Munich to Dolomites Road Trip

Munich Worldwide Airport serves as a well-liked start line for journeys to the Dolomites, because of its comparatively shut proximity to South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno.

Munich provides frequent and dependable transit connections to Bozen (Bolzano), the capital of South Tyrol. From Bolzano, it’s straightforward to journey to Ortisei, Val Gardena, and/or Val d’Ega by bus. Learn visiting the Dolomites and not using a automotive and Easy methods to get to the Dolomites for important car-free journey suggestions.

When you’re planning on driving from Munich to the Dolomites and you discover it difficult to map out essentially the most scenic and rewarding route, you’re not alone. A lot of our readers are desperate to discover Bavaria and Austrian Tyrol (Tirol) alongside the best way, however don’t know which locations to prioritize. 

Beneath, I’ve shared 3 totally different route choices for a Munich to Dolomites highway journey. Select one route for the outbound journey and one other route for the return journey. 

On this information, I’m solely specializing in highway journey locations on path to the Dolomites. For a Dolomites-specific itinerary, learn our 5-Day Dolomites Street Journey,  7-Day Dolomites Street Journey, and 10-14 Day Dolomites Street Journey. Additionally, our 10-day Bavarian Alps + Tyrolean Alps itinerary could also be useful.

Munich to Dolomites Street Journey Map

Munich to the Dolomites by way of Brenner Cross

Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Solely a 1-hour drive away from Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a well-liked mountain resort city within the Bavarian Alps. I like Garmisch for its walkability, gorge hikes, conventional eating places, and general environment. I like to recommend swimming in Lake Eibsee, situated on the foot of Germany’s highest mountain (Zugspitze, 2,962 m), mountaineering Kreuzeck to Höllentalklamm Gorge, visiting Partnach Gorge, and climbing the Alpspitze Through Ferrata (Grade A/B). With extra time, go to Linderhof Palace and the storybook cities of Oberammergau and Mittenwald. Keep 2-4 nights in Olympiahaus (finances), Lodge Schatten (finances), Bader Suites (midrange-luxury), or Boutiquehotel Werdenfelserei (luxurious).

Ehrwald | Throughout the Germany-Austria border lies the city of Ehrwald within the Tyrolean Zugspitz Area. Don’t miss the Lake Drachensee Circuit Hike within the Mieming Vary, which commences on the Ehrwalder Almbahn Mountain Station. Get an additional early begin to keep away from the crowds. Keep 1-2 nights in Mellow Mountain Hostel (finances), Das Halali (midrange), Romantik Lodge Spielmann (luxurious), or eriro Alpine Disguise – Adults-Solely (high-end luxurious, excellent for a honeymoon).

Aqua Dome | Throughout cooler shoulder-season months (e.g. Might and October), contemplate detouring to Ötztal Valley to go to the Aqua Dome thermal spa. The spa is open to day guests in addition to in a single day lodge friends. Throughout snow-free months, it’s doable to drive by means of the valley and over the Timmelsjoch mountain cross into Northern Italy. 

Gaistal Valley and Seefeld in Tirol | The Wetterstein mountains type a part of the pure border between Austria and Germany. Instantly south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, on the opposite facet of the Wetterstein Mountains, lies the Tyrolean valley of Gaistal, the place to begin of the fantastic Rotmoosalm – Wangalm – Wettersteinhütte Circuit Path. Keep in Gaistal, Leutasch, or Seefeld in Tirol 1-2 nights. We suggest Nidum – Informal Luxurious Lodge, set on the sting of the Seefeld Plateau (learn our Nidum evaluation).

Innsbruck | The capital of Tyrol is the fifth largest metropolis in Austria. With its dramatic mountainous backdrop and colourful Outdated City, picture-perfect Innsbruck is a pleasing (albeit crowded) place to probe for a couple of hours. If you wish to keep away from the chaos of town heart, contemplate staying in a close-by village like Lans (3-star Gasthof Isserwirt and 4-star Gasthof Walzl) for instance. Learn The place to remain in Innsbruck for skilled steering. When you lengthen your keep in Innsbruck, I like to recommend Nockspitze (Saile) Peak Hike for sweeping views of the Inntal and Karwendel Vary, the Wolfkslamm gorge, and the Goetheweg (extra information in our Innsbruck mountaineering information).

