Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, and some posts contain affiliate links. If you make a booking, I may earn a small commission-at no extra cost to you. Thank you for keeping me writing and doing what I love!
Planning the perfect 3 days in Bavaria itinerary? This region in southern Germany is famous for its fairy-tale castles, alpine landscapes, and charming villages.
In just three days, you can explore iconic highlights like Neuschwanstein Castle, wander through the colorful streets of Füssen, and soak in the beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
This itinerary covers exactly how to spend 3 days in Bavaria, including where to stay, how to get around, and tips for visiting the region’s most famous castles.
Overview: 3 Days in Bavaria’s Castle Country
- Day 1: Explore Füssen
- Day 2: Neuschwanstein Castle & Tegelberg
- Day 3: Hohenschwangau Castle & Alpsee Lake
We based ourselves in Füssen, a postcard-perfect town near the Austrian border in the Allgäu region.
How to Book Neuschwanstein Castle Tickets:
- Book tickets online in advance (they sell out quickly, especially in summer)
- Choose a timed entry slot
- Combo tickets include:
- Neuschwanstein Castle
- Hohenschwangau Castle
- Museum of the Bavarian Kings
- Arrive at least 30–60 minutes early
Table of Contents
Day 1: Füssen
Arrive in Füssen and start with exploring the beautiful town.
Füssen is a historic Bavarian town that is at the end of the Romantic Road, the most beautiful travel route in Germany. Although the nearby castles in the town of Schwangau bring visitors to Füssen, Füssen has its own castle and points of interest.
Top things to do in Füssen:
- St. Mang’s Abbey: A former Benedictine monastery with an ornate Baroque library and museum.
- Hohes Schloss: One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Bavaria with beautiful painted facades.
- Lechfall: A scenic waterfall and walking area where the Lech River flows through the mountains.
- Walk through Altstadt (Old Town) on the cobblestone admiring the the colorful buildings and Bavarian charm.
Take your time strolling through the town. It’s charming, relaxed, and the small-town charm is all photogenic. End your day with classic Bavarian cuisine.
Popular spots include:
- Gasthof Krone
- Zum Hechten
Expect hearty dishes like schnitzel, spaetzle, and local beer.
If Bavarian food isn’t your cup of tea, eat at Statdcafe Dolce Vita for incredible Italian food.
Day 2: Castles, Marienbrücke, & Alpsee
This is the highlight of your 3 days in Bavaria itinerary. These castles are famous for a reason!
What to expect on day 2:
- Marienbrücke
- Neuschwanstein Castle tour
- Hohenschwangau Castle tour
- Alpsee
- Optional: Museum of the Bavarian Kings
For the castle tickets, you can buy a combination ticket for tours to both castles!
How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle
From Füssen, head to the village of Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein Castle and Marienbrücke is at the top of a mountain, and there’s ways to reach the castle from the base of town.
- Drive and park at P4 parking lot (~€10/day)
- Walk ~30–40 minutes uphill
- Or take a shuttle bus (seasonal)
- Or take a horse carriage
Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge)
Before heading to Neuschwanstein Castle, stop at Marienbrücke, the most famous viewpoint of Neuschwanstein Castle. The first time I visited the bridge, it was under construction. I’m happy to share it’s back open!
Tips:
- Go early to avoid crowds
- The bridge gets very busy by mid-morning
- Wear sturdy shoes
If you have time to do a small hike, there’s another nearby viewpoint worth visiting. In German, it’s called Aussichtspunkt auf Tal und Schloss.
Neuschwanstein Castle Tour
Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II, often called the “Fairy Tale King.” The castle inspired Disney’s famous Sleeping Beauty castle and remains one of the most visited attractions in Germany.
What to expect:
- Guided tours (~30 minutes)
- Insight into Ludwig II’s life
- Lavish interior rooms
Important to note: The castle was never fully completed due to Ludwig II’s untimely death.
After your tour, walk toward the café area for panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Hohenschwangau Castle Tour
Don’t skip Hohenschwangau Castle – it’s often less crowded and more historically authentic.
