7 Days in Germany Itinerary

Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by Ingrid & Alex

If you decide to spend a week exploring Germany but don’t know where to start, you have come to the right place. We prepared the best 7 days in Germany itinerary that will take you to some of the country’s most beautiful places.

Throughout the years, we have had the chance to see all these destinations on various trips. On almost every occasion, we left from Munich, which is also how we structured the itinerary.

Germany and Bavaria have plenty of beautiful destinations, both for nature lovers and for city lovers. Thus, we tried to create a balanced itinerary that allows you to make the most of your time.

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Table of Contents
  1. 7 Days in Germany Itinerary
    1. Your itinerary at a glance
    2. Days 1 and 2 – Munich
      1. Where to stay in Munich
      2. How to get around in Munich
      3. Day 1 in Munich – Old Town & History
      4. Day 2 in Munich – Palace & food
    3. Day 3 – Drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber with a stop in Augsburg
      1. What to do in Augsburg
      2. Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
      3. What to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
    4. Day 4 – Drive to Würzburg
      1. Where to stay in Würzburg
      2. What to do in Würzburg
        1. Wine Tasting
        2. Walking Tour
    5. Day 5 – Drive to Coburg
      1. Where to stay in Coburg
      2. What to do in Coburg
        1. Ehrenburg Palace
    6. Day 6 – Drive to Bamberg
      1. Where to stay in Bamberg
      2. What to do in Bamberg
        1. The Domplatz area
        2. Bamberg Castle
    7. Day 7 – Bayreuth and Nuremberg (or just Nuremberg)
      1. What to see in Bayreuth
      2. Where to stay in Nuremberg
      3. What to do in Nuremberg
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7 Days in Germany Itinerary

Your itinerary at a glance

7 Days Germany itinerary
7 Days Germany Itinerary Map

We created this itinerary based on our personal experience, and it can be easily done by car.

Driving in Germany is not difficult, and finding parking is relatively easy, even in large towns such as Munich or Nuremberg.

Our recommendation for car rental is Discover Cars. It is an aggregator that will help you save up to 70%. They also have a flexible cancellation policy in case your plans change. Reserve your car here!

To make it easier for you, the hotel recommendations in this post have on-site parking.

Days 1 and 2 – Munich

Where to stay in Munich

When you only have two days in Munich, choosing the perfect area to stay in is essential. Bavaria’s capital is a large city with many things to do and see, and you wouldn’t want to spend too much time commuting.

For this itinerary, we suggest you choose a hotel in the city center, close to Marienplatz or Lehel. You’ll be within walking distance of many important attractions in town.

Here are our favorite hotels in Munich:

Best Western Atrium Hotel

Whenever I travel for business in Munich, I first check into this hotel. It isn’t close to my office but offers great connections.

The hotel is minutes from Munich’s Train Station and Theresienwiese underground (U).

In addition, the old town is within walking distance, so you don’t have to take public transportation to most attractions.

While the rooms are not too big, the hotel has a lovely interior garden where you can enjoy breakfast. Moreover, you can take advantage of the hotel’s underground parking for an extra fee.

Check when they’re available and book your room here!

Mercure München City Center

This is another hotel I would choose to stay at on my business trips to Munich. The Mercure Hotel is steps from the city’s train station and a short walk from Marienplaz.

At times, all these come with a price tag; thus, book ahead of time. From my over 5 years of traveling to the city, I know there are certain periods when hotel prices soar.

Check out prices here! 

Booking.com

How to get around in Munich

You can see most of the attractions on foot when you stay in the right area. However, for some, you must hop on the tram or U-Bahn (underground).

Using public transportation in Munich is fast and easy. Just don’t forget to buy the ticket from the ticket machine and validate it before boarding.

While you need a car for this itinerary, you don’t need one in Munich.

Day 1 in Munich – Old Town & History

7 days in germany itinerary
Frauenkirche / Ingrid

Start your first day with a coffee at the popular Rischart Café am Marienplatz. They have a wide selection of delicious cakes and offer one of the best views in the market.

From there, I often enjoyed a stroll to the city’s gourmet hub – Viktualienmarkt. The market is right around the corner from Marienplatz, and you can delight your senses by checking out the many food stalls.

