August 2024 | Munich, Bavaria & the German and Austrian Alps

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The Backstory: Five Years in the Making

Back in 2019, I was at a yoga retreat in Greece when I met two girls who would become some of my close friends, Lisa (from Munich) and Melli (from Austria). Over the years, they’ve come to visit us in Virginia Beach, and we’ve made promises about me finally making it to their side of the world. In the summer of 2024, with a newborn strapped to my chest and a toddler in tow, we finally did it. And wow. GERMANY AND AUSTRIA, you were so good to us. 

Here’s our full 7-day itinerary broken down by day, with every place we ate, explored, and loved.

I highly recommend adding these two insanely beautiful countries to your bucket list. I was absolutely blown away by them! Summer in Europe is iconic, of course, but summer in the Alps in Germany and Austria is just incredible, stunning, peaceful, and with so much to explore. We saw at least 3 castles, which were INSANE, but just WAIT til you hear about the FOOD – truly the part that shocked me the most was how underrated it is and full of incredible flavor and variety!

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Day 1: Arrival in Munich — Oberschleißheim, Bavaria

We flew overnight and landed at 7 am, which, not going to sugarcoat it, is a lot with two small kids. The sweetest welcome was waiting for us at my friend Lisa’s family home in a beautiful little town just outside Munich. Her family had set up the most incredible welcome breakfast: fresh pretzels, pastries, croissants, Nutella, espresso, fruit, and jam. I could have cried.

True to the exhaustion of an overnight flight, the agenda for Day 1 was simple: eat, nap for two hours (zero shame), then stroll to a nearby playground. The houses here are so cute with tiled roofs, colorful shutters, and flower boxes on every window. We barely had to leave the neighborhood to feel like we’d landed in a storybook.Pro tip: Nothing compares to bakeries in Europe. We stopped at a local bakery in Oberschleißheim, and I was genuinely unprepared for the display: shelves of sourdough, Bauernbrot, Dinkel, and Sauerteigbrot, all baked fresh. Just plan on buying more than you need.

Afternoon/Evening: Lisa took us to Schloss Schleissheim, a stunning Baroque palace complex just a short drive from where we were staying. We explored the palace gardens and then had dinner at the castle restaurant, and it was PHENOMENAL. German food is so underrated. We ordered:

• Braised Bavarian suckling pig cheek with veggies and potato gnocchi
• Salad with chanterelle mushrooms
• Bavarian duck, roast pork, and dumpling
• Chanterelle dish in cream sauce

After dinner, we took a golden-hour run through the castle gardens with the kids. “Gute Nacht” from Schloss Schleissheim, truly one of the most magical evenings.

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Day 2: A Full Day in Munich

We hopped on the U-Bahn into the city for a full day of exploring Munich, guided by our local expert Lisa and her sister Sophia. Even though I’m a die-hard beach girl, ever since I lived in New York City for a few years, I have a soft spot for large cities around the world and everything they have to offer! And Munich just surpassed all my expectations!

Morning

We started at Hofgarten, the formal royal gardens near Odeonsplatz, with its famous Diana Temple, weeping willows, ponds with swans, and fountains. From there we walked through Odeonsplatz to see the Theatinerkirche (gorgeous yellow baroque church), the Feldherrnhalle, and the equestrian statue of King Ludwig I. The architecture in Munich absolutely blew my mind, European cities are just so cool!!!

Midday — Viktualienmarkt

We made our way to Viktualienmarkt, the open-air market in the heart of the Old Town. This is a MUST-visit if you are planning a trip to Munich! Even on a rainy day, it was incredible with stalls packed with fresh produce, regional cheeses, honey, lavender, local meats, and flowers. The iconic Maypole with the HB (Hofbräuhaus) sign towered above it all.

