Road trip through Germany, Austria & Italy with kids
Complete route + hotels (13 days)
A road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids might sound like quite an adventure — but trust me, it’s the kind of trip you’ll never forget.
We spent 13 days exploring this route with our children (aged 5 and 7) and discovered just how wonderfully varied it is. From theme parks and castles to mountain lakes and the rugged landscapes of the Dolomites, every stop felt completely different.
In this blog, I’m sharing our complete route, family-friendly hotels and practical tips to help you plan this road trip yourself.
Our road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids at a glance
A road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids is the perfect combination of fun for the whole family and breathtaking nature. We completed this route in 13 days, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, I’d recommend allowing around three weeks.
Our stops
Oberhausen – 2 nights
Our first stop was Oberhausen. It’s an easy first stop when travelling from the Netherlands. We visited LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and Movie Park, among other attractions.
Oberhausen → Bad Wildbad: approximately 4 hours of driving
Bad Wildbad – 2 nights
Next, we headed to the Black Forest, where we visited the treetop walk (Baumwipfelpfad) and the spectacular suspension bridge.
Bad Wildbad → Füssen: approximately 3 hours of driving
Füssen – 3 nights
We stayed a little longer in Füssen. The area is full of castles, mountains and fun activities for kids. Neuschwanstein Castle and the surrounding scenery are absolutely beautiful.
Füssen → Zugspitze & Eibsee: approximately 1 hour of driving
Zugspitze & Eibsee – 2 nights
From Füssen, we continued to the Zugspitze and Lake Eibsee. The drive is short, so you can easily fit in an activity soon after arriving.
Zugspitze & Eibsee → Dolomites: approximately 3.5–4 hours of driving
Dolomites – 3 nights
Our final destination was the Dolomites in Italy. We visited Lake Braies (Lago di Braies), among other places, and enjoyed the spectacular mountain scenery.
Dolomites → the Netherlands: approximately 10–11 hours of driving, depending on your exact starting point in the Dolomites and destination in the Netherlands.
Driving times are approximate, of course. When travelling with kids, I’d always allow some extra time for coffee breaks, lunch, refuelling or an unplanned stop along the way. After all, those unexpected little stops are part of what makes a road trip so much fun.
Stop 1: Oberhausen – the perfect start with kids
We started our road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids in Oberhausen, and it’s an ideal first stop for families. Oberhausen is home to both Movie Park Germany and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
It’s not somewhere you need to spend a long time, but it’s a great place to start your road trip on a relaxed note and get the kids excited about the adventures ahead.
Hotel tip: where to stay in Oberhausen
Unfortunately, our apartment is no longer available to book online, so I’ve found a few alternatives for you. We deliberately chose an apartment outside the city centre because our main reason for staying in Oberhausen was to visit Movie Park Germany and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. We didn’t need to be right in the city, and we liked being able to park the car for free and return somewhere quiet after a busy day.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to the centre, E&S Apartments 2 is a good option. The apartment accommodates four people and offers free parking. Another affordable choice is Ferienwohnung Götel. If you’re looking for something more modern and a little more luxurious, take a look at FeWo-Palmtrees 4 in Gladbeck. It’s also conveniently located if Movie Park Germany is your main reason for visiting the area.
Tip: If you’re travelling this route with kids, I wouldn’t necessarily spend a lot on a hotel in the centre of Oberhausen. You’ll probably only stay for one or two nights, so an apartment with free parking is a practical choice.
Stop 2: Bad Wildbad – nature and adventure in the Black Forest
Bad Wildbad was a real surprise for us. Right in the heart of the Black Forest, you’ll find one of Germany’s most beautiful treetop walks. You can literally walk among the treetops, make your way up to an observation tower and even cross a spectacular suspension bridge. For kids, it feels like a real adventure!
Bad Wildbad is located in Baden-Württemberg, a wonderful region to explore with children. Looking for more inspiration? Read my guide to Baden-Württemberg with kids: 6 great things to do in the Black Forest and Mannheim for more tips and ideas.
