short trip ride munich

15 of the best day trips from Munich by train

Bavaria’s capital is certainly amazing, but it’s the sheer amount of day trips from Munich that make it such a great place to visit. The mountains are just an hour away, there are three large lakes just as close, with amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient castles, and medieval towns all around.Even if you spent every weekend of the year exploring Munich’s vicinity, you’d still not see it all.

Our guest writer, Norman from Années de Pèlerinage, has compiled this list of the best day trips from Munich and you can visit most of them by train in 2 hours or less. There are so many things to do in Munich, but you do not want to miss seeing something of the surrounding region of Bavaria. You could easily stay a full week or more and explore the whole southern part of Germany from beautiful Munich!

You may also enjoy: 20 fabulous things to do in Munich, Germany

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Table of Contents

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Schloss Neuschwanstein is the most visited tourist attraction in Bavaria. This is the picture book castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and featured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Yes, it might be crowded (1.4 million tourists per year!), but it is also beautiful beyond imagination.

This fairy tale castle was built by King Ludwig II and here are three top tips to plan your visit. First, you have to reserve your Neuschwanstein castle tickets in advance . And secondly, you have to walk quite a bit to get to King Ludwig’s castle (or take a horse carriage). And lastly, there is a second castle called Hohenschwangau right next to it, so bring some extra time to see them both.

• If you prefer to have all arrangements taken care of, check out this tour from Munich: Neuschwanstein castle small group day tour from Munich
• Looking for a hotel nearby? We recommend the comfortable and reasonably priced Hotel Waldmann or look at other hotels in nearby Schwangau
• More info: Schloss Neuschwanstein website | Driving time from Munich around 2 hours then park in the village of Hohenschwangau | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Füssen around 2 hours 45 mins, then the bus to Neuschwanstein

You may also enjoy: 3 days in Munich – our itinerary of cool things to see and do

Stay at the Hotel Waldmann in Schwangau

Search for other hotels in Schwangau

Bamberg in Germany is one big UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are looking for a beautiful medieval old town, then this is possibly the best day trip from Munich for you. There are direct trains every hour from the central station and it’s easy to spend a whole day there.

Apart from the famous half-timbered town hall, there is a fantastic palace, quite a couple of small museums, and outstanding churches and monasteries to be explored. Bamberg is also renowned for its many artisanal beer breweries, so that’s definitely one of your best chances to sample an important aspect of Bavarian culture.

• While you’re in Bamberg, we recommend this Bamberg 2-hour guided walking tour to see the old town and main sights of Bamberg.
• Looking for a hotel in Bamberg? We recommend Am Blumenhaus Hotel Bamberg or look at other hotels in Bamberg .
• More info: Bamberg tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 2 hrs 20 mins | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Bamberg around 1 hr 45 mins. There is a high speed ICE train link Berlin – Nuremberg – Munich that stops at Bamberg.

Stay at the Am Blumenhaus Hotel Bamberg

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3. Regensburg

Regensburg once guarded an important bridge across the River Maine. Even today, you can cross the architectonic marvel from the 12th century into the fantastic medieval old town. Regensburg dates to the Roman times and you can still see the old city gates. Just one of many reasons why it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site today.

You should reserve 3 hours to see the equally famous Walhalla memorial on the outskirts of Regensburg. The neoclassical temple was built to house sculptures of famous German artists, inventors, and politicians. You get to enjoy a fantastic view of the whole river valley from the top, so don’t miss it!

• While you’re in Regensburg, why not book this Regensburg sightseeing train tour , to discover the city highlights with an informative audio-guide?
• Looking for a hotel in Regensburg? We recommend Hotel Luis Stadl or look at other hotels in Regensburg .
• More info: Regensburg tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 1 hr 30 mins | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Regensburg around 1 hr 30 mins.

You may also enjoy: Food in Munich – where and what to eat in Munich

Stay at the Hotel Luis Stadl in Regensburg

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4. Salzburg in Austria

The beautiful town of Salzburg might be across the Austrian border, but if you are a fan of the movie The Sound of Music then visiting this city is a no-brainer. It only takes 90 minutes by train. There are special tours to the most important film locations – check out the Original Sound of Music tour . But you should also be aware that Salzburg is home to one of the biggest medieval fortresses in Europe.

Read more: Munich outdoors – where to go cycling, surfing and wild swimming

The famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, and you can still visit his birth house. You’ll find it in the amazing old town (which is another UNESCO World Heritage site). On top of all the baroque splendour, there are many ancient mines and caves in the vicinity. So, why not visit the World of the Ice Giants as well?

• Check out this tour with train travel from Munich and a guided walking tour in Salzburg: Salzburg sightseeing day trip from Munich by rail
• Looking for a hotel in Salzburg? We recommend the Boutique Hotel Auersperg or look at other hotels in Salzburg .
• More info: Salzburg tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 2 hours | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Salzburg around 2 hours.

Stay at the Boutique Hotel Auersperg in Salzburg

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5. Nuremberg

Nuremberg is the capital of the Franconia region in Germany. The city hosted the important Nuremberg trials at the end of World War II and is famous for its beautiful Nuremberg Christmas market right in the medieval old town.

There is a beautiful fortress you can visit, but I personally love the Germanic National Museum the most. Inside, you will find beautiful artworks from all ages, and some outstanding highlights like the oldest pocket watch or the oldest globe in the world. There are also endless masterpieces by artists like Lucas Cranach and Albrecht Dürer.

• If you prefer to visit as part of a tour, we recommend: Nuremberg day trip from Munich by train including train ticket and guided tour of the city.
• Looking for a hotel in Nuremberg? We recommend the Melter Hotel & Apartments or look at other hotels in Nuremberg .
• More info: Nuremberg tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 2 hours | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Nuremberg around 1 hour.

Stay at the Melter Hotel & Apartments in Nuremberg

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6. Würzburg

Before 1805, Bavaria was split into many smaller duchies. Some of them were ruled by powerful prince-bishops, and Würzburg was the grandest of them all. As a testament to his sheer absolute power, Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn built a magnificent Residence palace in the first half of the 18th century. The most elaborated stucco works and frescoes adorn every inch of the Baroque masterpiece.

The Würzburg Residence was heavily bombed in the last months of World War II, just like the rest of the old town. But the local craftsmen rebuilt the palace (luckily all the interiors survived) and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site you cannot miss.

• While you’re in Würzburg, we recommend booking this Würzburg sightseeing train tour , to discover the highlights of the old city with an informative audio-guide.
• Looking for a hotel in Würzburg? We recommend the Hotel Würzburger Hof or look at other hotels in Würzburg .
• More info: Würzburg tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 3 hours | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Würzburg around 2 hours.

Stay at the Hotel Würzburger Hof in Würzburg

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7. Bayreuth

The quaint little town of Bayreuth would not appear on any tourist map save for the outstanding projects Margravine Wilhelmine started during her reign (or rather that of her husband). Missing the splendor of the Prussian court, she commissioned a new palace, a hunting palace (the fabled Hermitage) and a new Bayreuth opera house.

This Margravial Opera House is the single most intact Baroque court theater in the world and words cannot describe the beauty of it. There is so much detail, you’d probably need days to experience it all. This is another UNESCO World Heritage site you can easily visit on a day trip from Munich.

• More info: Bayreuth tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 2.5 hours | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Bayreuth around 2.5 hours.
• Looking for a hotel in Bayreuth? We recommend the Hotel Goldener Anker or look at other hotels in Bayreuth .

Stay at the Hotel Goldener Anker in Bayreuth

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8. Augsburg

And talking about the UNESCO, there is one last site you should be aware of which is only 40 minutes away from Munich: Augsburg. The city has a history of 2,000 years and more. For centuries upon centuries, the famous silversmiths supplied the European aristocracy with priceless artworks.

Augsburg is also famous for its waterworks. Ever since the 14th century, the citizens of the free city used the power of the River Lech to supply the old town with the tap water, an unrivaled luxury in the late medieval ages. The system is still in use today and it is quite a marvel to look at!

• More info: Augsburg tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 1 hour | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Augsburg around 30 mins.
• Looking for a hotel in Augsburg? We recommend Hotel Maximilian’s or look at other hotels in Augsburg .

Stay at Hotel Maximilian’s in Augsburg

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Did you know that the highest church tower in the world is located in Germany? Ulm is only 90 minutes away from Munich and here you can marvel at neo gothic the Ulmer Münster church which is 162 meters high! And the best part: You can climb that mighty tower and enjoy a magnificent view of the whole old town and beyond. There is, however, no elevator, so you do have to climb those 738 steps all by yourself.

• More info: Ulm tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 2 hours | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Ulm around 1 hr 30 mins.
• Looking for a hotel in Ulm? We recommend the Boutique Hotel am Rathaus-Reblaus or look at other hotels in Ulm .

Stay at the Boutique Hotel am Rathaus-Reblaus in Ulm

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10. Altötting

Altötting is quite the insider tip. The town is the most important pilgrimage site in Bavaria and three popes have visited it. Over the three days of Pentecost 30,000 people converge on the town for a candle-lit procession around the town square. I’m not sure, why more international tourists don’t come here, but the place is special! Almost all Bavarian kings have had their hearts buried in the famous chapel of the Black Madonna in the centre of Altötting.

• Read More: A pilgrimage to see the Black Madonna at Altötting
• More info: Altötting tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 1 hr 15 mins | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Altötting around 1 hr 30 mins.
• Looking for a hotel in Altötting? We recommend the Hotel Zur Post or look at other hotels in Altötting .

Stay at Hotel Zur Post in Altötting

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11. Burghausen

Another wonderful day tour from Munich is Burghausen. You can combine visiting Altötting and Burghausen, as the two cities are only a 15-minute drive from each other. Here, you will find the longest medieval castle in Europe. The castle of Burghausen is 1,050 meters long, can you believe it?

• More info: Burghausen tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 1 hr 15 mins | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Burghausen around 2 hours.
• Looking for a hotel in Burghausen? We recommend the Hotel Garni Lindacher Hof or look at other hotels in Burghausen .

Stay at Hotel Garni Lindacher Hof in Berghausen

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12. Innsbruck

Innsbruck is one of the oldest towns in Austria and has been continuously settled for more than 3,000 years. Today, the city with a population of 132,000 thousand is famous for its picturesque old town (especially the famous golden roof) and the beautiful mountains surrounding it. You could also visit the famous Swarovski World.

• While you’re visiting Innsbruck, we recommend taking this Innsbruck customized private tour with a local to learn about the fascinating history of the city.
• Looking for a hotel in Innsbruck? We recommend the Hotel Innsbruck or look at other hotels in Innsbruck .
• More info: Innsbruck tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 2 hours | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Innsbruck around 2 hrs 45 mins.

Stay at the Hotel Innsbruck in Innsbruck

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13. Dachau Concentration Camp

One of the darkest chapters of our history happened during the reign of the Nazis. Millions of Jews and other political prisoners were killed in so-called concentration camps. Instead of the most horrible furnaces, you will find important memorials in these sites. Dachau was one of them, and even though it will be a bit grizzly, I still urge you to visit. We cannot undo the past but we can learn from it so it never happens again.

• If you prefer to have all the arrangements taken care of, check out this tour: Dachau Memorial Site half day tour from Munich
• Looking for a hotel near Dachau? We recommend staying in Munich at Hotel Cortiina or you can explore other hotels in Munich .
• More info: Dachau concentration camp memorial site | Driving time from Munich 30-40 mins | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) around 30 mins. Take the S2 train direction Dachau / Petershausen then the bus 726 from Dachau station to the Memorial Site.

Stay at the Cortiina Hotel in Munich

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14. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

I’m sure you have seen a picture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber before. The enchanting medieval old town is extremely famous. It’s certainly not the only one, but for many the most popular stop on Germany’s romantic road. It takes around 3 hours 30 minutes to get there from Munich by train, so it will be a rather long day. I still think it is worth it!

