An Enchanting Bavarian and Austrian Adventure
Welcome to a festive trip through Bavaria and Austria—a magical winter escape with sparkling lights, fairytale castles, rich history, and Christmas spirit.
From Munich’s busy markets to Austria’s snowy villages, this trip felt like being inside a snow globe. Here’s how we enjoyed it!
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Day 1: Welcome to Munich – A Night of Christmas Magic
Day 2: History, Heights, and Holiday Cheer
Day 3: Palaces, Surfers, and Medieval Markets
Day 4: A Fairytale Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Day 5: Salzburg – The Sound of Music and Baroque Beauty
Day 6: Hallstatt – A Postcard-Perfect Village
Day 7: A Final Day of Salzburg Serenity
Day 8: Munich Farewell + Airport Christmas Market
Day 1: Welcome to Munich – A Night of Christmas Magic
After checking into our hotel in Munich, we dove straight into the holiday spirit with an evening at Marienplatz, the city’s main square and home to its world-famous Christkindlmarkt.
Be sure to explore central locations when choosing hotels, as always, for the best options in Munich.
The air was filled with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine, and even though we just missed the famous Krampus Run, we heard all about it from the locals—a wild Bavarian tradition where demonic-looking figures chase away evil spirits. If you get a chance to attend, let us know your experience!
Live folk music played from the Town Hall balcony, setting the perfect festive mood as we wandered through market stalls under twinkling lights. Before heading back, be sure to mail a postcard from the Rathaus Courtyard, complete with a special seasonal stamp to mark the start of this incredible trip.
Day 2: History, Heights, and Holiday Cheer
We kicked off our first full day with a walking tour of Munich’s city center—an ideal way to get our bearings and uncover the stories behind the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Pro tip: Catch the animated clock performance usually at 11 AM, 12 PM, or 5 PM—watch as little figures dance and joust high above the square (be sure to check times ahead of time).
Choose from our list for inspiration:
Private Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour
Heart of Munich Free (pay worth at end) Walking Tour
After the tour, we grabbed lunch at the legendary Hofbräuhaus München—not just a restaurant, but a historic beer hall that’s been a lively cultural hub for centuries. The place can fit over 3400 people! Even vegetarians will find something tasty here! We absolutely loved the vibes there (open to all-young, old, families). A great place to try local German food. Best yet they have plenty of yummy vegetarian options!
Looking for a deeper dive into Bavarian cuisine? Check out the Bavarian Beer & Food Evening Tour
With full bellies, we climbed the 306 steps to the top of St. Peter’s Church for panoramic views of the city and the Alps beyond.
Afterward, we explored the iconic Frauenkirche and the stunningly ornate Asamkirche—a tiny gem packed with dramatic Baroque detail.
We ended the day at the Karlsplatz-Stachus Christmas Market, where we laced up our skates for a spin on Bavaria’s largest mobile ice rink.
Want to tour more holiday markets? Check out the fun variety of Munich Christmas Market Tours
Day 3: Palaces, Surfers, and Medieval Markets
This day was all about hidden gems and royal flair.
We started at the Residenz München, the former palace of Bavarian monarchs.
Set aside 2–3 hours to explore its opulent rooms, including the jaw-dropping Antiquarium. The free audio guide is essential for context and hidden details. There is also a great option for a more guided tour experience.
Outside, the Residenz Christmas Village tucked in the courtyards felt like a secret festive escape. What a great treat to pair with museum sightseeing!
Next, we made our way to one of the city’s most surprising spots: the Eisbachwelle in the English Garden, where surfers ride a standing wave—yes, even in the middle of winter! It’s an iconic sight you won’t want to miss!
Then we headed to the Wittelsbacherplatz Medieval Christmas Market, known for its traditional crafts, goblet fire drinks, and medieval ambiance. It truly felt like stepping into a scene from Harry Potter.
Famous for the Goblet Fire drinks- Feuerzangenbowle! This bold drink is a must-try for anyone wanting a unique taste.
Day 4: A Fairytale Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle
Prepare for a day straight out of a fairytale! You’re heading to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and some say the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.
