Camping in Bavaria – Alongside the North Sea and Baltic Sea, southern Germany is the most popular vacation destination for German and foreign holidaymakers.
Above all, Germany’s largest federal state in terms of area is Bavaria.
This was revealed by a survey conducted by Pincamp.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, fantastic views and the typical Bavarian charm, the state offers many interesting cities, such as Munich and Nuremberg, as well as a variety of lakes, such as Lake Constance and Lake Hopfensee, where you can relax, hike and enjoy nature.
With a roof tent or tent trailer, your vacation will be a true adventure where relaxation is not neglected.
We show you what the southern German state has to offer and which regions you should definitely visit on a vacation, as well as suggestions for a road trip.
Camping Ratgeber:
Camping in Bavaria: Hiking trails, forest & nature
If you are looking for both adventure and relaxation on vacation, Bavaria and especially the Alps are just the place for you.
If you are planning an adventure vacation with lots of activities, but don’t want to miss out on relaxation, the Alps are the perfect place for you.
Vacations in the Alps score points with fantastic hiking trails, green forests and crystal-clear water.
The natural beauty offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, be it hiking and climbing in the impressive mountains or relaxing walks through picturesque landscapes.
In winter, the mountains are transformed into snow-covered paradises for winter sports enthusiasts who can let off steam on skis or snowboards.
The numerous lakes in Bavaria not only invite you to relax, but also offer ideal conditions for various water sports activities.
From refreshing swimming trips to exciting water sports adventures, there is something for everyone.
You can also explore the charming villages in the region, immerse yourself in the local culture and be enchanted by the hospitable atmosphere of the surrounding area.
Natural beauty & relaxation: camping in Bavaria
That’s why you should spend your vacation in Bavaria:
- Nature & mountains for hiking, climbing & walking
- Mountains with snow for winter sports such as skiing & snowboarding
- Numerous lakes for relaxation & water sports
- Explore picturesque villages & enjoy good food
Map: Location of Bavaria in Germany
With more than 70,500 square kilometers, Bavaria is the largest federal state in Germany.
Located in the south-east, it is also the second most populous German state after North Rhine-Westphalia with around 13 million inhabitants.
You can take a look at the map here to see just how big the federal state actually is: Here you can see Bavaria up close once again.
Bavaria from above with the drone
Ringing cowbells, romantic mountain villages and blue lakes with white mountain peaks in the background – this video gives you an initial overview of the natural beauty of the federal state and the Alps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqVVcK58Zk0&t
360° view of Bavaria
Here you have a 360° view of the Brombachsee in Bavaria.
You can find more tips on Brombachsee and other Bavarian lakes below.
Regions: Allgäu, Altmühltal & Co.
Bavaria also has other recommended regions for camping, such as the Allgäu, the Altmühltal and mountains such as the Bavarian Forest and the Zugspitze and its surroundings.
You can find all the regions on this map:
Allgäu: mountains, dense forests & clear lakes
An idyllic natural setting with mighty mountains, forests and lakes awaits you when camping in the Allgäu, where you can switch off from everyday life and experience the feeling of closeness to nature and freedom.
You can read more about this fantastic destination here:
You can get a first impression of the Allgäu here:
Altmühltal: From hiking to the beach
Our next tip is the Altmühltal.
There you will find space for sporting activities, relaxation on the beach and family and dog-friendly attractions that emphasize the versatility of this area – we also recommend the Dinopark, especially for families with children.
You can read everything else you need to know about the Altmühltal here:
Baltic Sea?
No, Altmühltal!
Water fun and beach enjoyment are also possible here.
Bavarian Forest: high up in the mountains
From the Altmühltal, you can now head up high.
With its mighty mountains and peaks, the Bavarian Forest beckons you to enjoy an active nature vacation, characterized by hikes, walks, bike tours and particularly impressive experiences on the “Großer Arber” and “Silberberg” mountains.
Find out what else the Bavarian Forest has to offer you here:
You will be rewarded with a mountain panorama like this when camping in the Bavarian Forest:
Zugspitze & surroundings: Discover the mountain world
We stay in the dizzying heights of the mountains.
The region around the Zugspitze is a recommended escape from the stresses of everyday life, especially in the wintry panorama of the winter wonderland charm, and offers a variety of activities such as hiking, cable car or glacier train excursions.
Recommended experiences and interesting facts about camping on the Zugspitze can be found here:
Rocky panorama – mountaineering on the Zugspitze:
Lakes in Bavaria: Ammersee, Lake Constance & Co.
We have already mentioned that Bavaria has a large number of lakes.
Germany is rich in popular vacation spots, especially in Bavaria, where there are lakes that are well developed for tourism, such as Ammersee, Bodensee, Brombachsee, Eibsee, Forggensee, Hopfensee, Walchensee and Waging am See.
You can view these lakes on this map:
Ammersee: Crystal clear water & relaxation
We start with the Ammersee.
This lake is Bavaria’s third largest lake, attracts visitors with its crystal-clear water and offers the ideal backdrop for an active or relaxing vacation, whether as a couple or with the whole family.