Must-eat stop at Viktualienmarkt: Friedl Schmankerl — this is a small butcher stand right in the market, and it’s mandatory. We got:

• Fleischpflanzerl — a Bavarian meatloaf roll (Justin’s favorite)
• Leberkassemmel — a bologna-style roll that was like nothing I’ve ever had. My absolute favorite. A literal €1-2 sandwich that will haunt me forever.

We also grabbed fresh strawberries from a market fruit stand, and these strawberries were AMAZING. I loveee trying local seasonal fruits in different countries!

Afternoon — Old Town Strolls & Shopping

We wandered Sendlinger Straße for shopping, popped into the beautiful home goods store Mño (gorgeous ceramics and vases), and admired the colorful pastel buildings lining the streets of the Old Town near the Isartor and Old Town Hall.

Café break: Apéro for açaí bowls — I had never seen physalis (gooseberry) before, and it was SO good. Also noted: traveling with a baby means regular, welcomed breaks to feed & nurse Marine and, let’s be honest, me.

Matcha stop: @Matcha_Rina — the coolest matcha-only store inside the Mercedes-Benz building on Odeonsplatz. Absolutely stunning space. Got a matcha latte and a matcha-filled croissant. Both were incredible.

Sweet stop: Cinnamood München — a speciality cinnamon roll shop that I cannot stop thinking about. The Raffaello and Bueno-flavored rolls (yes, like the chocolates) were out of this world. The shop itself is this cool, moody purple-tiled space with neon lights. So worth it.

River surfing moment: We stopped at Eisbach — the famous river surfing channel in the English Garden. “Finally got to see this iconic spot! Did you know you could surf in Germany?!” Surfers were lined up to drop onto the standing wave while joggers and picnickers surrounded them. So uniquely Munich.

Side note: Also stopped at a really chic Starbucks in Munich (pink and green themed!) and was fascinated to compare that the same matcha almond milk latte I get at home tastes noticeably less sweet here. In general, everything in Europe is less sweetened than in the US (except dessert!), and I prefer it.

Also: HARIBO store. You cannot go to Munich and not go to the Haribo store. We also stocked up at a German grocery store (Gemüse section was gorgeous) for chocolates, snacks, and unique European flavors to bring home. It’s cheaper here, and they have flavors you can’t get in the US.

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Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle & the Bavarian Alps

This was a bucket list day for me. I have dreamed about seeing Neuschwanstein my whole life. This is the castle that Disney modeled the iconic Cinderella castle after!

We drove south through Bavaria, windows down, Dune spotting horses and cows from the backseat in the field, through Alpsee and into the foothills where you first spot the castle tiny on the mountain in the distance.

Neuschwanstein Castle

After a quick coffee stop and baby feed in the village of Schwangau, we started the 30-minute hike up the paved path to the castle. The village itself is adorable, with horses and carriages, window boxes bursting with red geraniums, the Jägerhaus hunting lodge, all with the castle visible on the mountain above.

The hike up is completely manageable, and the views along the way are stunning, looking back down over Hohenschwangau Castle (the yellow castle), the lakes, and the valley. I carried Marine in her carrier the whole way up.

At the top: Neuschwanstein Castle. Such a fairytale in real life!!! It genuinely looks like it was placed there by Disney, which, in a way, it was, since it was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle. We crossed the Marienbrücke bridge for the iconic panoramic view of the full castle against the Alps. A literal fairytale. The iconic view. Tip: go on a weekday morning because by the time we were leaving, the line for the bridge was much longer.

Looking out from the bridge, you can also see Hohenschwangau Castle nestled in the tree-covered hills below, with Alpsee Lake stretching out behind it. STUNNING.

