Epic Germany Itinerary: 2 weeks plus Austria & Switzerland!

Planning a trip can be time consuming, frustrating, and just plain hard! Are you wanting to plan an epic 14 day Germany Itinerary but not sure where to start? 

Fortunately for me, planning epic trips is something I enjoy! I collected info on some of the best things to do in Southern Germany and combined them into a two week Germany Itinerary that includes some main attractions in Switzerland and Austria.

Germany itinerary 14 days: In this article you’ll find my full itinerary which includes big hitter attractions like Germany’s Rhine River, the Black Forest, the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Medieval Rothenburg, it’s highest peak, plus worthwhile side trips to Switzerland and Austria…plus a whole lot more!

Germany itinerary: 2 weeks

Sound like a lot of travel in just two weeks? Germany Austria Switzerland are all located in central Europe and are all quite close so they make a tidy little driving route.

All of this can be done in a 10 day or 14 day trip. I have worked this into a 2 week Germany Travel itinerary for you but doing this Europe trip in 10 days is actually ample time but you won’t be able to see it all. 

This itinerary is packed full. Yes it was tiring, but there’ll be plenty of time to rest afterwards! 

Travel style for this trip

dense forests, dreamy castles, cobbled streets, river valleys with lazy winding rivers, alpine lakes, mountains, waterfalls and much more!

All of the towns are smaller towns, no big cities. Unless you decide to make your way to bigger cities listed under “optional experiences” like Köln (pop. 1,137,000) or Strasbourg France (pop. 278,000) is the largest city on the itinerary.

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Where to stay?

I’m only going to recommend a few choice spots because I am confident that you are capable of choosing your own accommodations. My favorite place to search accommodations is booking.com. Make you’re trip really special by booking a castle hotel on the Rhine!

Trip Route: Two Weeks Germany itinerary:

Total drive time for the entire trip: less than 20 hours

This route was planned to be as efficient as possible adding as many highlights as possible with as little driving as possible.

You get an incredible bang for your buck, seeing some of Europe’s best attractions, in a very reasonable amount of drive time.

Getting around

public transport

Buses are affordable but slow, trains aren’t always reliable in Germany, you’re at the mercy of transit schedules. HOWEVER this trip can be done by train, but you may need to make choices because regional trains and buses can be slow.

You can explore route options at the Deutsche Bahn website or on Rome2Rio. You might find my introductory blog on public transit helpful: Public Transportation For Beginners.

driving: Germany road trip itinerary

A road trip is the best way to do this trip.  If you have reservations about driving in Germany don’t. With some preparation, you won’t have any trouble. 

1-Do yourself a big favor and add the GPS onto your car rental, or bring one along. We have this GPS unit from Garmin (purchase Europe maps separately.) 

2- You may need an International Driving Permit permit to drive in Europe. Get one at your local AAA office.

3-Rental Car: I like to start my search at Booking.com or Expedia to get an idea of which companies are offering the best rates and then make my way to the rental car company website to do further research and book with the company directly. 

One of the easiest and best places to pick up a rental car is at the airport. It’s pretty easy to pick up a car at Frankfurt International Airport. I find it more challenging to return the car there! I seem to always miss the drive to the underground garage and end up driving around in circles! I have at times returned my rental car in Mainz and then taken the train from there to the airport.

Arriving in Germany

Our adventure starts at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA.) I normally find the best flight times/schedules and rates flying into and out of Frankfurt International. (not to be confused with Frankfurt-Hahn Airport HHN.) 

First time in Germany? Don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to traveling in Germany!

• where to stay night #1: why not book a castles stay? This area is flush with castle hotels! Explore your options in this full list of castle hotels on the Rhine!
• drive time for the day: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (from Frankfurt International Airport to the castle of your choice)

Rhine River Valley

Our trip itinerary starts (and ends) in Germany.  First up is the beautiful Rhine River.