Next, walk to the Frauenkirche, the church marking Munich’s skyline with its imposing towersClimb to the top of the southern tower for a breathtaking view of the entire city.

After seeing the city from above, continue your journey with a visit to the famous Munich Residenz. From 1508 to 1918, the building served as the seat of government and residence of the Bavarian dukes, electors, and kings. 

While the whole palace is impressive, you should not skip the king and queen’s apartments—they will really leave a mark on you.

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Once you finish the tour, step directly into the beautiful English Garden next door. It would be best if you were hungry by now, so grab a bite at one of the terraces around Odeonsplatz or head to the beer garden inside the park. They sometimes have an orchestra singing traditional German music, and we would listen to it while munching on a huge pretzel.

On your way back toward the city center, stop by the Eisbachwelle and watch youngsters surf on the Eisbach River. The first time we visited Munich was during winter; they were still there despite the intense cold.

End your day with a traditional dinner at the famous and historical Hofbräuhaus München. This place is packed with history, so we suggest visiting and learning about notable events here.

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Day 2 in Munich – Palace & food

Nymphenburg Palace is by far one of our favorite palaces in Bavaria. It also gets extra points because it is so easily reached from the city center.

You can spend half a day exploring this impressive place and its charming gardens without boredom. We have done it on several occasions and always loved our time there.

Nymphenburg, the former summer residence of the rulers of Bavaria, is a Baroque masterpiece whose interiors will charm you.

Stroll through the various rooms decorated with beautiful frescos and old paintings, and don’t leave without visiting the Carriage Museum (Marstallmuseum).

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Next, if you want to learn more about the local culture and cuisine, try a Bavarian Beer and Food Culture tour with a local. We think the best way to get to know a place is through its food, and who else is better to tell you what to try than a local?

Spend your evening with a small group of like-minded people, visit the Oktoberfest Museum, and enjoy a traditional Bavarian dinner at the end of the tour.

Just don’t stay up too late because tomorrow you have some driving to do 🙂

For more details, read our comprehensive 2 days in Munich itinerary.

Day 3 – Drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber with a stop in Augsburg

7 days in germany itinerary
Rothenburg ob der Tauber / Ingrid

On your third day in Germany, you will drive from Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, stopping in beautiful Augsburg.

This easy drive from Munich to Rothenburg took about 2.5 hours on a hot summer day. However, it depends significantly on how much time you spend in Augsburg.

Munich to Augsburg by car

What to do in Augsburg

Part of the so-called Romantic Road, Augsburg has plenty of things to do and see. Since you will only have a few hours to spend here, here are a few of our favorite attractions in town.

We chose the closest ones so you can make the most of your time without wasting too much time getting from one place to another.

We suggest parking your car at the Auro Parking near the City Hall and strolling the streets of the Old Town. Whenever we travel to a new city in Germany, we always look for the best parking close to the city center, and we think this might be the case in Augsburg.

From there, if you are a museum lover, don’t miss the Maximilanmuseum or the Schaezler Palace. Both museums are in the city center so you can visit them on foot.

Apart from the impressive interiors, the palace displays a Baroque art gallery and has a beautiful interior garden you will enjoy, especially in spring or summer.

Ausgburg to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (at the moment, there is a closed road)

Where to stay in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

You will reach the charming Rothenburg ob der Tauber in the afternoon, so checking into your hotel is the first thing to do.

We believe the Old Town is the best location because it will enable you to see the city in the little time you have. Here are a few hotel options worth considering.

Tilman Riemenschneider 

This beautiful, authentic hotel dates from the 16th century and is set in the city center. It is within a 2-minute walk from the St. Jakob church, one of the best attractions in town.

Stay here when traveling with kids because the hotel has family rooms. If you want to relax after a few days of intense traveling, you can take advantage of the hotel’s fitness area and dry sauna.

Another thing to consider is that the hotel offers private parking

See availability and prices here!

Hotel Herrnschloesschen

This charming boutique hotel is located on a quiet but central street. The rooms are spacious and have large beds, and the hotel has a sauna in the basement.

They serve an excellent a la carte breakfast in a home-like environment using high-quality ingredients.

See availability and prices here!

Booking.com

What to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

We visited the city on a hot summer day and loved strolling on its cobbled stone streets. Every corner of this little fairytale village is photogenic and charms us with its colors, flowers, and unique old buildings.