Füssen — Lunch in a fairytale town

We stopped in Füssen after our visit to the castle, a charming Bavarian town about 5 minutes from the castle, for lunch. Insider tip from Lisa: do not eat at the restaurants right by the castle entrance, they’re overpriced and not as good. Head into Füssen’s pedestrian old town instead. We ate at Hotel & Restaurant Ludwigs Füssen — a gorgeous, ornate restaurant with gold-and-velvet interiors, and ordered:

• Spätzle — the German egg noodle dish that’s sort of like mac and cheese but its own thing entirely. Dune kept calling it “mac and cheese” and ate it by the bowlful. So good.
• Pig knuckle with sauerkraut — “the sauerkraut!! OMG, it is sooo good. Every time I’ve had it in the USA, it honestly doesn’t taste as it does here in Germany!”
• Bread dumpling and potato dumpling
• Almdudler to drink (the classic Austrian herbal lemonade)

After lunch, we walked the picturesque cobblestone pedestrian streets of Füssen, grabbed gelato (obviously), and soaked in the gorgeous Alpine backdrop behind every building.

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Day 4: Last Day in Germany — Farewell to Munich

A slower, more emotional day. Back at Lisa’s home for a final home-cooked German dinner that was genuinely one of the best meals of the trip: Nürnberger Rostbratwürstl (little Nuremberg-style sausages and Dune ate six of them!! This is apparently a child favorite in Germany!), fresh mashed potatoes, garden salad, and olives. Everything was so fresh and delicious! We drank German beer from a proper German stone mug.

Last evening in Germany: We had our sunset garden dinner at Lisa’s family home, the best stay ever and biggest thanks to my dearest friend Lisa and her family.

Final morning breakfast: Lisa introduced me to this brand KoRo, which I’m obsessed with and wish I could get in the US! We had banana bread, cashew butter on German bread with blueberries and yogurt. @KORO_DE I need you in the USA. 

Next stop: Austria!

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Day 5: Into Austria — Salzburg & the Road to Bad Hofgastein

“Hello to the home of Mozart, The Sound of Music, and Red Bull!”

We stopped at Bohnenladen café on our route from Germany into Austria, a charming artisan bakery and café with an incredible bread display. Got pretzels, cappuccino, iced coffee, and almond pastries. Pretzels are a must! And 100000% taste the best in Germany!! I truly cannot describe the difference in flavor and how everything tastes – I genuinely do not experience the same tastes in the US – the soft pretzels in the US are not at all like the ones in Germany!! You’ll have to visit to try it for yourself 😉

Salzburg

We spent several hours exploring Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt), walking through the narrow baroque streets of Getreidegasse, Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse, and the Alter Markt square. The Salzburg Cathedral (Dom) in the main square is breathtaking. Colorful pastel buildings line the Salzach River. There’s a reason this city is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Brunch: Coffee House Salzburg — avocado toast with cherry tomatoes and fried egg, granola bowl with fresh fruit, croissant with jam and cream, and fresh lemonade. Gorgeous spot.

Must-do snack: Salzburger Brezen stand — a whole counter display of specialty pretzels, including a Mozart chocolate pretzel. Obvi got the Mozart one. Three pretzels for €14. Worth every cent.Must-buy souvenir:Manner Mozart-Würfel chocolates — marzipan and nougat squares by Manner Wien. These were insanely good. I should have bought 10 more.

Arriving in Bad Hofgastein

After Salzburg, we drove deeper into the Alps toward Bad Hofgastein, our friend Melli’s hometown, and arrived at one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. We made it to the most beautiful mountain town in the Austrian Alps to visit our friend who grew up here!! Imagine growing up with views like this! It was truly insane (and already daydreaming of returning here for winter snowboarding!)

Reunion dinner: Kraut & Rüben das Vegetarische Restaurant — a vegetarian restaurant in the Gastein Valley. It was so wonderful to finally be reunited with Melli together with Lisa after 4 years!! We had tomato soup, fresh salads, hummus, a veggie lasagna-style dish, and ended with Kaiserschmarrn, the famous Austrian shredded pancake dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam. A perfect reunion meal.

