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St. Stephen's cathedral on Stephansplatz square in Vienna

10 Day Road Trip from Germany to Austria

(10 days / 9 nights)

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Snow-capped mountains and culture-rich cities

Discover ancient history and spectacular nature in Germany and Austria on this 10-day road trip. You’ll begin in Bavaria, Germany, famous for its culture, food scene, and vibrant natural beauty. Spend days discovering lively Munich and laid-back Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then head east through majestic mountain ranges. In Austria, you’ll discover the mountain town of Innsbruck, delve into musical history in Salzburg and stroll iconic streets in Vienna. For natural beauty combined with elegant cityscapes, it has to be Germany and Austria!

Would you like to join a knowledgeable guide and like-minded travellers around the region? Check out our 12-day Alps guided small group tour including some top European railway journeys and mountaintop views.

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1868 EUR

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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with trusted partner
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from local travel experts in the Alps
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

Read more

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the history, culture and scenic beauty of Bavaria in Germany
  • Discover charming city streets and traverse mountain peaks in Austria
  • Admire elegant architecture in Vienna, including the Hofburg, Schönbrunn & Belvedere palaces
  • Let yourself be charmed by the Alpine scenery around Innsbruck
  • Wander through local markets at the world-famous Marienplatz square in lively Munich
  • Gaze upon Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney’s iconic logo
  • Breathe in the lakeside atmosphere of Hallstatt, one of Austria’s prettiest villages
  • Immerse yourself in musical history in Salzburg, where the Sound of Music was set and Mozart was born
  • Relax in the lavish gardens of King Ludwig II’s Linderhof Palace
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a local travel expert

Interest

Alps i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i

Season

May - Oct

Departure

Daily

Interest

Alps i, Castles and Royalty i, Classic i, Countryside and natural scenery i, Culture and History i

Driving distance

903/561 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: Welcome to Munich

    After arriving in Munich and checking in to your accommodation, head out to explore the bustling streets of Bavaria’s capital.

    Start by exploring Marienplatz square in the heart of Munich’s Old Town (“Altstadt”). Wander colourful streets and admire the magnificent Frauenkirche cathedral.

    Visit the Munich Residenz, a former royal palace and the largest of its kind in Germany, or the sprawling English Garden (“Englischer Garten”).

    In the evening, stop for a taste of Bavaria’s famous beverages at the hugely popular Hofbräuhaus brewery.

    Spend the night in Munich.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 2: History and Culture in Munich

    Enjoy a full day in lively Munich. You can take your pick of cultural attractions to visit.

    To discover more German history, head to the majestic Nymphenburg Palace. Or for something different, check out the Deutsches Museum with its fascinating exhibitions on science and technology.

    When you’re feeling peckish, you’ll find a delicious range of delicacies on offer at the Viktualienmarkt food market in the city centre.

    If you explored the English Garden yesterday, then another world-famous park to discover in Munich today is the Olympiapark. Built for the 1972 Olympics, it’s now a tranquil public space and events venue.

    Spend another night in Munich.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Magical Neuschwanstein Castle & Bavarian Alps

    Start your day with a scenic drive through the Bavarian Alps to reach Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale creation of King Ludwig II. You could even take a short hike to the Marienbrücke (“Mary’s Bridge”) for a picture-perfect view of the castle.

    Continue onwards to Linderhof Palace – another of Ludwig’s masterpieces – surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.

    Next, head to Partnach Gorge (“Partnachklamm”). Here, you'll walk through tunnels carved into the rock alongside the rushing Partnach river. If you’re looking for a dose of adventure, this is the perfect stop.

    Finally, you’ll reach the Alpine town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where you can gaze upon the towering Zugspitze mountain.

    Spend the night in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

    Average driving distance: 187 km / 116 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 4: Mountain Peaks & Innsbruck

    Today you drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Innsbruck, experiencing the striking backdrop of the Austrian Alps along the way.  

    First, head to the charming town of Mittenwald, known for its beautifully painted houses and for being a centre of traditional violin-making.

    When you reach Innsbruck, head out to explore its remarkable sights. Visit the Golden Roof (“Goldenes Dachl") and learn about its history at its on-site museum. Stroll the ancient Old Town and marvel at the breathtaking architecture.

    Spend the night in the Innsbruck area.

    Average driving distance: 60 km / 38 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 5: Exploring Innsbruck

    Today, head out to explore more of Innsbruck and its surrounding nature.

    The main thoroughfare is called Maria-Theresien-Strasse, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat surrounded by historic architecture.

    Look out for Hofburg Palace, a lavish royal residence which you can buy a ticket to explore. And don’t miss the elegant Innsbruck Cathedral with its 2 Baroque towers

    Next, head to higher altitudes and get up close to the dramatic scenery. The Nordkette cable car will take you up to the peak in just 20 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with epic views of the Karwendel mountain range.