• We also recommend this tour from Munich: Romantic Road, Rothenburg and Harburg day tour from Munich
• Looking for a hotel in Rothenburg? We recommend the Tilman Riemenschneider or look at other hotels in Rothenburg .
• More info: Rothenburg ob der Tauber tourism website | Driving time from Munich around 2 hrs 45 mins | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Rothenburg ob der Tauber around 3 hrs 30 mins.

Stay at the Tilman Riemenschneider in Rothenburg

Search for other hotels in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

15. Linderhof Palace

The famous Bavarian king Ludwig II didn’t just build Neuschwanstein castle. In fact, building castle, palaces, and hunting lodges was basically all he did during his reign. The most intimate palace (and the only one that got finished during his lifetime), was Linderhof Palace. It’s a true gem – not especially large, but very intimate and beautiful with a very lovely park.

• Check out this tour from Munich that includes Linderhof Palace: Day trip to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof castles from Munich
• Looking for a hotel near Linderhof Palace? We recommend staying in nearby Oberammergau at Hotel Maxmilian or look at other hotels in Oberammergau .
• More info: Linderhof Palace website | Driving time from Munich around 1 hr 30 mins | Train from Munich Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Linderhof Palace around 2 hrs 40 mins.

You may also enjoy: Tips for seeing the Oberammergau Passion Play

Stay at Hotel Maximilian in nearby Oberammergau

Search for other hotels in Oberammergau

Tips for train travel from Munich

15 day trips already sound like a lot, but in fact, we could list another 50. In this case, we’ve tried to focus on places that are easily accessible by train from Munich central station, because you can take advantage of the Bayern-Ticket or Bavaria Ticket . For 26 euros, you get unlimited rides on the regional train for one day, while each additional group member will have to pay an extra 8 euros.

This is a great bargain and one you really should make use of (especially as buses and the subway in Munich and regional cities are covered by the ticket as well). Just make sure to sign your ticket (otherwise it’s not valid). Regional trains are a bit slower, and there is no bistro on board, so you should bring a little snack and some drinks on your day trips.

As for checking your connections, the website of the German Railway service works like a charm and here you can plan your trip and even buy your tickets.

You should also bring some cash because credit cards are NOT widely accepted in the rural areas of Germany, and ATMs might be a bit harder to find.

So this is our guide to the best day trips from Munich. I hope we were able to provide you with some solid inspiration and ultimately helped you planning your Germany itinerary.

Map of day trips from Munich

Click to view the map of day trips from Munich

About the author

Norman Schwarze has visited more than 50 countries and looks back on over 30 years of travel experience. When he is not reclining in the pool of a fantastic luxury hotel or exploring one of the most remote corners of this planet, you will find him writing about his experience on his blog, Années de Pèlerinage .

You can also connect with him on Twitter , Instagram or Facebook .

3 days in Munich – our itinerary of cool things to see and do

More articles about Munich

Food in Munich – where and what to eat in Munich

50 Best things to do in Munich from Années de Pèlerinage

Plan your trip

Need a guidebook for Munich? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Munich guide

Fly into Munich airport where there is a station to take you directly into the city centre.

If you are looking for a guidebook for your visit to Germany, we recommend the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Munich or the DK Eyewitness Munich & The Bavarian Alps .

Need a guidebook for Munich? We recommend the DK Eyewitness Munich & The Bavarian Alps guide

If you prefer to have all the arrangements taken care of, check out these day tours from Munich to some of the places we’ve mentioned.

Photo credits: Neuschwanstein castle by derwiki | Neuschwanstein castle featured photo by iankelsall1 | Hohenschwangau castle by Pixaline | Salzburg by Makalu | Nuremberg Hangman’s Bridge by Bluefish_Japan | Nuremberg in Germany by bboellinger on Pixabay | Würzburg Photo Tama66 | Augsburg in Germany Photo thfr on Pixabay | Ulm by f ietzfotos | Burghausen by Duernsteiner | Innsbruck by Lichtenfels | Dachau by ho visto nina volaire | Rothenburg ob der Tauber by Maxmann and Maxmann | Linderhof by Frenchy3000 | Dachau watchtower by Alexas_fotos | Photos of Bamberg, Regensburg, Margravial Opera House, Christmas market in Nuremberg, Augsburg City Hall, Altötting in Germany, Burghausen castle by Annees de Pelerinage

This article is a guest post* by Norman of Années de Pèlerinage travel blog.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

Click to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, news and reader offers

Friday 29th of September 2023

Taking day trips by train from Munich makes so much sense. Ticket packages include attractive discounts this year as Germany promotes this environmentally positive means of exploration. It’s a great way to travel within Munich after a few liters at Oktoberfest, too. Pack light for Europe and find fashion advice for any age on Travel Fashion Girl.

Martin @ Uganda gorilla trekking

Thursday 10th of September 2020

Germany looks beautiful, it is time to tour this part of the world

Naveen Saini

Saturday 20th of June 2020

Hi, I have heard a lot about Munich. After reading the and pictures displayed in your article make me very curious to travel such beautiful places.

Alanna Koritzke

Thursday 18th of June 2020

Gosh, Germany is just so picturesque! I love it! Can’t wait to visit one day!!

Heather Cowper

Friday 19th of June 2020

@Alanna Definitely the land of picturesque castles and charming villages!

Tuesday 9th of June 2020

The well-known Neuschwanstein is one of the best castles in this world, I visited Germany many times but sadly I don't see it.

thanks for the detailed info about it I really appreciate your effort.

Home » Destinations » Europe » Germany » 19 Brilliant Day Trips From Munich (And How To Get There)

19 Brilliant Day Trips From Munich (And How To Get There)

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Here Are Some Great Day Trips From Munich!

If you’re somehow done exploring Munich, there are plenty of great day trips ideas from Munich. From great castles, beautiful lakes, cities, and attractions to explore all around Bavaria and into Austria, it can be hard to decide where to go next!

We would know: Lisa is from Bavaria so we’ve been lucky enough to have explored many of the places on this list.

We personally love exploring Nuremburg but hiking the lakes around Allgäu (near Neuschwanstein Castle) and going up the Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain) from Garmisch-Partenkirchen are also up there for us.

So, whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of the lakes around Munich or want to hop on a train to explore another city, here’s our guide full of great day trips from Munich in any season – with directions and ways to get there!

Popular Munich Day Trip Tours

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace Day Trip
• Zugspitze Mountain Tour
• Historic Nuremburg Day Trip by Train
• Salzburg, Austria Day Tour by Train

Table of Contents

Neuschwanstein Castle

Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

If fairytale castles are what you are after, there’s a day trip from Munich that you will absolutely love: Neuschwanstein Castle! Built in the late 1860s by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle was supposed to be a home/retreat.

This world-famous attraction is located in the small village of Hohenschwangau and has inspired lots of people over the decades – even Walt Disney!

Today, because of it’s stunning location, interior/exterior, and history, Neuschwanstein Castle is visited by over a million people each year!

Just so you know, the castle is located up a hill and you can ONLY visit the interior if you book a guided tour. The only place to buy tickets is in the Ticket Center which is located in town (near the base of Neuschwanstein Castle).

Therefore, it’s highly advised to try and reserve tickets online in advance of your arrival or arrive early enough to ensure you can even get in for that day.

Even then, lines for those buying tickets on the day can be hours long in the summer season and the tickets for the day can sell out before lunchtime.

Yah, it’s popular – but there is more to the area that just one castle. If you’re making the trip, don’t forget about Hohenschwangau Castle – another beautiful place to check out close to Neuschwanstein. In fact, you can get a reduced ticket if you plan on visiting both.

Of course, you can still explore the area if you couldn’t/didn’t want to do a tour inside Neuschwanstein.

The region is known for the stunning mountains, nature, and you can always snap photos from the famous Marienbrücke or enjoy the lakes. You can learn all about visiting Neuschwanstein Castle on the official website .

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle By Car

There are a number of ways you can get to Neuschwanstein Castle by car. Just so you know, it’s located in the small village of Hohenschwangau.

Generally speaking, the drive from Munich will take about 1 hour 45 minutes (with good/no traffic) and is a driving distance of approximately 115 km (give or take 10).

The German train system is awesome but some of these day trips are just easier with a car. You can compare prices for rental companies in Munich here . We rented from Sixt right in Munich and it was easy pick-up, easy drop-off in Nuremburg.

Once in Hohenschwangau, you’ll find a number of parking lots around the small centre. You cannot drive up to the Castle. So, expect to park down below in the village and walk up to the Castle or take a shuttle (which fills in the busy season).

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle By Train/Bus

Taking public transport to Neuschwanstein Castle is one of those rare occasions where the German train isn’t a great option for a day trip. In fact, a car or tour is probably a better option. Why?

This is because from Munich you take the train to the nearby town of Füssen. There’s no train station near the Castle (again, rare for Germany).

From there, you have to get on a bus that heads for the village near the castle. The stop is known as “Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau”.

Here’s the catch – the total time is between Munich and the Castle is around 3 hours one way.

It’s doable – but for the purposes of a day trip, it’s a little high on the travel time. Plus, if you go in the summer season, you’ll be waiting for a tour for potentially hours once you get there.’=

It’s doable – but for the purposes of a day trip, it’s a little high on the travel time. Plus, if you go in the summer season, you’ll be waiting for a tour for potentially hours once you get there.

Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle Tour

One of the easiest ways to visit Neuschwanstein Castle if you don’t want to drive or navigate the train/bus is on a tour. Because it’s such a popular day trip from Munich, there are many great day tours to choose from. You just book ahead, show up, and enjoy!

• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace – Explore the two top castles in the area on a great guided day trip! ( Very Popular )
• Just Neuschwanstein Castle  – Dive deep into the famous castle, local village, and views of the area with a knowledgeable guide.
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen  – Discover the castle and explore the old town of Füssen nestled in the nearby Alps.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Address: Alte Römerstraße 75, 85221 Dachau, Germany

If you want to dive into history – including the darker times of European history – then a somber visit to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a must. As one of the closest places relative to Munich’s city centre, the site makes for a good day trip.

Originally opened back in 1933, Dachau has the rather unfortunate distinction of being the first concentration camp by the Nazi Regime. It also lasted right up until near the end of the war in April of 1945. So, there is a great deal of history at Dachau.

Eric visited Dachau as a day trip from Munich whilst travelling with a friend. You can visit the museum, wander the grounds, explore reconstructed buildings, visit religious memorials, and you can even hop on a live guided tour OR purchase an audio guide tour.

Eric purchased the audio guide and it was great to have the information on hand while exploring.

Understandably, Dachau is a very heavy experience – but one that is certainly worth the time. You can learn all about visiting on the official website for Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site .

Munich to Dachau By Car

Honestly, it’s WAY easier to take the train from Munich. In fact, you have to pay for parking once you get there and with Munich traffic it can take 40 minutes or more.

That said, to drive to Dachau head in a northwest direction and aim for the parking lot at: 73 Alte Römerstraße, 85221 Dachau, Germany.

Munich to Dachau By Train/Bus

Since it’s such a popular route, it’s quite easy to get from Munich to Dachau Memorial Camp. Eric has done this exact route, too. Just take a regional train from Munich Central Station (heading for Nuremberg) for about 12 minutes to Dachau Bahnhof.

The other (more frequent) train you can take is the S2 in the direction of Petershausen(Obb) and get off in Dachau for a slightly slower train time of about 20 minutes.

Once at Dachau Train Station, you walk a bit down the street and hop on the #726 bus towards Saubachsiedlung to Dachau Memorial Site (KZ-Gedenkstätte is the exact bus stop). This bus ride takes about 7 minutes – so overall the travel time is less than 30 minutes one way.

As with many Munich day trips on this list, you can check the train schedule at the DB website . This site will be your best friend.