Read more about tips on accommodation, places and activities you shouldn’t miss:
You can experience bright blue water at Lake Ammamer:
Lake Constance: A varied vacation for the whole family
Let’s continue with one of the most popular lakes in Germany.
Experience a break from everyday life at the multifaceted Lake Constance: be it with a bike tour, mountain hike, sunbathing on the beach or action-packed water sports activities – here you can enjoy a stress-free vacation with a variety of offers and sights for the whole family.
You can find even more reasons for a vacation at Lake Constance here:
Clear water surrounded by picturesque mountains – that’s how beautiful Lake Constance is:
Brombachsee: Activities for young and old
Compared to the well-known Lake Constance, the somewhat smaller Brombachsee is a real insider tip.
Whether hiking or water sports, the Brombachsee offers a wide range of activities for young and old to experience an unforgettable vacation.
You can find travel tips and much more here:
Sitting relaxed on the meadow – here you can see the Brombachsee:
Chiemsee: relaxation in the Alps
Chiemsee is another somewhat larger and better-known lake.
The Chiemsee Alpenland is one of the most beautiful regions in Germany, where the idyllic Chiemsee is surrounded by the majestic Alps.
A vacation here promises a unique blend of a relaxing beach vacation and majestic mountains.
Experiences, tips and lots of camping knowledge can be found here:
Swimming or boating?
You can do both!
This view awaits you at Lake Chiemsee:
Eibsee: breathtaking views of the mountain landscape
After the large Chiemsee, the Eibsee is also somewhat smaller, but all the more popular with nature lovers.
The popular Eibsee circular trail in particular, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Bavaria, is ideal for a relaxing walk around the lake.
Nature enthusiasts can therefore enjoy an adventurous yet relaxing vacation with unforgettable views.
You can prepare yourself properly for your Riese with these tips:
Idyllic mountain scenery by the lake – this view awaits you at Lake Eibsee:
Forggensee: paradise for water sports enthusiasts & nature lovers
We come to our first reservoir.
These are lakes that have been created by man by means of a dam and are very popular with water sports enthusiasts.
The Forggensee, Bavaria’s fifth largest lake, attracts millions of tourists every year with its impressive nature and attractions such as boat trips, sunbathing and visits to important castles.
You can read other travel tips and everything you need to know about camping here:
Green forests and blue skies adorn the view of Lake Forggensee:
Hopfensee: fresh air, warm water & health resort
A little further west you will find Lake Hopfensee.
As a climatic and Kneipp spa, the lake offers a peaceful location, fresh air and lukewarm water, which invites you to enjoy a relaxing swim at the lido as early as May, as it is one of the warmest lakes in the Alpine foothills.
You can find out what a vacation at Hopfensee can look like here:
Blue water for an unforgettable lake experience:
Waging am See: water sports paradise & natural idyll
In Waging am See, you have more options for water sports than the Hopfensee.
Waging am See, a climatic health resort directly on Lake Waging, offers numerous opportunities for walks, hikes, boat tours and impressive sights such as the Schlossberg, other lakes and unique birdlife.
You can find out here where you can let off steam with water sports:
You can take a look at the idyllic landscape of Waging am See here:
Walchensee: picturesque nature, swimming fun & boat tours
Finally, we would like to introduce you to a slightly larger lake, the Walchensee.
It impresses with picturesque nature, natural paths for long walks, bathing opportunities for families and the option of boat tours, offering a variety of fun, relaxation and adventure.
Discover the outstanding corners and highlights in this charming region around the lake:
High mountains above turquoise waters await you at Walchensee:
City trips: Munich, Nuremberg & Co.
In addition to beautiful hiking trails through forests, valleys and mountain landscapes, this large federal state is also ideal for one or more city trips.
The Bavarian capital Munich is of course particularly popular.
It and the city of Nuremberg attract many tourists every year.
Here we show you what you should definitely not miss on a city trip to Munich, Brunnen, Füssen or Nuremberg.
And here is another map with all the destinations:
Fountain: Forggensee & Neuschwanstein Castle
Brunnen is a part of Schwangau with one of the most popular campsites in Bavaria.
The small village impresses with its unique location in the middle of picturesque nature, in the immediate vicinity of Lake Forggensee and with a view of the romantic Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles.
Here you can find out everything about the campsites, the weather, the highlights in the area and further information about camping:
Such a beautiful beach awaits you in Brunnen:
Füssen: Destination for excursions in the Allgäu
Füssen is not far from Brunnen.
The romantic town in the Allgäu region, close to the Austrian border, attracts visitors with historical museums, including the striking Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, as well as attractions such as the picturesque Hopfensee lake, a summer toboggan run and a cable car with impressive panoramic views – an ideal destination for excursions.
You can imagine a hike in Füssen like this:
Munich: Big city, nature & old town for the whole family
Munich, famous for the Oktoberfest, not only offers city life, beer and veal sausage, but also scenic highlights, idyllic nature, exciting sights and a charming old town.
The city is a popular vacation destination with an old town, family-friendly activities and city campsites for an affordable and eventful stay.
You can read here how camping works despite the big city:
Munich with a difference – experience camping with the big city!