DRIVE: to Rheinstein Castle in the Rhine River Valley for our first stop on the Germany itinerary

The Rhine River for castles and a cruise! The Rhine river winds lazily through Germany, its banks littered with castles and adorable villages.

The Rhine River is almost 800 miles long but the most scenic section spans a mere 50 miles, from Bingen to Koblenz.

You may be interested in: Must See Rhine River Castles!

Rheinstein Castle

Cute little Rheinstein Castle is immaculate, compact, and almost homey. It was built in 1316, has a drawbridge, portcullis, a courtyard with a lush garden, and 500-year-old grape vines that still produce grapes…and fantastic views of the Rhine!

DRIVE: to Bacharach)

Rhine River Cruise

Our next stop is in the tiny town of Bacharach for a short but sweet cruise down the Rhine River.  

The KD (Koln-Dusseldorer) Line cruise of the Rhine, round trip from Bacharach to Sankt Goar is a good option for a short 45 minute each way pleasant and relaxing ride down the river. 

My husband enjoyed his very first beer in Germany, my sister-in-law a glass of wine, while I drank up the atmosphere of the beautiful Rhine River.

The cruise stops in St. Goar where you’ll have a 2 hour and 20 minute wait for your return boat to Bacharach, enough time for lunch if you didn’t already eat, and to visit Rheinfels castle.

Rheinfels Castle ruins

This castle was built in 1245 AD. Not only is it the best castle ruin on the river it is also still the largest castle on the Rhine. The castle was once 5 times its current size, and successfully withstood an army of 28,000 French soldiers. Impressive!

There’s a tourist train that will take you up to Rheinfels Castle, or take the nature trail up (15 minutes each way.) 

• where to stay day 1 (and day 3): Cochem Germany
• drive time for the day: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (from your Rhine Accommodations to Cochem)

Take a look at the map of the best of the Rhine and fill this one day however you please!

Spend a little more time exploring the surrounding area villages of Bacharach, Sankt Goar (originated in Celtic times,) and Oberwesel (more of a town than a village vibe than the other two but it was a Celtic town way back in 400 BC.) 

Choose some of your favorite castles. All of the ones shown on this map are good choices. 

DRIVE: to Cochem Germany

Moselle River Valley

Unique dining opportunity: If you can make it work with your schedule, reserve a table at Alte Muhle Thomas Horeth restaurant. You’ll find it’s an easy stop between the River Rhine and Cochem. The restaurant is located in a 1,000 year old mill! Reserve a table in the wine cellar! 

• where to stay day 3 (2nd of two nights): Cochem Germany
• total drive time for the day: none! Enjoy the short but scenic train ride! Otherwise, 1 hour if you decide to drive to the castle.

The Moselle River meanders through Germany, France, Luxembourg and Belgium and is lined with terraced vineyards, castles, and picture perfect little wine villages with half-timbered houses. 

The small town of Cochem sits on either side of the Moselle River. This charming little village, with its medieval town center, has a population of 5,000, but during the day is quite popular with tourists and river cruise passengers. 

Get my complete list of top things to do in Cochem!

Evenings are pleasantly quiet and nighttime in Cochem is a treat, the perfect place for an evening stroll. The lights from the town reflect off of the river and the castle up on the hill, warmly lit and glowing, is a bit reminiscent of Hogwarts. 

You’ll need to get an early start to hit both of these castles in one day. Try to be at Reichsburg Castle as soon as it opens.

Reichsburg Castle

Reichsburg Castle, this Gothic beauty sits majestically on a hill overlooking Cochem and the Mosel River. The first historical mention of the castle was in the year 1130, but was destroyed and was rebuilt in 1868. You can hike up to the castle, or take the shuttle bus up the hill. 

Burg Eltz Castle

A trip to the stunning 865 year old Burg (Castle) Eltz will transport you back to medieval times. The castle is currently owned and occupied by the same families who have owned it since it was built!

Getting there by train: You can drive to the castle BUT… you can also take the regional trains from Cochem to Mosellkern and from there take an idyllic 1.5-hour walk through the forest to the castle. It’s an easy half hours train ride. 