Hotel tip: where to stay near Bad Wildbad
We stayed in an apartment at Family Resort Kleinenzhof, and I can definitely recommend it if you’re travelling with kids. This family-friendly resort also offers camping pitches. There’s everything you need for a great stay with children, including indoor and outdoor playgrounds, an indoor swimming pool, animals and a cosy restaurant. The surrounding countryside is beautiful, too, and it’s easy to head out and explore nature from here.
Another lovely and affordable option is Ferienhof Reiser. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a playground and spacious apartments with saunas. The peaceful, green surroundings make it a wonderful place to unwind after a day full of activities in the Black Forest.
If you’d rather stay in a hotel, Schwarzwaldhotel Oberwiesenhof is worth considering. It has an indoor swimming pool and spacious suites suitable for families.
If you have a little more to spend and want to make your stay extra special, take a look at Hotel Restaurant Waldsägmühle or Hotel Therme Bad Teinach. Both are worth considering if you’re looking for more than just a place to sleep and want to enjoy your accommodation as part of the holiday.
Stop 3: Füssen – castles, mountains and a summer toboggan run
Füssen is a place you really shouldn’t miss on a road trip through this part of Germany. Located in the far south of the country, close to the Austrian border, the town is surrounded by mountains, lakes and beautiful countryside.
The main highlight is, of course, Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairytale castle looks as though it belongs in a Disney film, making it an experience in itself for children. The surrounding area is beautiful, too, with lovely walking trails to explore. But there’s much more to Füssen than castles. The mountains around town offer plenty of opportunities for family walks, from easy trails to more challenging routes. And after an active day outdoors, a ride on a summer toboggan run is the perfect way to finish. Our kids especially loved the combination of mountains, incredible views and fun activities.
Hotel tip: where to stay in Füssen
During our stay, we booked Hotel Sonne, right in the centre of Füssen. It’s a lovely place to stay, with a great location and easy access to the charming town centre on foot.
Another option is Hotel Schlosskrone, also located in the centre. With its distinctive style, it almost feels like staying in a castle itself. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere atmospheric and centrally located.
Prefer more space and the option to cook your own meals? Take a look at the apartments at Gartenvilla Schwanstein. They’re a good fit for families who appreciate extra room and outdoor space.
If you’re travelling with children, Familienhotel Löwen is another option worth considering. It’s a cosy, family-friendly hotel with plenty of facilities and activities for kids — just the kind of place where the whole family can settle in and enjoy a few days.
Stop 4: Zugspitze & Eibsee – perhaps Germany’s most beautiful lake
This was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on our trip. Lake Eibsee is a stunning turquoise mountain lake at the foot of the Zugspitze, and it almost looks too beautiful to be real. You can go swimming, walk along the lakeshore or simply enjoy the incredible views. For an even more spectacular experience, take the cable car to the summit of the Zugspitze, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views across the Alps.
Hotel tip: where to stay near the Zugspitze
Zugspitz Resort is a destination in its own right. We stayed here as part of a collaboration, and it’s honestly one of the most beautiful and impressive hotels we’ve ever visited. It’s fantastic for children, with several indoor and outdoor swimming pools, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a cinema, a wonderful restaurant and beautiful rooms. On top of that, the resort is located right at the foot of the cable car to the Zugspitze.
You can also camp here, which is a much more affordable way to enjoy the resort. The hotel rooms themselves are quite expensive, so camping is worth considering if you want to experience the facilities without stretching your budget too far.
Accommodation on the Austrian side of the Zugspitze can be quite pricey in general, but there are some lovely family-friendly alternatives in the surrounding area. Der Stern – Nachhaltiges Wirtshaus und Landhotel seit 1509 is a beautiful, family-friendly hotel with everything you need for a comfortable stay with children.
Another option is Das Kaltschmid – Familotel Tirol. It offers different types of accommodation, including apartments where you can cook your own meals. This can help keep costs down, especially when travelling as a family.
For a little extra comfort, take a look at Parkhotel Sonnenhof, a family-friendly hotel with a swimming pool and playgrounds. It’s a lovely option if you want somewhere comfortable to relax after a day exploring the mountains.
Staying on the German side of the Zugspitze
You could also choose to stay on the German side of the Zugspitze, for example near Lake Eibsee. This can work out more affordable, and you’ll still be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Bergliebe Alpspitze is a spacious, clean apartment, making it a good choice for families who appreciate a little extra room. Another budget-friendly option is Perfektes Alpenrefugium mit Hüttencharakter. It has the cosy atmosphere of a traditional Alpine mountain hut, but is located in Germany rather than Austria.
