Where Should You Stay in Bavaria? The Best Bases for Your Bavaria Trip
One of the questions I hear most often from guests planning a trip to Bavaria is:
“Sepp, where should we actually stay?”
And it’s a very good question.
Bavaria is much bigger than many first-time visitors realize.
You have Munich in the center, Neuschwanstein and Füssen toward the southwest, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze in the Alps, Lake Königssee and Berchtesgaden in the southeast, beautiful Lake Chiemsee in between—and then places such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber several hours farther north.
Choosing the right place to stay can make an enormous difference.
Choose well, and you can spend your mornings enjoying breakfast before heading out for a relaxed day of exploring.
Choose badly, and you might spend half your vacation sitting in a car or on a train.
So, where should you stay in Bavaria?
As a Munich local and private guide who spends a lot of time traveling around Bavaria with guests, these are the places I would personally consider.
And as always, there’s no single answer that’s right for everybody.
It depends on what you want to see, how long you’re staying, whether you have a car and how quickly you like to travel.
After all:
Your vacation, your time.
Please note: Some hotel links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through one of them, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps support my website and allows me to continue creating free Bavaria travel guides like this one. Thank you!
Quick Answer: Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Bavaria?
If this is your first trip and you want the simplest possible answer, here’s mine:
Munich – Best overall base for first-time visitors
Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Best for mountains, hiking, Zugspitze and outdoor adventures
Füssen – Best for Neuschwanstein Castle and a romantic Alpine atmosphere
Berchtesgaden – Best for Lake Königssee, Eagle’s Nest and spectacular Alpine scenery
Chiemsee – Best for a slower lakeside vacation
Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Best for medieval atmosphere and the Romantic Road
Salzburg – Best addition if you’re combining Bavaria with Austria
If you have seven to ten days, I usually wouldn’t recommend choosing just one.
Two or three bases can make your vacation much more enjoyable.
1. Munich – Best Overall Base for First-Time Visitors
If you’re visiting Bavaria for the first time, Munich is usually where I’d recommend starting.
And not simply because it’s my hometown.
Munich works extremely well as a base.
You have an international airport, excellent train connections, great restaurants, museums, beer gardens, beautiful architecture and plenty to do in the evening after returning from a day trip.
From Munich, you can reasonably visit:
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Zugspitze
- Lake Eibsee
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Linderhof Palace
- Oberammergau
- Chiemsee
- Salzburg
- Dachau Memorial Site
- And many other destinations
You can even visit Königssee and Berchtesgaden from Munich, although that’s where the distances start becoming longer.
How Many Nights Would I Stay in Munich?
For a first visit, I’d recommend approximately 3 to 5 nights.
If you have only three days in Bavaria, I’d probably stay in Munich for all three nights and take day trips.
If you have seven or ten days, I’d combine Munich with another base in the Alps.
Where in Munich Should You Stay?
If your budget allows, I love the area around Altstadt-Lehel.
You’ll be within walking distance of Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, the Residenz, Hofbräuhaus, restaurants and many of Munich’s major sights.
The area around the main railway station can be convenient for transportation, but personally, I prefer staying closer to the historic center if your budget allows.
Areas around Maxvorstadt can also be excellent, particularly if you’re interested in museums.
And if you prefer something quieter and more residential, there are plenty of beautiful neighborhoods outside the immediate Old Town.
Who Should Stay in Munich?
Munich is ideal if:
- This is your first Bavaria trip
- You don’t want to rent a car
- You enjoy restaurants and nightlife
- You want to take several day trips
- You only have a few days
- You want lots of hotel choices
Who Shouldn’t Base Their Entire Trip in Munich?
If you’re spending ten days in Bavaria and every day involves driving two hours into the Alps…
Move hotels.
Seriously.
Munich is fantastic, but waking up with the Alps outside your window is part of the Bavaria experience too.
If Munich sounds like the right base for you, you can compare current hotel prices and availability here.
2. Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Best for the Bavarian Alps
If mountains are one of the main reasons you’re coming to Bavaria, I’d strongly consider spending a few nights in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
The location is fantastic.
You’re surrounded by mountains and have easy access to some of Bavaria’s most spectacular natural attractions.
This is the Bavaria many international visitors have imagined before they arrive.
Mountains.
Traditional houses.
Alpine meadows.
Cable cars.
Lakes.
Hiking.