The trail through the woods and your first peek at the castle..

Get full details on visiting Burg Eltz in my complete visitor’s guide to Burg Eltz.

where to eat in Cochem:

• where to stay night 4: Triberg Germany
• drive time for the day: 4 hours 30 minutes (drive from Cochem to Triberg)

DRIVE: to Triberg in the Black Forest. This is the longest travel day, you’ll want to get an early start.

The Black Forest (Schwartzwald!)

Optional Experience: Add France!

You’re in Western Germany and the trip down south to our next stops will take you oh so close to France so why not add it!? The small city of Strasbourg France is a great option!

Top Attractions in Strasbourg:

• Notre Dame Cathedral (one of the tallest churches in Europe. This Gothic / Romanesque cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and currently the 6th tallest church in the world. 
• Museums (the Alsatian Museum is my favorite! It’s a trip back through history!)
• A Boat ride on the river Ill
• La Petite France (Strasbourg’s charming medieval quarter of half-timbered)
• During Advent Alsace Christmas Markets are amazing and magical! Alsace France Christmas Market Itinerary

You may be interested in: Strasbourg Day Trip Planning Guide

• where to stay the night, day 5: Triberg
• total drive time for the day: depends on what you choose to do

I recommend spending some more time exploring the Black Forest today. If you can’t get enough of Germany’s castles, there are about 33 castles located in the Black Forest!

In fact, you may want to consider hitting a few on your way down south on day 4, and then spending today exploring Triberg.

A little Switzerland on the side!  Switzerland is one of the most beautiful, peaceful and stunning places on planet earth and the next stop on our itinerary is certainly no exception! Not only is the scenery stunning but it doesn’t seem to be crowded which in my opinion makes it even more appealing.

Switzerland is extraordinary and it is also one of the most expensive places to travel to but totally worth it so let’s add a little Switzerland into our itinerary!

If there is one thing you are almost guaranteed to not like about your time in Switzerland is that it wasn’t long enough! 

Berggasthaus Aescher is a hotel built into the side of a mountain in Switzerland. Take the Ebenalp cable car up to the top of Ebenalp Mountain and then hike back down, stopping at the stunning Eibsee Lake, for a fabulous day of adventure and outstanding natural beauty!

Berggasthaus Aescher

Berggasthaus Aescher is a quirky little hotel and restaurant built into the side of Ebenalp Mountain.  It’s one of Europe’s best hidden gems! If you get to the top and the morning fog has not yet lifted, head to Berggasthaus Aescher, and enjoy some refreshments while you wait out the fog. We shared a cheesy potato dish common to the region called Rosti. My husband enjoyed a warm liquor coffee drink, while the rest of us sipped hot tea.

Wildkirchli

Wildkirchli is a 400 year old cave church on Ebenalp. If you happen to find yourself at the top of Ebenalp on a Sunday you are in for a treat of a different kind. The church choir gathers at Berggasthaus Aescher before church services to practice their hymns, a heavenly sound somewhere between a hymn and a yodel. Still waiting out the fog? The congregation welcomes visitors to their services which are in German.  Hear the glorious voices of the swiss mountain choir on my Youtube Channel! and follow this link to see the video of church services.

Head on down the mountain but be cautious, the steep trails are a little treacherous and wet but are peaceful and the views are stunning! 

Seealpsee Lake

About midway down the mountain is the stunningly beautiful Seealpsee Lake. The tiny lake is a stunning shade of emerald green, surrounded by a walking trail, and has a snow peaked mountain in the background.

Read my Ebenalp / Seealpsee article here:  Wasserauen Ebenalp Mountain Switzerland: unique experiences and stunning scenery!

When in Rome….I mean Switzerland!

Two of the things that Switzerland is known for are fondue and chocolate. Give them a try! (Full disclosure, I think German Chocolate is better and the very expensive fondue was pretty smelly!)

