and coffee
A warm pretzel and coffee before hitting the trail.
€
5
Splurge
Guesthouse breakfast
Cold cuts, cheese, eggs and muesli included at most family-run inns.
€
12
Breakfast
Cheapest
Bakery breakfast
Fresh rolls, butter and jam from the village Bäckerei.
€
4
Best value
Brezn and coffee
A warm pretzel and coffee before hitting the trail.
€
5
Splurge
Guesthouse breakfast
Cold cuts, cheese, eggs and muesli included at most family-run inns.
€
12
Breakfast
Cheapest
Bakery breakfast
Fresh rolls, butter and jam from the village Bäckerei.
€
4
Best value
Brezn and coffee
A warm pretzel and coffee before hitting the trail.
€
5
Splurge
Guesthouse breakfast
Cold cuts, cheese, eggs and muesli included at most family-run inns.
€
12
Lunch
Cheapest
Brotzeit
A board of bread, cheese, ham and pickles at a mountain hut.
€
10
Best value
Goulash soup
A warming bowl of spicy beef soup with bread, a hut classic.
€
9
Splurge
Lakeside lunch
Fresh-caught trout grilled whole at a restaurant by the water.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Brotzeit
A board of bread, cheese, ham and pickles at a mountain hut.
€
10
Best value
Goulash soup
A warming bowl of spicy beef soup with bread, a hut classic.
€
9
Splurge
Lakeside lunch
Fresh-caught trout grilled whole at a restaurant by the water.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Brotzeit
A board of bread, cheese, ham and pickles at a mountain hut.
€
10
Best value
Goulash soup
A warming bowl of spicy beef soup with bread, a hut classic.
€
9
Splurge
Lakeside lunch
Fresh-caught trout grilled whole at a restaurant by the water.
€
22
Dinner
Cheapest
Käsespätzle
Cheesy egg noodles with crispy onions, filling and cheap.
€
13
Best value
Gasthaus dinner
Roast pork, dumplings and red cabbage with a local beer.
€
26
Splurge
Alpine hotel tasting menu
Refined regional cooking with mountain views at a luxury hotel.
€
110
Dinner
Cheapest
Käsespätzle
Cheesy egg noodles with crispy onions, filling and cheap.
€
13
Best value
Gasthaus dinner
Roast pork, dumplings and red cabbage with a local beer.
€
26
Splurge
Alpine hotel tasting menu
Refined regional cooking with mountain views at a luxury hotel.
€
110
Dinner
Käsespätzle
€
13
Cheesy egg noodles with crispy onions, filling and cheap.
Gasthaus dinner
€
26
Roast pork, dumplings and red cabbage with a local beer.
Alpine hotel tasting menu
€
110
Refined regional cooking with mountain views at a luxury hotel.
Cheapest
€
140
/week
Guesthouse breakfasts, hut snacks and cheap Gasthaus dinners.
Best value
€
280
/week
Hut lunches every day and sit-down dinners with beer.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Hotel half-board, lakeside restaurants and a tasting menu.
Cheapest
€
140
/week
Guesthouse breakfasts, hut snacks and cheap Gasthaus dinners.
Best value
€
280
/week
Hut lunches every day and sit-down dinners with beer.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Hotel half-board, lakeside restaurants and a tasting menu.
Cheapest
€
140
/week
Guesthouse breakfasts, hut snacks and cheap Gasthaus dinners.
Best value
€
280
/week
Hut lunches every day and sit-down dinners with beer.
Splurge
€
700
/week
Hotel half-board, lakeside restaurants and a tasting menu.
Don't leave without trying
Don't leave without trying
Kaiserschmarrn
Fluffy shredded pancake caramelised in butter, dusted with sugar and served with plum compote — the reward at the top of every hike.
Kaiserschmarrn
Fluffy shredded pancake caramelised in butter, dusted with sugar and served with plum compote — the reward at the top of every hike.
Where to stay
Garmisch-Partenkirchen suits hikers and the Zugspitze, Füssen is best for castles, and Berchtesgaden for Königssee and quiet trails.