Stop 5: The Dolomites – rugged nature and Lake Braies
The Dolomites were the perfect finale to our road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids. Everything here feels bigger, wilder and more impressive. Lake Braies is perhaps the most famous lake in the region, and for good reason. Its crystal-clear turquoise water is surrounded by towering mountains, creating an incredible backdrop. You can rent a rowing boat, walk along the lakeshore or simply take in the views.
Hotel tip: where to stay in the Dolomites
We stayed at Hotel Fameli, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it if you’re visiting the Dolomites with kids. It’s a small, family-friendly hotel with a wonderful atmosphere. The children had plenty of space to play outdoors, and there are both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. And I haven’t even mentioned the food yet — it was absolutely delicious! For us, Hotel Fameli wasn’t just a convenient base for exploring the Dolomites; it was a highlight of the holiday in its own right.
Keep in mind that accommodation in this part of the Dolomites can be quite expensive. A lovely option for families is Lettnerhof Familysuite Terrace. As it’s an apartment, you’ll have more space and flexibility when travelling with children.
Looking for somewhere spacious and stylish without necessarily paying hotel prices? Take a look at Mountain Exzelent Residence – Luxury Alpine Apartments. The apartments are modern and spacious, making them a great alternative if you prefer self-catering accommodation.
Is this road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy suitable for kids?
Absolutely! In fact, the variety is what makes this route so good for families. The children never have to do the same thing for too long. One day you’re exploring a theme park, the next you’re walking in the mountains or swimming in a lake.
Our children, who were 5 and 7 at the time, absolutely loved this trip. It was genuinely one of our favourite family holidays, and the combination of fun activities, beautiful nature and unique places to stay made it a real adventure for all of us.
Practical tips for a road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids
Getting around
Travelling by car is ideal for this road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids. You have the freedom to stop whenever you like and don’t have to rely on public transport. We find this particularly convenient when travelling with children: whether you fancy an ice cream, spot a beautiful viewpoint or come across somewhere interesting along the way, you can stop whenever it suits you. I also think this route would be great to explore by campervan!
Keep in mind that you’ll be travelling through several countries. In Austria, you need a motorway vignette to drive on the motorways, so make sure you arrange this before setting off. It’s also worth checking the latest traffic and toll regulations for Germany, Austria and Italy before your trip, especially if you’re travelling by campervan.
Planning your road trip
My biggest tip is not to pack too much into your itinerary. There’s so much to see and do along the way that it’s tempting to add another activity to every stop. But some of our favourite moments were the spontaneous stops and the times we decided to stay somewhere a little longer. Make sure you leave some room in your schedule for those unexpected moments.
Although the total distance is quite substantial, we found this route manageable with kids because the driving is spread across several travel days. The distance from Oberhausen to the Dolomites is around 930 kilometres, and you’ll still need to make your way back to the Netherlands afterwards. You’ll spend a fair amount of time in the car, but you won’t have an extremely long drive every day. That makes a big difference when travelling with children.
We drove all the way back to the Netherlands in one day after our stay in the Dolomites. It was a long drive, but it worked well for us because we were able to head straight home. If you’d prefer a more relaxed return journey, you could plan the route differently and save Füssen or the Zugspitze for the way back. That way, you could spend another couple of nights there and split up the journey home. Looking back, I think that would be a lovely option, too.
How many days do you need for this road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids?
We completed this road trip in 13 days, which is certainly possible, but honestly, it sometimes felt a little rushed. Part of the reason was that we had several collaborations that required us to be in specific places at specific times. If you have the freedom to travel at your own pace, I’d recommend allowing more time.
Ideally, I’d set aside around three weeks for this route. That gives you more time to explore each destination, enjoy the hotels and take spontaneous detours without feeling like you constantly need to move on.
Our honest experience of a road trip through Germany, Austria and Italy with kids
This was without a doubt one of the best road trips we’ve taken with our kids. The combination of beautiful nature, fun activities and lovely places to stay made this trip truly special. Would I change anything? I’d simply allow more time, especially in Füssen and the Dolomites.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
