Plan A Disney Inspired Trip to Germany

If you dream of an international trip to the land of castles, riesling, and pretzels, this guide is for you. Germany is a great vacation option for people that enjoy natural beauty, incredible cuisine, and cultural details. But it can also be the perfect non-theme Park vacation for Disney lovers looking for a new adventure.

If you want to explore a vacation spot outside Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, or Disneyland Paris but want the European charm from Disney movies, this guide is for you! Use this article as a starting place when brainstorming a Disney-inspired trip to Germany.

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The length of time you choose to spend in Germany will depend on what sort of sightseeing you hope to do and what travel depth you hope to engage in. If you want to hit the cultural high points, enjoy some delicious food and take a guided tour, two or fewer days per German city may be plenty of time.

Meanwhile, if you prefer slow travel, to amble through museums, enjoy cafe culture, or spend whole days enjoying nature, you may want to budget larger swaths of time for each city. I would recommend no less than a 7-day trip to Germany for Guests traveling from the United States.

This helps you get more bang for your buck when purchasing flights. This timeline also ensures you have time to split between at least two cities and can allocate time to a guided tour for at least one of your vacation days.

Popping between cities via train is a super easy way to see cities while enjoying a beautiful view from the train. You could also check out budget European airlines for cheap flights if you find yourself traveling to the furthest corners of the country during the same trip.

The best month to travel to Germany depends on your reason for traveling. Of course, Oktoberfest in the fall is a fun and festive time to visit. Disney fans that have enjoyed Biergarten Restaurant in EPCOT’s World Showcase will enjoy the music and fun of this Bavarian Festival. That said, if you are looking to travel outside the bustle of Oktoberfest, late spring and early summer are excellent options for lower prices and good weather.

The Magic of Disney in Germany

Germany is a beautiful country with many picturesque locations that inspire Disney movie backdrops. Here are a few places in Germany that might look familiar to fans of Disney films:

Neuschwanstein Castle

This fairytale castle in the Bavarian Alps inspired the iconic Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. Seeing this iconic castle is a bucket list item for some Disney fans and is worth a visit if you are visiting Bavaria.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

I know that Beauty and the Beast is set in France and that Frozen is a Scandinavian tale, but the unique architecture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber feels like it could belong in either of these stories.

The city walls of Rothenburg are well-preserved and offer stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside. You can walk the entire length of the walls or simply visit a few of the towers. The Marktplatz, or town square, is the heart of Rothenburg and is surrounded by many of the town’s most famous buildings, including the Town Hall and St. Jakob’s Church.

This medieval town, with its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, is incredibly charming and on my Germany bucket list for my next European trip.

Schwerin Castle

Need another castle to add to your itinerary? We got you! Schwerin Castle is located in the northeastern part of Germany. It has a fairytale appearance and would not look out of place in a Disney movie. Which iconic Disney film castle do you think it looks most like?

Schwerin is a charming city with many other attractions, including the Schwerin Cathedral, the State Museum, and the State Art Museum.

The Black Forest

You can’t see Germany’s Black Forest and not think of shadow-laden fairytales, magic that inspired Disney movies and time-spun tales. After all, the Brothers Grimm, that first gathered oral stories into the first published folklore book, “Grimm’s Fairytales,” were said to have originated not far from the Black Forest. This dense forest, with its rolling hills, meandering streams, and charming villages, is reminiscent of the enchanted forest in the movie Snow White or the lush backdrop in Sleeping Beauty.

The Black Forest in southwestern Germany is a beautiful and historic region known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and traditional villages. If you want to tour the Black Forest, keep these plans in mind.

The Black Forest is a large region, and there are several ways to explore it, including by car, bike, and public transportation. Consider your physical ability and the amount of time you have before choosing a mode of transportation.

There are many charming towns and attractions in the Black Forest, so plan your itinerary to include the destinations that interest you the most. Popular destinations include the spa town of Baden-Baden, the town of Triberg, and the Black Forest Open Air Museum in Gutach.