    Spend another night in Innsbruck.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 6: Villages & Lakes

    Spend your day journeying east to Salzburg. You’ll travel through more of Austria’s spectacular Alps, with incredible views abound.

    You could take a scenic detour via Kitzbühel. Or stop in the beautiful Zell am See, nestled between a crystal-clear Alpine lake and the majestic peaks of the Hohe Tauern mountains. Expect vibrant landscapes, local boutiques and mouth-watering eateries in both towns.

    Upon arrival in Salzburg, make sure you head out to explore the city. Take a stroll through the historic Alstadt (“Old Town”) to admire medieval landmarks or delve into the city’s rich musical past at Mozart’s birthplace.

    Spend the night in Salzburg.

    Average driving distance: 247 km / 153 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 7: Salzburg’s history & the Sound of Music

    Immerse yourself in the famous sights and sounds of Salzburg today. Start by exploring the picturesque Old Town on foot, gazing upon the pastel-coloured buildings.

    Close by is the elegant Salzburg Cathedral, and you’ll find the vast medieval fortress Hohensalzburg on a hill above the city centre.

    Fans of The Sound of Music will want to visit the Mirabell Palace Gardens (“Mirabellgarten”). They were the setting for the famous “Do Re Mi” song that Maria and the children sing while dancing around the Pegasus Fountain.

    Spend another night in Salzburg.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day

  • Day 8: Magical Hallstatt & stunning Vienna

    Journey through Austria’s stunning countryside to reach the incredible capital, Vienna. This drive takes you into the beautiful lake district of Salzkammergut. It’s famous for its crystal-clear lakes and charming villages.

    An optional detour along the way is to the picture-perfect village of Hallstatt‏, renowned for its beauty and incredible backdrop. Take a stroll through the streets or stop by the Hallstatt Skywalk panoramic viewpoint.

    When you arrive in Vienna, drop your bags at your accommodation and head out to explore the romantic city streets. There are plenty of welcoming eateries you could stop at for dinner, perhaps to try a famous Wiener schnitzel.

    Spend the night in Vienna.

    Average driving distance: 363 km / 226 mi.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 9: Exploring Charming Vienna

    Today is all about exploring the rich cultural and historical sights of Austria’s capital.

    You might want to start by strolling down the iconic Ringstrasse boulevard, under a canopy of trees. This famous ring road is known for its elegant architecture.

    Don’t miss iconic sites like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the palaces of Hofburg, Schönbrunn and Belvedere, where Viennese history comes alive.

    Delve into more history and culture in the MuseumsQuartier, where you’ll find contemporary art galleries, an architecture museum, the Vienna design forum, and more.

    Other unmissable sights are the Vienna City Hall, home of the local government, and the Vienna State Opera, where you might want to book tickets for a show.

    Spend another night in Vienna.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 10: Departure from Austria

    Today, your German-Austrian adventure comes to an end. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, spend the morning enjoying some more of the city.

    If you want to spend more time in Vienna, we recommend adding extra nights in the booking steps. This way you can make the most of your time in the Austrian capital.

    Later, make your way to the airport in time for your departure flight.

    Attractions
View full itinerary

Optional extras

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

Optional Extras

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1868 EUR

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

Everything you need to know about this tour before you book

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in the Alps. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in the Alpine region, along with planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

As this is a self-guided tour, you’re welcome to stop whenever and wherever you wish along the way. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, hand-annotated map and our very own Alps Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

During your tour of the Alps, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and personal experience.

Across the Alps region, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please also note that in the countries you’ll be visiting, room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Of course you can! Munich is a lively place to experience at this time of year.

But before you plan, you should be aware of 2 details:

Oktoberfest doesn’t happen throughout October as the name might suggest. It usually kicks off on the 20-21 September. And it runs only into the first week of October.

It's also good to note that accommodation is in really high demand during this iconic celebration. It means that during your stay in Munich, city centre accommodation cannot be guaranteed.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! Just let your travel consultant know during the booking process. We’ll arrange any cots needed at your accommodation.

If you need multiple rooms, please note that we can't guarantee family rooms or interconnecting rooms at all accommodation. You may even have rooms on different floors.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. This will incur a small extra cost.

The minimum age to hire a car in the Alps is 19. A small fee will also apply to any drivers under 25.

If you are under 25, you may also be restricted in the size of vehicle you are able to rent. Please contact your personal Travel Consultant if you are unsure about which car to choose.

Whether you need an international driving permit will depend on which country your licence is from.

You’ll need an international driving permit if your current licence doesn’t mention your vehicle of choice in Latin script. That said, to be certain, we recommend checking with official government websites before your trip.