Munich to Dachau Tour

While the route to Dachau is simple, you might want to benefit from having a guide take you. Guides can also offer extensive knowledge that you might miss if you do a self-guided tour of Dachau.

So, there are many day tours from Munich you can do to maximize your experience. The only difference is the companies that run the tours. You can see two popular ones below:

• Dachau Tour From Munich – Visit the Memorial Site via transport with a live English guide
• Dachau Tour From Munich II   – Visit Dachau also using public transport with a live guide

Address for Central Train Station/Parking: Bahnhofspl., 90443 Nürnberg, Germany

If you want to visit a German city that is smaller than Munich but still packs a historical punch, check out Nuremberg. Located to the north of Munich, the city boasts a lovely, medieval old town with a castle. You can also explore a great deal of World War II history here – so Nuremberg has something for lots of different interests.

Those looking to take nice photos will have the Pegnitz River running through the city centre, while those looking to learn about the Nazi Regime and Germany’s past can visit the Documentation Centre, Nazi Rally Grounds, at Zeppelinfeld and Lakes.

We really liked Nuremberg – we stayed for a few days and ended up experiencing lots of the city. With most cities in Bavaria, there are lots of great restaurants – like Trödelstuben – to try local foods such as Nuremberger Sausage!

We suggest checking out the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg , Albrecht Dürer’s House, having a beer at literally any beer garden, St. Lorenz Church, and the German National Museum!

Munich to Nuremberg By Car

Travelling to Nuremberg by car is possible BUT we’d honestly suggest taking the train. It’s faster and likely cheaper because with a car you have to pay for gas and parking when you arrive.

That said, the drive to Nuremberg takes about 2 hours for a driving distance of about 170 kilometres (minimum). It’s basically due north and a bit to the west of central Munich.

Munich to Nuremberg By Train/Bus

You can get to Nuremberg very easily by train or by bus. In fact, unsurprisingly, the train is the best option. You can hop on a regional train that will take about 1 hour 45 minutes from Central Station to Central Station. This train – heading for Nuremberg – runs almost every hour.

Alternatively, you can get there in about 1 hour 5 minutes if you take the ICE (fast German train) but this ticket is much more expensive than a regional train ticket. It’s still a good option, though – and you might find cheaper tickets if you book in advance!

Lastly, the Flixbus runs from Munich to Nuremberg multiple times a day (especially in the morning) with direct buses averaging around 2 hours total commuting time. Check out the Flixbus website here .

Munich to Nuremberg Tour

If you’re short on time or don’t feel like navigating the train and the city by yourself, you can always hop on a tour to Nuremberg. This can be a great way to explore without the stress of figuring everything out by yourself.

• Nuremberg Old Town and Nazi Rally Grounds  – Discover the city with a live guide and who takes the train there with you ( Popular )
• Nuremberg Trials and Old Town – Explore the city with a live guide and get there by coach bus

Read More: Discover More Beautiful Places All Over Germany

Address for Central Train Station/Parking: Südtiroler Pl. 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

You might not think to visit another country while you’re in Munich – but with Austria so close, Salzburg is a really great option. We really loved the city of Salzburg – for the scenic lookouts, the great nature, and the incredible old town and history.

Salzburg can get pretty busy with visitors – and for good reason: It’s the birthplace of Mozart and there’s a massive 11th-century castle (Fortress Hohensalzburg) overlooking the old town!

There’s also so much green space which makes Salzburg a good escape to see the tip of the Alps in the area known as “Salzkammergut”.

We got the chance to hike up to Fortress Hohensalzburg to check out the museum, do an audio tour, and snap photos from one of the tallest towers.

Elsewhere in the Salzburg Old Town (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you can see gardens like Mirabell Palace, visit Mozart’s birthplace, go inside Salzburg Cathedral, and do much more.

We also rented bikes and visited Hellbrunn Castle which is just outside the centre. Point is: There are plenty of things to do in Salzburg !

If you head down on a day trip, you should have a look at the Salzburg Card if you plan on exploring more than two attractions. Also, check out the viewing platform up at the Museum der Moderne for amazing city views!

Munich to Salzburg By Car

Munich to Salzburg by car is a straightforward drive. Heading east of Munich (and a bit south), the total driving time is around 2 hours and 160 km (shorter and a tad faster if you take a toll highway).

Keep in mind that you’ll cross the border into Austria but there’s no actual physical border (it’s just a sign) because you’re travelling within the Schengen Zone.

Yay for freedom of movement! Once you’re in Salzburg, there are parking lots all over the place – especially in the Old Town.

Munich to Salzburg By Train/Bus

You can get to Salzburg very easily by train, too. There’s a direct train between the two centres that leaves frequently (every hour, if not more often) and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

We’ve actually taken the train in the other direction (from Salzburg to Munich) and it was a super easy ride – and scenic, too!

Alternatively, you can take the Flixbus to Salzburg. The trip is 2 hours flat and there are multiple departures throughout a given day (even more frequent on weekends). A seat can be as low as 5 Euro/per way which is a pretty good price to see another city in a whole other country!

Munich to Salzburg Tour

Admittedly, there is a TON to see and do in Salzburg. So, if you want to explore as much as you can in a single day and learn a lot, you might want to go on a Salzburg Tour.

Tours are good because then you also don’t have to worry about getting there – you just show up, travel there with a guide, and enjoy the amazing city!

• Salzburg City Trip  – Dive into exploring just the city of Salzburg with a guide and get there by train ride! (Popular)
• Salzburg City Trip II – Explore the city with a guide (travel by train) and a 2.5-hour walking tour of the UNESCO Old Town!
• Salzburg, Chiemsee, and More – Explore Salzburg, the famous Chiemsee, and more by bus ride from Munich

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Address for Tran Station: Bahnhofstraße, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

If you are looking for those perfect photographs of a medieval German old town, then you should head for Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This town – located to the northwest of Munich – is known for its preserved walled old town that is filled with colourful wooden buildings and cobblestone streets.

Because it’s just so pretty to visit, the town is very popular for tour groups visiting the south of Germany – but that’s understandable.

As for things to do, besides just wandering the gated old town, you can check out specific attractions around the Marktplatz (market square) like the Rathaus (Town Hall) and climb its tower for amazing views.

Of course, you will also find your fill of restaurants and souvenir shops if you’re looking for classic takeaways from your Germany trip! Lisa has been to Rothenburg and really liked it.

She can confirm that it’s busy (especially in the summer season) but still lovely. In the winter, you can check out the Christmas Markets which make for a classic and festive experience.

When you visit, you have to try out a “Schneeball” which literally means snowball in English. This is a shortbread-like pastry dessert that is rolled into a ball and coated in various toppings like chocolate, nuts, and more. We’ve tried them and they are really good!

Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber By Car

The only way to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber that makes sense for the purposes of a day trip is on the road. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located to the northwest of Munich (it’s more west of Nuremberg, for reference).

If you are travelling by car, the trip will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes for a total distance averaging 225 km (there are multiple routes you can take). Once you’re there, there are plenty of parking lots to choose from just outside the old town walls.

Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber By Train/Bus

For the purposes of a day trip, the train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is just too complicated and would take over 3 hours. It’s just not worth it to change multiple times in large cities (like Nuremberg) which you can just go and see instead!

Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber Tour

If you are keen on seeing Rothenburg ob der Tauber but don’t want to drive, you could take a tour. As part of Germany’s famous “Romantic Road”, on the tour you’d explore other picturesque towns and villages in a single day!

• The Romantic Road and Rothenburg  – Explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Harburg Castle on a guided day tour!

Address for Schlenkerla Brewery: Dominikanerstraße 6, 96049 Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg is one of those smaller German cities that you would recognize from the beautiful photos – but you wouldn’t know it’s Bamberg! Case and Point: the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) that straddles the Regnitz River is a sight to see.

Bamberg makes for a great day trip from Munich – but it’s about as far as we have on this whole list.

That said, we’d say it’s worth the journey. Bamberg has a lovely medieval old town that exudes Bavarian culture at every turn. You can visit the Bamberger Dom (Cathedral), the Neue Residenz Bamberg, the Michelsberg Monastery, and more.

Bamberg is also known for a famous brewery – Schlenkerla – which has been producing a “smoke beer” since the 1400s!

This beer – with a very dark and smoky flavour – is delicious and a must-try even if you aren’t a beer drinker. Eric tried it and it was great… very different than a lighter pale ale or lager!

Bamberg also has places for great photographs beside the Old Town Hall. There’s also a sight called Little Venice – where small colourful wooden houses line the river bank. If you want to learn more, you can check out our post on exploring Bamberg .

Munich to Bamberg By Car

If you want to drive by car to get to Bamberg, the trip is around 2 hours and 30 minutes and approximately 240 kilometres (depending on the exact route). Bamberg is north of Munich – essentially on the other side of Nuremberg.

Once you get there, you can find parking near the Old Town easily. We once parked in an underground garage on a weekend and there was loads of space still available.

Munich to Bamberg By Train/Bus

If you want to take public transit to Bamberg, the train ride is about 2 hours and 30 minutes – and you’ll change in Nuremberg basically for certain and potentially Ingolstadt (depending on when you leave and which train you take).

Once there, the train station in Bamberg is in the city centre’s east end so it’s a 10/15 minute walk to the historic Old Town. It’s pretty much along one road all the way to get there, so it’s nothing complicated.

The Flixbus would take between 3 and 4 hours so that’s not really an option for the purposes of a day trip.

Address for Rathausplatz: Rathauspl. 4, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany

In case you haven’t had enough of medieval old towns to explore, you might also want to consider Ingolstadt for a day trip from Munich. This city to the north of Munich has another great example of a walled old town that has been preserved and features towers like the “Kreuztor”.

While the city might seem a little smaller than the others on this list, there is still plenty to see and do – and it’ll likely be less busy than other top day trip destinations. The city also has the Danube River running through it so you can even get in some river views/walking.

Ingolstadt is known for a few top attraction like Ingolstadt Village (for top shopping), the Audi Forum (Audi Museum and birthplace with cars on display and more), and a variety of museums to learn about Germany like the Museum of the History of Medicine and the Bavarian Army Museum!

Munich to Ingolstadt By Car

If you want to drive to Ingolstadt, the drive is pretty simple. The city is north of Munich about 1 hour driving time (for approximately 80 kilometres). Once you’re there, you’ll find parking no problem if you head for the Old Town.

Munich to Ingolstadt By Train/Bus

You can take the train to Ingolstadt very easily. It’ll be about 45 minutes to an hour on a regional train (the one that makes more stops). These trains run frequently (multiple times an hour) so you will have options to get there and back.

Once there, if you want to explore the Old Town (as many people probably do) then aim to get off the train at Ingolstadt Nord Station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk into the heart of the Old Town whereas it’s 30 minutes walking from the Central Station.

Munich to Ingolstadt Tour

One of the things Ingolstadt is known for is shopping. So, you can hop on a tour to Ingolstadt Village for a day of shopping via luxury coach!

Address for Rathausplatz: Rathausplatz 1, 86150 Augsburg, Germany

Augsburg might not seem too important – but it’s certainly a worthy day trip from Munich. As Germany’s third oldest city, there is a TON of rich history to check out in Augsburg. Located not too far to the west of Munich, this smaller city on the Wertach River has plenty to check out.

You might want to start in the old town at Rathausplatz where you find the old Town Hall and its famous “Golden Hall”. From there, you’ll easily see the Perlach Tower (built in the 10th century as a watchtower) which you can climb (over 250 steps) for views of the city!

If you are into Baroque Palaces, go and check out the Schaezlerpalais which isn’t too far from the top attractions. This whole inner city (Innenstadt) area is also full of cafes, restaurants, and shops that you can check out.

Munich to Augsburg By Car

Driving to Augsburg is a good option. The drive is short – only around 50 minutes – and about 65 kilometres exactly northwest of Munich. Once you arrive, there are a handful of parking lots/garages in the city centre (there isn’t really a classic walled Old Town like in other cities).

