Munich to Dolomites Road Trip: Route Planning Tips

Munich International Airport serves as a popular starting point for trips to the Dolomites, thanks to its relatively close proximity to South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno.

Munich offers frequent and reliable transit connections to Bozen (Bolzano), the capital of South Tyrol. From Bolzano, it’s easy to travel to Ortisei, Val Gardena, and/or Val d’Ega by bus. Read visiting the Dolomites without a car and How to get to the Dolomites for essential car-free travel tips.

If you’re planning on driving from Munich to the Dolomites and you find it challenging to map out the most scenic and rewarding route, you’re not alone. Many of our readers are eager to explore Bavaria and Austrian Tyrol (Tirol) along the way, but don’t know which places to prioritize. 

Below, I have shared 3 different route options for a Munich to Dolomites road trip. Choose one route for the outbound journey and another route for the return journey. 

In this guide, I’m exclusively focusing on road trip destinations on route to the Dolomites. For a Dolomites-specific itinerary, read our 5-Day Dolomites Road Trip,  7-Day Dolomites Road Trip, and 10-14 Day Dolomites Road Trip. Also, our 10-day Bavarian Alps + Tyrolean Alps itinerary may be helpful.

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Munich to Dolomites Road Trip Map

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Munich to the Dolomites via Brenner Pass

Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Only a 1-hour drive away from Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular mountain resort town in the Bavarian Alps. I love Garmisch for its walkability, gorge hikes, traditional restaurants, and overall atmosphere. I recommend swimming in Lake Eibsee, located at the foot of Germany’s highest mountain (Zugspitze, 2,962 m), hiking Kreuzeck to Höllentalklamm Gorge, visiting Partnach Gorge, and climbing the Alpspitze Via Ferrata (Grade A/B). With more time, visit Linderhof Palace and the storybook towns of Oberammergau and Mittenwald. Stay 2-4 nights in Olympiahaus (budget), Hotel Schatten (budget), Bader Suites (midrange-luxury), or Boutiquehotel Werdenfelserei (luxury).

Ehrwald | Across the Germany-Austria border lies the town of Ehrwald in the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena. Don’t miss the Lake Drachensee Circuit Hike in the Mieming Range, which commences at the Ehrwalder Almbahn Mountain Station. Get an extra early start to avoid the crowds. Stay 1-2 nights in Mellow Mountain Hostel (budget), Das Halali (midrange), Romantik Hotel Spielmann (luxury), or eriro Alpine Hide – Adults-Only (high-end luxury, perfect for a honeymoon).

Aqua Dome | During cooler shoulder-season months (e.g. May and October), consider detouring to Ötztal Valley to visit the Aqua Dome thermal spa. The spa is open to day visitors as well as overnight hotel guests. During snow-free months, it’s possible to drive through the valley and over the Timmelsjoch mountain pass into Northern Italy. 

Gaistal Valley and Seefeld in Tirol | The Wetterstein mountains form part of the natural border between Austria and Germany. Directly south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, on the other side of the Wetterstein Mountains, lies the Tyrolean valley of Gaistal, the starting point of the wonderful Rotmoosalm – Wangalm – Wettersteinhütte Circuit Trail. Stay in Gaistal, Leutasch, or Seefeld in Tirol 1-2 nights. We recommend Nidum – Casual Luxury Hotel, set on the edge of the Seefeld Plateau (read our Nidum review).

Innsbruck | The capital of Tyrol is the fifth largest city in Austria. With its dramatic mountainous backdrop and colorful Old Town, picture-perfect Innsbruck is a pleasant (albeit crowded) place to explore for a few hours. If you want to avoid the chaos of the city center, consider staying in a nearby village like Lans (3-star Gasthof Isserwirt and 4-star Gasthof Walzl) for example. Read Where to stay in Innsbruck for expert guidance. If you extend your stay in Innsbruck, I recommend Nockspitze (Saile) Peak Hike for sweeping views of the Inntal and Karwendel Range, the Wolfkslamm gorge, and the Goetheweg (more info in our Innsbruck hiking guide).

Brenner Pass | From Innsbruck, the most direct way to the Dolomites is via the Brenner Pass (toll fee applies). This crucial motorway linking North Tyrol (Austria) and South Tyrol (Italy) isn’t a scenic mountain road, but rather a highly-trafficked autobahn. Toll fee applies. I recommend driving directly to Val di Funes to commence your Dolomites road trip. 

