Itineraries for an epic month in Central Europe

Central Europe has so much going for it.

Everything is reasonably cheap, there are an abundance of transport options making it super easy to get around… throw in some spectacular scenery and the fact that many of the destinations aren’t as crowded and touristy as their Western counterparts, and what other reason do you need? You basically have to go there.

I’m going to suggest a few month-long itineraries and base them on the season you plan to travel.

Great spots to stop:

There are plenty of destinations you could add in if you have the time. Here are some places that will give you an incredibly awesome time in Central Europe.

• Austria: Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt, Innsbruck
• Czech Republic: Prague, Cesky Krumlov
• Germany: Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Leipzig, Dresden, Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Frankfurt
• Poland: Warsaw, Kraków, Wroclaw
• Slovakia: Bratislava
• Slovenia: Ljubljana, Bled
• Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Bern

How to get around:

Rail – one of the best ways to get around Europe. The Eurail website has a great map with average train travel times. You can also use the Deutsche Bahn (German rail network) website to search your routes.

Bus – another common method of transport in Central Europe, especially in and around Germany. See my post on intercity bus travel in Europe for more info.

Flight – If the distances are too great, you can fly between destinations. This might be the best option if you’re on a tight schedule.

How much does it cost:

See my comprehensive post on our costs of backpacking through Europe for details on the average prices of hostels, transport, food, and sightseeing.

Best itineraries:

Central Europe Summer Itinerary

(Countries visited: 6)

This itinerary will take you to some of the best places to hang out in the warmer months, where you can spend your days relaxing in beer gardens and dining outdoors. It also avoids the cities that get overly crowded in peak season, so use the extra space to appreciate your surroundings!

• 5 nights Berlin
• 2 nights Wroclaw
• Cesky Krumlov day trip
• 5 nights Vienna
• 4 nights Ljubljana
• 5 nights Munich
• 4 nights Zurich
• 2 nights Heidelberg
• 3 nights Cologne

Central Europe Autumn/Fall Itinerary

(Countries visited: 7)

Shoulder season is the best time to visit the major cities so this itinerary includes many of the popular stops. You’ll see a great range of fall foliage in many of these leafy locations.

• 5 nights Prague
• 3 nights Kraków
• 4 nights Budapest
• 5 nights Vienna
• 4 nights Ljubljana
• 4 nights Munich
• 2 nights Lucerne
• 2 nights Heidelberg
• 2 nights Dresden

Central Europe Winter Itinerary

(Countries visited: 6)

If you want to see some serious snow, this itinerary will take you to the best places such as Innsbruck and Zermatt which are great locations for winter sports. The major tourist stops will be much less crowded this time of year so take advantage of this season to drink some warm mulled wine while you explore the Christmas markets.

• 5 nights Berlin
• 4 nights Prague
• 3 nights Kraków
• 4 nights Budapest
• 4 nights Vienna
• 2 nights Innsbruck
• 2 nights Zermatt
• 4 nights Munich
• 2 nights Nuremberg

Central Europe Spring Itinerary

(Countries visited: 5)

Spring is the best time to visit the popular stops such as Prague and Salzburg as they’ll be much less crowded than in peak season. This itinerary will also take you by pretty floral displays in smaller cities like Lucerne and Nuremberg.

• 5 nights Berlin
• 5 nights Prague
• Cesky Krumlov day trip
• 3 nights Salzburg
• 4 nights Ljubljana
• 2 nights Lucerne
• 5 nights Munich
• 3 nights Nuremberg
• 3 nights Cologne