Munich to Augsburg By Train/Bus

You can also easily take the train to Augsburg. There are frequent regional trains (usually heading for Ulm) that take about 45 minutes to get to Augsburg. Once there, the train station is in the middle of the city and you walk 10 minutes east to the “heart” of the old buildings/Rathaus.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen (+ Zugspitze + Partnachklamm)

Address for Franz Krönner Konditorei und Cafe: Achenfeldstraße 1, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

If you want to embrace nature and head for the towering Bavarian Alps, you should think about a day trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This small town is nestled in the south of the country – and serves as an access point for skiing, hiking, and more!

The town itself is very much a ski/hiking/resort town with plenty of shops and restaurants focused on these kinds of travellers.

We wandered around the heart of the town – it’s a healthy mix of traditional Bavarian buildings and modern shops. We even ate at Franz Krönner Konditorei and Cafe and it was excellent!

It’s no secret that the town is a key access point for many mountains around it – all you have to do is look up! The highest peak in all of Germany – the Zugspitze – can be accessed via cable car/cogwheel train just outside the town at the Eibsee (Lake).

When we visited the area with Eric’s family, we headed up the Zugspitze and spent the day exploring Garmisch. The combination of trains and cable cars was so worth it for the views. We even had a beer at the top – it was quite the experience.

Besides the highest peak, another popular hiking trail leads you to check out the Partnach Gorge (or Partnachklamm in German) with its waterfalls and walkways.

If you are keen to make it down here on a day trip, you’ll want to arrive early so you have enough time to enjoy all that the town has to offer. You can learn more about visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the official website .

Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen By Car

Driving to Garmisch is super easy. The two places are connected by the A95 (Autobahn) so it’s very fast to get there – about 1 hour and 10 minutes driving for a total distance of 90 kilometres to the southwest of Munich.

Once you get there, it should be easy to find parking close to the town centre. We parked on/at Marienplatz and were able to walk into the area with shops, restaurants, cafes, etc.

Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen By Train/Bus

The train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a great option. The ride on a regional train takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and leaves multiple times throughout the day.

Once you’re there, the train station is right in the middle of the town – walkable in all directions to shops, restaurants, or to catch the bus to get on cable cars up the mountains!

You can also take the bus to Garmisch. There are a surprising number of Fluxbus departures throughout the day – the top takes 1 hour 15 minutes and can cost as little as 5 Euro/per way.

Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Tour

One of the top reasons people travel to Garmisch is for the mountains – and for access to the Zugspitze. So, if that’s your plan as well – you might consider booking a guided tour from Munich to the top of the Zugspitze (and back)!

This way, you don’t have to worry about transportation there, tickets for the cable car or the train back down, etc. and can just relax and enjoy your day at the top of the country!

Address for Golden Roof in Old Town: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

If you want to discover a mountain city that feels small but packs a ton of history and natural beauty, you should consider Innsbruck. This Austrian city is located on the other side of some mountains from Munich – and the train ride to get there is absolutely breathtaking!

Once there, Innsbruck is full of things to do and see . We headed right for the Old Town to start with the top sights like the Golden Roof, the City Tower (Stadtturm), Hofburg Palace, the Cathedral of St. James, and more. We climbed the Stadtturm and would really recommend it!

For those incredible views, head up the Nordkette train and cable car to ascend to the top of Hafelekarspitze. It was closed for renovations when we visited but we will get those mountain views next time!

The city – not just the Old Town – is also full of shops, cafes, and great restaurants. For great strudel, eat at Strudel Cafe Kroll and for a massive authentic meal, try out Fischerhäusl ! It also helps that the central train station is so close to the city centre/Inn river!

Munich to Innsbruck By Car

The drive to Innsbruck is doable – and would certainly be beautiful. It’s about a 2-hour drive and about 150 kilometres south of Munich… through the mountains!

You’d actually go through Garmisch-Partenkirchen which is one route if you want to avoid any tolls. You’ll cross the border when you’re heading into the Alps but there’s no actual border – just a sign.

Munich to Innsbruck By Train/Bus

You can get to Innsbruck by train from Munich. The trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes – but they leave less frequently throughout the day (every few hours) so you will need to plan ahead to catch the train you want there and back.

Once you get to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), it’s just a 10-minute walk to the heart of the Old Town. We did it – it’s very simple!

If you want to take the bus, you’ve got options. The Flixbus runs multiple times per day with the average trip taking about 2 hours 15 minutes and costing as little as 8 Euro/way!

Munich to Innsbruck Tour

If you want to hop on a tour to Innsbruck, you can certainly do so. You can book a day trip from Munich to Innsbruck that takes you right to the heart of the Old Town – and nearby attractions like Swarovski Crystal Worlds!

Read More: One Day in Innsbruck – A Full Itinerary w/ Food !

Address for Train Station: 83209 Prien am Chiemsee, Germany

Sticking a bit closer to Munich with this one, there’s a lake you might want to check out! Sometimes called “The Bavarian Sea”, Chiemsee is a very popular lake in the Bavarian region. Located just to the southeast of Munich, it makes for a popular day trip in any season – but summer is extra nice.

The large lake is known for its three islands – one of which has the Herrenchiemsee Palace (which you can visit). Another smaller island has a historic abbey – Frauenwörth Abbey. You can explore the islands (and the surrounding views) with the frequent ferries across the lake.

The town on shore – Prien am Chiemsee – is a great starting point for any adventure. There are shops and restaurants and you’ll even find a place to hop on a boat to the islands. You can learn more about what to do when visiting on this Bavaria travel website .

Munich to Chiemsee By Car

Since Chiemsee is a lake, you’ll need to head to an actual place to park in the town nearby (Prien am Chiemsee). To get here by car, it’s only about an hour’s drive to the southeast from Munich about 90 kilometres.

Once you’re here, you can find lots of parking lots to leave the car while you explore and/or head over to see the island and Herrenchiemsee New Palace.

Munich to Chiemsee By Train/Bus

You can take the train to the lake really easily, too. The train from Munich Central Station to Prien am Chiemsee is semi-frequent and just shy of an hour long. Depending on which one you take, it might actually be the same train that heads for “Salzburg HBF”.

Once there, you can walk to the water OR take the Chiemsee-Bahn which is a small train that runs from the main train station to the lake!

Munich to Chiemsee Tour

One of the best ways to enjoy the lake (and all it has to offer) is to head there on a guided tour. This way you don’t have to worry about boat tickets, Royal Castle tickets, getting there from Munich (and back), and more logistics!

If you’re interested, check out this popular Chiemsee tour by bus from Munich to explore the Royal Castle and more!

Address for St. Peter’s Cathedral in Old Town: Domplatz 1, 93047 Regensburg, Germany

Another great city to check out that is packed with history is Regensburg. Located to the north of Munich, the city has a long history as a trading port because the Danube River passes through the city.

You can learn about the city’s maritime history at the Maritime Museum (boats converted into exhibits).

One of the top attractions is the Stone Bridge which was built over the mighty Danube in the 12th century.

We walked across it to snap photos – it was a popular spot! Other highlights in the Old Town – besides just walking around – are St Peter’s Cathedral, St. Emmeram’s Abbey (so beautiful), and the colourful Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) close to Haidplatz.

If you want a place to grab food, we had a sit down lunch at Café Lila. We sat outside and overlooked the open square (Haidplatz) which made for a lovely afternoon. Overall, we really liked Regensburg and would recommend checking it out for a day!

Munich to Regensburg By Car

Driving to Regensburg is certainly doable. The city is located to the north (and slightly east) of Munich. The driving time is about 1 hour 20 minutes for a total distance of about 130 kilometres.

Munich to Regensburg By Train/Bus

The train is easy to take to Regensburg. Depending on the time you leave, the best option is to take a regional train (headed for Nuremberg HBF) that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This train runs directly to Regensburg throughout the day – but there are other combinations that include S-train and/or changing once. Once you’re there at Regenssburg HBF, you can walk to the Old Town – it’s only about 15/20 minutes to the Danube. You can also take the city bus!

If you want to take the bus to Regensburg, Flixbus runs a direct bus (1 hour 40 minutes) from Munich to Regensburg multiple times a morning for as little as 8 Euro one way!

Starnberg (with Starnberger See)

Address for S-Train Station: Bahnhofpl. 8, 82319 Starnberg, Germany

If you want your day trip to include a lake but don’t want to travel too far at all, consider heading to Starnberg! This town is located at the north end of Starnberger See – a long lake (the second largest in the region) that is located just south of Munich!

The town of Starnberg is small but full of things to check out to fill up part of your day – like the Lake Starnberg Museum, lots of restaurants, and shops. The shoreline is great for walking and there are hiking trails in the surrounding area, too.

Once you’re down there, you can take a ferry around the lake – stopping at various points to explore the shoreline. The shore is packed with smaller towns and attractions like Schloss Höhenried, Schloss Berg, restaurants, green parks, and more. You can plan a visit with help from this official resource .

Munich to Starnberg By Car

Given that it’s so close, it’s really simple to drive to Starnberg. The town/lake is located just to the southwest of Munich – so the driving time is about 30 minutes and not long at around 25 kilometres!

Once you get there, you’ll find parking right by the water – which is also where the train station, and the main area for shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. are!

Munich to Starnberg By Train/Bus

You can very easily take the train to Starnberg. From Munich Central, hop on the S6 – it takes about 32 minutes directly there and runs very frequently (every 20 minutes or so). There are other S-Train/regional train combination options but why take those when you can catch the S6 direct?

Once there, the train station is right on the water so you can walkabout into the town OR hop on a boat cruise right away to explore the lake!

Address for Central Parking Lot: Seestraße 3, 83471 Schönau am Königssee, Germany

Of course, no post on day trips from Munich would be complete without a mention of the famous Königssee. Located as far as you’d basically want to go on a day trip from Munich (very close to Berchtesgaden, the Salt Mine, and the Eagle’s Nest), the Königssee is worth the trek.

This natural lake is different from the other lakes in this post because it’s location among towering mountains which means that you get these dramatic sheer cliffs that rise from the shorelines – like the fjords in New Zealand or Norway.

As such, you can take a ferry out on the lake and see the landscape for yourself. Along the way, you’ll see attractions like the famous St Bartholomew’s Church by the shoreline.

Of course, the geography of the area makes it great for hiking/mountaineering trails. However, for the purposes of a day trip, you should just check out the lake by boat and perhaps visit another nearby attraction listed above!

Munich to Königssee By Car

If you want to drive to the Lake (and the town of Königssee), then it’ll take you about 2 hours with a driving distance of around 160 kilometres. It’s pretty far but will get beautiful as you near the mountains.

It’s also very close to the Austrian border with other attractions listed below in this post. Once there, aim for a parking lot such as the one mentioned below.

Munich to Königssee By Train/Bus

For the purposes of a day trip, it’ll take too long to take the train or bus. You basically need to drive or take a tour since roads are the best way to get there.

Munich to Königssee Tour

One of the easiest ways to experience the lake and the amazing views is to head down there on a tour. Because the lake is just so far down from Munich – and it’s not THAT great to get to by transit – you’re limited for options.

Luckily, there is enough of a desire to explore the beautiful landscape that you’ll find a handful of great tour options to take you down there, guide you around, and bring you back to Munich with photos and memories!

• Discover the Königssee – See the famous lake by boat and check out other attractions (waterfall, etc.) on a guided bus trip!
• Königssee and Salt Mines – Explore the lake by boat AND see the Salt Mines on a guided day trip from Munich!

The Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)

Address: Aim for the Parking Lot at the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg: Salzbergstraße 43, 83471 Berchtesgaden, Germany

If you’re looking for one of the top attractions that are reachable from Munich, then you should check out the Eagle’s Nest. Known as the Kehlsteinhaus in German, this compound is located high atop a ridge in the mountain region known as Obersalzberg in southern Bavaria.

