At a glance
- Where
- Germany · Austria
- Length
- 4 Days
- Trip style
- Road trip
- Covers
- Day 1 to Day 4
By Flink Travel · Last updated
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If you are looking for the perfect European summer itinerary that combines vibrant city life with awe-inspiring alpine peaks—and completely avoids the sweltering Mediterranean heat—this loop through Austria, Italy, and France is exactly what you need.
In recent years, the fierce summer temperatures in southern and central Italy have made traditional sightseeing uncomfortable and sometimes disruptive. Instead of battling the 40°C heatwaves and crowded coastlines of the south, this itinerary focuses on the refreshing "coolcation" trend. By staying further north and traveling at higher elevations through the Alps, you will experience sunny days with comfortable, cool breezes, and breathtaking scenery.
In Part 1, we are kicking things off in the heart of Bavaria before driving straight into the dramatic Austrian Alps.
Day 1
Arriving in Munich
Our journey begins in Munich, Germany (opens in a new tab). After arriving and picking up your rental car (opens in a new tab), take the day to soak in the Bavarian culture.
Start your morning with a stroll through the Hofgarten (opens in a new tab), a beautiful Renaissance-style garden, before heading over to the Olympiapark (opens in a new tab) to stretch your legs after the flight. For lunch, you must visit the Viktualienmarkt (opens in a new tab), Munich's famous daily food market, bustling with fresh produce, cheeses, and local delicacies.
Hofgarten (map, opens in a new tab)
Olympiapark (map, opens in a new tab)
Viktualienmarkt (map, opens in a new tab)
Where to Eat in Munich
- Park Cafe (opens in a new tab): A fantastic spot for a relaxed meal with great atmosphere.
- Restaurant Shandiz (opens in a new tab): If you need a break from traditional German fare, this highly-rated Persian restaurant is excellent and offers great vegetarian-friendly options.
Where to Stay
For your first night, check into Unsöld's Factory Hotel (opens in a new tab). It is perfectly located, allowing you to easily explore the city center on foot before hitting the road tomorrow.
If you want to be right in the action, the Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Center (opens in a new tab) offers contemporary rooms steps from the main train station and Marienplatz.
For a unique, alpine-themed stay right in the city, check out Hotel Cocoon München Hauptbahnhof (opens in a new tab), which features trendy decor, relaxed vibes, and even a lobby cable car!
Day 2 & 3
Into the Austrian Alps – Innsbruck & The Top of Tyrol
Drive south from Munich across the border into Austria. Your first major alpine encounter is the breathtaking Stubai Glacier (opens in a new tab), affectionately known as the "Top of Tyrol." Even in summer, the views from the viewing platform at 3,210 meters are unparalleled, and the high altitude provides a fantastic natural air conditioning effect!
After descending from the glacier, head into Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps.
Where to Eat in Innsbruck
- Jaipur Indisches Restaurant (opens in a new tab): If you are craving authentic flavors, Jaipur is an excellent choice. Known for its delicious Indian cuisine, they offer fantastic vegetarian options, including a dedicated vegan section with items like the Jaipur Thali and vegan naan. The modern, elegant atmosphere and beautiful terrace make it a great spot for dinner.
- Markthalle Innsbruck (opens in a new tab): Perfect for a quick bite! Open Monday through Saturday, the farmers' market features fresh regional products, and there are over 40 providers offering everything from gelato to hearty snacks.
- Restaurant Seegrube (opens in a new tab): Located 1,900 meters above sea level at the Nordkettenbahn's Seegrube station, this is the highest chill-out zone in Innsbruck. An unforgettable spot for dinner with a view.
Where to Stay
Spend the night at Hotel Tyrolis (opens in a new tab) in nearby Zirl. It is a comfortable, suburban hotel with mountain views, offering free WiFi and parking.
For a luxurious stay right in the historic center of Innsbruck, Hotel Grauer Bär (opens in a new tab) offers airy rooms, a panoramic wellness area with an indoor pool, and a fantastic steakhouse.
If you prefer a traditional Tyrolean feel, Hotel Sailer (opens in a new tab) provides laid-back rooms in a charming 19th-century property featuring an authentic, rustic Austrian restaurant.
Day 4
The Fairytale Castle and Back to Munich
Before completing the loop back to Munich, drive back into Germany to visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle (opens in a new tab). Set against the rugged Bavarian Alps, this 19th-century palace is the definition of a fairytale.
Where to Eat Near Neuschwanstein
- Schwangau Castle Brewery (opens in a new tab): Located just a short distance from the castle, this is a great spot to grab dinner after your tour.
Where to Stay (Back in Munich)
For your final night in Germany before taking the direct train from Munich HBF to Venezia Santa Lucia, stay at KING's HOTEL Center Superior (opens in a new tab). Guests love relaxing in their garden or enjoying a drink at the bar after a long day of adventuring. The location is unbeatable and you can walk over to the Munich Central (opens in a new tab) train station along with your luggage.
For a modern and vibrant atmosphere right across the street from the train station, the Aloft Munich (opens in a new tab) is an excellent, trendy choice with a great bar—perfect for a quick morning departure.
If you want to treat yourself on your final night in Germany, the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost (opens in a new tab) is a luxury spa hotel housed in a historic Wilhelminian post office building, located literally next door to the central station platforms.
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