Please note that some of the links on the website might be affiliate links, which means that at absolutely no extra cost for you our website will earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting this project! Our Disclaimer
Table of Contents:
How to get to Bayreuth from Munich
I have travelled around Southern Germany a lot and I absolutely fell in love with the combination of natural and historical attractions in the region. The local towns such as Bayreuth kept their authenticity and can boast great architectural and historical sites. Being charmed with towns of Southern Germany, I have decided to put together information I have previously discovered and create a series of guides on how to organize a holiday in the towns of Bavaria. Based on my research, I found out how to get to the towns, where to stay & what to see. I really hope this detailed information will help you plan your trip to Bayreuth.
When to travel to Bayreuth
Bayreuth is one of the most remote towns in Bavaria in a series of other similar towns that have preserved the features of medieval architecture. Bayreuth will amaze you with its authenticity. Here you can walk along the austere squares, narrow cobbled streets and admire the sophisticated architecture. Bayreuth is also called the “town of Wagner”, because it is the place where the famous composer made his dream of an ideal theater come true. The theater functions to this day, Wagner festivals are regularly held here. During this period, the Bayreuth is literally over-crowded because the festival of classical music is very popular.
After some research, I can confirm that tourists can literally visit Bayreuth at any time of the year as the local climate is mild and suitable for long distance strolling around. In winter you can warm with mulled wine offered at Christmas Markets. In spring you can enjoy the blossoming countryside. In summer the weather is warm, but not too hot, so it is the best time for sightseeing. In autumn you will be pleased with colorful surroundings, but be ready it may be a little bit rainy. In case you would like to visit the Wagner music festival, please be noted, it usually takes place at the end of July and lasts for almost a month.
How to get to Bayreuth
Where do you fly into to get to Bayreuth? Despite the fact that Bayreuth is located away from tourist routes, in the most remote area of Bavaria – Upper Franconia, getting there from the Bavarian administrative center – Munich – is not difficult. By the way, Munich has an international airport. Check the current flight timetable from your city at Aviasales booking service. I often use Aviasales when planning my trips around Europe in advance as it lets me compare different available flight variants and sort them to find out the best one for me. Based on my experience, I can definitely recommend it.
How to get to Bayreuth from Munich
After some map examining, I discovered that the distance between Munich and Bayreuth is 230 km. You can get to Bayreuth both by public transport or by car.
By train: By public transport, you can get to Bayreuth by train. You will spend a little over 2 hours on a route, because it is needed to make a small change in Nuremberg (usually no more than 10 minutes). High-speed trains run from Munich to Nuremberg, and regional trains run from Nuremberg to Bayreuth. You can check the train schedule to Bayreuth and buy tickets online at the Raileurope booking service. I use this service extensively when preparing my upcoming trips as it helps me a lot. It has a nice search and an opportunity to sort the results with my own settings. For instance, I can range the results by departure/arrival time, duration of a trip, price, type of a train, route, etc. I can definitely recommend this online service.
By bus: A little bit cheaper, but also a little bit longer in time, there is a trip from Munich to Bayreuth by regular bus. Flixbus buses run along the route. Buses depart from Munich Central Station; the travel time is usually no more than 2 hours and 40 minutes. Check the timetable at the Flixbus service. I love this service as it is designed for cheaper trips with affordable prices and it helps me a lot when I cannot find suitable train options.
By renting a car: The distance between Munich and Bayreuth is 230 km, the cities are connected with the #A9 highway. By car, you can get to Bayreuth on high-speed roads (autobahns) in just a couple of hours. You can rent a car for a trip in many places in Munich, including even the airport right after arrival. You can also book a car in advance on the different booking services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings, etc. Based on my research, both services have mostly positive reviews.
◊A useful tip: Compare a few of booking services to choose the best price as I usually do. Roads in Bavaria have an exceptional quality, so you can move along quickly and comfortably. The cities are connected with highway No. A9. The distance is 230 km. It takes you approximately 2,5 hours to reach the town (see on the map). I travelled along German roads extensively and I can confirm that it is one of the fastest ways to get to the desired destination.
Where to stay in Bayreuth
Bayreuth is a relatively small town, but you can still find hotels of all-star categories here, and the option of booking apartments for living has also recently become widespread. In addition to hotels and apartments, the town has several guest houses, hostels and B&B`s.
Hotel Goldener Anker 4* – The hotel is located in a historic building at the center of Bayreuth. The hotel has a restaurant serving local cuisine. Private parking is available on site at an additional cost and upon reservation. Bicycle rental is also possible. Wi-Fi is available free of charge. The hotel has standard, superior, deluxe and suite rooms. In the rooms you can find the following equipment: safe, fan, hair dryer, telephone, TV, wireless internet. Breakfast is included in the price (this is rare in Bayreuth). After researching information at online booking services, I discovered that the hotel gets the best ratings for its location, cleanliness of the rooms and the work of the staff. The hotel has luggage storage. The front desk is open 24/7. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 11.00.
Hotel Bayerischer Hof 4* – The hotel is located within walking distance from the old part of the town. The Bayreuth railway station is also nearby. The hotel is pleasantly surrounded with a garden. Private parking is available nearby at an additional cost and upon reservation. Wi-Fi is available free of charge. The hotel has rooms of various categories. The rooms are equipped with a safe, hairdryer, TV, telephone, mini-bar. The hotel gets the best reviews for the cleanliness of the rooms, the work of the staff and the location of the hotel. I did some research and I found out that the hotel has a currency exchange office, bicycle rental, and a tour desk service. The front desk serves guests around the clock. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 11.00.
