Embark on a captivating journey from the dynamic skyline of Frankfurt to Munich’s historical grandeur, as we navigate through a tapestry of Germany’s most enchanting cities. This one-week itinerary is your personal guide to experiencing the thriving culture, architectural marvels, and gastronomic delights of a fabulous slice of southern Germany.
Setting out from Frankfurt’s futuristic cityscape, we’ll gradually step into a world where time-honored traditions blend seamlessly with modernity. Heidelberg welcomes us with open arms, its romantic cityscape boasting an age-old university and the ruins of a Renaissance castle. Strolling along the Neckar River, the city’s charm is palpable, infusing the air with the rich aroma of history mingled with youthful vibrancy.
Our path then leads to Würzburg, a baroque pearl nestled on the banks of the Main River. Here, the Residenz palace unfolds its UNESCO-listed splendor, inviting us to marvel at its ornate frescoes and courtly gardens. A short jaunt away, Rothenburg ob der Tauber awaits, encompassing us within its medieval walls and cobblestone streets that seem to whisper tales of a bygone era.
Before reaching our final destination, we linger in Augsburg, a city where Renaissance artistry and industrious flair live side by side. And finally, Munich’s unmistakable blend of traditional Bavarian culture and contemporary buzz marks the perfect culmination to our week-long exploration. Join me as we delve into the unique pulse of each city, uncovering their hidden nooks, culinary specialties, and the very essence that makes this route through Germany truly unforgettable.
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Incredible One Week Frankfurt To Munich Itinerary
As we embark on the scenic journey from the bustling financial hub of Frankfurt to the historic charm of Munich, this is your comprehensive guide, detailing each leg of the itinerary. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, the following paragraphs will provide you with all the necessary information to navigate this route with ease and delight.
Note that this itinerary moves FAST with a new hotel every night. If you are someone who wants to see and experience the most of every day, you’ll LOVE this itinerary. If you prefer to take things slower, cut back this itinerary. Pick your favorite four days and spread them into seven days for a more relaxed pace.
This itinerary has been designed to work with either a car or public transport so the choices is yours. The traveling times listed below are by train. Car is usually a little faster especially when traveling to and from Rothenburg. An exception is between Augsburg and Munich which is faster by ICE train.
Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt
- Check into your hotel upon arriving in Frankfurt.
- Explore Römerberg, Frankfurt’s picturesque central square.
- Climb to the top of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral for city views.
- Dine in Sachsenhausen and taste traditional apple wine.
- Take an evening stroll along the River Main.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt is the heartbeat of Germany’s financial sector, yet its allure lies beyond the gleaming towers that define its skyline. This city, with roots burrowing deep into Roman times, perfectly embodies the harmonious coexistence of a storied past and a sleek, modern present, making it an unmissable stop on your itinerary.
Upon arriving in Frankfurt, you’ll settle into your hotel, unpacking not just your bags but also your eagerness for adventure. Refreshed, you’ll step out to Römerberg, the quaint central square framed by gabled houses and the Old Town Hall, a narrative in architecture waiting to be read by your inquisitive eyes.
Your next must-do is to conquer the steps of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral. Each step upward spirals you through history until you reach the top, rewarded with sweeping views that lay Frankfurt’s intricate blend of history and modernism at your feet.
As evening begins to paint the city in golden hues, navigate your way to the charming district of Sachsenhausen. Here, you’ll dine amongst locals, sipping on the tart, traditional apple wine, a staple in Frankfurt’s culinary heritage, in a tavern that hums with stories and laughter.
To close your night, take a calming evening stroll along the calming River Main. Under the gentle city lights, the water’s surface glimmers, reflecting the day’s experiences and the promise of tomorrow’s journey.
Click here to read our full guide to Frankfurt.
Day 2: Heidelberg
About 1.5 hours traveling between stops
- Head to Heidelberg early to visit the historic Heidelberg Castle.
- Stroll along the scenic Philosopher’s Walk.
- Explore the iconic Old Bridge and wander the Altstadt (Old Town).