Aside from the incredible views of the area, the Eagle’s Nest is most known for its role in history – it was a frequent meeting point for high-level members of the Nazi Party – and Hitler did visit a handful of times.

These days, the location offers a very limited retelling of its history – and it’s largely a tourist attraction with a restaurant and beer garden. You can buy tickets for the bus ride up (and elevator to the actual building) at the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg at the bottom of the hill.

Be sure to check the website for seasonal open hours – winter season is reduced hours or closed because the road is impassible. You can find all the latest information about visiting the Eagle’s Nest on the official website .

Munich to The Eagle’s Nest By Car

As with visiting the Königssee, you’ll need a car. The trip to this area is just shy of 2 hours and about 160 kilometres. The difference is that you’ll not go as far south to the lake if you’re heading for the Eagle’s Nest Parking Area.

Once you are at one of these parking areas, you can then choose to take the bus or hike for a few hours to the actual restaurant/viewpoint.

Munich to The Eagle’s Nest By Train/Bus

As mentioned, it would be too hard to get to the attraction itself using public transport. You need to get to the base parking lot to even get up there – and making it here is tough without a car. You basically need to drive or take a tour.

Munich to The Eagle’s Nest Tour

To be honest, this is one of those trips that is easier if you just do a tour. This is because there are just too many twists and turns (literally) that if you screw up can put a damper on your whole experience.

Plus, guides take care of tickets and offer knowledge – something you can’t get if you drive down yourself! Because the attraction is a popular one, the tour industry does a great job of taking people down there.

This means that you have some great Eagle’s Nest tour options to explore the Nest, the lake, amazing views, and more!

Salt Mines (at Berchtesgaden)

Address: Bergwerkstraße 83, 83471 Berchtesgaden, Germany

As one of the top attractions in Bavaria, it’s hard to compete with an underground train ride AND an underground lake. Well, at the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, that’s just a normal day! Opened back in 1517, the mine is the oldest (and still active) salt mine in all of Germany.

These days, visitors can put on overalls (it’s cold down there) and embark on a guided tour of the operation.

It’s a great attraction for kids because you ride a train that takes you about the tunnels, there’s a slide you get to go down, a salt cathedral, and there’s even a boat ride across an underwater lake!

It’s a smart idea to book tours/tickets online in advance if you know when you plan on heading down. You can learn all about the Mine at the official website here .

Munich to Berchtesgaden By Car

Similar to driving down to the Königssee and Eagle’s Nest (listed above), the trip to this area is just shy of 2 hours and about 160 kilometres. Once you’re there, you will find a handful of parking lots close by.

Munich to Berchtesgaden By Train/Bus

Compared to the above day trips, the Salt Mines are located closer to the actual town of Berchtesgaden. However, the train connections are still a little wild to get there for purposes of a day trip. Just drive to Berchtesgaden and explore the Salt Mines yourself!

The Salt Mines make for a better day trip from Salzburg (since they are closer) – which we are writing about very soon!

Address for Parking/Near Train Station: Klosterwachtstraße 5, 83684 Tegernsee, Germany

If you want to head south of Munich to enjoy a small town and a lovely lake, Tegernsee is definitely an option. This smaller lake – and the town of the same name – is a popular day trip from Munich because it’s so simple to have a lovely day.

The train line terminates in Tegernsee – and the small town on the east shore of the lake is a great place to start a journey. You can visit the Olaf Gulbransson Museum and grab a bite to eat or a drink at the VERY popular Bräustüberl Tegernsee .

The area is known for many hiking trails and outdoor recreation so it’s also great to explore on foot.

Of course, the lake offers visitors an extensive boat tour route with many stops around the lake that you can hop on or off at to explore smaller towns along the shore and more.

Munich to Tegernsee By Car

The drive to Tegernsee is pretty simple. It’s located just south of Munich – meaning you’ll drive for about 50 minutes with a driving distance of about 55 kilometres.

Once you’re there, you can aim for the tourist centre address above (on the west side of the lake) to find parking, restaurants, shops, and connections to hop on a boat cruise of the lake.

You can also aim for the town of Tegernsee on the east side of the lake (near the Tegernsee train station) to find much of the same things.

Munich to Tegernsee By Train/Bus

You can take the train to the lake pretty easily actually. Tegernsee Station is right by the lake – and it takes just over 1 hour to get there direct from Munich.

Once you’re in Tegernsee (the town), you can walk to the shore, find restaurants, and hop on a boat to explore the lake.

Murnau am Staffelsee (+ Staffelsee)

Address for Parking Lot by Lake: Seestraße, 82418, Murnau am Staffelsee, Germany

Likely one of the lesser-known day trips from Munich, heading to Murnau am Staffelsee might feel like the most authentic experience. Located to the south of Munich, this very small town by the lake is a perfect setting for getting away from the big city for some peace and quiet.

The town itself – Murnau – is small with a cobblestone main street of shops, restaurants, cafes, and more. Check out Karg Bräustüberl if you need an authentic Bavarian meal. Around the town, there are holiday homes, green parks, campgrounds, and multiple places to play mini-golf (we did and it was awesome!).

Of course, no visit to Murnau is complete without checking out the lake. There are lots of walking trails/loops that make their way around the whole lake or just stick to a smaller area. You can also hop on a boat cruise to check out the island and other areas around the lake.

We just hiked near the water from the main town – but we did watch the boat pick up people and sail away again (shown above). Overall, we really liked Murnau because it was very peaceful so we’d recommend it!

Munich to Murnau By Car

Murnau by car from Munich is very easy – it’s just a drive down the Autobahn 95 basically heading south. The total driving time is about 55 minutes and around 70 km. We’ve done this – the closer you get to the mountains the more beautiful the drive becomes!

Munich to Murnau By Train/Bus

You can get to Murnau Train Station in about 55 minutes from Munich Central. You can take one regional train that runs quite frequently throughout the day directly there. Check out the DB website for the train.

Bad Tölz (+ Blombergbahn)

Address for the Blombergbahn: Am Blomberg 2, 83646 Wackersberg, Germany

If you want another thing to check out near the Tegernsee area, you can always head to Bad Tölz and check out the Blombergbahn. This small town that sits on the Isar River is a scenic getaway nestled in the rolling green hills of southern Bavaria.

If you want to get up a little higher for great views, that’s what the Blombergbahn is for. This double chair lifts you up to “Munich’s local mountain”, which is a great destination in the summer and winter with hiking and snoweshoeing trails all over the place.

One of the top activities is tobogganing – riding a cart down a mountain track.. and this can be done in summer! Sometimes people also call this tobogganing run the “Blombergbahn” so it can be a little confusing. You can learn more on the official website.

Munich to Bad Tölz By Car

Driving to Bad Tölz is pretty simple. The route is basically due south of the city centre for a driving time of around 55 minutes and driving distance of around 55 kilometres. Once you get there, there are numerous parking lots close to the town centre near the river.

Munich to Bad Tölz By Train/Bus

You can get to Bad Tölz easily by train as well. From Munich Central Station, there are frequent trains heading south that take anywhere from 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

These trains all terminate at the central station in Bad Tölz which is just to the east of the town centre. You could then take a Oberbayernbus (#9612) to the Blombergbahn.

Related Articles

If you’re looking for other great Munich posts (and/or need help travelling to Germany ), check out our other Munich posts:

• Where to Stay in Munich – Hotels and Neighbourhoods
• How to Spend One Day in Munich
• Our Favourite Munich Cafes
• Our Detailed Germany Itineraries for 5 to 14 Days !
• Brush Up on Your German Phrases

And there you have it – 19 of the best day trips from Munich! Obviously there are more villages, lakes, and other attractions, but we think this is a pretty comprehensive list for different interests.

Let us know if you’ve completed any – and if you know of a place we need to add to this list!

As always, Happy Waddlin’, – L&E

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Short Trip above the Roofs of Munich

First flying over Munich on the Ferris wheel, then falling into the soft feathers of the modern Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. Discover Munich's attractions first from a bird's eye view and then up close - thanks to the Munich Card, local transport and discounts for the most important attractions are included.

Inclusive services for 2 persons:

• Two overnight stays in the Courtyard Munich East
• Daily varied breakfast in the hotel
• Welcome Drink
• Ride on the Umadum Ferris wheel in the trendy factory district
• 3-Day Munich Card incl. public transport and discount at over 100 attractions
• Munich information package incl. travel guide

Ferris Wheel in Werksviertel München

Experiencing Munich from above? Umadum Ferris wheel in the hip Werksviertel (factory district) makes it possible. The unusual name is of Bavarian origin and means nothing more than "all around". It is the largest portable Ferris wheel in the world. With its 80 metres it is Munich's highest attraction and with a little luck, you will have the chance to fly into a beautiful sunset while Munich shows its most beautiful side in its colourful autumn dress. By the way: The view of the Alps is included.

Afterwards, you can discover the creative factory district on your own. There are great bars and cafés to warm up in, as well as art in public spaces to marvel at. If you would like to experience the young, creative scene in Munich, you have come to the right place and can certainly get into conversation with the artists on site.

Short Stay in Courtyard München Ost

From the modern and brand new Courtyard Munich East, you have the opportunity to explore the idyllic Haidhausen right on your doorstep. A beautiful quarter with lovely places to stop for refreshments, where you can feel safe and secure away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre and enjoy Munich's relaxed side. We also recommend a trip to the mountains : Due to the perfect location of your hotel, you are directly at the Ostbahnhof, one of the most important train stations in Munich, which will bring you quickly to the beautiful surrounding area. Within Munich you can even travel for free, as the Munich Card is included in the offer. The Munich Card also offers various discounts and attractions, so you can spend a rainy day at the museum or on a guided tour of the city hall .

Photos: Courtyard Munich East, Sigi Müller, Otec / Maurer, Jörg Lutz, Frank Stolle, Dominik Morbitzer

Important information

The price is for two persons in a double room. If a desired room (single room or multiple bed) is not available, please contact us via [email protected].

Please note that breakfast is not included. This can be booked on request at the hotel.

Cancellation policy If canceled, 10% will be charged until the 22nd day prior to arrival, from 21.-15. Day before arrival 20%, from 14.-7. 40% day before arrival, from the 6.-1. Day before arrival 60%, 80% of the tour price is due on the day of arrival.

Terms of payment The travel conditions of the organizer Munich Tourismus apply. The travel packages can only be paid by credit card (MasterCard, Visa). Your specified payment method will be charged immediately after booking.

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15 Best Weekend Trips from Munich for an Unforgettable Getaway

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Wondering what the best weekend trips from Munich are? You’ve found the right post!

No matter where you live, everyone loves a minibreak every once in a while. Even if you live or are short-term based in the cultural and historical powerhouse, the Bavarian icon that is Munich, Germany ! 

While visiting Munich during my time studying abroad in Ireland, I was able to make use of Germany’s great train transportation to explore more of the area.

Fortunately, Munich is a fairly significant transit hub in southern Germany, making it easy for anyone to take weekend trips from Munich as often as they like. We’ve got a guide here to some of the most popular short trips you can take from the city.

🚗 Don’t forget to book your Germany rental car! Click here to check rates.

Table of Contents

Best Weekend Trips from Munich

Berchtesgaden national park.

⏰ Travel Time: Expect a minimum travel time of 3-4 hours by train/bus or two hours by car.

Go south in Germany, just about as far south as you can possibly get in the southeast of the country, and you’ll find Berchtesgaden National Park .

Founded in 1978 to protect the landscapes of the Berchtesgaden Alps, the park stands today as a nature reserve, conservation center, and home to the only Biosphere Reserve in Germany.

It’s a beautiful expanse of carefully cared-for Alpine nature, and it makes for a refreshing weekend break from Munich.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

⏰ Travel Time: The most direct routes, by both car and train, take about three hours.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a beautiful city with a well-preserved medieval center and some of the only remaining fully intact city walls in the entire country.

