This may be northern Europe, but southern Germany positively glows. From the amber in the giant beer mugs to the golden sunshine in Freiburg to the sparkle of glorious alpine lakes, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg deliver warmth in more ways than one.
When you’re not tramping up glorious mountains and through lush meadows, or pottering down medieval lanes and alleys, the delights of this region are best appreciated by car. Germany’s roads are excellent, and the region’s landscapes might make you want to pull over and gawk in wonder. So when Germany’s tourist-heavy destinations are all sold out, here are some of our favorite road trip highlights from two of the country’s most picturesque states.
Listen for Music in the Hills in Bavaria
Riverside Regensburg is home to one of only two Roman relics still standing north of the Alps – and it shows. What was once a remote Roman camp morphed into a convenient stopover for Charlemagne and the Carolingians. Eventually, the construction of a stone bridge across the Danube in the 10th century CE transformed Regensburg into a critical regional trade center, a position it held until the discovery of the Americas shifted trade routes west.
Unlike the rest of Germany, Regensburg was largely spared during World War II, which means its warren of streets and alleys remains much the same as it was a thousand years ago (or even two!). Even the Stone Bridge is intact, and it’s a thrill to stroll across it in the footsteps of crusaders who were once on the long march to Jerusalem.
While the medieval vibes are extremely fun, Regensburg is livelier than ever. Here, history can be experienced interactively. Don’t miss, for example, the Wurstkuchl next to the Stone Bridge, which has been slinging bratwurst, sauerkraut, and Bavarian sweet mustard since 1135.
Immerse Yourself in the Bavarian Alps
You’ll be glad you had that extra wurst when you get into the Bavarian Alps. Even if you’re not hiking, the altitude and dramatic views alone are enough to make you hunger for some rib-sticking grub. Although Germany is home to a relatively small sliver of the Alps, the peaks’ proximity to a major hub like Munich makes them accessible, allowing for breathtaking journeys that reveal mountains abruptly rising from the central German plain.
Enjoy the Alps from behind a car windshield or over the rim of an oversized beer stein, but if you have the chance to hike, absolutely do. The sweaty exhaustion from a few hours’ uphill journey makes the magnificent sight of jagged, snowy peaks even more rewarding.
Some of Germany’s best hiking can be found in Berchtesgaden National Park, along with the region’s most picturesque mountain lake, the Königssee. To enjoy both, try the hike that travels from the southern end of the Königssee to Obersee.
Soak Up the Sun in Germany’s Med: Baden-Württemberg
Bavaria has the Alps, but Baden-Württemberg boasts the Black Forest. Start from the Schwabentor in Freiburg im Breisgau: day trippers can hike 800m from here to the lookout tower on top of the Schlossberg, then survey the gabled houses, medieval street plan, and storybook plazas before enjoying a schnitzel lunch, Weizenbier, and perhaps a quick siesta.
Serious walkers can venture further into the Black Forest. A 10.5-mile hike leads to the 11th-century Saint Peter Abbey; another 15.5-mile hike leads to Kandel Mountain, where medieval inhabitants once hunted witches. Keep an eye out for the shapeshifting witch Gfällrote; you’ll recognize her by her two immortal canine companions and her wicked red eyes.
Freiburg is a welcome respite from the deep, dark woods. The friendly plazas and the warmth of the sun make it the perfect place for relaxation. In fact, Freiburg enjoys 2000 hours of sunshine a year—temperature-wise, it’s the warmest city in Germany.
Clear across the state, straddling the borders of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Lake Constance offers a scenic place to cool off. The German stretch of the lake’s 168-mile shoreline is known as the Obersee; from the lakeside promenade at Friedrichshafen, you can gaze across the lake’s expanse at the spires of the Swiss Alps beyond.
Aside from the stunning views, Friedrichshafen is known as the birthplace of the Zeppelin. In the 1890s, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin became a pioneer in the field of aeronautics when he invented the first passenger Zeppelin, a cigar-shaped ship powered by hydrogen gas. A visit to the Zeppelin Museum reveals the full story, and for the adventurous, Zeppelin rides offer a chance to take in fantastic views over the lake that spans three countries.
After an exhilarating Zeppelin experience, enjoy a swim at the Strandbad Friedrichshafen, a public swimming area right on the lake featuring a grassy strip for sunbathing, a snack bar, and hot showers.
