man and girl sitting on brown dock near boat and two white ducks during daytime

Family Trip in Bavaria

Bavaria, with its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage, is an ideal destination for a family vacation. From the majestic Alps to the serene lakes, Bavaria offers something for everyone.

FAMILY VACATION

Oliver Weber

7/23/20246 min read

a lake surrounded by trees
a lake surrounded by trees

Bavaria: A True Paradise For Families

Bavaria is a true paradise for families, offering a unique blend of breathtaking nature, rich culture, and a wide range of leisure activities. Whether you want to stroll through picturesque villages, explore majestic castles, or enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes, Bavaria has something to offer for every family member.

Families can go hiking, swim in crystal-clear lakes, or enjoy the snow-covered slopes in winter. The Chiemsee, Tegernsee, and Starnberger See are just a few of the many lakes that offer water sports, boat trips, and relaxing days on the beach.

But Bavaria is not only known for its nature; it is also rich in history and culture. Visits to world-famous castles like Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau make childhood dreams come true, while historic cities such as Regensburg and Nuremberg, with their well-preserved old towns, provide fascinating glimpses into the past.

In addition, Bavaria is renowned for its hospitality and family-friendly accommodations. Numerous hotels, vacation homes, and farm stays are perfectly tailored to the needs of families, offering everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Often, there are special offers and programs for children, ensuring that even the youngest travelers feel right at home.

Bavaria impresses with its mix of natural experiences, cultural highlights, and top-notch accommodations – a combination that makes it an ideal destination for families. Whether you’re looking to relax or seek adventure, Bavaria offers countless opportunities for an unforgettable family vacation.

The diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Bavarian Forest to the towering peaks of the Alps, invite you to unforgettable outdoor adventures.

a group of people standing in front of a large building
a group of people standing in front of a large building

Munich: The Gateway to Bavaria

Family-Friendly Hotels in Munich:

  • Hotel Laimer Hof: Nestled in the quiet Nymphenburg district, this family-run hotel offers spacious family rooms and easy access to Munich’s top attractions. The nearby Nymphenburg Palace and its gardens provide a great outdoor space for kids to explore.

  • Novotel München City: Located in the heart of Munich, this hotel offers family rooms, a kids’ play area, and an indoor pool. It’s perfect for families looking to stay close to the city’s main attractions like Marienplatz, the Deutsches Museum, and the English Garden.

Activities in Munich:

  • Deutsches Museum: One of the largest science and technology museums in the world, offering interactive exhibits that are perfect for children of all ages.

  • Tierpark Hellabrunn: Munich’s zoo is a favorite among families, with over 19,000 animals and themed areas that represent different continents.

  • Englischer Garten: This massive park is ideal for a family picnic, with playgrounds, paddle boating on the lake, and the famous Eisbach wave where surfers can be seen year-round.

snow covered rocky mountain during daytime
snow covered rocky mountain during daytime

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Alpine Adventure Awaits

Family-Friendly Hotels in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

  • Hotel Zugspitze: This cozy, family-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms, a wellness area with a pool, and easy access to Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze. The hotel also offers kids’ programs and family packages.

  • Riessersee Hotel: Located near the serene Lake Riessersee, this hotel provides stunning views, family rooms, and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and skiing in winter.

Activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

  • Zugspitze: Take a cable car up to the summit for breathtaking views of the Alps. In winter, families can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking and alpine slide adventures.

  • Partnach Gorge (Partnachklamm): A stunning gorge with waterfalls and dramatic cliffs, accessible via a family-friendly hiking trail.

  • Alpspitzbahn: Another thrilling cable car ride that takes you to the AlpspiX viewing platform, offering panoramic views of the mountains.

white and blue castle
white and blue castle

Füssen and Schwangau: Castles and Lakes

Family-Friendly Hotels in Füssen and Schwangau:

  • Hotel Sommer: A family-friendly wellness hotel located on Lake Forggensee, offering stunning views of the Alps and Neuschwanstein Castle. The hotel features an indoor pool, children’s playground, and family suites.

  • Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau: Situated at the foot of Neuschwanstein Castle, this hotel offers comfortable family rooms and easy access to the famous castle. The hotel’s restaurant also offers a children’s menu.

Activities in Füssen and Schwangau:

  • Neuschwanstein Castle: Explore the fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Families can take a guided tour through its opulent rooms and enjoy the scenic views from Marienbrücke.

  • Hohenschwangau Castle: Less crowded than Neuschwanstein, this castle offers a more intimate experience and fascinating history as King Ludwig II’s childhood home.

