Holiday home Bavaria: the perfect excuse for a road trip or multi-day cycling tour along the Romantic Road!

Bavaria evokes classic images of lederhosen, Oktoberfest, and snowy mountain peaks. And while these are iconic features of the region, they only scratch the surface of what this German state has to offer. One of its defining elements is the Danube River, which together with picturesque villages, castles, and churches forms the legendary Romantic Road – a route that makes Bavaria incredibly popular! Nature lovers will also be thrilled with hikes around Lake Königssee or through the dramatic Partnach Gorge with its overhanging cliffs. Planning a trip to Germany's most mountainous state? Then rent a holiday home in Bavaria after reading this article!

Discover gems along the Danube from your holiday home in Bavaria

Bavaria is one of Germany’s most visited regions, largely thanks to the praise given to the Romantic Road. Whether you go by bike or car, you'll experience why the term “romantic” fits so perfectly: the route is strung together like a necklace of churches, monasteries, and charming villages, all the way to the Austrian border. The landscape varies between rolling forests, river valleys, and the Alps, creating a truly postcard-worthy setting. A cycling tour will require several days, especially if you plan to cover the full 500 km from Würzburg to Füssen. Along the way, you’ll pass spectacular places like Augsburg with its onion-shaped domes, and Landsberg am Lech, a fairytale town on the river with a magical city gate.

Medieval romance in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of the most photographed gems along the Romantic Road is the internationally famous town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Stroll through its charming streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses and visit highlights like the Plönlein – a true photo hotspot where two sloping streets split around a yellow-orange house, flanked by a towering gate. Don’t rush your visit; this town is worth a longer walk, as its Medieval character makes you feel like you're walking through a living open-air museum!

Füssen: the picturesque end point of the Romantic Road

While the Romantic Road is a popular road trip route, cycling gives you easier access to car-free town centers. Füssen is one such colorful town with a mostly pedestrianized center. White buildings with orange roofs alternate with pastel-colored houses in the old town. There’s even a scenic waterfall you can walk to from the town center. Cross a pedestrian bridge for views of the emerald Lech River pouring into the falls, and explore nearby hiking routes.

The Tegelberg and the Disney-like Neuschwanstein Castle

Füssen may mark the end of the Romantic Road, but your adventure doesn't stop there! It’s also the starting point for several iconic sights in the area, such as the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. This white fairytale-like castle with its ornate towers perched high on a hill is one of Germany’s most iconic images, backed by the Pöllat River Valley and surrounding mountains.

Tip: Don’t miss the stunning Tegelberg mountain. At nearly 2,000 meters high, it offers breathtaking views of Neuschwanstein from a whole new perspective.

Descend into the Partnach Gorge from your holiday home in Bavaria

From your Bavarian holiday home, it’s not just royal peaks that impress. South of Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies the Partnach Gorge, where you trade panoramic alpine views for towering rock walls just meters apart. The wild Partnach River runs through the narrow gorge, fed by glacier meltwater. The steep walls and overhanging rocks make you feel as if you're walking through a natural tunnel. With greenery above and dim light filtering in, it’s a magical experience! Tip: wear a jacket, as temperatures in the gorge can be cool.

Passau: a baroque city nestled between the Inn and Danube

On the Austrian border lies the baroque city of Passau, also known as the “City of Three Rivers,” where the Inn and Ilz merge into the Danube. Between the Danube and Inn lies the historic center, rich in baroque buildings that create a stunning riverside skyline. Follow the spire of St. Stephen’s Cathedral to a cozy square lined with pastel façades. Step inside to admire the cathedral’s interior and, if possible, attend an organ concert to hear the grand instrument in action. Want to capture the best cityscapes? Don’t just explore the city center – stroll along the rivers too. Especially at dusk, Passau glows in yellow and orange hues, reflected like watercolors in the gently flowing rivers.

Explore Bavaria’s lakes

Are you looking for family-friendly water fun from your Bavarian holiday home? Plan a day trip to Bavaria’s stunning lakes. At Walchensee, children can safely swim in shallow waters surrounded by scenic beauty. At Königssee, dramatic cliffs rise around the lake, giving it a fjord-like feel. Watersports are not allowed, but you can swim and take a boat ride to a dome-topped church. Don’t forget to enjoy a break at the nearby fish restaurant with a sunny terrace!

Rent a holiday home in Bavaria

Planning a holiday in Bavaria? Choose your stops wisely, as the cultural offerings of majestic towns, churches, monasteries, and postcard landscapes are almost overwhelming! A road trip or cycling stage along the Romantic Road is an absolute highlight. Rent a holiday home in Bavaria and treat yourself to one sight after another along the Danube. And at the Austrian border, the pinnacle of romance awaits: the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein with the mountains of Tyrol rising behind it!