Why visit:
- Fully completed (unlike Neuschwanstein)
- Childhood home of King Ludwig II
- Rich interior history
Alpsee Lake
After the castles, go relax at Alpsee Lake, one of the most beautiful spots in Bavaria.
Things to do:
- Walk along the shore
- Swim (summer)
- Rent a rowboat (~€15 / 30 minutes)
The lake offers one of the most unique views of both castles. From the water, you get one of the most unique perspectives of the castles and surrounding mountains.
Optional: Museum of the Bavarian Kings
If you’re interested in history, this museum offers deeper insight into Bavaria’s royal legacy and the Wittelsbach dynasty.
Day 3: Best Views in Bavaria (and a Hidden Palace)
Begin your morning with a trip to Linderhof Palace, the smallest but only fully completed palace of King Ludwig II.
Linderhof Palace
Located about 1 hour from Füssen, Linderhof Palace is often overlooked, but it’s absolutely worth the visit if you want to see a more intimate and extravagant royal residence.
Why visit Linderhof Palace:
- The only palace Ludwig II lived to see completed
- Inspired by Versailles, with lavish interiors
- Stunning landscaped gardens and fountains
- Home to the famous Venus Grotto, an artificial cave used for private performances
The palace is much less crowded than Neuschwanstein, making it a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Tip: Arrive early and plan for about 2–3 hours to explore both the palace and its grounds.
The next part of your day is all about finding the best view in Bavaria. There are two options for the next part of your date.
Option 1: Tegelberg Cable Car
Take the Tegelberg Cable Car for panoramic views of the Alps and the castles below.
At the top, you’ll find:
- Hiking trails
- Paragliding launch points
- Incredible photo spots
Option 2: Highline179 Suspension Bridge
For something more unique, visit a suspension bridge nearby for dramatic alpine views. The suspension bridge, called highline179, connects the Ehrenberg castle ruins with Fort Claudia.
Tips for visiting:
- Wear comfortable shoes (short uphill walk to reach it)
- Go early or later in the day to avoid crowds
- Allow 1–2 hours to explore the surrounding castle ruins
This is easily one of the most unique things to do near Füssen, and a perfect addition if you want to go beyond castles.
Scenic Drive: Colomanstraße
End your day with a drive along Colomanstraße.
This peaceful road offers:
- Open fields
- Incredible castle views
- Perfect picnic spots
It’s especially beautiful at sunset and the perfect way to wrap up your trip.
Traveling to Füssen, Germany
By Air
Nearest airports:
- Munich Airport (~2.5 hours)
- Memmingen Airport (~1.5 hours)
- Innsbruck Airport (~2 hours)
By Train
Füssen is easy to reach via Germany’s rail network.
Travel times:
- From Munich: ~2–2.5 hours
- From Innsbruck: ~2.5–3.5 hours
- From Salzburg: ~3.5–4.5 hours
Use Deutsche Bahn for schedules and tickets.
Where to stay for a three day itinerary in Füssen
- Budget: Schlossrestaurant Neuschwanstein – It’s hard to be budget friendly while near the castles but this place is reasonable and great location.
- Hostel: Bavaria City Hostel – I stayed here in 2019 and it was at a great location with a price that’s hard to beat.
- Mid-range: Hideauts Hotels Der Rosengarten – The property is beautiful and a short walk into town. There’s also a sauna to enjoy!
- Splurge: Hotel Hirsch – A family-run hotel in the heart of Füssen!
Other helpful tips for Füssen
- Book your tickets to the castles in advance. Tickets to Neuschwanstein Castle sell out quickly.
- Transportation: Get a 5-day Berlin WelcomeCard (includes discounts + unlimited transit).\
- Language: Most locals speak English, but a few German phrases help.
- Tipping: Round up or 5–10% at restaurants.
- Cash: Many places still don’t accept cards. It became more accepted after COVID, but consider carrying cash
Final Thoughts
A 3 days in Bavaria itinerary is the perfect way to experience Germany’s most magical region. From the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle to the peaceful shores of Alpsee and the charm of Füssen, this trip offers a mix of history, nature, and unforgettable scenery.
