Overview
Bavaria, Germany’s largest state, is a land of fairytale castles, snow-capped Alps, pristine lakes, and the world’s most famous beer culture. From the cosmopolitan energy of Munich to the storybook perfection of Neuschwanstein Castle, the medieval charm of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to the alpine splendor of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria delivers the Germany of everyone’s imagination.
The euro (EUR) is the local currency. The Bayern Ticket ($28 for unlimited regional trains across all of Bavaria for one day) is one of Europe’s best transport deals — use it aggressively. Peak season is June through September and during Oktoberfest (late September to early October), when Munich hotel prices triple. Spring and early fall offer the best value with good weather.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget ($70-$110/day): Stay in hostels, pensions, or Gasthauser ($40-$80/night), eat at bakeries, Imbiss stands, and beer garden self-service ($12-$20/day), use Bayern Ticket trains ($28/day unlimited), and hike free alpine trails.
Mid-Range ($130-$230/day): Book a 3-4 star hotel or Gasthof ($100-$200/night), dine at traditional Bavarian restaurants ($25-$45/day), visit Neuschwanstein and other castles ($15-$25 each), and take cable cars to mountain summits ($25-$50).
Luxury ($320-$550+/day): Reserve a luxury hotel or castle stay ($250-$550+/night), enjoy fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants ($60-$130/day), book private castle tours and guided alpine excursions ($100-$250), and attend exclusive brewery experiences ($50-$100).
How to Save Money in Bavaria
- Buy the Bayern Ticket ($28/day) for unlimited S-Bahn, regional trains, and buses across all of Bavaria — covers airport transfers too.
- Eat at beer gardens where a traditional policy lets you bring your own food and just buy beer ($4-$6/Maas).
- Stay in smaller towns like Fussen, Mittenwald, or Berchtesgaden for 30-50% less than Munich hotels.
- Buy combination tickets for castles and attractions for significant per-site savings.
- Visit during spring (April-May) or early fall (October) for lower hotel rates and pleasant weather.
Worth the Splurge
- Neuschwanstein Castle — the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, perched on a Bavarian clifftop ($18 guided tour).
- A Mass (1-liter stein) of beer at a traditional Munich beer hall like Hofbrauhaus or Augustiner ($12-$15).
- The Zugspitze cable car to Germany’s highest peak at 2,962m with views into four countries ($50-$65 round trip).
- A day at Konigssee, the emerald-green alpine lake near Berchtesgaden, with an electric boat to St. Bartholomew’s Church ($20-$25).