DRIVE: Now back to Germany! drive to Fussen Germany

• where to stay night 8: Fussen Germany
• drive time for the day: zero! those are the best days!

Fussen Germany is located in Bavaria, If you are looking for quintessential Germany, you’ll find it in Bavaria, my absolute favorite region of Germany. 

Think Bavaria and think of dirndl the traditional dress for women and lederhosen the knee length pants for the gents held up with suspenders. 

Beautiful Bavaria is dotted with medieval castles, fairytale villages, opulent palaces, beer halls and polka music!

Fussen, population 14,000, is overrun by tourists in summer but few venture to back streets, which is where you’ll find the real charm. 

These are some of the best options for filling the rest of day 8:

Alpsee Lake Walk

There’s a picturesque little lake, surrounded by mountains, at the base of the castles. Alpsee lake has a path that circles the lake and can be done in 1.5 hours (clockwise is less strenuous.)

Fussen Museum

The Fussen heritage museum is located in a former baroque-style Benedictine Abbey. The monastery dates back to 750 and is one of the oldest north of the Alps. The building, containing various art and artifacts, is quite stunning both inside and out. 

The treetop walkway

High above the treetops is the baumkronenweg (treetop walkway) wooden walkway with views of the surrounding mountains and the Lech River. The suspension bridge-like walkway is 480 meters long (almost approx ⅓ mile) and 21 meters high (almost 70 feet.) 

Tegelberg Luge. 

At the foot of the Tegelberg Mountain is a fun summer toboggan run. You can also take the Tegelberg Cable Car lift up for paragliding and views of Neuschwanstein castle. There are also Roman archaeological sites around the Tegelberg Mountain. 

Lake Forggensee Cruise

Take a cruise on Bavaria’s 5th largest lake with panoramic views of the Allgäu mountains as well as Neuschwanstein and Honhenschwangau castles. 1 or 2 hour round trip cruise, early June through mid October. Forggensee Shipping  

• where to stay day 9: Fussen
• drive time for the day: minimal

Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein, the kings castles, are stunningly situated high upon neighboring hills and conveniently located just a stone’s throw from each other in the Bavarian Alps. 

Neuschwanstein is one of the most recognizable sights and one of the most famous places in all of Germany. As you might imagine, it becomes very crowded so an early morning or late afternoon is advisable to avoid crowds.

First up, Hohenschwangau

This lovely little castle sits atop the hill looking cheery in a bright shade of yellow. If you plan to tour both castles you’ll get a timed ticket for Hohenschwangau first.

After touring Hohenschwangau, jumped on the shuttle bus waiting outside and headed up the hill to:

Neuschwanstein Castle.

Is one of the most popular destinations in Germany, if not all of Europe. It is visited by 1.4 million people per year. Neuschwanstein Castle is the stunning fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles.  

Planning a trip to Germany can be a tiny bit complicated when visiting these castles. I’ve published article to help navigate your way through it:

Hohenschwangau Castle and King Lugwig II’s fairy tale castle, Neuschwanstein

Your castle tour probably won’t take all day so fill in the rest of the day with some fun things that you didn’t get to yesterday! 

• where to stay night 10: Fussen
• drive time for the day: approx. 2 hours (drive from Fussen to mountain and the lake stopping at the castle and the suspension bridge before heading back to Fussen)

DRIVE: to Eibsee Lake. The fastest route takes you through Austria so make sure you get your vignette sticker when entering Austria, it’s only 8 euro, and lasts for 10 days.) Zugspitze Mountain, Eibsee Lake, and Austria

Eibsee Lake, Zugspitze Mountain

Eibsee is a beautiful lake at the base of Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany. There’s a 4.7 mile walking trail that circles the lake, where you’ll be treated to views of the surrounding mountains. Or take a trip up Zugspitze Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding alps. 

Want all of the details for visiting Zugspitze and Eibsee? See my Eibsee Lake and Zugspitze Mountain in Germany article. 

Austria

How about spending an afternoon in Austria? After leaving Zugspitze and Eibsee our drive back to Fussen takes us through Austria, and right past a couple of worthwhile stops.