The stress free way to enjoy this is a taking a fun guided tour- Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich. Another popular tour Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich
But of course we took a scenic train ride from Munich to Füssen because we wanted to spend more time exploring on our own. If you choose this, make sure you grab a window seat on the left side to get the best views of the Alps. And be sure to plan the details of train schedule/ticket costs to ensure a smooth experience.
Upon arrival, take some time to spend about 1 hour exploring Füssen’s charming and picturesque old town, with its quaint streets and historic buildings. Afterwards, walked over to the nearby Lechfall Waterfalls, a beautiful and scenic natural highlight located along the Lech River, perfect for a brief but refreshing outdoor experience. We ate pastries and coffee, then took the train to the castle grounds.
We recommend taking the horse carriage up, especially in the wintertime time for a magical glow.
Or you can choose a scenic 45-minute uphill walk, especially if you want to get to the Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge) viewpoint for that iconic, postcard-perfect shot. Unfortunately the bridge was closed due to the snow, but we still got very iconic photos all day!
Remember you must pre book your ticket ahead of time (so book early!) An audio tour will take you through the stunning interiors, where you'll see the castle's lavish rooms and learn about its fascinating history. Then you will have time to explore outside.
Day 5: Salzburg – The Sound of Music and Baroque Beauty
Next up: Austria!
We arrived in Salzburg, known for Mozart, Baroque beauty, and of course The Sound of Music.
We enjoyed an fun walking tour of Mirabell Palace & Gardens, admiring its baroque beauty and charm. At Mozart Square, we felt the rich musical history of the legendary composer. Exploring the old town, historic churches and lively alleys filled with shops and cafes revealed the city’s soul. So many options-consider a guided tour.
Later, we visited the Hohensalzburg Fortress, towering above the city. You can hike up or take the funicular, and the views from the top are spectacular—especially at sunset.
We ended the day at the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, a must-see with its romantic lights, traditional stalls, and festive food before having dinner.
Day 6: Hallstatt – A Postcard-Perfect Village
It's time for a day trip, this time to the breathtakingly beautiful village of Hallstatt.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is tucked away on the shore of a serene lake, surrounded by towering mountains. It’s a bit of a journey, but the stunning scenery makes every minute worth it.
For stress-free travel and guided tours here our most popular recommendations:
Hallstatt and Salt Mines Small-Group Tour from Salzburg
Full-Day Minivan Tour From Salzburg to Hallstatt with 5 Fingers, Lakes & Mountains
If you choose do it on yourself, requires a very early start and pre-planning to ensure you make all the public transportation smoothly and you get to see everything you want. Getting there involves a train + bus + ferry. We suggest taking a picturesque ferry ride across the lake to Hallstatt’s center—a truly magical way to arrive.
Spend your time exploring the charming houses and narrow alleyways of the old town. Be sure to find the famous "Postcard Angle" viewpoint for that iconic shot.
Don’t miss the Salt Mine Tour—it’s fun, educational, and includes hiking, slides, and amazing views!
Spend time exploring the beautiful town afterwards until you are ready to leave or have to leave this stunning place.
Day 7: A Final Day of Salzburg Serenity
On our final full day, we soaked in the last moments of Salzburg.
Start your day with coffee at the iconic Café Kondeteroi, a beautiful Austrian cafe with delicious delicacies. Also home to the Original Salzburg Mozartkugeln. Try everything!
Then, dive into the musical history of the city with a visit to one or both - Mozart's Birthplace and Residence. Check out the Christmas Museum too!
Pick a classic Austrian activity for morning or afternoon:
For one last stunning view, take the lift up to Mönchsberg. The terrace of the Museum of Modern Art also offers a unique perspective of the city and its surrounding landscape. And of course, explore the smaller Christmas Markets in the area.
We recommend enjoying a final Austrian meal at Sternbräu before heading back to Munich.
Day 8: Munich Farewell and Airport Christmas Market
Today we take the train from Salzburg back to Munich—this time straight to the airport for one final stop.
Before leaving, we made sure to soak up a bit more Christmas magic. The Christmas Market at Munich Airport was such a joy to explore—so many food and drink stalls, twinkling lights, and even curling! A surprisingly festive way to end our trip. Only in Germany.
One last sip of mulled wine, a final bratwurst enjoyed, and then we departed—with bags a little heavier and spirits much warmer.
Thank you for reading!!