And Germany’s highest mountain practically on your doorstep.
What Can You Visit From Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
Garmisch is perfect for:
- Zugspitze
- Lake Eibsee
- Partnach Gorge
- Mittenwald
- Linderhof Palace
- Oberammergau
- Ettal Abbey
- Lake Plansee
- Innsbruck
Neuschwanstein is also possible from here.
How Many Nights Would I Stay?
I’d recommend 2 to 4 nights.
Two nights gives you enough time for a taste of the area.
Three or four nights allows you to slow down, especially if hiking is part of your plans.
My Favorite Thing About Staying Here
The mornings.
There’s something completely different about waking up in the Alps instead of driving down from Munich every morning.
Have breakfast.
Look at the mountains.
Check the weather.
Then decide what you feel like doing.
That’s my kind of vacation.
Who Should Stay in Garmisch-Partenkirchen?
I’d particularly recommend it for:
- Couples
- Hikers
- Outdoor lovers
- Families
- Photographers
- Travelers visiting the Zugspitze
- Anyone wanting a few quieter days after Munich
If you’d like to stay near the Zugspitze and Eibsee, you can browse hotels in and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen here.
3. Füssen – Best for Neuschwanstein Castle
If Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the absolute highlights of your trip, staying around Füssen can be a wonderful choice.
Most visitors arrive from Munich, visit the castle and leave again the same afternoon.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
But staying overnight changes the experience.
You can see the area after many of the day-trip crowds have disappeared and enjoy the beautiful Allgäu region at a much more relaxed pace.
What Can You Visit From Füssen?
Obviously:
Neuschwanstein Castle.
But there’s much more nearby:
- Hohenschwangau Castle
- Alpsee
- Wieskirche
- Forggensee
- Lake Plansee
- Linderhof Palace
- Oberammergau
- Beautiful Allgäu countryside
And don’t ignore Füssen itself.
The historic center is charming and deserves some time.
How Many Nights Would I Stay?
Usually 1 or 2 nights.
Unless you’re deliberately planning a slower Allgäu vacation, I don’t think most first-time visitors need four or five nights here.
My Tip
If you stay overnight, take advantage of it.
Visit Neuschwanstein early or later in the day rather than arriving at exactly the same time as everybody coming from Munich.
That’s one of the biggest benefits of sleeping nearby.
Who Should Stay in Füssen?
Füssen makes particular sense for:
- Couples
- Castle lovers
- Romantic trips
- Road trips
- Photographers
- Travelers continuing toward Lake Constance or Austria
If you want to stay close to Neuschwanstein, you can compare hotels in Füssen and the surrounding area here.
4. Berchtesgaden – My Choice for Spectacular Alpine Scenery
I have to admit…
I absolutely love the Berchtesgaden region.
If Munich gives you Bavarian city life and Garmisch gives you mountains, Berchtesgaden gives you some of the most dramatic scenery in Germany.
This is where you’ll find Lake Königssee, the Eagle’s Nest, beautiful mountain roads and some wonderful places that many visitors simply don’t have enough time to explore.
If you’re following one of my longer Bavaria itineraries, this is probably the second base I’d choose after Munich.
What Can You Visit From Berchtesgaden?
You’re perfectly positioned for:
- Lake Königssee
- Obersee
- Eagle’s Nest
- Obersalzberg
- Berchtesgaden Salt Mine
- Hintersee
- Ramsau
- Salzburg
Salzburg is particularly easy from here.
That means you can stay in the Bavarian Alps while still enjoying an Austrian city day.
How Many Nights Would I Stay?
I’d recommend 2 to 4 nights.
For a seven-day Bavaria trip, two or three nights works beautifully.
For a ten-day itinerary, I could happily spend three or four nights here.
Berchtesgaden or Garmisch?
This is a difficult one.
If your priority is Zugspitze, Eibsee, hiking and easy access to Neuschwanstein, choose Garmisch.
If your priority is Königssee, Eagle’s Nest, Salzburg and dramatic Alpine scenery, choose Berchtesgaden.
If you have ten days or more?
Do both.
Who Should Stay in Berchtesgaden?
I especially recommend it for:
- Nature lovers
- Couples
- Families
- Photographers
- History enthusiasts
- Travelers visiting Königssee
- Travelers combining Bavaria and Salzburg
If this sounds like your kind of Bavaria, you can see current hotel options in Berchtesgaden here.