While the town is popular every season, many people come here during winter because it dresses up for the holidays. Additionally, they love Christmas so much that they have a Christmas Museum set in the city center.

If you enjoy mystery books and movies, you should not skip the Medieval Crime Museum.

As you arrive in the second part of the day, you can consider going on a Private Night Watchman Tour. Listen to the watchman’s stories about life when the Black Death threatened people, and learn about torture and cruel punishments from back in those days.

The Plönlein
The Plönlein

Another advantage of staying the night in Rothenburg is seeing the famous Plönlein without the crowds. The picture-perfect square will wait for you to take as many pictures as you like without the crowds you find here during the day.

Next, walk on the City Walls and admire the many well-preserved towers in town. Continue your walk and cross the Tauber River on the Doppelbrücke (Double Bridge), admiring the beautiful orchards surrounding the city.

Finally, you can stroll through the Old Castle’s lovely gardens, especially in spring or summer.

Day 4 – Drive to Würzburg

From Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you will drive to Würzburg. The drive is relatively short, and you will spend the night in Würzburg.

Thus, you will have the afternoon and morning of the next day to explore the beautiful city on the Main River.

During our one month in northern Bavaria, we spent one day there and fell in love with this German hidden gem, part of the German Romantic Road.

Read the complete list of things to do in Wurzburg for more information and inspiration.

Where to stay in Würzburg

7 days in germany itinerary
Würzburg from above

Even though the city is not very big, choosing the best place to stay is essential when you will only be there for one day.

Here are our top choices for hotels in the Bavarian city.

Best Western Premier Hotel Rebstock

This is an excellent hotel option located in the Old Town. It also offers parking.

What caught my eye is that, even though the hotel is located in an old traditional building, the rooms are modern and very comfortable.

Check out prices here!

Ferienwohnung Panorama mit Festungsblick

This apartment has a panoramic terrace and is set in a romantic location across the river from the Marienberg Fortress. You cannot be more central than this!

End your day by enjoying a glass of local wine and get swept away by the view you will certainly not forget.

See availability here!

Booking.com

What to do in Würzburg

Wurzburg is a hidden gem. We loved exploring it and would return to it anytime.

Finding parking was not hard, and even though we visited on a Sunday, there were plenty of things to do and see in town.

Wine Tasting

If you are like us and love wine, you will particularly like this destination since you can taste delicious local wine.

The best way to learn about local wine funnily and entertainingly is to visit a local winery, where you can taste three different types of wine. See more about the tour here!

The tour is held four times throughout the day, and the last one starts at 4:30 PM; thus, you can consider it for your afternoon in Wurzburg.

Wurzburg bridge
Wurzburg Bridge
Walking Tour

Alternatively, you can explore the city on a walking tour. This is the best way to get to know a place in a short amount of time.

What are the perks of this particular tour, and why did we choose it? It includes a small bottle of Franconian wine. Book your 1.5-hour tour here!

Afterward, you can cross the beautiful old bridge and climb the hill to the imposing Marienberg Fortress.

The original Franconian-Thuringian fortress was built here around the 8th century, while the significant castle dates from around 1200 and has undergone various changes throughout the ages.

Another reason to come here is to see one of the oldest churches built in Southern Germany, the circular Marienkapelle, inside the Fortress walls.

Thirdly, the views from the fortress walls and its beautiful panoramic gardens are amazing. We couldn’t stop taking pictures of some of the most scenic views in Bavaria.

Panoramic garden

On your second day, start your morning with a coffee on a boat on the Main River. On our day trip, we found this small boat that offered one of the best views in town without the crowds.

From there, you can walk to the Wurzburg Residence and see the “Würzburg rococo,” the most exuberant of all the variations of this style in Germany.

Wurzburg Residence
Wurzburg Residence

The building and its gardens are impressive, and you can easily spend half a day exploring this little corner of paradise, especially if you go inside.

Day 5 – Drive to Coburg

After lunch, go to the next destination on your Germany itinerary – Coburg.

7 days in germany itinerary
Wurzburg to Coburg map

It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there from Wurzburg, so you will have plenty of time to explore today.

Where to stay in Coburg

You will spend the night in Coburg, so let’s look at our favorite accommodation options.

