Packing List Family Holiday Bavarian Forest

Packing List Family Holiday Bavarian Forest

February 3, 2026
5 min read

Packing list family holiday Bavarian Forest: what to pack, what the hotel already provides. Summer, winter, baby. Tickable checklist.

Packing for a family holiday can quickly become a mammoth task. Three children, two adults, summer or winter, hiking boots or swimsuit? So that you arrive in Waldmuenchen relaxed, we have put together the ultimate packing list for your stay in the Bavarian Forest. With concrete tips on what you really need and what you can safely leave at home.

Clothing for the Bavarian Forest

Summer holiday (May to September)

  • [ ] Light T-shirts and tops (4-5 per person)
  • [ ] Shorts and skirts
  • [ ] Long trousers for cooler evenings and hikes
  • [ ] Light jacket or fleece pullover (it gets fresh in the forest in the evening)
  • [ ] Rain jacket (in the Bavarian Forest, a shower is just part of it)
  • [ ] Comfortable everyday shoes
  • [ ] Sun hat or cap for the children
  • [ ] Sunglasses

Winter holiday (November to March)

  • [ ] Thermal underwear for children and adults
  • [ ] Warm pullovers and fleece jackets
  • [ ] Winter jacket (windproof and waterproof)
  • [ ] Snow trousers for the children
  • [ ] Winter boots (waterproof and lined)
  • [ ] Warm hat, scarf and gloves (at least 2 pairs of gloves per child)
  • [ ] Thick socks (wool or functional material)
  • [ ] Ski suit, in case you plan a ski day

For every season

  • [ ] Pyjamas
  • [ ] Underwear (better to pack a bit more)
  • [ ] Slippers or warm socks for the room
  • [ ] A smart outfit for dinner

Swimwear and pool accessories

The Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof has a wellness area with a pool. So definitely don't forget:

  • [ ] Swimsuit or trunks (for every family member)
  • [ ] Swim nappies for babies and toddlers
  • [ ] Swimming aids (armbands or swim belts)
  • [ ] Pool slippers
  • [ ] Bathrobe (optional, the hotel provides them)

Hiking gear for the whole family

The Bavarian Forest offers fantastic hiking trails for families. In our Bavarian Forest Guide you will find the most beautiful routes around Waldmuenchen. For hiking you need:

  • [ ] Sturdy hiking boots (definitely break them in beforehand!)
  • [ ] Hiking socks
  • [ ] Backpack with rain cover
  • [ ] Drinking bottles (reusable, at least 0.5 litres per person)
  • [ ] Child carrier or backpack carrier for toddlers
  • [ ] Walking poles (optional, helpful on steeper paths)
  • [ ] Sunscreen with high SPF
  • [ ] Insect repellent (especially important in summer)
  • [ ] Plasters and a small first-aid kit
  • [ ] Binoculars (children love watching animals in the forest)

Baby and toddler essentials

Anyone travelling with a baby or toddler knows: half the suitcase belongs to the smallest family member. Here are the most important things:

  • [ ] Nappies (supply for the first 2 days, you can restock locally)
  • [ ] Wet wipes and changing mat
  • [ ] Pacifier and spare pacifier
  • [ ] Favourite cuddly toy or comfort blanket
  • [ ] Baby food and bottles (if not breastfeeding)
  • [ ] Bibs
  • [ ] Travel buggy or pram
  • [ ] Baby carrier for hikes
  • [ ] Night light (helps with falling asleep in new surroundings)
  • [ ] Fever thermometer and teething gel

Good to know: At the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof you can book a cot for just 5 euros per night. That saves room in the car!

Documents and admin

You should definitely have these things with you:

  • [ ] ID card or passport (for all family members)
  • [ ] Health insurance card
  • [ ] Booking confirmation
  • [ ] Children's vaccination record
  • [ ] Cash and debit card
  • [ ] Charging cables for phone, tablet and camera
  • [ ] Car charger and sat nav
  • [ ] Favourite books or audio plays for the drive
  • [ ] Travel games and drawing supplies

Entertainment and activities

For the drive and rainy afternoons:

  • [ ] Tablet with downloaded films or series
  • [ ] Headphones for children
  • [ ] Card games and travel games
  • [ ] Colouring books and pens
  • [ ] Favourite book to read aloud
  • [ ] Ball or frisbee for outside

What you do NOT need to pack

Now the good news. You can safely leave these things at home, because the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof has already thought of you:

Towels and bed linen

Fresh towels and cosy bed linen are ready for you. Pool towels are also available.

Hairdryer

Every room has a hairdryer. One less thing in your luggage!

Snacks and provisions

Thanks to All Inclusive, you don't need to pack any snacks, drinks or supplies. From morning to evening, you are taken care of. You will always find something to eat and drink in between as well. That saves not only space in the suitcase but also nerves.

Cot

For 5 euros per night you get a cot put right in your room. So that doesn't need to travel in the car.

Board games

There are play options for children at the hotel. Still, it doesn't hurt to bring along your favourite game.

Sports equipment

The area around Waldmuenchen offers plenty of options to rent equipment locally. Bikes, cross-country skis or snowshoes don't need to come from home.

Pro tips from families for families

Pack the evening before: Don't start packing on the day of travel. The night before, you will have enough peace not to forget anything.

Each child packs along: Let the children pack their own little backpack. It's fun and gives them the feeling of being part of the adventure.

Ziplock bags are gold: Wet swimwear, dirty shoes, snack crumbs. Ziplock bags save every suitcase.

Less is more: In the Bavarian Forest you don't need evening attire. Better pack one extra layer for the hike than one outfit too many.

Use laundry options: On longer stays, you can wash in between. That halves the amount of clothing.

Read more

Ready for your family holiday?

With this packing list, you are well prepared for your stay at the Sonnenhotel Bayerischer Hof in Waldmuenchen. Simply print out the checklist, tick off and look forward to a relaxed journey.

The Bavarian Forest is waiting for you. Whether hiking in summer, sledging in winter or splashing in the hotel pool: here, the family holiday becomes an experience.

Book your family holiday now and arrive relaxed