There’s plenty to do here, from exploring the lovely surrounding nature, roaming the city market plaza, or touring some of the several museums covering topics from medieval crime to Christmas.

Since it’s also on the Romantic Road , you could use Rothenburg as a sort of home base during your weekend away from Munich and visit other nearby Romantic Road cities like Schillingsfürst and Creglingen.

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Neuschwanstein Castle/Fussen

⏰ Travel Time: Expect a travel time of about 2-3 hours via train and bus or two hours by car. To reach the castle, you’ll need to prepare for an additional half-hour uphill hike.

A weekend in Füssen is a weekend spent being thoroughly charmed by her Bavarian Old Town, her fresh mountain air, her history of lute and violin making, and the ultimate sight: the castle on a cloud that is Neuschwanstein Schloß .

Visiting  Füssen would be a truly fairytale trip from Munich that enchants you at every turn. Take the time to also explore Hohenschwangau Castle while you’re there, too!

I was lucky enough to take this trip myself and absolutely loved visiting here – this is one location that you won’t want to miss out on, but be sure to make any castle tour reservations in advance.

Read More: How to Take a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich 🚂

⏰ Travel Time: The best travel option is plane–about two hours non-stop, or three hours plus for an itinerary with a connection.

Few destinations are more iconic than London . From vintage shops and street markets to legendary palaces and monolithic modern towers, London defies categorization on every level.

No matter what you want to do during a short trip from Munich, London has something for everyone at every time; it is a true city that never sleeps.

⏰ Travel Time: From one and a half to two hours, either by train or by car.

Salzburg is a paradise for classical music lovers, nature enthusiasts, those who enjoy exploring medieval structures, and more. Mozart’s birthplace boasts beautifully preserved Baroque structures, stunning Alpine views, and a number of excellent museums.

And, of course, the absolutely breathtaking Nonnberg Abbey , one of the oldest still-active nunneries in the world, is a central point in the city.

Visitors can tour the abbey, and once renovations are complete, they will be able to resume hearing the resident nuns singing Gregorian choral songs in the mornings.

⏰ Distance: From one and a half to two hours, either by train or by car.

Where the Danube, the Naab, and the Regen River converge, that’s where you’ll find Regensburg. This is the largest medieval city that lies north of the Alps, with sections that date back even further than that.

During your weekend trip here from Munich, you’ll cross the 12th-century Stone Bridge , visit the sky-scraping St. Peter’s Church, and walk the same streets that emperors and kings did centuries ago. 

⏰ Distance: From two and a half to three hours, either by train or by car.

Postcard-perfect Hallstatt is not only a pretty lakeside village; it’s home to some of the more unusual natural attractions in Austria and Germany.

Here, you’ll find the Glacier Garden , where the last Ice Age left a beautiful park full of millennia-old rock formations and waterfalls, making for a beautiful hiking experience. Or the Salzwelten Salt Mine , the world’s oldest salt mine, which is still in operation.

A funicular takes you up to the mine and the Skywalk, where gorgeous views unfold at your feet and take your breath away.

⏰ Distance: About four hours by train, or six hours and more via car.

Germany’s edgy, urban capital city stands in stark contrast to Munich’s cozy, historic vibes, making Berlin an ideal weekend break from Bavaria’s capital.

With a constantly evolving nightlife, a vibrant cultural scene, and multiple places to visit and become educated on Germany’s grittier historical aspects, the reunited city promises to be a complete and ultra-modern weekend experience.

The Romantic Road

⏰ Distance: Würzburg, the starting point, is two hours by train and about three hours by car from Munich. If you’d rather start in Füssen and work northward, this is about two hours from Munich by either train or car. 

The Romantic Road , so-called because of the dreamy wells of enchantment it taps in visitors, is a 286-mile (460-kilometer) stretch of roads in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg that links a chain of pretty German towns and statuesque castles.

You’ll want a long bank weekend in order to make the most of your drive from one end of the road to the other, as each town has its own unique charm, and you won’t want to leave a single stone unturned.

Art, culture, history, and excellent cuisine await you on the Romantic Road.

⏰ Distance: About 6 hours via train, or at least 8 hours via car.

The City of Love needs no introduction, and hardly anyone needs their arm twisted to take a weekend break from Munich (or anywhere) in favor of Paris! Iconic gastronomy, museums, and monuments will fill your days here with color, light, and fun.

You can take in a show at the legendary Moulin Rouge , walk the steps of Montmartre (pack comfortable shoes, but do make sure they’re stylish–this is Paris!)… each arrondissement is like a little city of its own, with its own style and culture.

You might actually need more than one weekend to really explore it all.

⏰ Distance: About thirty minutes by train, or an hour by car.

A beautiful city with many lives, Augsburg has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It’s been a trading port, one of the birthplaces of early capitalism, an artistic Mecca, and countless other things in the centuries of its existence.

The lovely Old Town, with stunning fountains and truly beautiful ancient structures, has survived countless wars over her lifetime. It’s such a short distance from Munich; this picturesque and quintessentially Bavarian city is a perfect option for a weekend trip.

⏰ Distance: It can be about four hours by train, or five via car.

Sachertorte. Waltzes. Classical music. Psychiatry. Vienna has been a true legendary powerhouse in the artistic, cultural, and intellectual spheres throughout her history.

A visit here feeds the heart, mind, and soul, from beautiful structures to iconic cultural institutions. With apologies to Billy Joel, Vienna is waiting for you… to select her for your next weekend excursion.

⏰ Distance: Typically one hour by train, two by car.

A capital of culture in Bavaria, Nuremberg is home to fifty-four different museums.

Artists such as Albrecht Dürer and his family hail from here, as does Johann Pachelbel–which means that technically, the backbone of most modern music is the product of Nuremberg.

Arts, culture, history, and traditional culinary excellence all converge here in Nuremberg to create a vibrant, varied tapestry of a city, perfect for a weekend of exploration.

⏰ Distance: Around two hours by train, and three by car.

She’s modern, she’s historic, she’s an indefinable icon. Stuttgart believes in more being more and then some, so a visit to this bright and shiny city that redefines luxury is not only the cherry on top of the cake, it’s the entire dessert.

Visit the Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums, indulge in luxury shopping, and stay at one of the top-of-the-line hotels in the city center. A weekend in Stuttgart is a weekend for treating yourself–go all out and enjoy it!

⏰ Distance: Around two hours either by train or car.

A city with historic charm and modern flair, the beautiful Alpine city of Innsbruck is also the premier winter sports destination, having hosted the Winter Olympics and other important winter sport championships multiple times.

Escape from Munich deep into the Tyrolean Alps, and enjoy everything Innsbruck has on offer; not just the variety of winter sports, but also her deep cultural history, her delicious Tyrolean cuisine , and beautifully fresh mountain air. 

Final Thoughts: Munich Weekend Breaks

It’s not that the perfect weekend break from Munich doesn’t exist; it’s just that almost too many of them do! There’s something for every taste out there, something to fulfill every need.

No matter what you’re looking to get out of a weekend trip from Munich, there’s a place for you to go and have the time of your life.

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KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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5 Best Day Trips From Munich By Train

• by Jonny Duncan
• September 15, 2023 November 13, 2023

The primary reason why most tourists visit Munich is because of its fantastic location. Many nearby destinations can easily be visited and make some of the best day trips from Munich.

Munich is the capital of the Bavaria region and is one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe.

In this post, I am going to share details of the top-day trips from Munich. All the day trips from Munich mentioned in this article are those that you can easily undertake by taking a train from the main Munich station known as Munich Hauptbahnhof.

Find hotels in Munich here.

Best Day Trips From Munich By Train

It works on all regional trains of Deutsche Bahn running within Bavaria as well as the regional trains going to Salzburg. You can use this ticket to access all the local modes of transport within Munich too.  

Neuschwanstein Castle (Travel time – 2.5 – 3 hours from Munich)

This fairy-tale castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany and easily one of the best day trips from Munich. The beautiful castle was built by ‘Mad’ King Ludwig II. This castle is also the inspiration for the Walt Disney castle seen in ‘Sleeping Beauty’.

You need to book a guided tour of the castle in order to be allowed entry inside the castle. The tour can be booked here . The tour must be booked at least 2 days in advance and you must reach the castle at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour.

The guided tour will give you insights into plenty of interesting facts about the castle as well as a peek into the life of King Ludwig II.  

After the tour ends, make sure you travel to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge).   This bridge offers the best viewpoint for clicking the best pictures of the castle!

How to reach Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich by train?

In order to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, you need to take a train to Füssen from Munich Hbf. The total train journey takes a little over two hours. After you alight at Füssen, take a bus to Hohenschwangau.

The bus journey takes about 10 minutes. From Hohenschwangau, you should factor in an additional time of 30 minutes to climb to the top of the castle. You could even ride on a horse carriage to save time.  

The total commute time is approximately 3 hours.

You can also go on a tour if you want:

As far as day trips from Munich go a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle is highly recommended!

Dachau Concentration Camp (Travel time – 1 hour from Munich)

Dachau Concentration Camp was primarily built to hold political prisoners. However, over time, it became one of the largest forced labour and torture camps the world has ever seen.

The experience of visiting this place will be overwhelming and life-changing. The reality and the gravity of the World War will hit you hard. It is a must-visit place for the lesson in humanity that it offers.

It is advisable to tour this place with a guide or by using the maps and the audio guides provided here.

You will need at least 3-5 hours to visit this place. Be prepared to walk a lot. Do not schedule any other activities for the rest of the day. You will not have the emotional appetite for it. Also, young children must not visit this place.  

How to reach Dachau Concentration Camps from Munich by train?

You can take a regional train from Munich Hbf or the S2 line train from a station close to your accommodation and get off at the Dachau station. From here, take Bus No. 726 which goes to KZ-Gedenkstätte.  

The total commute time is less than an hour.  

A day trip from Munich to Dachau is, like all others listed here, highly recommended!

Salzburg (Travel time – 2 hours from Munich)

Yes! Here comes one of the tourists’ favourite day trips from Munich, a day trip to Salzburg!

Salzburg, the pretty town in Austria is popular for being the birthplace of Mozart. Music runs through the veins of this beautiful Austrian town. The city is also particularly famous amongst the fans of the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music.’  

There are plenty of really awesome things to do in Salzburg (that too, on a budget!) for all age groups.  

You could start by visiting the iconic Hohensalzburg fortress that overlooks the Old Town of Salzburg. You could then follow it up with a quick round of the Old Town of Salzburg.

You may even head out on a half-day guided ‘Sound of Music Tour’. If you are not a ‘Sound of Music fan, you could instead take a bus to the foot of Untersberg. From the foot, ride in the cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoy the most beautiful views of Austria from here!  

My advice to you would be to buy the Salzburg Card at the Salzburg Hbf station itself. This card allows unlimited access to all forms of local transport within Salzburg.

You can even use this card to gain free entry without queues to most of the prominent sightseeing spots in Salzburg. Buying this one card will definitely save you a lot of money.

There are plenty of experiences in Salzburg to do when there.

How to go to Salzburg from Munich by train?

Regional trains starting from Munich Hbf take you to Salzburg in two hours. There are plenty of trains plying between the two cities.

What’s great is that the money-saving Bayern Ticket that I referred to above works even on your trip to Salzburg. (Just make sure you take a train after 9 am if you are travelling on a weekday. On weekends, you can even take an earlier train using this ticket!)

A day trip from Munich to Salzburg is highly recommended and is one of the best day trips from Munich.

Nuremberg (Travel time – 1 to 2 hours from Munich)

This charming medieval town is a must-visit and one of the best day trips from Munich. Most of the town was damaged during the bombings of the second world war. Despite the damage, Nuremberg has a plethora of sightseeing marvels in store for the tourist.  