Zentral in Coburg: Exklusive Stadtwohnung – ideal für Gruppen

This is an apartment with huge, well-equipped rooms. I particularly liked its furnishings and beautiful, spacious terrace.

Additionally, the apartment’s location is perfect and will enable you to move exclusively on foot.

See prices here!

Apartment Leopold mit Balkon

This is another option if you don’t want anything fancy and prefer a simple apartment in good condition. I chose it because it is located in one of our favorite areas in Coburg, where we always end up while in the city.

Staying here puts you next to the park and the Coburg Castle, minutes away from the city center.

See availability here!

Booking.com

What to do in Coburg

Coburg main square
Coburg main square

Along with Bamberg, Coburg was our main getaway during our one month in northern Bavaria. We loved the city set on hills so much that we visited several times.

Many might not know this, but Prince Albert, who married Queen Victoria, was from the Saxe-Coburg royal family, which had its roots in the Bavarian city.

There are plenty of things to do in Coburg, but you only have one day available, so you must plan your time well.

Coburger Marktplaz
Coburger Marktplaz

We usually start our visit at the Coburger Marktplaz and suggest you do the same. On weekends, they hold fairs where you can find local fresh produce or taste regional specialties like the “Coburg Bratwurst.”

Since you are there, try Kaffeehaus Cappuccino or the next-door Café Pfannküchle if you want to grab a coffee.

Ehrenburg Palace

Next, make your way to the Schloss Ehrenburg (Ehrenburg Palace). When we were first there, they were preparing the stage for Sting, so this is the primary place for concerts in the city.

The palace dates from the 17th to the 19th centuries, and its name means “castle of honor.” It was Queen Victoria’s home away from home, and you should visit it to feel like a royal.

7 days in germany itinerary
Hofgarten (Court Garden)

After a stroll through the palace’s sumptuous rooms, climb the hill to the Hofgarten (Court Garden). We loved how peaceful and well-maintained this park is, and we would generally walk our baby on these allies.

After a short and easy climb through the park, you get to the imposing Veste Coburg.

Veste Coburg
Veste Coburg entrance

You can drive to the top, but we prefer climbing since we love the park.

The Castle is impressive and has 727 windows, 1863 stairs, and lovely interior gardens.

Discover the impressive paintings and sculptures, historical weapons, carriages, coins, and medals inside. The collections hosted here are among the most important ones in Germany.

Day 6 – Drive to Bamberg

After breakfast, you will drive to Bamberg, which is nearby. The two cities are not too far apart, so you won’t spend too much time on the road.

We suggest allocating this day to visiting Bamberg.

7 days in germany itinerary

Bamberg also made it high on our list of favorite towns in Germany, and we have written a comprehensive guide for one day here.

Where to stay in Bamberg

Hotel Brudermühle

The hotel is only minutes from the famous Old Town Hall Bridge.

If you book the right room, you can see the bridge from your bed or enjoy breakfast on your terrace with a view of the river and Old Town.

Another thing that caught my attention is that the hotel is hosted in an old mill of a former monastery.

See availability and prices here!

Welcome Hotel Residenzschloss Bamberg

This excellent hotel is located on the river banks and within walking distance of the old town.

While it is hosted in a lovely traditional building, the interior is modern and comfortable, so you won’t have to worry about anything.

See prices here!

Booking.com

What to do in Bamberg

Bamberg bridge
Bamberg bridge

We love Bamberg and have returned to the charming town on seven hills many times. Although the city is not too big, it has many attractions and beautiful historical buildings.

You can easily fill one day with delightful things to do and see.

Any itinerary should include visiting the Old Town city center and taking pictures of the Altes Rathaus. The building stands in the middle of the river and is ornated with beautiful frescoes.

Moreover, it hosts a porcelain museum (Collection Ludwig) with art from India, China, and Africa, and it also manufactures items from all art historical epochs.

The Domplatz area

Later, take a short stroll through the colorful cobbled stone streets to the Domplatz. Here, step inside the Bamberg Cathedral and admire the impressive sculptures and works of art. The Cathedral was completed in the 13th century and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1993.

Next, take a picture of the Old Court (Alte Hofhaltung) next to the Dome. Step inside and see how the bishop lived hundreds of years ago, or visit the Bamberg History Museum, which is hosted inside the Old Court.

