When the south smells of cinnamon, cheese and wine
It's this special blend of morning mist, golden light in the vineyards, and steaming pots in rustic kitchens that makes autumn and winter in southern Germany so charming. Those who embark on a culinary journey will discover not only new flavors, but also the people behind them—cheesemakers on alpine pastures, passionate winemakers, and traditional hosts. This article will guide you to the most beautiful culinary routes, from autumnal specialties to the pre-Christmas mulled wine market.
👉 Culinary Tours Germany – Slow Travel, regional specialties and experiences
Culinary Autumn – When harvest time becomes a time of enjoyment
Southern Germany reveals its most delicious side in autumn. Freshly harvested pumpkins, tangy mountain cheese, hearty game dishes, and sweet plum cakes dominate the menus in country inns and restaurants. In regions like the Chiemgau and Allgäu, culinary weeks attract visitors with seasonal menus, tastings, and markets. Harvest festivals in small villages, where you can sample regional produce directly from the farmer, are particularly delightful.
Gourmet routes in Southern Germany – From cheese to wine to cider
Culinary tours in Baden-Württemberg
Route 1: The Allgäu Cheese Route
In the Allgäu region, the Allgäu Cheese Route takes you on a tour through dairies, alpine pastures, and farms. Here, cheese is still made by hand, often right in front of visitors. A visit to the Lehern Dairy in Hopferau.
🔗 Information about the Allgäu Cheese Route
Route 2: Swabian delights
In autumn, the Swabian Alb and Upper Swabia reveal their rustic side. Apple cider, potato dumplings, and lentils with spaetzle are more than just tradition here—they convey a sense of home. Along the Swabian Alb Gourmet Route, you'll find farm shops, inns, and small distilleries. The weekly market in Bad Urach is particularly beautiful.
Culinary tours in Bavaria
Route 3: Leisurely hiking in Franconia
Between Würzburg and Volkach stretches one of Germany's most charming gourmet routes: the Franconian Wine Country. Golden Silvaner, bratwurst, and regional classics like the "Blauer Zipfel" (Blue Zipfel) characterize the cuisine. Tip: A hike along the terroir f® wine trail near Iphofen—followed by a stop at a winery.
Gourmet tours with cooking classes and hiking – participate instead of just tasting
Those who want to delve deeper can choose a gourmet tour with a cooking class and hiking. In places like Bad Hindelang, Dinkelsbühl, or on Lake Constance, cooking schools offer workshops on regional cuisine – from bread baking to wild herb cooking. This can be ideally combined with a autumn hike combine, for example on the “Genusswanderweg” near Oberstaufen.
Don’t just try it – try it yourself.
- 👉 Discover the cooking course now: at a schnitzel cooking course in Oberaudorf in Bavaria*
- 👩🍳 To the pleasure workshop: As a chocolatier for a day in Garmisch-Partenkirchen*
Culinary winter journey – mulled wine, baked apple & winter mood
As the days get shorter, the season for culinary journeys begins in winter. In cities like Freiburg, Tübingen, and Augsburg, the scent of chestnuts and cinnamon fills the air. The Advent market in Ravenna Gorge in the Black Forest is particularly atmospheric—a culinary highlight set against a spectacular backdrop.
Accommodation & Cuisine – Where to sleep and eat well
On a culinary tour through Germany, you'll find hotels that combine indulgence with comfort. We recommend these, for example:
When enjoyment meets hospitality – retreats for the soul
- Winery Guesthouse Römmert* in Volkach (advertisement) – stylish with wine tasting
- Organic Mountain Hotel Ifenblick* in Balderschwang (advertisement) – Ideal as a starting point for cheese hikes and gourmet excursions on the Allgäu Cheese Route.
- Hotel Rebenhof* (advertisement) in Neuweier / Baden-Baden – Own wine cellar, excellent cuisine with regional focus, relaxed spa zone
Practical tips for your culinary tour
- Best time to travel: September to February
- How to Arrive: Easily accessible by Train* (with transfers in larger cities such as Munich, Ulm or Nuremberg), but you are more flexible with rental car*
- Parking: Usually free at dairies and hiking trails
- checklist: Comfortable shoes, reusable shopping bag*, Thermos flask for drinks* and possible bookings for cooking classes in Bayern* in advance.
Roots of culinary traditions
Did you know that mulled wine was originally considered a medicinal remedy? Or that alpine dairy farming in the Allgäu region dates back to the Middle Ages? Many culinary specialties in southern Germany are rooted in farming traditions that are now being rediscovered as Slow Food.
FAQ – Overview of culinary tours
What is a culinary tour?
A journey that focuses on enjoyment, regional specialties and producers – combined with exercise, culture and nature.
Which regions are particularly suitable in autumn/winter?
The Allgäu, Franconia, the Black Forest and the Swabian Alb offer experiences in the cooler seasons.
Are there any offers that include cooking classes?
Yes, especially in combination with inns or culinary academies.
More things to know
Source: On-site research. We visited some of these on press trips, but organized others ourselves. We are very grateful for the invitations. However, our opinions always remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO. Monika Fuchs is also a travel expert with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in cultural and leisure travel.
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
