9 Day Europe Itinerary: Germany + Austria

Dreaming of a 9-day European trip through Germany and Austria? This itinerary packs in fairytale castles, alpine lakes, and some of Europe’s most iconic cities—without feeling rushed.

Start in Munich, where beer halls buzz with Bavarian charm. Make the must-see trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, the real-life inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, then continue to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and backdrop for The Sound of Music.

From there, cruise through Austria’s Lake District to postcard-perfect Hallstatt before soaking up Vienna’s imperial grandeur, coffeehouse culture, and decadent Sachertorte. Cap it off in Nuremberg, a medieval city with centuries of history behind its walls.

From schnitzels to strudels, cobblestones to castles, this route blends food, culture, and history into one unforgettable European adventure. Prost to making it happen!

Breakdown of this 9 Day Europe Itinerary: Germany + Austria

Day 1: Travel Day and Arrive in Munich

Kick things off at Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel do its thing, then wander over to Nymphenburg Palace for a dose of royal history. If the weather’s nice, stroll the Englischer Garten—it’s one of the largest urban parks in the world (and yes, there’s a beer garden).

Art fans will love the Pinakothek museums, and if history’s more your speed, the Dachau Memorial is a powerful, moving visit. For lunch or dinner, don’t skip Viktualienmarkt for fresh local eats, or the Hofbräuhaus for a Bavarian beer hall experience. Car lovers? Head to the BMW Museum.

Oktoberfest season? Even better—Munich knows how to throw a party. On our first night, we skipped the nightlife, grabbed dinner at a quiet Italian spot, and called it an early one.

Tip: Make sure to check the dates when you arrive. We arrived during their Mardi Gras and it was like walking through sardines in the Marienplatz.

Day 2: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle & Hohenschwangau Castle

This was the reason I wanted to stay in Munich—finally seeing Neuschwanstein Castle and its neighbor, Hohenschwangau. And yes, it totally lived up to the hype.

The Bavarian countryside is gorgeous, and the lake views from the castles are next-level. Even if you’ve seen a thousand pictures of Neuschwanstein, nothing beats standing there in person. It’s worth the early morning train, trust me.

Day 3: Train to Salzburg

Salzburg is all about music, history, and mountain views. Start at the Hohensalzburg Fortress for incredible panoramas, then visit Mozart’s Birthplace—it’s a quick but interesting stop. The Old Town is packed with baroque architecture, cute shops, and plenty of cafes for a pastry break.

Don’t miss Mirabell Palace and Gardens for the classic Sound of Music vibes, and if you have time, hop out to Hellbrunn Palace for its famous trick fountains. If you want to really make a day of it, the Salzkammergut region nearby has some jaw-dropping lake and mountain scenery.

Day 4: Day trip to Hallstatt

Hallstatt is straight out of a postcard. Start with a walk through the village—it’s all colorful alpine houses, narrow streets, and lake views that make you stop for “just one more” photo.

Check out the Hallstatt Salt Mine for a peek into one of the oldest salt operations in the world (plus some cool underground slides). Pop into the Bone House if you’re curious about its unusual history.

For the best view, hit the Skywalk. You’ll see the village, lake, and mountains spread out like a painting. End the day with a quiet stroll along the water before heading back.

Day 5: Day trip to Vienna

Vienna is big on history, architecture, and coffee. Kick things off at Schönbrunn Palace, then check out the Hofburg and the Spanish Riding School if you’re into classic grandeur.

Walk the Ringstrasse to see the Vienna State Opera and Parliament Building, then grab lunch at a traditional coffeehouse. Order a melange and a slice of Sachertorte—it’s basically a non-negotiable here.

Hit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Belvedere Palace in the afternoon. Wrap things up with a spin on the Giant Ferris Wheel at Prater or just enjoy a stroll along the Danube before heading back.

Day 6: Explore Salzburg

First things first—let’s talk food. Grab a slice of the famous Sachertorte and a coffee. Trust me, it’s the kind of sweet, chocolatey goodness that makes sightseeing even better.

Once you’re fueled up, check out a few spots beyond the big-name attractions. The Salzburg Museum is great if you want a quick dive into the city’s history. A boat ride on the Salzach River is a relaxing way to see the city from a new angle.

Wander the Getreidegasse for unique boutiques and window shopping. And if you’re into something totally different, head to Hangar-7—it’s got historical aircraft, cool cars, and modern art all under one sleek roof.

Day 7: Train to Nuremberg

Hop on the train to Nuremberg and get ready for a city that’s equal parts history and good food. Start with a walk through the Old Town—cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the kind of medieval vibe that makes you want to slow down and take it all in.

Head up to the Nuremberg Castle for amazing views, then make time for the Nuremberg Rally Grounds to better understand the city’s role in WWII.

In between sightseeing, browse the markets, grab a plate of Franconian comfort food, and enjoy the fact that Nuremberg is easy to explore without feeling rushed. Discover more things to do in Nuremberg.

Day 8: Explore Nuremberg

Kick things off with a plate of Nuremberger Rostbratwurst—small but packed with flavor—served with sauerkraut and a pretzel.

They’ve been a local favorite for centuries, and I’ve got 4 authentic spots in Nuremberg where you can try them.

Nuremberg is full of history, great food, and plenty to see. Walk the medieval streets, check out the castle, and don’t miss the sites tied to WWII history. It’s an easy city to explore in a day—just bring your curiosity (and an appetite).

Don’t have much time? Check out our one day in Nuremberg itinerary.

Day 9: Travel Day + Trip Summary

The final day started before sunrise with an early flight out of Nuremberg Airport to Frankfurt. After a short layover (just enough time to grab a coffee), I hopped on my long-haul flight back to the U.S.

Final Thoughts on our 9 Day Europe Itinerary through Germany + Austria

This 9-day journey through Germany and Austria packed in bucket-list castles, charming old towns, and world-class cities—without feeling rushed. From sipping coffee in Vienna to standing on the Skywalk in Hallstatt, every stop brought its own “wow” moments.

If you’re dreaming of a European trip that blends history, culture, and unforgettable views, this itinerary is proof you can see a lot in just over a week.

While we didn’t give ourself enough time to enjoy Munich, we did maximize our time within our one-day constraints for Neuschwanstein, Hallstatt and Vienna.

Of course you can spend DAYS at each place, but I like to see a lot in a short amount of time. I’m not a leisurely traveler.

Keep planning your Europe adventure:
If this trip has inspired you, check out our other detailed Europe itineraries:

• How To See Neuschwanstein Castle In One Day From Munich
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• How To See Hallstatt In One Day From Salzburg
• Day Trip to Vienna From Salzburg
• The Most Beautiful Castles in Germany
• Visiting Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
• The Best Day Trips from Munich: Exploring Bavaria and Beyond
• Marienplatz, Munich: Best Things to Do, Eat & See
• 2 Days in Munich, Germany: Perfect 48-Hour Itinerary
• What to Wear in Winter in Germany Packing List
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