Brenner Cross | From Innsbruck, essentially the most direct solution to the Dolomites is by way of the Brenner Cross (toll charge applies). This significant motorway linking North Tyrol (Austria) and South Tyrol (Italy) isn’t a scenic mountain highway, however reasonably a highly-trafficked autobahn. Toll charge applies. I like to recommend driving on to Val di Funes to begin your Dolomites highway journey. 

Munich to the Dolomites by way of Felbertauerntunnel

Grosser Ahornboden | Grosser Ahornboden, a distant alpine meadow in Tirol’s Karwendel Nature Park, lies deep within the Hinterrisstal (“Higher Riss Valley”). Its identify, which means “Nice Maple Ground,” comes from the two,300 historic sycamore maples that stud the panorama, some over 600 years previous. Particularly stunning in early October, Grosser Ahornboden is a superb detour for those who have the time. Keep in Das Naturhotel die Eng a minimum of one evening to hike the straightforward Binsalm circuit path, or difficult Gamsjoch peak hike.

Lake Achensee | The most important lake in Tyrol provides among the most interesting mountaineering within the Austrian Alps. My absolute favourite day hike round Lake Achensee is the Seekarspitze – Seebergspitze Ridge Path. I additionally loved the Hahnkampl Circuit Path and the Hochiss Peak Hike. For the perfect view of the lake, hike as much as the Bärenkopf Summit. Keep within the village of Pertisau, ideally in Lodge Bergland (midrange), Seehotel Einwaller – Adults Solely (luxurious, non-public lake entry), or Nova Moments (luxurious).

Mayrhofen | From Lake Achensee, cross the Inntal and drive by means of Zillertal Valley to the city of Mayrhofen. Hike to Plauener Hütte, the Berliner Hütte, and the well-known Olpererhütte within the Zillertal Alps. Keep in Der Siegeler B&B (budget-midrange), or ElisabethHotel – Adults solely (luxurious).

Felbertauerntunnel and Innergschlöß | Drive east by means of Gerlos valley, stopping on the Krimml Waterfalls alongside the best way. At Mittersill in Salzburg area, proceed your journey south and drive by means of the Felbertauerntunnel (Tunnel / Toll Street) into East Tyrol (Osttirol). Keep in Matreier Tauernhaus as a way to hike the Innergschlöß Glacier Path.

Kals am Grossglockner | This serene gateway to Hohe Tauern Nationwide Park is amongst Austria’s most gorgeous alpine locations. Spend 1-3 nights right here to totally immerse your self in Hohe Tauern’s restorative pure magnificence. Keep in Landhaus Taurer (finances), Gamsalm (midrange), or Gradonna Mountain Resort Châlets & Lodge (luxurious). After your keep, drive into the Dolomites by way of Lienz and Pustertal (Val Pusteria). 

Munich to the Dolomites by way of Grossglockner Excessive Alpine Street

Berchtesgaden Nationwide Park | From Munich, drive southeast to Berchtesgaden Nationwide Park, Germany’s solely alpine nationwide park. Trip the electrical boat throughout Lake Königssee, swim in Lake Obersee, hike the difficult Kleine Reibn circuit path, amble by means of the Wimbachklamm gorge, and go to the Eagle’s Nest. Keep in Explorer Lodge Berchtesgaden (finances), Lodge Bergheimat (midrange), or Berghotel Rehlegg (luxurious). 

Hochkönig Mountains | Cross the border into Salzburg and contemplate exploring the Hochkönig mountains, a sub-range of the Berchtesgaden Alps. Keep within the picturesque village of Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer in Ferienwohnungen Renberg (midrange), or Lodge Eder (midrange-luxury), and hike Riemannhaus and Mühlbach Excessive Path. 

Grossglockner Excessive Alpine Street | Proceed south, passing Zell am See alongside the best way, to the northern entrance of the Grossglockner Excessive Alpine Street (toll highway). Drive this unbelievable mountain highway into Carinthia. Proceed the drive south to Lienz in East Tyrol and drive to Alta Pusteria within the Dolomites. It’s possible you’ll wish to break up the drive with an in a single day in Heiligenblut am Großglockner, or Lienz. 

Extra Dolomites Journey Guides

The place to Keep:

Plan your journey to the Dolomites:

Dolomites in Winter / Snowboarding:

GET YOUR FREE EBOOK

Join our publication to get our information to “Secret Mountain climbing Locations in Europe.”