  • Lake Forggensee: Ideal for swimming, boating, and picnicking with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and castles.

a couple of people on a small boat in the water
a couple of people on a small boat in the water

Chiemsee: The Bavarian Sea

Family-Friendly Hotels at Chiemsee:

  • Yachthotel Chiemsee: This lakeside hotel offers direct access to Chiemsee, spacious family rooms, and a variety of water sports. The hotel also has an indoor pool and wellness center, perfect for relaxation after a day of adventure.

  • Garden Hotel Reinhart: Located in Prien am Chiemsee, this family-run hotel offers comfortable accommodations, a large garden, and is just a short walk from the Chiemsee ferry dock.

Activities at Chiemsee:

  • Herrenchiemsee Palace: Take a ferry to Herreninsel to visit this grand palace, modeled after the Palace of Versailles. The island offers beautiful gardens and walking paths that are perfect for a family day out.

  • Fraueninsel: A smaller, more tranquil island, Fraueninsel is ideal for a leisurely stroll, visiting the Benedictine convent, and enjoying local specialties like smoked fish.

  • Chiemsee Strandbad Übersee: A popular beach on the shores of Chiemsee, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing with the family.

green trees on mountain under white clouds during daytime
green trees on mountain under white clouds during daytime

5. Berchtesgaden: Natural Beauty and Outdoor Fun

Family-Friendly Hotels in Berchtesgaden:

  • Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden: A luxurious mountain resort offering family suites, an indoor pool, and breathtaking views of the Bavarian Alps. The hotel provides outdoor activities year-round, including skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

  • Hotel Edelweiss: Located in the center of Berchtesgaden, this family-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to local attractions like the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines.

Activities in Berchtesgaden:

  • Königssee: Take a boat tour on this emerald-green lake, surrounded by towering mountains. Stop at St. Bartholomä, a picturesque church with hiking trails nearby.

  • Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus): Visit the historic mountaintop retreat with spectacular views. The adventure begins with a scenic bus ride and an elevator ride up through the mountain.

  • Berchtesgaden National Park: Explore miles of family-friendly hiking trails, perfect for discovering alpine flora and fauna.

a body of water with buildings and trees by it
a body of water with buildings and trees by it

Tegernsee: Relaxation by the Lake

Family-Friendly Hotels at Tegernsee:

  • Bachmair Weissach Spa & Resort: A luxury family resort offering spacious rooms, an expansive spa, and a kids' club. Located by Lake Tegernsee, the resort provides access to various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and water sports.

  • Hotel Terrassenhof: This family-friendly hotel is located directly on the shores of Lake Tegernsee, offering easy access to swimming, sailing, and hiking. The hotel features a wellness center and family suites.

Activities at Tegernsee:

  • Lake Tegernsee: Enjoy swimming, sailing, or a leisurely boat ride on this pristine lake. The surrounding mountains offer hiking trails suitable for all ages.

  • Tegernsee Abbey: Visit the historic abbey and its beautiful church, then enjoy a meal at the attached brewery, one of the oldest in Bavaria.

  • Wallbergbahn: Take a cable car to the top of Wallberg Mountain for stunning views and family-friendly hiking trails.

a view of a pier with a boat in the background
a view of a pier with a boat in the background

Ammersee and Starnberger See: Serene Lake Escapes

Family-Friendly Hotels at Ammersee and Starnberger See:

  • Seehof Herrsching (Ammersee): A charming hotel located on the shores of Ammersee, offering family rooms, a private beach, and easy access to boat tours and water sports.

  • Hotel Schloss Berg (Starnberger See): Situated directly on the lake, this family-friendly hotel offers beautiful views, a wellness area, and spacious rooms. The hotel is close to the famous Votivkapelle and the Rose Island.

Activities at Ammersee and Starnberger See:

  • Boat Tours: Explore the lakes by boat, with regular tours offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and historic villas.

  • Rose Island (Starnberger See): Visit this small, idyllic island, home to a beautiful rose garden and a historic villa once frequented by Bavarian royalty.

  • Swimming and Water Sports: Both lakes offer excellent opportunities for swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding, with numerous beaches and rental facilities available.

close-up photography of water near mountain

Bavaria offers an incredible variety of experiences for families, from exploring historic castles and charming towns to enjoying the natural beauty of its lakes and mountains. With this guide, you'll find the perfect hotels and activities to ensure your family vacation is both memorable and enjoyable. Whether you're looking for relaxation by a serene lake or an adventurous alpine getaway, Bavaria has it all.

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man and woman looking on silver laptop while smiling