While it’s easy to be enchanted by Germany’s stunning Alpine vistas, quaint medieval towns and other slow-paced charms, those with a need for speed won’t be left behind on a journey through Bavaria. The country’s southeastern region is home to some of the world’s top car manufacturers, which are open to the public for prime vehicular viewing.
Highlighting everything from the invention of the automobile to record-breaking racers, these manufacturers’ museums offer an enticing close-up look at the marvels of German engineering, with a few heart-pumping surprises to boot.
Where To Stay
Park yourself in the capital of Bavaria, Munich, for a convenient base from which to explore Germany’s luxury automotive landscape. For the most accessible excursions, you’ll want to check into a stay near München Hauptbahnhof, the city’s central train station. Try Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel or Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, which have stylish, contemporary accommodations within steps of the transportation hub.
If you’d rather stay a bit further from the bustle, Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Munich provides a sumptuous retreat outside Old Town, complete with stellar skyline views. Just bear in mind that you’ll need to factor in a bit of extra travel time if you choose to check into this newly renovated beauty.
Day One
Just a 15-minute U-bahn ride (with one transfer) from München Hauptbahnhof, BMW’s global headquarters is a must-visit for all car lovers. The museum and adjacent show floor are a dream for both designers and gearheads, making an easy and entertaining family day trip. The complete BMW Welt and BMW Museum is easily a half-day excursion, so plan to spend about six hours here, including travel time and a detour to the onsite M1 Bistro.
Getting to the museum is a cinch: Make a beeline for the BMW logo-topped tower once you exit the train station. Next door is a striking cylindrical structure that houses the museum, box office and souvenir shop. The well-organized collection is easy to navigate independently, but guided tours are available if that’s more your speed.
More than 20 thematic exhibits showcase everything from the brand’s history and evolution to its design ethos and marketing strategy. Other highlights include a multi-story display of motorcycles, a room dedicated to nearly 100 years of racing memorabilia and a white BMW 507 owned by Elvis Presley during his overseas military service.
The very top of the building is reserved for rotating specialty exhibits — most recently, it was an homage to a century of motorcycle manufacturing, complete with more than 50 original bikes and a few photo ops.
Once you’ve had your fill of history, head across the bridge to the BMW Welt or show floor. Here, you can browse the latest BMW models, a flashy display of Mini Coopers and a curated array of Rolls-Royces, the iconic brand that BMW has owned since 2003. Those looking for an ultra-luxe souvenir can visit the Rolls-Royce customization lab to build their own tailored vehicle.
With your fuel levels getting low, head back to the city center for dinner and a restful night’s sleep.
Day Two
Rise bright and early for your next jam-packed joyride. Grab a coffee and krapfen (Bavarian doughnut) for your two-hour train ride to Stuttgart, an industrial town northwest of Munich. This enterprising village grew up around the automotive industry, serving as the historic (and current) home of esteemed manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, both of which you can easily see in one day.
After exiting the train station, hail a cab or call an Uber to make your way roughly 10 minutes east to the home of Mercedes-Benz and its elegantly designed museum. Upon arrival, you’ll be whisked up to the top floor of the nest-like building to begin your journey through the brand’s history, which unfolds as you descend a labyrinth of spiral walkways. Mercedes’ collection is arranged chronologically, with artifacts that span the invention of the automobile by Carl Benz in 1886 through to the introduction of fully electric models more than a century later.
Standouts here include the world’s first Mercedes-branded vehicle (a 1902 40-hp Mercedes Simplex), the ultra-sleek 1956 300 SL and a collection referred to as 33 Extras that showcase Mercedes-Benz’s impact on car culture through the decades, such as the invention of the speedometer, the advent of the drive-in movie and even the introduction of the driver’s license. A history buff’s delight, the exhibits also detail the German brand’s evolution through the lens of broader world events, giving context to various strategic shifts over time.
If you’re traveling with tots in tow, don’t worry. Interactive elements and multimedia displays — not to mention more than 160 vehicles, including trucks and buses — provide plenty of entertainment for child-sized attention spans. A handy audio guide and expert-led tours can accommodate those who prefer a more structured journey through the Mercedez-Benz story.
You could spend an entire day at the Mercedes-Benz Museum if browsing leisurely, but plan on budgeting between three and four hours here for the best use of your time. If you feel like you’re running on empty, make a quick pit stop at the museum’s café for a sandwich and espresso before racing to your next destination.
It’s only a 15-minute journey to your next spot: the Porsche Museum. Though the smallest of the three auto attractions, Porsche’s exhibitions are the most interactive. They combine multimedia elements with artifacts and full-size vehicles to create an immersive journey through the years. Videos give an overview of each decade before you dive deeper into various makes and models (including the world’s first 911) while a video game simulates driving behind the wheel of an F1 racer.
Unlike BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Porsche’s museum is housed in one enormous hangar-like room. The highly recommended free audio guide helps hold your attention in the cavernous space. Guided tours are available to book in advance for those who prefer a bit more direction.
A well-curated exhibit provides extensive background on the Porsche family and offers excellent context for the car-specific information, especially for those just along for the ride. The entire experience takes around two hours, leaving you with plenty of time to explore charming downtown Stuttgart before cruising back to your Munich home base.