Cheapest
Hostel in Garmisch
A simple hostel with mountain views and quick access to trails and trains.
€245/week
/night
€
35
Cheapest
Hostel in Garmisch
A simple hostel with mountain views and quick access to trails and trains.
€245/week
/night
€
35
Best value
Family-run Gasthof
Painted facades, wooden balconies and a hearty breakfast in a village inn.
€665/week
/night
€
95
Best value
Family-run Gasthof
Painted facades, wooden balconies and a hearty breakfast in a village inn.
€665/week
/night
€
95
Splurge
Luxury spa resort in Elmau
A secluded five-star retreat with pools, spas and Alpine valley views.
€2,940/week
/night
€
420
Splurge
Luxury spa resort in Elmau
A secluded five-star retreat with pools, spas and Alpine valley views.
€2,940/week
/night
€
420
Unique stay
Night in an Alpine hut
Sleep in a mountain hut above the treeline, with dinner, sunrise and the trail at your door.
€420/week
/night
€
60
Unique stay
Night in an Alpine hut
Sleep in a mountain hut above the treeline, with dinner, sunrise and the trail at your door.
€420/week
/night
€
60
Unique stay
Night in an Alpine hut
Sleep in a mountain hut above the treeline, with dinner, sunrise and the trail at your door.
€420/week
/night
€
60
Getting around
Regional trains and buses reach most villages, but a car helps if you want to hop between regions.
Public transport
Coverage
Regional trains run from Munich to Garmisch and Füssen, and many hotels include a guest card with free local buses.
Single ticket
€
3
Weekly pass
€
30
Which modes are available?
Regional trains
Local buses
Cable cars and cogwheel trains
Public transport
Coverage
Regional trains run from Munich to Garmisch and Füssen, and many hotels include a guest card with free local buses.
Single ticket
€
3
Weekly pass
€
30
Which modes are available?
Regional trains
Local buses
Cable cars and cogwheel trains
Car rental
Car usefulness
Very useful for linking Füssen, Garmisch and Berchtesgaden, which are poorly connected by public transport.
Price
€
45
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
8
/day
Easy in most villages. Trailheads and lake car parks charge €5–10 a day.
Car rental
Car usefulness
Very useful for linking Füssen, Garmisch and Berchtesgaden, which are poorly connected by public transport.
Price
€
45
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
8
/day
Easy in most villages. Trailheads and lake car parks charge €5–10 a day.
Cheapest
€
30
/week
Regional trains with a Bayern-Ticket and free guest-card buses.
Best value
€
200
/week
A rental car shared between two, plus a couple of cable car rides.
Splurge
€
500
/week
A rental car, lifts every day and private transfers from Munich.
Cheapest
€
30
/week
Regional trains with a Bayern-Ticket and free guest-card buses.
Best value
€
200
/week
A rental car shared between two, plus a couple of cable car rides.
Splurge
€
500
/week
A rental car, lifts every day and private transfers from Munich.
Cheapest
€
30
/week
Regional trains with a Bayern-Ticket and free guest-card buses.
Best value
€
200
/week
A rental car shared between two, plus a couple of cable car rides.
Splurge
€
500
/week
A rental car, lifts every day and private transfers from Munich.
Total costs
Everything you’ll spend once you’re there, per person. Getting there isn’t included.
Cheapest
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€20–€30
Accommodation
€30–€45
Getting around
€5–€10
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€65–€105
PER WEEK
€460–€740
Per person in summer. Ski season and Christmas weeks can add 20–30%.
Cheapest
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€20–€30
Accommodation
€30–€45
Getting around
€5–€10
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€65–€105
PER WEEK
€460–€740
Per person in summer. Ski season and Christmas weeks can add 20–30%.
Cheapest
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€20–€30
Accommodation
€30–€45
Getting around
€5–€10
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€65–€105
PER WEEK
€460–€740
Best value
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€40–€55
Accommodation
€80–€110
Getting around
€10–€20
Activities
€25–€45
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€165–€245
PER WEEK
€1,160–€1,720
Per person in summer. Ski season and Christmas weeks can add 20–30%.