Additionally, if you are visiting from a country outside the EU or EEA, the Austrian government requires all drivers to have an international driving permit. This includes visitors from the United States, Canada and Australia. If you have a driving licence from the UK, you do not need an international driving permit.

The roads across the Alps are usually in good condition all year long and are renowned for their road trip worthiness.

You’ll be driving on the right side of the road and the left side of the car. Most rural roads in the Alps are 2-lane, but they can be narrow and winding. This is especially true when crossing mountain passes.

Due to the altitude of some roads, and especially in winter, storms, rain, snow and ice can cause adverse conditions. We recommend checking weather forecasts daily and not taking any risks when it comes to driving.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you will navigate around the Alps ahead of time. Your travel consultant will prepare a detailed hand-annotated map of your route to help you stay on track.

We also recommend using navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps. Make sure to download the route ahead of time, in case you don’t have signal in the more rural areas.

During your tour of the Alps, you’ll be travelling through both lowland and high-altitude regions. The lowland in central Europe is fairly warm all year around, but the mountains are chillier.

In higher mountain villages, the average temperature in summer is between 15°C – 20°C (59°F – 68°F). In lower-altitude towns and cities, close to lakes at the foot of the mountains, temperatures in summer can reach 30°C – 35°C (86°F – 95°F).

Many regions of the Alps are famed for their many days of sunshine, especially in Switzerland’s Rhône valley. But that doesn’t guarantee there won’t be any rain on your trip! And you’ll need to be prepared for chillier weather when you’re boarding mountain gondolas.

As you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors exploring the mountains, it’s a good idea to come prepared for a combination of weather conditions.

Here is a recommended packing list for a summer trip:

  • A warm jumper or fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Hiking clothes and good walking shoes or boots
  • Light scarf or thin jumper
  • An umbrella
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Lip balm and moisturiser
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat

There are limited laundry facilities in the countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the larger cities and towns. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

It’s good to be aware that you may require different currencies during your Alps trip. Germany, Austria and Italy have the Euro (€) as their local currency.

That said, Switzerland and Liechtenstein both have the Swiss franc (CHF, ₣) as their currency.

On your Alps road trip, you should budget for petrol costs of around €1.50–€1.90 per litre. That’s ₣1.40–1.80.

As for meals, your breakfast is included at all your accommodation in the Alps. For the rest of your food, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between €25–€30 per person for each day’s lunch, or ₣20–30. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between €30–€35, ₣25–35. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay €50–€70 or more, which would be ₣45-65. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

In Germany, Switzerland and Austria tipping is not mandatory, but welcomed. It is usually based on the quality of service. Locals often add around 10% or simply round up their bill.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can easily add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades.

If you prefer, you can begin your tour in a different city in the region. Just ask your travel consultant and they can let you know the options in terms of train travel or rental car fees. We’ll be happy to try to rearrange your itinerary so it works for you. 

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

During your tour, there will always be a regional travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

You’ll likely spend time in a few different countries on your tour of the Alps. Germany, Italy and Austria are all part of the European Union. This means that if you are visiting from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or another EU state, you won’t need a visa to enter.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein are not part of the European Union, but they are part of the Schengen area. This means that those visiting from the countries listed above won’t need a visa to enter.

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete lists of countries whose nationals require visas to visit the Alps on the following websites:

Good to know: Liechtenstein does not issue visas. If you enter via Switzerland, you’ll see there is no border control. The same visa requirements apply between both countries.

Your passport needs to be valid for the entirety of your stay in the Alps, and for at least 6 months after your departure date. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome package with hard copies of your itinerary, accommodation and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Alps Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Munich?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. The airport is well connected to the city via public transport such as S-Bahn, trains and buses.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM. You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching public transport or a taxi to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euros (EUR), the local currency in Germany, Italy and Austria.

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in good quality 3-star guesthouses or country hotels.

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Superior

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses.

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Rental car

Enjoy your journey with free GPS and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

VW Polo (automatic)
or similar

  • x4
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
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VW Polo (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Manual
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Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x5
  • x2
  • A
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Ford Focus (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Doors: 5
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x4
  • A
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BMW 3 Series (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Saloon
  • Passengers: 5
  • Luggage: 4
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x3
  • A
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Jeep Compass (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Crossover SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 3
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • x5
  • x4
  • x5
  • A
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BMW X5 (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Luxury SUV
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 5
  • Doors: 4
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • x9
  • x3
  • x5
  • A
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Mercedes Vito (automatic)
or similar

  • Description: Premium Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 9
  • Luggage: 5
  • Doors: 3
  • Transmission: Automatic
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Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1868 EUR

Request info

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