Our hotel: Das Rauscher Bad Hofgastein. Highly recommended for families!!! We had a suite with a pull-out bed for Dune, a crib pre-set up for Marine, a mini kitchenette, two balconies with mountain views, multiple playgrounds, indoor toy playrooms for kids, a beer garden, and a natural swimming pond. Amazing. I cannot describe to you how amazing the places in Europe are for kids!!

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Day 6: The Austrian Alps — Bad Gastein & Sportgastein Hike

This was the day I will never forget.

Bad Gastein

We explored the town of Bad Gastein, a stunning Belle Époque mountain resort town with grand old hotels clinging to the hillsides and a dramatic waterfall running right through the center of town. The epic waterfall! So epic! The water is so fresh here, and the air is sooo crisp! I really had never experienced air like this. My friends said it’s actually quite a popular wellness hack in Germany and Austria to spend time in that crisp mountain air. And now I truly believe it! The waterfall trail runs alongside the cascade, and the turquoise river below, with the grand white hotels above, is an image I’ll have forever.

Sportgastein — Alpine Hike

After Bad Gastein, we drove up into Sportgastein for a hike through one of the most spectacular alpine valleys I’ve ever seen. The hike location! WOWWWWW. Wide open meadows, dramatic jagged peaks, multiple waterfalls tumbling down the mountainsides, crystal-clear streams, wooden boardwalk trails, alpine farm huts, brown-and-white cows grazing with bells around their necks. The photos don’t even do it justice.

A highlight I’ll never forget: we stopped at a mountain stream and got in. We even drank the water straight from the stream; it was that clean and fresh. Dad and Dune waded barefoot in the rushing cold water with mountains in every direction. Melli, Lisa, and Sophia were there to share it all with us and the kids. It was so exciting, adventurous, but rejuvenating and relaxing all at once! I see now how the Alps in the summer are truly like no other!

Lunch at Valeriehaus: After the hike, we ended at Valeriehaus, a mountain restaurant with views of the entire valley. Wiener Schnitzel, Salat, Chips, Spätzle. We ended the hike with an Austrian lunch with the view of the mountains, which was insane! It also had a PLAYGROUND next to the restaurant. It was incredible.

Afternoon: Back to the hotel for rest and a swim in the natural pool while Dune and Marine napped. This mountain town and hotel honestly make suchhhh a restorative mountain getaway!

Evening: Strolled through the beautiful flower-filled town of Bad Hofgastein. Last dinner in Austria at Pane e Vino, a wood-fired pizza with burrata, prosciutto plate, Zipfer beer, and Aperol spritz. Ended with gelato cones from La Cialcon. This town is truly sooooo magical, I wasn’t ready to leave just yet!

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Day 7: Innsbruck & Farewell

A bittersweet, early morning. 4:30 am departure from Bad Hofgastein, our last stop in Austria, was Innsbruck, one of the most beautiful mountain cities. We arrived in the quiet early morning when the streets were empty, which was actually magical.

Breakfast: Der Bäcker Ruetz on Maximilianstraße, a beautiful Austrian bakery. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, cappuccinos, cinnamon rolls, croissants. 

We walked the old town streets past colorful baroque buildings, the Triumphal Arch, and said emotional goodbyes to Lisa, Melli, and Sophia on the cobblestones of Innsbruck before we continued our summer European family adventure to the Italian Alps next. 

After an emotional see you later, because the next time we see our friends, Marine won’t be this small!! So incredibly grateful for such a wonderful week. Until we can reunite again, we miss them already and their beautiful hometowns and countries!

From Innsbruck, we then took a 4-hour bus to Verona (via Flixbus), a 15-minute taxi to the airport, a rental car pickup, and a beautiful drive through Alpine vineyards into northern Italy to get to our next destination: Lake Garda, Italy. A very long day,  but the drive through the Alps in Austria to Italy was sooo beautiful.