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Munich to the Dolomites via Felbertauerntunnel

Grosser Ahornboden | Grosser Ahornboden, a remote alpine meadow in Tirol’s Karwendel Nature Park, lies deep in the Hinterrisstal (“Upper Riss Valley”). Its name, meaning “Great Maple Floor,” comes from the 2,300 ancient sycamore maples that stud the landscape, some over 600 years old. Especially beautiful in early October, Grosser Ahornboden is a wonderful detour for those that have the time. Stay in Das Naturhotel die Eng at least one night to hike the easy Binsalm circuit trail, or challenging Gamsjoch peak hike.

Lake Achensee | The largest lake in Tyrol offers some of the finest hiking in the Austrian Alps. My absolute favorite day hike around Lake Achensee is the Seekarspitze – Seebergspitze Ridge Trail. I also enjoyed the Hahnkampl Circuit Trail and the Hochiss Peak Hike. For the best view of the lake, hike up to the Bärenkopf Summit. Stay in the village of Pertisau, preferably in Hotel Bergland (midrange), Seehotel Einwaller – Adults Only (luxury, private lake access), or Nova Moments (luxury).

Mayrhofen | From Lake Achensee, cross the Inntal and drive through Zillertal Valley to the town of Mayrhofen. Hike to Plauener Hütte, the Berliner Hütte, and the famous Olpererhütte in the Zillertal Alps. Stay in Der Siegeler B&B (budget-midrange), or ElisabethHotel – Adults only (luxury).

Felbertauerntunnel and Innergschlöß | Drive east through Gerlos valley, stopping at the Krimml Waterfalls along the way. At Mittersill in Salzburg region, continue your journey south and drive through the Felbertauerntunnel (Tunnel / Toll Road) into East Tyrol (Osttirol). Stay in Matreier Tauernhaus in order to hike the Innergschlöß Glacier Trail.

Kals am Grossglockner | This serene gateway to Hohe Tauern National Park is among Austria’s most stunning alpine destinations. Spend 1-3 nights here to fully immerse yourself in Hohe Tauern’s restorative natural beauty. Stay in Landhaus Taurer (budget), Gamsalm (midrange), or Gradonna Mountain Resort Châlets & Hotel (luxury). After your stay, drive into the Dolomites via Lienz and Pustertal (Val Pusteria). 

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Munich to the Dolomites via Grossglockner High Alpine Road

Berchtesgaden National Park | From Munich, drive southeast to Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany’s only alpine national park. Ride the electric boat across Lake Königssee, swim in Lake Obersee, hike the challenging Kleine Reibn circuit trail, amble through the Wimbachklamm gorge, and visit the Eagle’s Nest. Stay in Explorer Hotel Berchtesgaden (budget), Hotel Bergheimat (midrange), or Berghotel Rehlegg (luxury). 

Hochkönig Mountains | Cross the border into Salzburg and consider exploring the Hochkönig mountains, a sub-range of the Berchtesgaden Alps. Stay in the picturesque village of Maria Alm am Steinernen Meer in Ferienwohnungen Renberg (midrange), or Hotel Eder (midrange-luxury), and hike Riemannhaus and Mühlbach High Trail. 

Grossglockner High Alpine Road | Continue south, passing Zell am See along the way, to the northern entrance of the Grossglockner High Alpine Road (toll road). Drive this incredible mountain road into Carinthia. Continue the drive south to Lienz in East Tyrol and drive to Alta Pusteria in the Dolomites. You may want to break up the drive with an overnight in Heiligenblut am Großglockner, or Lienz. 

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More Dolomites Travel Guides

Where to Stay:

• Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer
• Best Hotels in the Dolomites 
• Best Val Gardena Hotels 
• Best Alta Badia Hotels
• Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Plan your trip to the Dolomites:

• Things to Do in the Dolomites 
• Places to Visit in the Dolomites
• Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
• Day Hikes in the Dolomites

Dolomites in Winter / Skiing:

• Dolomites in December
• Skiing in Val Gardena
• Sella Ronda Ski Circuit
• Skiing in the Dolomites

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