Bavaria winter landscapes, charming Christmas markets, and quiet trails make it an ideal destination for those looking to explore its natural beauty and historic sites. When the snow covers the Alps and cosy villages, Bavaria in winter offers a magical experience that combines culture and tranquility.
Bavaria in winter is filled with scenic views and hidden spots to escape the crowds and enjoy the snowy wonderland in peace. For anyone looking for the best places to visit in Bavaria and around Munich in the winter, we’ve put together 15 inspiring excursion ideas and hidden gems.
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Christmas Markets in and around Munich – Festive Spirit and Bavarian Charm
In winter, Bavarias city squares transform into magical Christmas markets, making Bavaria an enchanting holiday destination. For the best Christmas markets in and around Munich, check out our detailed guides below, updated yearly with our top picks.
We have collected the best Christmas markets in and around Munich for you in our detailed guides. We update them every year so that you don’t miss out on the best Christmas markets in the Munich region: Discover the beautiful Christmas markets around Munich and best Christmas markets in Munich.
Winter Walks Around Lake Tegernsee – Lakeside Views and Alpine Panorama
Lake Tegernsee offers stunning views in winter, with well-maintained paths and Alpine scenery. The loop around the lake provides peaceful lakeside views with snow-dusted mountains, and unique lakeside Christmas markets enhance the experience.
Snowy Wallberg Chapel
The Wallberg Chapel hike is another highlight around Tegernsee, offering panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The chapel is especially magical at dusk, ideal for a peaceful winter moment.
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Linderhof Palace – Baroque Grandeur in Winter Silence
Linderhof Castle is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to combine culture and nature in Bavaria in winter. In the shadow of Neuschwanstein Castle, the baroque castle is picturesquely nestled in the snow-covered Ammergau Alps and is particularly impressive in winter.
The small, elegant Linderhof Castle, one of the residences of King Ludwig II, unfolds its fairytale-like effect in winter. The castle’s ornate gardens rest under a blanket of snow, and the snow-covered trees in the background lend the whole place a magical atmosphere. A detour here lets you immerse yourself in another time and you can enjoy the park in peace and quiet, as not too many tourists get lost at Linderhof Castle.
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Lake Eibsee in Winter – A Stunning Retreat at the Base of Zugspitze
Eibsee in winter is one of Bavaria’s hidden gems. Located at the foot of Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, Eibsee is surrounded by snow-dusted trees and offers a peaceful 7-kilometer loop trail with incredible views of the Alps.
This scenic path provides panoramic views of the lake, partially frozen in winter, and an up-close experience with the Bavarian wilderness.
We definitely recommend the entire circular hiking trail. The first 10 minutes of the hike up to the first bridge can be very busy. After that, you will hardly encounter any tourists on the circular hiking trail around the Eibsee and can enjoy the wonderful view of the frozen Eibsee in winter. The Eibsee is a wonderful destination for anyone who wants to enjoy Bavaria in winter in a peaceful way.
Our Tip: Weekdays are ideal to visit, as the parking fills up quickly with Zugspitze tourists. For the best experience, arrive early and enjoy the quiet beauty of Eibsee in winter.
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Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Enchanting Winter in a Medieval Town
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best places to visit in Bavaria in winter for its fairy-tale charm. With its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets dusted with snow, this medieval town feels like stepping back in time.
Particularly impressive is the Rothenburg’s Christmas Museum, which exudes a festive atmosphere all year round and ensures that Rothenburg ob der Tauber becomes a Christmas town, especially in winter. The whole town feels like a Christmas fairy tale, making Rothenburg ob der Tauber a popular place to visit, especially in winter.
Our secret tip: To avoid the crowds of tourists, we recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Especially towards the evening, the day tourists leave Rothenburg ob der Tauber on the buses and you can enjoy the wintry atmosphere of the medieval alleyways in peace and quiet. Ideally, you should even book an overnight stay to avoid the busy hours.