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How to Plan Your Trip to Austria & Germany in the Alps: Suggested Itinerary Framework for Bavaria and Austria

Whether you have 7 days or 10, here’s how I’d structure a Germany + Austria road trip based on everything we experienced. Both of these countries have so much more to see, but I think it’s really helpful and more efficient to focus on regions like we did (and more family-friendly this way). Arguably, these are the most beautiful areas of Germany and Austria, being in the Alps. The beauty of this route is how naturally it flows. You start in Bavaria, do a day trip south to the Alps, then cross into Austria and work your way through the most stunning mountain corridor in Europe.

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🇩🇪 Germany: 3–4 Days

Where to stay: You have two great options. Base yourself in Munich city center if you want the full city experience and easy access to public transport. Or, my personal recommendation, especially for families with young kids, find a quaint Airbnb or guesthouse in a small Bavarian town just outside the city, like Oberschleißheim, Dachau, or Starnberg. You get the charm of rural Bavaria (the houses! the bakeries! the quiet streets!) while being only 20–30 minutes from Munich by train.

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Munich: 1–2 Days

Munich is one of the most walkable, beautiful, and genuinely fun cities in Europe. Spend at least one or two full days here, or more if you want a slower pace or have kids.

Neighborhoods & Landmarks to See:

• Odeonsplatz — the grand central square with the yellow Theatinerkirche, the Feldherrnhalle loggia, and an equestrian statue of King Ludwig I. Stunning for photos and very walkable.
• Hofgarten — the royal gardens attached to the Residenz palace, with the iconic domed Diana Temple, fountain, weeping willows, ponds with swans, and gravel paths perfect for a stroll.
• Marienplatz & the Old Town — the heart of Munich’s old city. The Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) with its famous Glockenspiel tower, the Altes Rathaus, and the Isartor gate are all within a short walk.
• Sendlinger Straße — a pedestrian shopping street with gorgeous baroque architecture, independent boutiques, and one of Munich’s best-kept-secret home goods stores, Mño (stunning ceramics and lifestyle pieces).
• Viktualienmarkt — Munich’s legendary open-air market, steps from Marienplatz. A daily farmers market with regional cheese, fresh produce, honey, meats, herbs, and flowers. The Bavarian Maypole decorated with the HB (Hofbräuhaus) crest stands at the center. Go for the atmosphere even if you’re not buying — then absolutely eat at Friedl Schmankerl for a Leberkäsemmel or Fleischpflanzerl sandwich, one of the most authentically Munich experiences you can have for under €3.
• Eisbach River Surfing — in the English Garden, a standing wave on a small river channel where surfers line up to ride. One of Munich’s most iconic and unexpected sights. Free to watch, always a crowd. If you have the time, definitely surf it!!
• Hofgarten & English Garden — the massive city park (larger than Central Park), great for walks, picnics, and stumbling upon the beer gardens and Chinese Tower.

Food & Drink Highlights:

• Friedl Schmankerl am Viktualienmarkt — get the Leberkäsemmel. Trust me.
• Cinnamood München — specialty cinnamon rolls in Raffaello, Bueno, strawberry, and more. The shop itself is gorgeous. Mandatory.
• @Matcha_Rina — a matcha-only café inside the Mercedes-Benz building on Odeonsplatz. Incredibly sleek, and the matcha is exceptional.
• Apéro — great spot for açaí bowls and lighter café fare
• Any Biergarten in the English Garden — get a mass of beer and a pretzel under the chestnut trees. This is Munich.

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Bavarian Day Trip: 1–2 Days Outside Munich

Option 1 — Schloss Schleissheim (30 min from Munich), an underrated gem that most tourists skip. A full Baroque palace complex with formal French gardens, a summer palace, and a charming restaurant right on the grounds. Perfect for an afternoon or evening out of the city, the gardens are free to walk in and magical at golden hour.