Nuremberg: experience city adventures, nature & museums
Nuremberg is a Franconian independent city in the administrative district of Middle Franconia in the Free State of Bavaria and is located in the north of the state.
Alongside Munich, it is the most popular vacation destination in southern Germany.
Particular tourist highlights include the Christkindlesmarkt Christmas market and the Germanic National Museum.
But a trip to Bavarian Nuremberg is not only worthwhile at Christmas time.
In summer, you can relax in the numerous green spaces, visit museums or stroll through the old town.
For a special vacation experience, Nuremberg also offers campsites near the city, which provide an inexpensive and exciting way to explore the city and its surroundings.
With your own roof tent or tent trailer, you can enjoy the historic atmosphere of the city in summer and experience the diversity of Nuremberg outside of the well-known tourist events.
These things await you in Nuremberg:
- Christmas market
- Germanic National Museum
- Relaxation in green spaces
- Old town walks & shopping
- Campsites in the vicinity
Despite the big city, there is no shortage of fun in the great outdoors:
Campsite recommendation: From simple to luxurious
Whether simple or luxurious, with a roof tent or tent trailer, you’ll have the best time of the year at your chosen campsite!
Can you go on vacation on your own doorstep?
That’s right, when camping in Bavaria you can look forward to a variety of attractions and offers!
You can find some great campsites in Bavaria here:
Road trip through the Alps with a roof tent
Pure nature!
A road trip through the Alps is the epitome of experiencing nature and relaxation.
The impressive Alps attract thousands of tourists to southern Germany and Austria every year.
Picturesque landscapes, deserted forests and crystal-clear lakes and rivers await you on this adventure.
The spontaneous trip in September this year was undertaken with the Skycamp roof tent on a Seat Tarraco.
With every step out of the car and every new sunrise, you can feel the peace and serenity of nature anew.
A roadtrip with a roof tent through the Alps offers you:
- Adventure and a sense of freedom
- Close to nature
- Individual daily planning
- Free and flexible time management
Stations: From Kitzingen to the Plansee
Once again, two Campwerk Ambassadors have set off with a roof tent.
This time with the Skycamp roof tent from iKamper.
In the video you can see the impressive journey through the Alps.
On board: a Seat and the Skycamp roof tent for up to 4 people.
- Eherieder Mühle Winery, Kitzingen
- Camping site Seespitze, Plansee
- Sunnawirt Inn, Heiterwang
Camping tour to Bavaria: from Berlin to Munich
No sooner said than done!
The vacation planning is done and the suitcases are already packed.
The assembly of the roof tent on the car went very quickly and the set-up at the campsite will only take a few seconds with a single movement.
The trip starts in Berlin and the first planned stop will be in Leipzig.
From there we will head to Bayreuth, from where we will make our way towards Nuremberg.
At the end we will arrive in Munich.
In between, we are open to spontaneous stops if we come across nice villages and exciting sights or if we want to take a break.
Planned route:
- Berlin
- Leipzig
- Bayreuth
- Nuremberg
- Munich
A camping trip is a unique opportunity to completely switch off from the stresses of everyday life and immerse yourself in idyllic nature.
An unforgettable time is promised and from now on short trips with the car and the roof tent will be undertaken more often.
Would you like to read more about the camping tour to the south of Germany and take in all the destinations along the way?
Then read more here: Camping tour to Bavaria.
Temperatures & climate in Bavaria: snowy winters
The weather in Bavaria is very mixed.
Warm summers and mostly cold winters characterize the southern federal state.
July is usually the warmest month, January the coldest.
The north of Bavaria is drier and warmer than the south.
The region around Würzburg has the most sunny days in southern Germany.
Overall, the average temperature in Bavaria is 16.3 °C in summer and -0.5 °C in winter.
This is of course helpful for winter sports.
In addition, there is an average of 1,746 hours of sunshine per year.
- Ø temperature in summer: 16.3 °C
- Ø temperature in winter: -0,5 °C
- Ø hours of sunshine per year: 1,746 h
Preparation is everything: weather today / in 3 days
Knowing the weather is the best way to prepare for a vacation in Bavaria.
To make sure your vacation doesn’t fall through, you can find a current weather map with a forecast for the next three days here:
Day trip or weekend getaway?
It’s close by!
Depending on where you spend your camping vacation in Bavaria, you can also take a trip to a neighboring state.
Camping in Hesse: From water sports to vineyards
Hesse borders Bavaria to the northwest.
If you are on vacation in the north of Bavaria, a trip to the other federal state can be worthwhile.
Hesse offers beautiful vacation regions, from water sports to walks through the picturesque vineyards along the Rhine.
With your camping vacation in Hesse, you can experience the nature of the state up close.
Discover destinations that you can easily reach from the campsite by car and either a roof tent or a tent trailer:
Camping in Germany: Discover more destinations
When you travel to Bavaria, you will usually pass by other great destinations that are worth a trip.
Or you can take a trip to another federal state, such as Baden-Württemberg, Saxony and Thuringia.
Deep blue lakes, blossoming nature, vibrant cities and idyllic dream beaches offer a diverse range of happy travel destinations.
Here you can find out how to organize your trip in Germany’s diverse regions:
