When planning our first big road trip in Europe, we knew we wanted to stay close to home as borders were just starting to reopen after being closed for the virus. We decided to spend one week exploring Bavaria and Austria. I never knew how absolutely gorgeous this part of Europe was. I felt like I had just stepped foot into the Sound of Music which was one of my favorite movies growing up.
Day 1: Neuschwanstein Castle & Highline 179
We started our road trip with the four hour drive from our home in Germany to Neuschwanstein Castle. The castles in Germany are so incredible. I always feel like I am living in a fairy tale when I visit a German castle. This castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Europe but its the most visited castle in Germany as well. It is said that this castle was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty. When I was little my grandmother always used to tell everyone that I looked just like Sleeping Beauty when I was sleeping. I think being a princess is every little girl’s dream, and that is exactly why this beautiful castle was first on my list of places to visit. The castle is located at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, and has the most gorgeous views. We decided to take the hike up to Mary’s Bridge. The views from the bridge are absolutely breathtaking.
After visiting the castle, we headed to Highline 179, the World’s longest Tibet-style footbridge. It’s only about 25 minutes from the castle, and you will cross over into Austria on the way. The drive to the bridge is so beautiful. There is even a beautiful castle to explore at the top of the bridge. You can either hike to the top or take a cable car up to the top. We had already done a lot of hiking at the castle so we decided to take the cable car up. You will need a ticket for the ride up and to walk across the bridge. We were there at sunset and it made for the most beautiful views of the Alps from the bridge and castle.
After leaving the bridge, we headed to Garmisch where we would be staying for the rest of the week. This was the perfect location for all of our adventures we had planned. We are a military family so we were able to stay at the Edelweiss Resort, but there are so many cute boutique hotels in the area.
Day 2: Partnach Gorge
When we woke up the next morning, it was raining. We decided this would be the perfect day to explore the Partnach Gorge. Everyone was looking forward to visiting this gorge. The river that cuts through the gorge is a beautiful blue color that looks like something out of a movie. The gorge was like nothing I have ever seen before. I felt like we were in the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth. You will find parking near the old Winter Olympic stadium in Garmisch. From there you can either walk or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the entrance of the gorge. It takes less than an hour to walk through the entire gorge. This is definitely not to be missed.
Day 3: Hallstatt & Salzburg, Austria
Before we ever moved to Germany, I came across a picture of Hallstatt, Austria, and I knew that one day I just had to visit. Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful fairy tale villages in Europe. It took about 3 hours to get there from Garmisch, but it was so worth it. Hallstatt is beautiful in both the summer and winter. The weather was absolutely gorgeous the day we went. I have heard that it can be very crowded but we were lucky the day we went and it was not that crowded. We loved just walking around and enjoying the shops and cafes. We also had the most fun renting a swan paddle boat and taking it for a ride on Lake Hallstatt. It was truly the best day ever.
After spending most of the day in Hallstatt, we decided to make a quick stop in Salzburg. One of my favorite movies, The Sound of Music, takes place here. This is where The Von Trapp Family escaped the Nazi Regime during World War II. There are so many amazing places to visit from the movie. You can even take a Sound of Music tour. I recommend researching the location of the places you want to visit and taking your own tour. We only had time to visit one place and I knew exactly where that would be. One of my favorite parts of the movie is when they sing “I am sixteen going on seventeen” at the gazebo. The gazebo is actually located on the grounds of Schloss Hellbrunn. You can visit the gazebo for free because it is not inside the castle. I wish I had more time to visit more of this amazing city.
Day 4: Eisbee Lake & Oberammergau Alpine Coaster
Lake Eisbee is truly the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. It has the most gorgeous turquoise water surrounded by the Bavarian Alps. You can hike around the entire lake which takes about 2 hours, but the views are amazing. I recommend getting there early when it is less crowded so that you can really enjoy the hike all to yourself. There are several beautiful places to take pictures along the trail. You can swim, sunbathe, or rent a boat on the lake. We decided to rent a paddle boat and explore the lake. It turned out to be the perfect morning.
After visiting the lake, we headed for the town of Oberammergau. Located above the town is an alpine coaster. The alpine coaster has 73 turns and is 2.6 km long. You ride the chairlift up to the top, and then get in line for the most thrilling ride down the mountain. We got there near the end of the day and there were no lines at all. The boys rode several times and had the most fun! There is also a neat playground at the top to play on before you ride back down. We were the only ones there so I even enjoyed the swings that overlook the beautiful Bavarian Alps.
Day 5: Innsbruck, Austria & White Water Rafting
I absolutely fell in love with Austria on this trip. With its beautiful mountains, cute villages, and amazing views. The town of Innsbruck is the cutest ski town, and I can’t wait to go back this winter and see it all covered in snow. The drive from Garmisch to Innsbruck is so beautiful as you drive though all the small ski towns and mountains. It is also a great place to go white water rafting. Brandon and the boys went rafting while Colt and I explored Innsbruck. The boys had the best day on the river with Feel Free Outdoor Professionals. They offer several different rafting adventures and other outdoor adventures. While the boys were on the river, Colt and I walked around the beautiful town of Innsbruck. I loved the colorful houses along the river with the Alps in the background. We also tried to get a famous apple strudel at Strudelcafe Kroell, but they were closed for renovations. We will definitely be back to try one this winter.
Day 6: Geroldsee & Mount Wank
Find someone who will drive to the middle of nowhere, hike around this lake and get lost along the way just so you can take a picture in this exact location. Geroldsee was also on my list of places to visit in Bavaria. I believe this spot captures the true beauty of everything this part of Europe has to offer. It’s beautiful rolling hills, gorgeous lakes, little wood sheds, and of course the amazing Alps in the background. When you visit, be sure to walk all the way down the rock road, turn on the second rock road, and follow it around to the lake. It is truly a magical place.
And Finally, to top off our trip we took a cable car up to the top of Mount Wank. It was the best way to end our trip in Bavaria. There are two different mountains that are popular in this area, Mount Wank and Zugspitze, which is the highest point in Germany. We decided to go up Mount Wank and enjoy a beautful lunch. The ride up in the cable car has the most gorgeous views. Once you reach the top, there are two restaurants and a children’s playground. The views from the top are absolutely amazing!
We had the most amazing time in Bavaria and Austria. My hopes are that this guide will help you on your next adventure! I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this area in the winter!