Walk the Old City Wall
The Old City Wall in Rothenburg offers a unique view over the snow-covered rooftops and streets below, and few tourists venture here in winter, making it a quiet place to appreciate Rothenburg’s historical charm.
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Regensburg – A Winter Walk Through Bavaria’s Historic Old Town
A walk through Regensburg in winter is a journey through history. Regensburg’s UNESCO-protected Old Town is one of the best places to visit in Bavaria in winter for those who enjoy quiet city walks. A visit to St Peter’s Cathedral, whose Gothic architecture and ornate decorations shine in the winter light, is particularly worthwhile. The nearby Stone Bridge offers a unique view over the snow-covered Danube and the old town.
A detour to the Old Town Hall takes you to another highlight. The mighty buildings with the old towers create an authentic atmosphere and introduce you to the history of the city. During a stopover at the historic Wurstkuchl, one of the oldest sausage kitchens in the world, you can enjoy a warm meal and take in the winter panorama on the Danube – a cosy place to experience the cold season in Regensburg.
Haidplatz and Kohlenmarkt in the heart of the Old Town are also particularly charming in winter. These squares are surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque buildings, which are often decorated with festive lighting and emphasise the special atmosphere of the old town.
Our Tip: Regensburg is very easy to reach by train from Munich, so you can ideally combine this day trip with a journey to Munich. If you want to explore the city even more, we recommend an overnight stay in the beautiful old town.
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Königssee and Berchtesgaden – A Scenic Bavarian Winter Retreat
Königssee lake is often crowded in summer, but Bavaria in the winter brings a quieter, more serene atmosphere to this famous lake. Snow-dusted mountains reflect on the deep blue water, and the pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomä offers a beautiful focal point for winter photos.
Even in foggy weather, you have a wonderful view of the lake at higher altitudes, such as the Rabenwand, which you can probably only enjoy like this in winter.
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Winter Hiking in Berchtesgaden National Park
Berchtesgaden’s trails provide access to incredible winter views, with paths leading through quiet, snowy forests. As one of the best places to visit in Bavaria in winter, this area offers a chance to enjoy the winter wilderness with fewer crowds.
The hiking trail at Malerwinkel is particularly recommended for beginners, as you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Königssee from the Rabenwand and the hiking trail is also very easy to walk in winter.
Especially in winter, tourists rarely stray onto the hiking trail to the Malerwinkel, making the hike an absolute insider tip for Bavaria in winter .
Lake Alpsee – Winter in Fussen and Neuschwanstein Castle
Alpsee, near Füssen in winter, is known for its breathtaking views of the Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles against a winter backdrop. The scenic path around the frozen lake offers an immersive experience in Bavaria’s winter landscape, providing glimpses of the castles through snow-covered trees.
A circular hiking trail around the lake leads through snow-covered forests and always offers fantastic views of the glistening water and the imposing castles in Bavaria in winter.
Our insider tip: The hours before sunset are ideal for a 2-hour circular hike so that you can enjoy the wintry landscape undisturbed and view Neuschwanstein Castle in magical colours.
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Hopfensee in Winter – A Peaceful Walk Along Frozen Waters
Hopfensee in winter offers a 7-kilometer loop trail with views of the frozen lake and nearby Alps, creating a peaceful winter escape. Few tourists visit in winter, so you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Allgäu landscape at your own pace, making it a must-see spot in Bavaria winter.
Lake Hopfensee is one of the best places in Füssen in winter and you will hardly meet any other tourists, as most day tourists only visit Neuschwanstein Castle nearby. You can also relax in one of the many cafés on the west bank.
The circular hike is around 7 kilometres long and always offers idyllic viewpoints where you can take in the winter tranquillity of the lake. The circular hike takes around 3 hours, but is very easy to do as the hiking trail is flat throughout. If you don’t have that much time, you can also just stay on the western shore.
Our tip: The hike is especially beautiful at sunset on sunny days, as the colours in the winter sky are particularly bright.