Heidelberg
You’ll be captivated by Heidelberg, a town that is nestled along the Neckar River. It teems with tales from its foundation in the 12th century. The Heidelberg Castle, perched above the city, is a Renaissance ruin that beckons for your exploration.
Imagine wandering through the remnants of grand halls and libraries, where echoes of illustrious scholars and princes linger. Preserving both beauty and the scars of sieges, it’s a must-visit for you to gaze out over the old bridge, Alte Brücke, and the river below, enveloping the town’s postcard-worthy scene in one glance.
The allure extends to Heidelberg’s old town, where you’ll wander streets lined with Baroque buildings, each one silently narrating its story. Meander through the University of Heidelberg’s historic campus, an intellectual cradle dating back to 1386, inspiring a sense of awe with its enduring pursuit of knowledge.
As for your culinary adventure, Heidelberg won’t disappoint. You’re invited to unwind at traditional taverns that offer local dishes like Käsespätzle and linger over a pastry from a quaint café. In tasting these, you glean the genuine flavor of the region – it’s here, in Heidelberg, where every bite and every sight stirs a sense of wonder, sealing its place on your journey.
Click here to read our full guide to Heidelberg.
Day 3: Würzburg
About 2.5 hours traveling between stops
- Travel to Würzburg, a gem in Germany’s Franconia region.
- Visit the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its stunning Baroque architecture and lavish interiors.
- Wander through the Würzburg’s Market Square and indulge in some Franconian wine.
- Walk across the Old Main Bridge adorned with statues of saints and enjoy views of the Marienberg Fortress.
Würzburg
Würzburg is a gem, rich with cultural heritage that draws you into its embrace. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the Würzburg Residence, a baroque palace with its ornate grandeur and the famed staircase adorned by Tiepolo’s ceiling fresco; it’s where you witness the pinnacle of European artistry. Treasuring an immaculate court garden, it’s where architecture and nature dance in harmony.
As you venture to the Marienberg Fortress, you’ll touch the walls that have withstood centuries, offering panoramic views that capture the Main River and vineyard-laced hills. You’re not just seeing a landscape; you’re watching the past meld with the present.
Your palate too gets a historical treat; Würzburg is at the heart of the Franconian wine region, so indulging in a glass of local Silvaner wine is a must. Combine this with the region’s culinary specialties like the hearty “Fränkischer Sauerbraten” at a traditional Weinstube.
Click here to read our full guide to Würzburg.
Day 4: Rothenburg ob der Tauber
About 1.5 hours traveling between stops
- Travel to the fairy-tale town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
- Visit the medieval Old Town and the imposing St. James’s Church.
- Walk the Town Walls which offer stunning old-town views.
- Enjoy the traditional pastry, Schneeballen.
- Join the Night Watchman Tour for a unique historical insight.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
You’ll step into a fairy tale as you enter Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a medieval town that has captured the essence of history within its well-preserved walls. Wander through its cobblestone streets, and you’ll marvel at the sturdy towers and half-timbered houses that bring the Middle Ages to life before your eyes.
You must take a walk atop the town walls; as you peer over the battlements, a sense of being a guardian of history washes over you.
Be sure to visit St. James Church, where the revered Blood Altar by Tilman Riemenschneider awaits, showcasing not just divine artistry but also a sacred air that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. As you stand beneath its arches, the whispers of history resonate in the hallowed artwork.
Visiting the town’s Christmas Market or the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village, which is open year-round, immerses you in a world where holiday spirit is not just seasonal, but an ever-present ambiance. With each ornament and twinkling light, a timeless joy fills the air.
Dining in Rothenburg offers traditional Franconian fare, where dishes like ‘Schneeballen,’ a local, snowball-shaped pastry, are not only a treat to your palate but also a culinary journey through regional traditions.
When dusk falls, join the Night Watchman’s tour—a lantern-led journey through shadowed alleys rich with tales of yore, where you tread the line between the present and the past. You’ll hang on every word from your watchman guide, a figure as enigmatic as the legends he imparts.
