Are you planning your Germany Itinerary? Getting overwhelmed by all the information out there?
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No need to worry! I have created this classic must-see Germany itinerary from Berlin to Munich, which includes many of the highlights. You’ll find suggestions on where to go and what to do.
Visiting Germany
Germany has the most significant population in Europe, after Russia. It’s also a big country geographically. Each region has its differences. Food, accents, traditional dress, and more vary from one part of the country to another.
First, you need to establish what’s most important to you. Do you want to spend the most time visiting cities like Munich and Cologne? Or in nature? Do you want to explore historical sites? Do you want to stay primarily in one spot? Or do you want to move around every day?
Think about these questions, while reading through the itineraries. Then you can choose the destinations that align with your interests. Alright, let’s go!
10 Days Itinerary from Berlin to Munich
This part of the country boasts spectacular ancient palaces, soaring church towers, medieval fortifications, and many great museums. Alongside these cultural treasures, it is also a paradise for nature lovers.
Below I have collected the top places to see in the region. You can use this as a framework for your planning. The itineraries can both be extended or shortened by adding/removing days at each destination.
10 Days Itinerary from Berlin to Munich
Days 1 -2: Berlin
Twentieth-century history fuses with the present at nearly every turn in Germany’s capital. A visit to Berlin is at once a glance at the past, and a look to the future of a nation.
There’s a ton of options for tours and attractions in town. Some of my favourites are small-group walking tours, VIP entry to TV tower with panorama views over the city. Or a one-hour sightseeing boat trip, which is a fun way to see Berlin.
Where to stay in Berlin: In the Heart of Berlin
Related Reading: The Best of the 2500 parks in Berlin.
Day 3: Day Trip to Potsdam
Not far from Berlin, you’ll find Sanssouci Palace. This castle is the most closely linked with Fredrick the Great. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s in a gorgeous setting located on a small hill, covered with vineyard terraces.
The best way to explore all the highlights is by joining the Classic city and castle tour. Or if you want to see the most beautiful sights of Potsdam and discover the hill landscape from the water, check out this tour.
Related Reading: Top 24 Best Castles in Germany.
Day 4: Nuremberg
Use Nuremberg as your base before you make a road trip on the Romantic Road. Spend one day exploring the town which was once was the center of the Holy Roman Empire and the cradle of the German Renaissance. And home to the Nuremberg Nazi rallies and trials.
The best way for you to explore is by joining a walking tour. You will see all the main attractions while learning about its history.
If you got an appetite for traditional culinary food, and enjoy historical sights. I would recommend joining a culinary tour.
Where to stay in Nuremberg: This Hotel
Day 5: The Romantic Road Germany Itinerary
Rent a car for the day for a short road trip. Drive further to Würzburg, the northernmost destination on the road.
Wurzburg is one of the larger towns on the Romantic Road. You can’t miss Marienberg Fortress on the hill. This is one of the most popular things to do in Wurzburg, with some of the best views of the city.
Then drive further to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It takes about 45 minutes. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber is one of the most famous and picturesque destinations on the Romantic Road.
Due to its popularity, it gets really crowded. So, spending the night there, which most people don’t do, gives you the charming town to yourself.
Day 6 – 7: Munich
Most of its iconic sites are located within the medieval city gates, making them easy to explore either on foot or by bike.
You’ll also want to experience the beer gardens. There are hundreds, including the most extensive beer garden in Europe. Not to mention the 100+ museums and galleries for culture lovers. Check out our Munich City Guide for more details and be sure to experience a classical concert in Munich Residenz where Mozart himself used to play.
There are also some exciting day trips from Munich. Two that I recommend are:
- a day trip to Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown
- a somber visit to a concentration camp in Dachau at the Dachau Memorial Site to learn about its history
Where to stay in Munich: Munich Central close to Marienplatz
Day 8: Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is Germany’s most famous castle. Americans may know it as the Cinderella Castle seen at Disney World.
Designed in a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Byzantine styles, all randomly blended. Highly stylistic, it pays homage to the German composer Richard Wagner.
I find it over-the-top and incredibly unique. You’ll never see another castle quite like Schloss Neuschwanstein! (Note: Schloss is German for a castle.)
Due to this place’s popularity, I highly recommend organizing a tour beforehand. Check out this tour where you visit both Cinderella Castle and its “little brother” Linderhof Castle, his only finished castle which is nearby.
Related Reading: Neuschwanstein Castle: How to make the most of your visit.