Want to Explore Berchtesgaden With Me?
Berchtesgaden is also one of the areas where I personally think a private tour can add real value—especially if you’re trying to combine several attractions or you’re interested in the history of the Obersalzberg.
For nature lovers, you can join me for my private Lake Königssee & Obersee Experience:
For history, I offer my private Eagle’s Nest & WWII Experience:
And if your time is limited, you can combine Lake Königssee, the Eagle’s Nest and Obersalzberg in one longer day:
If you’re already staying locally and simply want to take the boat across Königssee and spend the day walking on your own, however, you absolutely don’t need a private guide.
5. Chiemsee – Best for Slowing Down
This one is different.
I wouldn’t necessarily tell a first-time visitor with three days in Bavaria to base themselves at Chiemsee.
But if you have seven, ten or more days and want to slow down for a night or two?
Absolutely.
Lake Chiemsee is sometimes called the Bavarian Sea, and the entire region has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
What Should You Do at Chiemsee?
Take a boat.
Visit Herreninsel.
Explore Herrenchiemsee Palace, King Ludwig II’s Bavarian answer to Versailles.
Visit Fraueninsel.
Have lunch beside the water.
Maybe do absolutely nothing for an hour.
That’s allowed too.
Why Stay Instead of Day-Tripping?
Because lakes feel different in the evening.
When many day visitors have gone home, everything slows down.
That’s when I’d want to sit beside the water with dinner and a drink.
How Many Nights?
1 or 2 nights is enough for most first-time visitors.
Who Should Stay at Chiemsee?
- Couples
- Slow travelers
- Families
- Lake lovers
- Travelers driving between Munich and Salzburg
- Anyone who needs a vacation from their vacation
If you’d like a slower lakeside stay, you can compare accommodation around Chiemsee here.
6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Best for Medieval Bavaria
Rothenburg is completely different from the Alpine destinations in this guide.
No towering mountains.
No turquoise Alpine lakes.
Instead, you get one of Germany’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns.
Half-timbered houses.
Historic walls.
Narrow streets.
Towers.
Little squares.
And yes, quite a few tourists.
Should You Stay Overnight in Rothenburg?
Yes, if your itinerary allows it.
This is actually one place where staying overnight can dramatically change your impression.
During the middle of the day, Rothenburg can become very busy with day visitors.
Early in the morning and later in the evening?
Completely different atmosphere.
Walk along the walls before breakfast or explore the streets after dinner when they’re much quieter.
That’s when Rothenburg becomes really special.
How Many Nights?
For most travelers:
1 night.
Two nights if you particularly love medieval towns or want to explore more of the Romantic Road.
Who Should Stay in Rothenburg?
- History lovers
- Couples
- Photographers
- Romantic Road travelers
- Christmas travelers
- Anyone who loves medieval towns
If you’re considering an overnight stay, you can check current Rothenburg hotel options here.
7. Salzburg – Should You Include Austria?
Technically, Salzburg doesn’t belong in an article about where to stay in Bavaria.
But…
I’m including it anyway.
Why?
Because geographically it makes so much sense.
Salzburg sits right next to Bavaria and combines perfectly with Berchtesgaden, Königssee and the Eagle’s Nest.
If you’re already traveling through southeastern Bavaria, crossing the border for a night or two is easy.
How Many Nights Would I Stay?
I’d suggest 1 or 2 nights for most first-time visitors.
One full day gives you enough time for the major highlights.
Two nights makes everything much more relaxed.
Should You Stay in Salzburg or Berchtesgaden?
For restaurants, city atmosphere, history and evening walks:
Salzburg.
For mountains, nature, Königssee and peace:
Berchtesgaden.
Personally?
I’d stay in Berchtesgaden if Bavaria is the focus of the trip and visit Salzburg for the day.
But if Salzburg is high on your bucket list, spending a night there is absolutely worthwhile.
If Salzburg is part of your route, you can compare current hotel prices and availability here.
My Favorite Hotel Strategy for 3, 5, 7 & 10 Days
This is where everything becomes easier.
Rather than asking, “Which is the best town in Bavaria?”, ask:
“Which combination of bases makes sense for my trip?”
Here’s how I would personally approach it.
3 Days in Bavaria
3 nights Munich
Keep things simple.
Use Munich for day trips to Neuschwanstein and Zugspitze/Eibsee.