The Black Forest has many charming towns and villages; you can choose to stay in one or several of them during your trip. You can find hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals in each town.

Some of the most popular attractions in the Black Forest include the famous cuckoo clocks, scenic roads, hiking trails, and traditional villages. The Black Forest is renowned for its traditional cuisine, including hearty soups, sausages, and the Black Forest cake (Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte). Be sure to try some of the local specialties during your trip.

The Rhine River Valley

The Rhine River Valley is famous for the incredible wine that comes from this region. But, this area of Germany also serves up views reminiscent of the landscapes in a Disney film. This lush valley, dotted with castles and vineyards, is reminiscent of the scenery in the movie Beauty and the Beast.

Some popular destinations within this region include the city of Mainz, the town of Rüdesheim, and the castle of Burg Rheinstein. You can explore the Rhine River Valley by car, bike, or river cruise. The Rhine River Valley is home to many castle and fortress ruins, including the castle of Burg Rheinstein and the fortress of Pfalzgrafenstein. These historic sites glimpse the region’s rich history and fairytale landscapes.

A scenic river cruise along the Rhine River is a great way to see the region’s beauty and enjoy charming landscapes and towns. No matter the season you choose to cruise, you will be greeted by breathtaking sites from your cabin window.

Guide to Visting Neuschwanstein Castle

Adding just one Disney-inspired location to your itinerary should mean you visit Neuschwanstein Castle. Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps is a popular activity for tourists, history enthusiasts, and Disney fans.

Purchase tickets in advance: Neuschwanstein Castle is a popular attraction, and tickets often sell out, especially during peak tourist season. Purchase your tickets online before your vacation if you choose not to book through a tour company. Plan to arrive at the castle early to avoid long lines and crowds. Check the operating and ticket sale hours before booking to ensure the timing works for your family. The castle has longer hours during peak season, April to October, with shorter opening hours the rest of the year.

The castle is quite a trek up a steep hill. You can purchase a horse-drawn carriage ride to get closer to the castle or buy a seat on a shuttle bus to cut down on some of the walking time. Still, the carriage or shuttle can only deposit Guests a 10-15 minute walk from from the castle. This accessibility barrier is a point worth noting when planning your visit.

@traveller___bucketlist

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Guided tours are the only way to see the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle. Tours are available in several languages and last approximately 30 minutes. Photography inside the castle is strictly prohibited. But you will have the chance to buy photo postcards at the end of the tour to remember the beauty of this German architectural gem. After your tour, take some time to explore the surrounding countryside and take in the stunning views.

Trip Planning with Adventures By Disney

If you want a German adventure with no stress and minimal planning with the Disney magic and customer service you love, you should consider an Adventures by Disney vacation. You’ll get to experience the beauty, culture, and history of this fantastic destination with the detail of Disney.

The Adventures by Disney trip to Germany is a fully-guided tour that takes visitors through some of the country’s most spectacular locations, from the bustling cities of Berlin and Munich to the picturesque towns and villages of the Bavarian Alps. The trip includes various activities and experiences, such as visiting historic sites, exploring local food and drink traditions, and participating in outdoor adventures like hiking and biking.

@jillatx

Adventures By Disney day 2: Early morning in Germany @amawaterways #ABD #Rhineriver #tribergerwasserfalle @House of 1000 Clocks

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You’ll visit the Berlin Wall, savor homemade schnaps, and try your hand at making Bavarian pretzels in Munich. You’ll explore the fairytale castles of Bavaria and take a scenic boat ride on the Königssee Lake. Other great experiences on this trip include exploring the charming old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, taking a private tour of the BMW Museum, and visiting the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.

The trip also includes luxurious accommodations, delicious meals, and the exceptional service that Disney is known for. With an Adventures by Disney trip to Germany, you can sit back, relax, and let your guide take care of all the details to immerse yourself in this stunning destination’s unique and magical atmosphere.