Hotel Goldener Hirsch 3* – The hotel is located opposite the town railway station, while the center of Bayreuth can be reached in just 10 minutes. Private paid parking is available on site. There is also a restaurant and bicycle rental on site. Wi-fi is provided free of charge. You can stay at the hotel in single, double or triple rooms. The rooms are equipped with everything you need. Breakfasts are available upon request for an additional fee. The hotel gets the best reviews for the cleanliness of the rooms, the work of the staff and the location. The hotel has luggage storage. The front desk is open 24/7. Based on my analysis, check-in in the hotel is from 13.00, check-out is until 11.00.
Hotel Rheingold – This Bayreuth hotel is located in the town centre, close to the main attractions. The hotel has a restaurant, a fitness room and a sauna. Wi-fi is provided free of charge. It also offers a parking area in a paid private car park. Guests of the hotel can stay in double rooms, which are equipped with a hairdryer, telephone, TV, wireless internet. Breakfasts are available at an additional cost. The hotel gets the best ratings for the cleanliness of the rooms, location, staff work and breakfast quality. The hotel offers luggage storage. The front desk serves the guests 24/7. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 11.00.
Boutique-Apart – This boutique hotel is located within the walking distance of the main attractions of Bayreuth. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a breakfast terrace. Private parking is available for the guests at an additional cost and upon reservation. Wi-Fi is free of charge. Guests of the hotel can stay in standard rooms or studios. The studio is additionally equipped with kitchenware, including kettle, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, stove, toaster and coffee machine. Breakfast is available upon request for an additional fee. The aparthotel gets the best reviews for the cleanliness of the rooms, the work of the staff and the location. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 11.00.
What to see & do in Bayreuth
Bayreuth is mainly famous for its historical attractions. Having visited the town, you can feel the spirit of the Middle Ages, as well as plunge into the vibes of a typical Franconia. Palaces, villas, museums, elegant squares and fountains, theaters and churches can be found at Bayreuth historical and architectural centre.
Bayreuth is a relatively small town, and it is quite possible to get around its historical center in one day. Most often, tourists come to Bayreuth for sightseeing purposes from neighboring Nuremberg or Bamberg. You need a longer stay though, in case you want to visit the famous Wagner festival as it is usually held during almost a month. The program of the festival is different every day so I would recommend gettinh acquainted with it before arrival. The festival has its own website with full information.
When you are in Bayreuth for the first time, go to see the local architectural attractions to the old part of the town. Here you can see the Margravial Opera House. The theater was built in the middle of the 18th century, and its interiors and exterior have unique features. By the way, the theater is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. After some research, I discovered the following practical information:
- The Margravial Opera House is open for visitors from 9 am to 6 pm during the April-October period
- It is also open from 10 am to 4 pm during the November-March period
- The entrance ticket costs 8 euros.
Another Bayreuth theater – the Festival Theater – was built at the end of the 19th century, and it is that place where the famous Wagner festivals take place to this day. It is worth noting that the interior decoration of the theater is no way less interesting than the elegant external elements.
If you want to see how the princes lived in Germany during the New Age, then go to the New Palace of Bayreuth. Its construction took place in the middle of the 18th century, and the architectural style can be attributed to the magnificent, and in some places pretentious, rococo. Inside the palace, you should definitely see the Golden Living Room, the Palm Room and the Art Gallery, which presents the works of German and Dutch masters of the Renaissance. It is also recommended to take a walk around the garden of the palace. Here you can see an inspiring landscape design. There is some useful information for visiting that I discovered:
- The New Palace is open for visitors from 9 am to 6 pm during the April-October period
- It is also open from 10 am to 4 pm during the November-March period
- The entrance ticket costs 5,5 euros. You can also purchase a combined ticket for 12 euros (includes visiting the New Palace and Margravial Opera House).
Villa Wahnfried was built at the end of the 19th century. It functions as a museum now, but it has been previously the residence of Richard Wagner. In front of the villa there is a statue of the master and a small but elegant fountain. The museum tells you about the life and work of the great composer. I found out some information for visiting the museum:
- The museum is open daily from 10.00 to 18.00
- The entrance fee is 8 euros.
Religious buildings in Bayreuth also have a great architecture. Thus, the Bayreuth Town Church is made in the late Gothic style and makes a great impression in terms of its size. The completion of the construction of the church took place in the 16th century, when strict Gothic elements prevailed in architecture. The height of the church towers is 50 meters, and the towers are interconnected by a stone passage. There are 8 bells in the towers, some of them have been preserved since the construction of the church. To my mind, visiting Bayreuth is a nice opportunity to fall in love with classical music as well as to be charmed with local architecture.
Take a note! When going on a trip to Germany, do not forget to take out travel insurance, which is useful for receiving a tourist visa and for solving emerging medical problems when travelling in another country. You can purchase insurance via online services, for example, via EKTA and others. You can choose from different modes, including quiet, active or extreme rest.
Photo above the article: Jan Beck
Related Posts:
Julia is an experienced traveller, BA in International Relations and Languages and true lover of planning trips in advance. Learn more about the author…
What a cool spot to explore. So nice to see recommendations outside of the typical tourist loop!