Option 2 — Neuschwanstein Castle + Füssen (2 hours from Munich), the crown jewel of Bavaria, in my opinion and one of the most famous castles in the world. The inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Here’s how to do it well:

• Drive or take a bus/train south toward Schwangau (about 2 hours from Munich)
• Park in Schwangau village and hike the 30-minute paved path up to the castle — the views from the trail looking back down over the valley and Alpsee lake are stunning on their own
• Cross the Marienbrücke bridge for the iconic full-castle panoramic view — arrive early (weekday mornings are best) as a line builds for the bridge throughout the day.
• Spot Hohenschwangau Castle — the yellow castle visible from the bridge viewpoint and from the hiking path; King Ludwig II grew up here
• Have lunch in Füssen (5 min drive from the castle) rather than at the tourist restaurants near the entrance — better food, better prices, and a beautiful pedestrian old town to explore. Get gelato while you’re there, too!

Option 3 — Starnberger See or Ammersee lakes. The Bavarian lake district, just south of Munich, is beautiful for a half-day of swimming, cycling, and eating at lakeside restaurants in summer.

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🇦🇹 Austria: 3–4 Days

From Bavaria, head southeast into Austria. The route flows naturally: Salzburg → Bad Gastein/Bad Hofgastein → Innsbruck.

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Salzburg: Half Day to 1 Day

Salzburg is compact, beautiful, and absolutely worth a stop, even if only for a few hours. The Old Town (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it earns it.

What to See:

• Getreidegasse — the famous narrow shopping street lined with guild signs and baroque facades. The most photographed street in Salzburg.
• Alter Markt & Residenzplatz — the main squares with outdoor café seating, baroque fountains, and the grand Salzburg Cathedral (Dom)
• Sigmund-Haffner-Gasse — a quieter alley perfect for that quintessential old-city photo
• Salzach River — stroll along the riverbank for views of the colorful pastel buildings and Hohensalzburg Fortress on the hill above
• Mirabell Gardens — formal baroque gardens made famous by The Sound of Music; great for a peaceful walk
• Hohensalzburg Fortress — the massive hilltop castle above the city; you can walk up or take the funicular

Food & Drink in Salzburg:

• Coffee House Salzburg — beautiful brunch spot with avocado toast, granola bowls, and fresh lemonade
• Salzburger Brezen stand — a counter dedicated entirely to specialty pretzels, including the famous Mozart chocolate pretzel. Three for €14.
• Manner Mozart-Würfel chocolates — marzipan and nougat squares available everywhere in the city. Buy more than you think you need. Seriously.

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Bad Gastein & Bad Hofgastein: 1–2 Days

These two towns in the Gastein Valley of the Austrian Alps are about an hour and a half southeast of Salzburg and are some of the most spectacular places I’ve ever been. Bad Hofgastein is the quieter, more residential village; Bad Gastein is the grander, more dramatic Belle Époque spa town a few kilometers up the valley.

Bad Gastein — What to See:

• The Gastein Waterfall — a massive waterfall that runs right through the center of town. There’s a trail alongside it, and the views of the white grand hotels above the turquoise river below are unforgettable. The air here is genuinely the freshest you’ll ever breathe.
• Grand Belle Époque hotels — Hotel Bellevue, Grand Hotel de l’Europe. Even if you don’t stay, walk the streets and take in the dramatic architecture clinging to the mountain hillside.
• HOWM Artisanal Café & Konditorei — a great coffee and pastry stop on the main street

Sportgastein Alpine Hike — Don’t Skip This: Drive or take the bus up to Sportgastein, a high alpine valley above Bad Gastein, for one of the most spectacular hikes in Austria. Wide open meadows, jagged mountain peaks, multiple waterfalls, crystal-clear streams you can drink from, mountain huts, and roaming cows with bells. The trail is very manageable (we had a stroller and a baby carrier) and there’s a mountain restaurant, Valeriehaus, at the top for lunch with the view. This was the highlight of the entire trip.