Don’t waste valuable time changing hotels.
5 Days in Bavaria
I’d consider:
3 nights Munich + 2 nights Garmisch-Partenkirchen
or
3 nights Munich + 2 nights Berchtesgaden
Which one?
Choose Garmisch for Zugspitze and Neuschwanstein.
Choose Berchtesgaden for Königssee, Eagle’s Nest and Salzburg.
7 Days in Bavaria
My preferred combination would be approximately:
4 nights Munich + 3 nights Berchtesgaden
Alternatively:
3 nights Munich + 2 nights Garmisch + 2 nights Berchtesgaden
The second option covers more ground, but it also means another hotel change.
Personally, I’d choose based on your travel style.
10 Days in Bavaria
Now I’d seriously consider three bases:
3 nights Munich
3 nights Garmisch-Partenkirchen
3 nights Berchtesgaden
Then use the remaining night depending on your route—perhaps Rothenburg, Chiemsee or Füssen.
That gives you an excellent combination of city, castles, mountains and lakes without constantly driving back to Munich.
Should You Stay in Munich and Take Day Trips Everywhere?
This is probably the most important question in this article.
For three or four days?
Yes.
For seven days?
Maybe.
For ten days?
Personally, I wouldn’t.
You can reach an enormous amount of Bavaria from Munich.
But just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
If you’re driving Munich → Alps → Munich every day, you’re spending valuable vacation time on the Autobahn.
And you’re missing something else:
Bavaria after the day-trippers leave.
Walking beside an Alpine lake in the evening.
Having breakfast with a mountain view.
Taking an evening stroll through a little town.
Enjoying dinner without thinking about the two-hour drive back to Munich.
Those moments are part of the experience too.
Luxury Hotel or Traditional Bavarian Hotel?
Both.
It depends on the trip.
Bavaria has some spectacular luxury hotels, particularly in Munich and the Alps.
But don’t automatically ignore smaller family-run hotels and traditional guesthouses.
Sometimes a little Bavarian hotel with flower boxes on the balconies, mountain views and a wonderful breakfast creates much stronger memories than another international five-star property.
My recommendation?
Mix it up.
Maybe enjoy a beautiful luxury hotel in Munich and then choose something smaller and more traditional in the Alps.
That’s a combination I really like.
Should You Book Hotels Early?
During certain periods:
Absolutely.
I would book particularly early if you’re traveling during:
- Oktoberfest
- Christmas market season
- Summer school vacations
- Major public holidays
- Long holiday weekends
- Peak ski periods
The same applies to particularly popular areas around Neuschwanstein, Garmisch and Berchtesgaden.
You may still find accommodation later, but the hotels with the best combination of location, quality and price are naturally among the first to disappear.
A Quick Word About Parking
If you’re doing a Bavaria road trip, don’t automatically assume your hotel includes free parking.
This is particularly important in Munich and historic town centers.
Before booking, check:
- Does the hotel have parking?
- Does it need to be reserved?
- What does it cost per night?
- Is there a height restriction?
- Is the hotel inside a pedestrian area?
It sounds boring.
Until you arrive with a rental car and discover that the nearest parking garage is ten minutes away with two large suitcases.
Then it suddenly becomes very interesting.
Don’t Choose a Hotel Based Only on Price
A hotel that’s €30 cheaper but 45 minutes away from everything isn’t necessarily cheaper.
You’re paying with something else:
Your vacation time.
Location matters.
Especially when you only have a few days.
I’d rather spend a little more and be able to walk out of my hotel into Munich’s Old Town than save a small amount and spend an hour every day commuting.
The same principle applies in the Alps.
Want Me to Help Choose Your Hotels?
This is actually one of the biggest parts of planning a Bavaria vacation.
People often send me a list of beautiful hotels and ask:
“Which one would you choose?”
My answer isn’t always the fanciest one.
It depends on the itinerary.
A fantastic hotel can still be the wrong hotel if it’s in the wrong location.
That’s why hotel recommendations are also part of my Personal Travel Planning Service.
Instead of simply giving you a generic list, I can help build your route and recommend accommodation that actually makes sense for your particular trip.
That can include:
- Which towns to use as bases
- How many nights to spend in each place
- Hotel recommendations
- Daily itineraries
- Driving routes
- Restaurants
- Attractions
- Tickets
- Scenic stops
- Hidden gems
- Alternative plans for bad weather
You can learn more about my personal travel planning service here:
You can then explore Bavaria completely independently while still benefiting from local knowledge when putting everything together.