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Bad Tölz – Winter Magic in a Classic Bavarian Town
Bad Tölz is a cozy winter getaway that captures the essence of Bavaria winter in Germany. With its colorful market square and traditional Bavarian architecture, the town is perfect for those looking to explore places to visit around Munich in winter. A walk along the Isar River offers serene winter views, with mountain backdrops and quiet pathways ideal for a peaceful day trip.
Our tip: A walk along the Isar, which meanders right through Bad Tölz, is a great way to round off your visit. The path offers relaxing views and leads past old buildings and quiet stretches of the river.
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Snowshoeing in Bavaria Winter – Discover Bavaria’s Pristine Landscapes
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to experience Bavaria’s winter scenery in a calm, untouched environment. Trails in the Allgäu mountains offer everything from peaceful paths to scenic overlooks. This peaceful winter activity allows visitors to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Bavaria Germany winter landscape.
Guided tours are also a great option for first-timers eager to explore places to visit in Bavaria in winter.
Our Insider Tip: Explore the serene winter wonderland of the Allgäu on a guided tour on GetYourGuide*.
Sylvensteinsee and Walchenklamm – Winter Hike in Bavarian Splendor
Sylvensteinsee is a quiet winter retreat with snow-covered trees and calm waters that make it one of the best places to visit in Bavaria in winter. A hike to the nearby Walchenklamm leads you through a frozen gorge with towering ice-covered cliffs, creating a stunning winter landscape perfect for peaceful exploration.
There are numerous car parks around the Walchenklamm gorge, making it the perfect place to start your winter hike.
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Nicklheim Moor – Winter Silence in Bavaria’s Unique Nature Reserve
Nicklheim Moor is a quiet, scenic spot for winter walks in Bavaria Germany winter. Frozen lakes and snowy pathways weave through the moor, offering beautiful views of the Bavarian Alps. With few visitors, it’s an ideal location for a peaceful retreat, letting you experience Bavaria’s natural beauty in a serene setting.
The view of the surrounding mountains is particularly beautiful – an idyllic view that makes the excursion unforgettable.
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Fraueninsel and Herrenchiemsee – Bavarian Islands in Winter
The Chiemsee islands are among the best places to visit in Bavaria in winter, offering both natural beauty and historical charm. Herrenchiemsee Palace’s gardens are tranquil under snow, while Fraueninsel’s small-town ambiance makes for a cozy winter experience.
The annual Christmas market on Fraueninsel is well worth a visit.
The crossing to the islands is an experience in itself. A ferry ride across the lake provides views of the snow-covered Alps, perfect for a quiet Bavarian escape.
In the quiet winter months, when there are fewer tourists around, you can particularly enjoy the winter tranquillity and the view of the snow-covered Chiemgau Alps.
Tip: The Christmas market only takes place on certain days. Find out about the current opening times on the website in advance.
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Walchensee in Winter – Bavaria’s Hidden Winter Gem
Walchensee, one of Bavaria’s largest and most beautiful alpine lakes, is breathtaking in winter. With snow-capped mountains framing its turquoise waters, the lake offers serene landscapes perfect for a winter day trip. The quiet paths around Walchensee are ideal for peaceful hikes, allowing visitors to take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and frozen lake.
A standout winter attraction here is the Herzogstand cable car, which takes you up to the Herzogstand peak, providing stunning views over the frozen Walchensee and surrounding Alpine landscape. The cable car ride adds an adventurous touch to a quiet winter day and offers access to panoramic trails with breathtaking views.
For a quiet day, consider a visit to the small village of Walchensee, where traditional Bavarian houses line the snowy lakeside, offering a cozy and authentic experience. Few tourists visit Walchensee in winter, making it one of the best places to visit in Bavaria in winter for those seeking solitude in nature.
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Our tip: Avoid the weekend for a trip, as there is only one access road and it can get very busy at the weekend. If you can only arrive at the weekend, you should definitely be there before 9am.
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