Best value
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€40–€55
Accommodation
€80–€110
Getting around
€10–€20
Activities
€25–€45
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€165–€245
PER WEEK
€1,160–€1,720
Per person in summer. Ski season and Christmas weeks can add 20–30%.
Best value
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€40–€55
Accommodation
€80–€110
Getting around
€10–€20
Activities
€25–€45
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€165–€245
PER WEEK
€1,160–€1,720
Splurge
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€90–€140
Accommodation
€250–€420
Getting around
€40–€80
Activities
€80–€150
Miscellaneous
€20–€35
PER DAY
€480–€825
PER WEEK
€3,360–€5,780
Per person in summer. Ski season and Christmas weeks can add 20–30%.
Splurge
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€90–€140
Accommodation
€250–€420
Getting around
€40–€80
Activities
€80–€150
Miscellaneous
€20–€35
PER DAY
€480–€825
PER WEEK
€3,360–€5,780
Per person in summer. Ski season and Christmas weeks can add 20–30%.
Splurge
Bavarian Alps, Bavaria, Germany
Food costs
€90–€140
Accommodation
€250–€420
Getting around
€40–€80
Activities
€80–€150
Miscellaneous
€20–€35
PER DAY
€480–€825
PER WEEK
€3,360–€5,780
Good to know
What to expect, what to avoid, and what nobody tells you before you go.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Mountains, lakes, castles and cosy huts.
Catches visitors off guard
Sudden weather changes, steep trails and how early everything closes.
Common misconception
It's not just Neuschwanstein — the mountains and lakes are the real highlight.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Mountains, lakes, castles and cosy huts.
Catches visitors off guard
Sudden weather changes, steep trails and how early everything closes.
Common misconception
It's not just Neuschwanstein — the mountains and lakes are the real highlight.
Watch out for
Castle crowds
Neuschwanstein tickets sell out in summer. Book online a few days ahead.
Mountain weather
Afternoon storms are common in summer. Start hikes early and check the forecast.
Hut opening times
Many mountain huts are only open from June to October. Check before planning a hike.
Watch out for
Castle crowds
Neuschwanstein tickets sell out in summer. Book online a few days ahead.
Mountain weather
Afternoon storms are common in summer. Start hikes early and check the forecast.
Hut opening times
Many mountain huts are only open from June to October. Check before planning a hike.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Five to seven days covers the Zugspitze, Neuschwanstein, Königssee and a few good hikes.
How do I get there from Munich?
Regional trains reach Garmisch in about 90 minutes and Füssen in two hours. A Bayern-Ticket covers a full day for a group.
Do I need hiking experience?
No. There are easy valley walks, gorges and cable car trails for all levels.
Can I visit Austria too?
Yes. Salzburg is 30 minutes from Berchtesgaden, and Innsbruck about an hour from Garmisch.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
Five to seven days covers the Zugspitze, Neuschwanstein, Königssee and a few good hikes.
How do I get there from Munich?
Regional trains reach Garmisch in about 90 minutes and Füssen in two hours. A Bayern-Ticket covers a full day for a group.
Do I need hiking experience?
No. There are easy valley walks, gorges and cable car trails for all levels.
Can I visit Austria too?
Yes. Salzburg is 30 minutes from Berchtesgaden, and Innsbruck about an hour from Garmisch.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). ATMs are available in larger villages but not at huts.
Cards vs cash
Carry cash for huts, guesthouses and local buses. Cards work in towns and hotels.
Tipping
Round up or add 5–10% at restaurants. Tell your server the total when paying.
Tourist tax
A Kurtaxe of €2–4 per person per night, usually including a guest card with local perks.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). ATMs are available in larger villages but not at huts.
Cards vs cash
Carry cash for huts, guesthouses and local buses. Cards work in towns and hotels.
Tipping
Round up or add 5–10% at restaurants. Tell your server the total when paying.
Tourist tax
A Kurtaxe of €2–4 per person per night, usually including a guest card with local perks.
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Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.