DRIVE: to Ehrenberg Castle/ Highline 179 suspension bridge.

Ehrenberg Castle and Highline 179 Suspension Bridge
One stop, two attractions! The castle and the suspension bridge are both located on the same mountain. Head to the ticket booth to buy your tickets.

Ehrenberg Castle

Ehrenberg Castle, one of Austria’s famous landmarks, was built in 1295. Its ruins are situated high up on a mountain in the Austrian Alps. Aren’t castle ruins dreamy?! There is just something so alluring about them.

Suspension Bridge

For an extra cost, adventure and thrill seekers get access to Highline 179 Suspension Bridge, the longest Tibetan style pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. I hung back, feet firmly planted on solid ground, while my husband enjoyed his time on the bridge.

DRIVE: back to Fussen Germany

The Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) is a picturesque 350 km route through forests and mountains that winds from Fussen all the way to Wurzburg. 

Dinkelsbühl, made for strolling and exploring, is a very popular choice but you have all day so pick as many of the Romantic Road villages as you like to fill your day or leave yourself more time to start exploring Rothenburg. The choice is yours. 

Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber Germany is a medieval village where you can still walk the wall that has fortified the town hundreds of years ago. It’s the quintessential, too-adorable-for-words, little German village and was the inspiration for Disney’s Pinocchio. 

Rothenburg is an old town and is teaming with German History; most of the existing buildings here were in place before 1400. 

You have 2 full days to explore Rothenburg. Most of Rothenburg’s sites are in the city centre contained within its city walls. There is so much to do it won’t be enough time so choose from the list of options here and plan to come back again! 

museums:

1-Medieval Crime and Justice Museum

One of the highlights of my trip was the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, where nearly everything is an actual medieval artifact. The torture masks were a favorite of mine, and they have a real Iron Maiden!

2-The Historical Vault – Museum above Rothenburg’s dungeon

Rothenburg Museum is located in the former jail and has a dungeon.

3-Imperial City Museum

is located in a former 13th century Dominican convent which was in use from 1258 to 1554 , The monastery kitchen from 1260 is one of the oldest of its kind in Germany.  Rothenburg Museum website

Käthe Wohlfahrt

Rothenburg has one of the best Christmas markets in Germany but at the Käthe Wohlfahrt store in Rothenburg it’s Christmas all year long! There are two main locations across the street from one another. In addition to the retail stores there’s a Christmas museum upstairs in the main store. (there’s a small charge for the museum but not the store.)

Rothenburg wall walk

The wall is about a mile and a half long. Construction of the wall around the old town started in 950. Rick has a very good map of the wall in his Germany travel guide.

Magical after dark

Rothenburg is magical and romantic after dark. Explore on your own, or take the Night Watchman’s highly informative guided tour. The tour meets outside of the Rathaus (Town Hall) each night.

Where to stay

Gotisches Haus (the Gothic House) where you’ll find yourself bedding down in a 700-year-old building that has accommodated emperors and crown princes. A stay in this gem will transport you to a time long ago. Bonus: It’s right in the middle of everything!

where to eat

At Zur Holl (To Hell) you can dine in a 1,000-year-old building! The pork steaks with a creamy chanterelle mushroom sauce are delicious!  For the first time in my life the waitress came and asked if we wanted more food!

Baumeisterhaus was built in 1596. Dine while surrounded by beautiful wall murals in a multi-story courtyard.

strawberry torte and apple strudel with cream AND ice cream at Baumeisterhaus:

At Altfrankische Weinstube you can dine in a cozy 650-year-old-building that’s tucked away from the crowds of the main square. This adorable oh so cozy little place looks like it was made for gnomes. 

• where to stay night 13: Rothenburg
• drive time for the day: zero!

Rothenburg is one of Germany’s best medieval towns and deserves at least two days! Go ahead and fill day two with your top picks that you didn’t get to yesterday! Be sure to check my Rothenburg Ultimate Guide for more options!