Click here to read our full guide to Rothenburg.
Day 5: Augsburg
About 2.5 hours traveling between stops
- Depart for Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest cities with roots in Roman times.
- Visit the Augsburg Cathedral and witness the Renaissance beauty of the Town Hall.
- Explore the Fuggerei, a living piece of social history.
- Relax in the serene environment of the Augsburg Botanical Gardens.
- Sample local Bavarian fare and craft beer in the historic town center.
Augsburg
In Augsburg, you’ll be stepping into one of Germany’s oldest cities, which dates back to Roman times. The Fuggerei, the oldest social housing project still in use today, offers an intriguing look at a centuries-old model of community welfare. You can’t help but admire the noble legacy, still alive in the heart of the city.
At the Augsburg Town Hall, majesty and history merge. You’re invited to gaze upon the Golden Hall, where Renaissance opulence unfolds in an array of gilded splendor, a stark reminder of Augsburg’s bygone clout.
For moments of tranquility, the Augsburg Botanical Gardens present a green retreat. Wander through themed gardens, each a lush, vibrant tableau, urging you to pause and appreciate the meticulous cultivation in an area spanning over 10 hectares.
Culinary exploration in Swabian tradition is a joy unto itself, with generous servings of indulgent “Käsespätzle” waiting to satisfy your appetite.
Click here to read our full guide to Augsburg.
Day 6: Munich
About 30 minutes traveling between stops
- Travel to Munich, the vibrant capital of Bavaria.
- Watch the famed Glockenspiel show at Marienplatz.
- Tour the majestic Residenz Palace and its gardens.
- Experience the food culture at Viktualienmarkt.
- Revel in Munich’s beer culture with a visit to a brewery or the Hofbräuhaus.
Day 7: Exploring Munich
- Relax or partake in activities in the vast English Garden.
- Visit the Chinese Tower beer garden for traditional Bavarian snacks.
- Immerse yourself in Munich’s art scene by visiting the galleries in the Kunstareal district.
- Shop in the hip Schwabing district or upscale Maximilianstrasse.
Munich
Munich is your canvas of history, culture, and Bavarian life painted vibrantly with every attraction. At Marienplatz, you’ll stand in awe as the Glockenspiel chimes and reenacts two stories from the 16th century, animating with life-sized figures. A stroll through the Residenz Palace will whisper legends in your ear, its opulent rooms and treasury showcasing the grandeur of Bavaria’s monarchs.
The aromas at Viktualienmarkt will entice you; it’s a tapestry of fresh produce and local delights that invite you to taste Munich’s culinary offerings. For an authentic Bavarian experience, step into Hofbräuhaus, where foamy beer steins and lively folk music create an atmosphere ripe with Gemütlichkeit.
The Chinese Tower beer garden, nestled in the lush expanse of the English Garden, is your perfect spot to unwind. The park’s sprawling greenery is Munich’s own sanctuary within the city.
Art enthusiasts will find their stride in the Kunstareal district, an ensemble of galleries capturing artistic evolution. For shopping, Schwabing district offers trendy boutiques, or if upscale is your preference, Maximilianstrasse caters to your luxurious tastes.
In Munich, every corner brims with something to discover, be it a stein, a story, or a work of art, ensuring your visit is as enriching as it is enjoyable.
It’s the perfect place to end this spectacular week traveling from Frankfurt to Munich.
Click here to read our full guide to Munich.
Map Of Your Frankfurt Munich One Week Itinerary
The following maps shows you everywhere you will go in this week.
This carefully curated journey from Frankfurt to Munich over the course of a week offers travelers an exquisite blend of Germany’s modern dynamism and rich history. You can be ensured of a comprehensive experience of this part of the country’s cultural diversity, architectural marvels, and natural beauty.
Let’s get started!
Also consider this one week itinerary for Bavaria here or this itinerary to Central Germany here (you could add it to this one!). Learn more about the attractions in Southern Germany with this guide to the best off-the-beaten-track places to visit. You can also find all our travel guides to Southern Germany here.