A walk around the Old Town is the perfect way of exploring Nuremberg. Start from the Frauentorturm and keep walking in the direction of the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg)

Along the way, you will run into the stunning St. Lawrence Church. A little further down is the enormous Frauenkirche (The Church of our lady).  

In addition to the castle and the many beautiful churches, you will also come across picturesque canals and overhead pedestrian bridges that make for perfect postcard pictures.

There is also a central market close to the Frauenkirche with plenty of small shops and local food stalls here that are a tourist favourite. The famous Christmas market of Nuremberg is organised in this market square itself.  

In addition to the Old Town attractions, Nuremberg also played an important role in Nazi history. You should spend time exploring the museum at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.

The exhibits there showcase the dark Nazi phase of German history. You will also be able to understand more about the historic Nuremberg trials here.  

How to go to Nuremberg from Munich by train?

If you travel by high-speed ICE from Munich, you will reach Nuremberg in an hour. However, if you plan on using the economic Bayern Ticket, you will not be allowed to travel on the ICE. You will have to take the regional trains starting from Munich.

However, make sure that you take a regional train that reaches Nuremberg in two hours. (Some regional trains take longer and you will end up wasting a large part of your day commuting between Munich and Nuremberg).

Schliersee (Travel time – 1 hour from Munich)

This is a small town situated just about an hour away from Munich.

Plenty of tourists visiting Munich would probably not know about it at all. However, the real beauty of Bavaria lies in its many small countryside towns.

Therefore, as a tourist, if you want to experience the real charm of Bavaria, you must visit one such local town.  

The reason why I recommend Schliersee is for its proximity to Munich and for the fact that Schliersee has a lot to offer to tourists despite its small size.  

To begin with, there is a vast lake right outside Schliersee station. You can enjoy a lovely day out on the banks of this lake. Alternatively, you could even take a boat and visit Wörth, a small island in the middle of Lake Schliersee, for a short hike with great views.  

If you want, you could even head up to the top of the mountain to another Alpine lake called Lake Spitzingsee.

If you are travelling with kids, you could also take the cable car up to Schliersbergalm lookout where you can spend some time in heated swimming pools.

On the way down again, you can take the thrilling toboggan ride!  

How to go to Schliersee from Munich by train?

Regional trains starting from Munich Hbf take you to Schliersee in 55 minutes. Once at Schliersee, you can take a bus to go to Spitzingsee. The frequency of both the train and the bus is pretty good and no advance booking is required.  

More Best Day Trips From Munich Options

The list above contains my top picks for the best day trips from Munich. However, the region surrounding Munich is culturally and historically so rich that there are so many more places that you could travel to on your day out from Munich. Some additional options that you may want to consider are:

• Regensburg – This UNESCO World Heritage Site with its medieval-era charm is picture-perfect. Its architectural beauty makes the town an attractive option for a day trip from Munich.  
• Bamberg – If you don’t mind taking a high-speed ICE then go here for a day out and marvel at the architectural marvels of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  
• Zugspitze – The highest mountain in Germany offers breathtaking views of the regions surrounding Germany. However, a day trip from Munich to Zugspitze will require careful planning and may seem rushed. But the view from the top of the tallest mountain in Germany will make the hustle worth it.  

Final Word   On Day Trips From Munich

The central location of Munich will tempt you to visit so many other towns that choosing where to go on your day trips from Munich would be a hard decision to make.

I would recommend you opt for a place that interests you instead of a touristically popular place. Most German towns and tourist attractions are extremely well-maintained.

The public transport system makes even the smallest towns accessible. Therefore, no matter what place you choose for your day trips from Munich, you will come back with a unique experience and some great memories.

As for Munich itself, you can visit the best things to see in Munich in one day , but more time would be better if you can manage it.

Check out some interesting tours to do:

Travel To Munich and Germany

Find places to stay in Munich here .

Those are some of the best day trips from Munich by train that you can do.

Have a read about the Bayern Ticket here . It is a train ticket that can save you hundreds of euros in Germany.

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9 Incredible Day Trips from Munich You Can’t Miss!

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-10-25

Exploring the Bavarian region of Germany with a day trip from Munich should be on everyone’s bucket list ! The southeastern corner of Germany is filled with gorgeous landscapes, beautiful cities, and centuries of history.

You can spend days exploring Munich, but don’t miss the rest of Bavaria! The entire region is brimming with natural wonders. The Bavarian Alps in the south are breathtaking. Every city and town has something to see or do, and one of the most impressive castles in the world is here.

Check out these 9 easy day trips from Munich. Pick a few favorites to add to your itinerary, or try them all!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

9 Easy Day Trips from Munich

Munich is the perfect home base for a southern Germany vacation. It’s a big city that not only packs a punch all its own but also provides a central location for staging day trips across Bavaria.

We’ve collected nine of the best day trips from Munich and included how long it’ll take you to get to each destination and the top must-see sights while you’re there.

Each of these day trips is amazing (or else we wouldn’t have recommended them), but don’t forget to leave time to explore Munich itself, too!

Without further ado, here are 9 easy day trips from Munich!

1. Salzburg, Austria

1hr 30min by train or car.

Just across the Austrian border to the east, Salzburg is an enchanting city. This is the home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Sound of Music , and there is always a musical event to attend.

Wander through beautiful gardens, visit the fortress overlooking the city, and see where a musical prodigy was born. And that’s just the Old Town!

I highly recommend spending a few days in Salzburg if you have the time , but a day trip from Munich is a good taster to make you want to come back.

Must-See Salzburg Sights

Hohensalzburg fortress.

Fantastic views and who doesn’t love a good castle? The funicular is a short and fun ride up the cliffs. Climb the Tower for the best views of the city! No lines at the end of the day, by the way. Grab a bite or a brew at the restaurants, and enjoy those views a little longer.

Salzburg Residence and Cathedral

Learn how the Prince-Archbishops lived when they ruled the region. The Residence showcases the state and private rooms and an art gallery.

Use the attached walkway for great views of Residenzplatz as you continue your tour into the Cathedral. The walkway takes you through the organ loft and offers amazing perspective down the length of the sanctuary. Amazing architectural details everywhere you look!

Mozart’s Birthplace (Geburtshaus)

Salzburg’s original poster boy, check out where Mozart was born and grew up. He made his musical debut at the age of 5 in the nearby Salzburg Cathedral and didn’t stop composing until the day he died. The museum focuses on Mozart’s family, early life, and musical history.

Pro Tip : Very popular and always crowded. The Mozart Wohnhaus across the river has similar exhibits with somewhat smaller crowds.

Mirabell Palace Gardens

Get that iconic picture of the gardens, palace, and Hohensalzburg Fortress in the distance. Go early to miss the crowds , or catch the sunset lighting up the fortress on the hill.

Pro Tip : Don’t miss the Dwarf Garden while you’re here! These statues are hilarious, in a nice shaded area, and easily accessible from the palace gardens.

2. Berchtesgaden

1hr 45min by car; 2h 45min by train/bus (train to salzburg/bus to berchtesgaden).

History and nature are the main reasons for visiting this quaint mountain village. Berchtesgaden National Park protects astonishing views and lakes in the Bavarian Alps.

If you’re a history buff, visit the Documentation Center and see Kehlsteinhaus (aka the Eagle’s Nest): Hitler’s Bavarian mountain chateau.

Pro Tip : Berchtesgaden is an even easier day trip from Salzburg. Consider a weekend getaway to Salzburg from Munich, for a day in Salzburg and a day in Berchtesgaden !

Must-See Berchtesgaden Sights

Documentation center and eagle’s nest.

Drive or take a bus (15min) up to Obersalzburg and visit the Documentation Center to learn about the area’s Nazi past. The museum is matter-of-fact and includes a tour of the underground bunker system.

Next, purchase a bus ticket to the Eagle’s Nest. It’s free to visit the chateau, but the roads are winding and narrow and not open to the public. You can either hike up the mountain for free or buy a bus ticket.

The views up top are amazing and a few short hikes along the ridge give you unparalleled views of the surrounding country.

The chateau itself is now a restaurant (eat lunch outside!) but historical plaques are found all around.

Fun Tip : Spot the photo of Hitler sitting on a lounge chair on the sun terrace where you’re standing.

Königssee (King’s Lake)

Save some time to see the beautiful Königssee! This gorgeous teal blue lake is part of the protected Berchtesgaden National Park and only a 10min drive or bus ride from central Berchtesgaden.

The lake gets its color from natural minerals in runoff from the surrounding mountains. The river in town is the same beautiful color!

Electric-powered ferries shuttle visitors to Kirche St Bartholomä (St Bartholomew’s Church) and take about 35min from dock to dock. The domes on this famous pilgrimage church are best admired from the lake, so have your camera ready.

Arrive around lunchtime and spend an afternoon by the water or in the beer garden. You can hike to some fantastic viewpoints, or even take the ferry on to Salet.

But bring a watch so you don’t miss the last ferry back!

Important : The lines for the ferry back get incredibly long in the late afternoon. Leave yourself plenty of time to wait for a ferry if you have to catch the last bus back to Salzburg to catch your train.

3. Nuremberg

1hr 10min by ice train; 2hr by car.

Nuremberg is for the history fans! This is another great option to spend a few days if you have the time , but a day trip from Munich works well.

Exit the train station and just start walking north for the Kaiserburg Castle. You’ll see everything else along the way and can pick and choose your stops as you go.

Must-See Nuremberg Sights

Kaiserburg nürnberg (imperial castle of nuremberg).

The armory alone is worth the visit! The first room with the procession of the Holy Roman Emperor is also fun to watch. This castle has been around since the 11 th century and has evolved over the years as regimes have changed.

Peek inside a medieval church or two.

Plenty to choose from on your walk from the train station to the castle: St Lorenz, Frauenkirche, and St Sebald’s being the largest three. Gush over architectural details that have stood since the 11 th century. They may not have had much technology, but they knew how to build beautiful cathedrals.

Rally Grounds and Documentation Center

A bit out of the center of town, take a bus or tram to the Documentation Center. Enter the immersive exhibit about how the Nazi party rose to fever pitch with the Nuremberg Rallies and ended with the Nuremberg Trials.

We saw several documentation centers on our epic 12 day trip, but the one in Nuremberg was by far the most comprehensive.

Hint : The last room in the museum features a wall-sized photo of Nuremberg after it was bombed. Center stage of that photo is St Sebald’s Church with its roof gone and windows blown out. It struck home with us because we visited St Sebald’s right before coming to this museum.

Continue out on the catwalk into the incomplete Congress Hall and understand the scale of this movement at its peak. If you have time, walk around the lakes and out to the Zepplinfield to further reflect.

Warning: Don’t be the idiot that does the Nazi salute or fake re-enacts rally speeches at the zeppelin grounds. It’s in poor taste, and it’s illegal.

>> Steal our complete one day in Nuremberg itinerary! <<

4. Füssen

1hr 30min by car; 2hr by train.

Neuschwanstein Castle, or the model for the Disney castle as some of you know it, has been on my bucket list for years! This is the most popular day trip from Munich, by far.

Take the train to Füssen and a short 15min bus ride to the village of Hohenschwangau, home of the castles!

That’s right, plural! Not just one but two castles to see here: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

The town shares its name with Hohenschwangau because that castle has been there since medieval times.

Neuschwanstein was the product of King Ludwig II’s ego or vision, whichever you prefer, and wasn’t built until the 1860’s. King Ludwig II was an enormous supporter of the arts and wanted to literally build up Bavaria’s culture, no matter how much it cost.

Must-See Füssen Sights

Castles, of course.

Neuschwanstein Castle’s reputation for opulence precedes it, but Hohenschwangau Castle is decorated like a fairytale (and actually complete). Get the combo ticket and see both!

Tours are 30min, mandatorily guided, and timed entry. Don’t be late! With a combo ticket, you’ll visit Hohenschwangau first, have a 2 hour gap to get up the mountain, and then tour Neuschwanstein.