Bad Hofgastein — Where to Stay & Eat:

• Das Rauscher Hotel — exceptional family-friendly hotel with a natural swimming pond, multiple playgrounds, indoor toy rooms, balconies with mountain views, and suite-style rooms. Highly recommended for families.
• Kraut & Rüben Vegetarisches Restaurant — a lovely vegetarian restaurant in the valley with great food and a beautiful atmosphere. Perfect for a first-night dinner.
• Pane e Vino — the best dinner we had in Bad Hofgastein: wood-fired pizza, prosciutto with burrata, and a great wine list. Don’t miss it.
• La Cialcon — get gelato here every single night. No notes.

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Innsbruck: Half Day (en route out)

If you’re departing Austria from the west (toward Verona/Italy or flying from Innsbruck airport), build in a stop in Innsbruck — one of the most beautiful mountain cities in the world, where the Alps literally frame the end of every street.

What to See:

• Old Town (Altstadt) — colorful baroque buildings, the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl), and pedestrian lanes framed by mountain peaks
• Triumphal Arch (Triumphpforte) — a striking 18th-century arch at the entrance to the old city
• Maria-Theresien-Straße — the main boulevard with views of the Nordkette mountain range at the end of the street. Genuinely one of the most dramatic urban views in Europe.
• Hofburg Palace — the Imperial Court Palace, beautifully preserved
• Nordkette cable car — if you have time, ride up for panoramic views over the city

Breakfast in Innsbruck:

• Der Bäcker Ruetz on Maximilianstraße — fresh-squeezed OJ, excellent cappuccino, croissants, cinnamon rolls. The perfect send-off.

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Sample 7-Day Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Location	Highlights
Day 1	Arrive Munich / Bavarian village	Recover from flight, local bakery, Schloss Schleissheim
Day 2	Munich	Hofgarten, Odeonsplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Eisbach, Cinnamood, Matcha Rina
Day 3	Füssen + Neuschwanstein	Lunch in Füssen, castle hike, Marienbrücke bridge view
Day 4	Drive to Salzburg	Altstadt, Cathedral, pretzels, Mozart chocolates, drive to Bad Hofgastein
Day 5	Bad Hofgastein	Hotel Das Rauscher, explore town, reunion dinner at Kraut & Rüben
Day 6	Bad Gastein + Sportgastein	Waterfall walk, alpine hike, Valeriehaus lunch, Pane e Vino dinner
Day 7	Innsbruck → Depart	Morning stroll, Der Bäcker Ruetz breakfast, Triumphal Arch, onward

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Packing for southern Germany & Austria in the Alps for Summer

• Bring a light, packable rain jacket — especially in Bavaria and the mountains. The weather changes suddenly and dramatically. Lisa specifically warned us, and I was so glad I had one for both of us.
• Go to Neuschwanstein on a weekday morning — crowds build quickly, and the line for the Marienbrücke bridge view gets very long. We got there early, and it was perfect.
• Eat away from tourist spots — the restaurants right at Neuschwanstein are overpriced and not as good. Head to Füssen instead.
• The U-Bahn in Munich is so easy — great for getting into the city center with a stroller.
• Lightweight umbrella stroller is the move for cobblestones — look for one with bigger wheels than standard umbrella strollers, shade, storage, and a recline for nap time on the go.
• Baby carrier was essential — I wore Marine in her carrier for the Neuschwanstein hike and through all the tight alleyways in Salzburg.
• German food is SO underrated — Spätzle, sauerkraut, pig knuckle, chanterelle dishes, Leberkäsemel, Nürnberger sausages, potato dumplings. Order all of it.
• Grocery shopping is genuinely fun — the German and Austrian grocery stores carry flavors and products you simply can’t get in the US. Stock up on chocolates and snacks to bring home. It’s also much cheaper than buying the same brands stateside.

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Thank you, Lisa, Melli, and your entire families for showing us the very best of your beautiful homes in Germany and Austria. Austria & Germany, you were so good to us! We already can’t wait to come back (and in Winter!)

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