• where to day night 14: I like to stay very close to the airport.
• drive time for the day: approx. 2 hours 10 minutes (drive from Rothenburg to Frankfurt International Airport)

Wurzburg Palace

The Baroque style Residenz Palace in Wurzburg , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is right on your way to the airport and a must see!

The Wurzburg Palace was built in the 18th century and is one of the largest palaces in Germany. Extensive damage was inflicted on this beautiful palace during WWII, but it has been lovingly restored. 

The Monuments Men saved some of the precious art from destruction. 

Photos were not permitted inside, but it is stunning and extravagant, and worth the cost of admission. 

Looking for more things to do in Wurzburg? Read more about What to Do, See, and Eat in Wurzburg here!

DRIVE: to Frankfurt airport. From the palace, it’s just a quick 75 miles down the autobahn to the Frankfurt International Airport! If you happen to be flying home from Frankfurt Hahn instead it’s another 75 miles.

When is the best time to visit Germany?

Summer is high season, winter is off season (outside of the December Christmas market frenzy,) shoulder season is a great time to visit Deutschland! keep reading for details!

High Season

Summer is high season when you will find sunny beer gardens and lots of crowds. Crowds also come in late September for Oktoberfest. 

Off Season

Christmas Markets are totally worth fighting the crowds but if you come during winter a lot of attractions may be closed, especially those in the Rhine and Moselle River Valleys. 

Shoulder Season

Shoulder season when the temperatures are mild, prices are reasonable and it’s not as crowded is a great time to travel to Germany. Shoulder season in Germany is March and April and October and November and a very good time to visit. 

However, we visited in September and although not technically shoulder season, I think it was the best time! Flowers were still in bloom, the landscape was still a beautiful shade of green, grape vines were loaded down with grapes, and every day we had the opportunity for al fresco dining! 

How much does a 2 week trip to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Cost?

This is a per person estimate based on double occupancy for this 14 day Germany, Austria, Switzerland itinerary:

(2024 prices)

hotel	$1,700 (approx. $100 per night except for Switzerland and a castle stay, each at around $200 per night. You could spend more, you could spend less depending on your budget and tastes)
tours and admission	$298 (Rheinstein, Rhine Cruise, Rheinfels, Eltz, Cochem Castle, Triberg Waterfalls, RT Ebenalp Cable Car, Forggensee Boat, Hohenschwangau & Neuschwanstein, RT Zugspitze transport, Highline 179, 3 Rothenburg Museums, Nightwatchman Tour, Wurzburg Palace) all prices are full price adult tickets
transportation	$600 (car rental for 2 weeks. I’m a big fan of Enterprise! Check train ticket prices on the Deutsche Bahn website)
estimated total =	$2,598 (plus the cost of food and drinks

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Travel Insurance

Any time you make travel plans, you may want to consider purchasing “cancel for any reason” travel insurance. My favorite place to shop for travel insurance is Travelinsurance.com. They have a “cancel for any reason” selection. 

Final Thoughts: Germany itinerary 2 weeks

And there you have it, our two week highlight packed whirlwind vacation.

Whew! That was a lot! Yes you can see all of this in 2 weeks but how much time you spend is really up to you. You can easily abbreviate this or slow it down and make it a longer trip…or go full speed and see it all! it’s up to you.

German Food

Is this your first time in Germany and wondering what to eat? Click here to find out what the Best German food is! or maybe you need to know what to buy in Germany? I’ve got your German Souvenir guide!

Planning your dream trip to Europe? You may find this article helpful:

Ultimate Guide to traveling Germany on a Budget!

Bavaria USA!

Can’t make it to Germany yet? Check out the ridiculously cute Bavarian town surrounded by mountains in Leavenworth Washington USA!

Germany obsessed? Want to hear more about my travels around Germany and the rest of our amazing planet? You may be interested in my Germany page and be sure to submit your email address to my subscriber sign up at the end of the page to be the first to know when a new blog publishes!