Your vacation, your time.
Want to Explore Bavaria With Me Personally?
Of course, planning isn’t the only way I can help.
If there are particular days where you’d rather leave the driving, tickets and logistics to somebody else, you’re also very welcome to join me on one of my private Bavaria adventures.
Some of the experiences that fit particularly well with the bases in this guide include:
From Munich or Garmisch – Zugspitze & Lake Eibsee
Germany’s highest mountain, beautiful Lake Eibsee and a proper Bavarian lunch.
From Munich – Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Oberammergau & Ettal
A full Bavarian royal experience combining castles, villages and beautiful countryside.
Berchtesgaden – Lake Königssee & Obersee
One of my personal favorite nature days.
Berchtesgaden – Eagle’s Nest & WWII History
A day where I believe having historical context makes a particularly big difference.
You absolutely don’t need a private guide for every day in Bavaria.
In fact, I don’t recommend it.
Some days are best spent simply wandering around on your own.
But for attractions involving timed tickets, longer driving distances, several stops or places where local knowledge and historical context add something meaningful, a private day can make your vacation much more relaxing.
My Final Recommendation: Where Would I Stay?
If you’ve made it this far and still want me to simply tell you what I’d do…
Here it is.
First Trip – 3 Days
Munich
Don’t overcomplicate things.
First Trip – 5 Days
Munich + Garmisch-Partenkirchen
if Neuschwanstein and Zugspitze are your priorities.
Or:
Munich + Berchtesgaden
if Königssee, Eagle’s Nest and Salzburg are more important.
First Trip – 7 Days
Munich + Berchtesgaden
would probably be my favorite simple combination.
If you don’t mind changing hotels more often:
Munich + Garmisch + Berchtesgaden.
First Trip – 10 Days
I’d probably choose:
Munich + Garmisch-Partenkirchen + Berchtesgaden
and potentially add one night in Rothenburg, Füssen or Chiemsee, depending on the route.
But remember:
This isn’t a competition to see how many hotel key cards you can collect.
Stay long enough to actually enjoy each place.
Have breakfast.
Take an evening walk.
Sit beside a lake.
Have another beer.
You’re on vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Bavaria
What is the best place to stay in Bavaria for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors, I’d recommend Munich. It has excellent transportation, plenty to see and easy access to many of Bavaria’s most famous attractions.
Where should I stay for Neuschwanstein Castle?
If Neuschwanstein is your main priority, Füssen is the most convenient base. However, Neuschwanstein also works perfectly well as a day trip from Munich or Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Where should I stay for the Zugspitze?
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is my recommendation. You’ll be close to both the Zugspitze and Lake Eibsee.
Where should I stay for Lake Königssee?
Stay in or around Berchtesgaden. You’ll also be perfectly positioned for the Eagle’s Nest and Salzburg.
Is it better to stay in Munich or Garmisch?
Choose Munich for restaurants, museums, city life and transportation.
Choose Garmisch-Partenkirchen for mountains, nature, hiking and the Zugspitze.
For a longer vacation, I’d choose both.
Is it better to stay in Füssen or Munich for Neuschwanstein?
If you’re only visiting Neuschwanstein as one part of a short Bavaria trip, stay in Munich and take a day trip.
If Neuschwanstein and the Allgäu region are major priorities, spend a night or two in Füssen.
Should I stay in Berchtesgaden or Salzburg?
Stay in Berchtesgaden for nature, mountains and Königssee.
Stay in Salzburg for restaurants, history and city atmosphere.
Fortunately, they’re close enough that you can easily experience both.
Is Bavaria easy to explore without a car?
Yes, particularly if you base yourself in Munich.
Germany’s public transportation network reaches many of the major destinations.
However, having a car gives you much more flexibility once you start exploring smaller villages, lakes and rural areas.
Ready to Find Your Hotel?
Once you know which part of Bavaria makes the most sense for your itinerary, you can compare current hotel options, prices and availability here.
And remember:
Don’t automatically book the cheapest hotel.
Don’t automatically book the fanciest hotel either.
Book the hotel that makes sense for the vacation you actually want to have.
Because the best base isn’t necessarily the place with the most stars.
It’s the place that gives you more time to experience Bavaria.
Your vacation, your time.