City view from the Rose Garden

Whether or not you visit the Old Court, you should cross the square and visit the Neue Residenz (New Residence). The imposing palace dates back to the 17th century and has rooms with impressive murals and decorations. In addition, the building hosts the State Gallery and the State Library.

However, if you don’t want to spend so much time inside, head directly to the palace’s interior garden. The Rose Garden at the New Residence should not be skipped, no matter the season.

Start your next day with a refreshing, strong coffee along the Klein Venedig (Little Venice). We particularly liked the coffee at Kaffeehaus Krumm&Schief and would typically drink it on the river banks while watching the boats pass by.

You can also go on a boat trip along the river to learn about the city’s history and see it from a different perspective.

Bamberg Castle
Bamberg Castle
Bamberg Castle

Ultimately, step outside the Old Town and climb the hill to visit the Bamberg Castle. Even though we couldn’t go inside and the restaurant was closed when we visited, walking through the small garden and admiring the surroundings from the top of the castle walls was a unique experience.

Day 7 – Bayreuth and Nuremberg (or just Nuremberg)

Depending on the time you are still available, you can spend the second part of this day exploring Bayreuth or going directly to Nuremberg.

Getting from Bamberg to Bayreuth takes roughly 45 minutes, while driving from Bayreuth to Nuremberg is another hour.

On the other hand, if you choose to go directly to Nuremberg from Bamberg, the drive is 1 hour long.

What to see in Bayreuth

We visited Bayreuth on a short day trip, and chances are you won’t have too much time available either.

The city is famous for its Bayreuth Festival, held yearly and featuring opera music by Richard Wagner. The composer had a special bond with the city and was the one to conceive and promote the idea of a special festival to showcase his own works.

After you arrive in the city, stroll through the relatively small Old Town Center, stopping at the Margravial Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you don’t have too much time, you should not skip the Neues Schloss in Bayreuth. The Old Palace burned down in 1753; thus, the New Palace was built in the Bayreuth Rococo style.

7 days in germany itinerary
New Palace Gardens Bayreuth

We particularly loved strolling through the Palace’s tranquil English-style gardens, where you could easily enjoy the peace and quiet for a few hours.

Where to stay in Nuremberg

You will spend the last night of your Germany itinerary in Nuremberg.

We suggest you drop off your rented car here since the city is easy to visit on foot or by public transportation. Also, the Nuremberg Airport is accessible by public transportation.

Stay in the Old Town, and you’ll be close to everything. Here are a couple of great hotel options.

Melter Hotel & Apartments – a Neighborhood Hotel

This centrally located hotel is extremely nice and modern, and right next door to our favorite ramen place in Nuremberg, Monki. So, if you feel like trying something else after one week in Germany, we strongly suggest having a ramen here.

In addition, staying here puts you within walking distance of all the main attractions in town.

See more about this hotel here!

Park Plaza Nuremberg

A great 5* hotel located across the street from the central train station in town and minutes away from the Old Town.

See availability and prices here!

Booking.com

What to do in Nuremberg

one day in Nuremberg
Nuremberg / Ingrid

When I started working for a big Bavarian company, Nuremberg was the first city I visited on a day trip from Munich. I liked the city very much and, later, went back to see it again and again.

One of the best ways to make the most of your day in Nuremberg is by taking the Bimmelbahn Train. The train departs from the central Market Square and travels around the city while you learn about its main attractions and history.

Alternatively, you can take the hop-on-hop-off bus. The bus ticket is valid all day, so you can travel around until you tick off all the essential attractions.

If you are passionate about history, you should participate in a World War 2 History Tour. This particular one will also take you back to the past and allow you to taste some local beer.

7 days in Germany itinerary
Imperial Castle of Nuremberg

Later, climb the hill and visit the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg. This castle complex, dating from the 11th century, has beautiful gardens, a royal palace, and amazing views from the city walls.

Next, if you want to see something different, one less crowded area I found to be romantic is the area around Maxbrücke. You can cross the Henkersteg (Hangman’s Bridge) and stop for a coffee at one of the area’s many hip cafes and bars.

No matter what you do in Nuremberg, don’t leave without taking a picture with the famous Museumbrücke.

You have now concluded your one-week stay in Germany and seen some of Bavaria’s most beautiful places. Hopefully, you made as many great memories as we did!

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