TL;DR: The Bavaria in 5 Days by Train: Munich, Salzburg, Neuschwanstein | Trainvave is a curated Trainvave itinerary guiding you through Germany by train. 5-day Bavaria train itinerary covering Munich, Neuschwanstein, Salzburg, Zugspitze.Detailed schedule, ticket pricing, where to stay in each city.
A 5-day itinerary through Bavaria by train allows you to base yourself in Munich and take spectacular day trips into the Alps, as well as a quick cross-border trip to Salzburg. With the excellent regional rail network and the budget-friendly Bayern-Ticket, you can avoid the stress of driving and enjoy the breathtaking scenery out your window.
Day 1: Exploring Munich’s Altstadt
Begin your Bavarian adventure in the heart of its capital, Munich. Settle into your hotel (ideally near the Hauptbahnhof or in the Altstadt for easy transit access).
Morning: The Historic Center
Head straight to Marienplatz to see the iconic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). If you’re there at 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM, you’ll catch the Glockenspiel performance. Take a short walk to the Viktualienmarkt, a vibrant outdoor food market perfect for grabbing a traditional Weißwurst breakfast.
Afternoon: Palaces and Parks
Visit the Münchner Residenz, the magnificent former royal palace of the Wittelsbachs. Afterward, take a stroll through the Englischer Garten, one of the largest urban parks in the world, and watch the river surfers on the Eisbach.
Evening: Traditional Bavarian Dinner
End your first day with a hearty meal and a massive Maß of beer at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus or the slightly more relaxed Augustiner-Keller.
Day 2: The Fairy-Tale Castles (Neuschwanstein)
No trip to Bavaria is complete without seeing King Ludwig II’s masterpiece.
Getting There
Take a direct regional train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen (about 2 hours). A Bayern-Ticket covers this journey and the subsequent short bus ride (Line 73 or 78) to the village of Hohenschwangau.
The Castles
Crucial: Book your Neuschwanstein tickets weeks in advance online. Tour the stunning interior of Neuschwanstein Castle, and be sure to walk up to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) for the classic, postcard-perfect view of the castle perched on the mountain. You can also visit Hohenschwangau Castle, Ludwig’s childhood home, located right next door.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Salzburg, Austria
Though technically in Austria, Salzburg is just a short train ride from Munich and is a must-visit.
The Journey
Take a direct train from Munich to Salzburg Hauptbahnhof. The high-speed Railjet or EuroCity takes about 1.5 hours, while the regional train (covered by the Bayern-Ticket) takes about 2 hours.
Exploring Mozart’s City
Salzburg’s Altstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Mozart’s Birthplace on the famous Getreidegasse. Take the funicular up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress for sweeping views of the city and the Alps. If you’re a fan of “The Sound of Music,” you can easily visit the Mirabell Palace gardens.
Day 4: Alpine Heights at the Zugspitze
Experience the breathtaking peaks of the Bavarian Alps.
Reaching the Roof of Germany
Take a train from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes). From there, you will transfer to the Zugspitzbahn (a cogwheel train) or the Eibsee cable car to reach the summit of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak at 2,962 meters.
At the Summit
Enjoy panoramic views spanning four countries on a clear day. Have lunch at the summit restaurant, or take a short walk around the stunning Eibsee lake at the base of the mountain before heading back to Munich.
Day 5: Modern Munich and Departure
Spend your final day delving into Germany’s automotive history and modern architecture before heading home.
Morning: BMW and the Olympics
Take the U-Bahn to the Olympiapark, site of the 1972 Olympics, known for its unique sweeping tent-roof architecture. Right across the street is BMW Welt (free entry) and the comprehensive BMW Museum, a paradise for car enthusiasts.
Afternoon: Art and Museums
If you have time before your flight or train, visit the Kunstareal (Art District), home to the Alte, Neue, and Pinakothek der Moderne, housing world-class art collections spanning centuries.
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