If you don’t want to go inside or listen to a guide, then visiting the outside is free! I’m personally all about the history and love the tours. The details and decorations in both castles are jaw-dropping and not to be missed!

Pro Tip : Order tickets online before your trip to guarantee your spot. Tickets can sell out months in advance during peak summer season.

Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge)

Chances are you’ve seen the same picture of Neuschwanstein every time; it’s just changed seasons from picture to picture. That iconic shot is taken from the Marienbrücke!

It gets crowded in peak season, but the views are 1000% worth the wait. If you have time continue across the bridge and along the path for another stunning viewpoint of the castle.

Pöllat Gorge Walk

Highly recommend this path for the walk down the mountain. The Pöllat River, which the Marienbrücke spans, falls into an awesome waterfall below.

The Pöllat Gorge path descends to the base of the waterfall and follows the river through the gorge and back to Hohenschwangau.

You’re literally walking over the river on portions of the trail. Wonderful shaded path in summer, but be mindful of ice in the winter.

5. Dachau

20min by s-bahn (train); 30min by car.

This suburb of Munich is largely known for its dark Nazi past, but the town was popular with Bavarian nobles for centuries before that. Fairs and festivals see the town turn out in their best dirndls and lederhosen!

We included this as a full day trip, despite being so close to Munich, because the concentration camp memorial will take a long time to see everything.

The museum alone took 2-3 hours if you read most exhibits and watch the short film, and you’ll want to walk the grounds as well.

>> What to Expect when Visiting Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial <<

Must-See Dachau Sights

Dachau concentration camp memorial site.

A truly haunting place to visit, but a must-visit site so that we never forget. This should be a place of remembrance and contemplation.

Dachau was the first camp, the model work camp filled primarily with political prisoners. Enter the camp through the notorious Arbeit Macht Frei gate (“Work Sets you Free”). (Auschwitz is the other infamous camp with this same phrase over its entrance.)

The exhibits in the museum include thousands of photos, artifacts, and descriptions of what life was like in the camp and the atrocities that happened there. It was a work camp, but it still has a gas chamber in the back.

A tour here can be disturbing and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Don’t bring your little ones, and be cautious with your tweens. Displays can be unsettling.

Warning : Don’t be the idiot taking selfies with the torture artifacts. Definitely saw a teen/20-something doing this, with a duck face no less. Get your act together, and show some respect.

Schloss Dachau (Dachau Palace)

End the day on a lighter note by visiting the old town of Dachau. Dachau Palace sits atop a hill with good views of Munich in the distance. Use the telescopes in the Hofgarten (garden) for secret views!

The ceiling of Dachau Palace is a stunningly detailed wooden Renaissance masterpiece, and the prime reason this is on the must-see list!

The ceiling was miraculously saved throughout centuries of renovations, and then sent off to the Bavarian National Museum in the mid 1800’s. It was finally returned to its proper place in the main ballroom at Schloss Dachau in 1977.

Pro Tip : Frequently rented out for events so check before you go. We arrived during an art exhibition, but the ticket taker kindly took us upstairs so we could get photographs of the ceiling and the staircases.

6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

2hr 20min by car; 3h 30min by train.

This is where everyone gets that famous half-timbered houses pic for their Instagram. Fair warning: it’s swamped with tourists during peak season and for the Christmas markets. But this is still a fantastic example of a medieval German walled town.

I hesitated to include this one as a day trip from Munich. It’s pretty far by train, but could be manageable if you drive yourself.

If you’re working your way north, consider staying overnight and booking the Night Watchman’s Tour. Alternatively, it’s a good day trip from Nuremberg, too.

Pro Tip : There are several “Rothenburg” towns in Germany. Make sure you’re traveling to “ob der Tauber” (on the Tauber River).

Must-See Rothenburg ob der Tauber Sights

Half-timbered houses.

Just walking through the town is half the appeal. Those magnificent timbered houses are everywhere.

Medieval City Walls

Walk along the old city walls and pretend you’re on guard duty in the middle ages. All the old German towns were walled, but these in Rothenburg ob der Tauber are exceptionally well-preserved.

7. Zugspitze

1hr 10min by car or train.

Visit the highest mountain peak in Germany , and straddle the German-Austrian border! The Bavarian Alps pack amazing views every direction you turn. Enjoy lunch at the top!

Take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then hop the bus to the Eibsee Cable Car.

Must-See Zugspitze Sights

The mountaintop, of course.

Check the weather before you go. Clouds are cool, but not if they obscure your entire view.

Eibsee (Lake)

If you have some time left, enjoy a walk around part of the Eibsee. Alpine lakes are gorgeous blue/teal hues, and this lake is no exception. Get some ice cream at the shop first, and then walk north from the parking lot along the lake to find the bridge over the lake for some great photos.

8. Linderhof Palace and Ettal Abbey

1hr 15min by car; no train route but many group bus tours from munich.

Linderhof Palace is another King Ludwig II building project. One that was actually completed. Ettal Monastery is a beautiful complex in the middle of the German countryside. The monastery is on the route to Linderhof Palace from Munich.

Tours often try to cram in Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, and Ettal Monastery into one trip. Recommend renting a car if you don’t want a rushed day trip from Munich.

Must-See Sights

Linderhof palace and grounds.

Originally his father’s hunting lodge, Ludwig II continually renovated the once simple wood-frame structure until finally arriving at the symmetrical stone-clad palace seen today.

Ludwig was obsessed with French culture, and this palace is decked out just as beautifully with tributes to France’s King Louis XIV in every room.

The Linderhof Grounds also mimic French royal parks with water features, fountains, and small “refuge” buildings spread throughout. Wander the park and discover gardens, buildings, and lakes.

Ettal Abbey

A Benedictine monastery founded in 1330, this beautiful complex is in the middle of nowhere. Just a fabulous abbey tucked into the mountains! The exterior architecture is photo-worthy, and the interior decoration is just as detailed and jaw-dropping.

There’s also a brewery and hotel, all provided by the monks, if you want to sip and stay awhile.

9. Herrenchiemsee Royal Palace

1hr by car or train.

Another Ludwig II building project: the Bavarian Palace of Versailles and its grounds. The building wasn’t meant to be a copy, even though it looks pretty close, but the grounds and fountains match its French counterpart to the last detail.

Take the train to Prien am Chiemsee and shuttle to the ferry dock for transport to the island. Ferries take about 20min from dock to dock. The various sites and buildings are spread out over the entire island, so leave time to walk between tours.

It’s so close, this day trip from Munich could be a half-day trip if you’re very short on time.

Must-See Island Sights

Royal palace.

The interior is available via 30min guided tour only. Take as long as you like in the gardens though!

The Ludwig II Museum, located in the ground floor of the Herrenchiemsee Palace, tells of the life of King Ludwig II and his contributions to Bavaria. He’s most well-known for his building projects and as a great patron of Richard Wagner.

Augustinian Monastery

The monastery buildings were gradually added over time until the current square with enclosed courtyard was formed in the late 1700’s. The monastery now houses a museum and art galleries.

Need Help Planning your Vacation with All These Day Trips from Munich?

If you need more inspiration for planning your Germany vacation based in Munich, we’ve got you covered.

• Epic Europe Trip: 4 Countries in 12 Days
• Explore Bavaria: 4 One Week Itinerary Ideas
• How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
• How to Spend a Day in Nuremberg
• How to Day Trip to Salzburg from Munich

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 36 US states and 14 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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This post has 5 comments.

This was a really well done post. I loved the details and photos. We are Jewish and my grandfather was liberated by US GI’s from Dachau. We’ve never been but it’s on my bucket list to honor his memory. Thank you for sharing.

What a lovely post with so much great info and tips! I lived near Munich for 4 months as a teenager and loved it. But sadly it has been so long I don’t remember a lot. This makes me want to go back and enjoy it again!

WOW those views from King’s Lake are stunning!! I love any place with some castles. It always feels so magical. Would love to visit.

How beautiful! I’m ashamed to say that as a German who’s lived in the country for 15 years, I haven’t been to Munich and the surrounding area a single time! I lived quite far away so I usually just went across the border to neighboring countries rather than explore my own country. I just realized how much I have to catch up with!

Love love loooove this! We spent our honeymoon in the Dolomites, so came home via Austria and Munich…we only had a taste of the city, but we could tell it would be a fantastic area to explore. This post just shows HOW fantastic!

I looove the looks of the mountains, the castles and Mary’s bridge! 😀

Comments are closed.

Best Day Trips from Munich in 2024

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Munich is one of the most vibrant cities in Germany and a must-see for most visitors. It’s home to Oktoberfest, historic buildings, world class museums, beautiful green urban spaces – and, of course, beer!

But did you know that Munich makes a great “home base” because there are so many options for day trips? There are numerous day trips you can take from Munich whether by car, train or guided tour.

Don’t miss out on the beauty of Bavaria! Add a day trip or two to your Munich itinerary. Here’s a list of the best day trips you can take from Munich.

3 Ways to Plan Day Trips From Munich

Since Munich is in the perfect location for taking day trips, you can easily make it your Bavarian home base. This is especially convenient if you want to see Munich and other sights Bavaria has to offer but don’t have enough time to spend a few days in each separate location.

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By making Munich your home base, you can explore both Munich city center and go in and out of the city for day trips to other cities, the Alps, and famous castles. You can day trip by train, rental car or guided tour.

Day Trips By Train

Using the train to take day trips from Munich is super easy and convenient. You might need to get up early and return late in the evening to fit everything in but the nice thing about taking the train is that you rest, relax or even take a nap on your way to or from a day trip.

If you plan to day trip by train, and don’t want to worry about missing your train, we highly recommend staying near the Munich Central Station (München Hauptbahnhof). These options are just a short walk away:

• Leonardo Hotel München City Center – 3-minute walk
• Flemings Hotel München-City – 5-minute walk

You can also read our Munich accommodation guide for additional hotel options in Munich.

For most day trips we highly recommend buying a Bayern Ticket (Bavaria Ticket). This inexpensive regional train ticket gives you one day of unlimited trips on regional trains (so not ICE, IC or EC trains) within Bavaria for up to 5 people traveling together. So it’ll save you a lot of money over buying individual point-to-point tickets!

The only time we don’t use a regional train ticket like the Bayern Ticket is when the day trip is further away and we can reach it much more quickly by booking point-to-point tickets on faster ICE, IC or EC trains. Check out Deutsche Bahn for more information about these tickets (you can book trains there, too). 

Day Trip By Car

If you want more flexibility while traveling, a rental car is the way to go. While you can reach all of the day trips below by train, sometimes it’s much faster to drive.

Having a car also allows you to leave and return whenever you want, and you map your own route at your own pace. If you rent a car, make sure your hotel offers parking. Read our Munich accommodation guide for hotel options that offer easy rental car parking.

Day Trips With a Guided Tour

If you don’t want the hassle of figuring out train schedules and you’re not interested in renting a car, consider a guided tour! Since Munich is such a popular city to visit, you have several options (see below – we’ve linked under each place if there are any available). You can also take a look here to see to more options for guided day tours from Munich.

With a guided tour all you have to do is book the tour on your preferred day and then show up at the meeting point. You can relax and enjoy the day without having to figure out where to go, worry about missing your train or getting lost in the car, and you have a guide who can answer questions and share interesting cultural and historical information.

I especially like guided day trips when I’m traveling solo or if I’m short on time and don’t have hours to plan a day trip.

Overview of Day Trips from Munich

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Day Trips from Munich

1. neuschwanstein castles, hohenschwangau castle & füssen.

Neuschwanstein Castle is probably the most popular day trip from Munich. It’s one of Germany’s most well known tourist attractions and one of the world’s most famous castles, attracting over 1.5 million visitors from all over the world every year. 

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that add to the castle’s beauty, even though it does get quite touristy. Even so, if it’s your first time visiting Germany, it’s definitely worth visiting to see it for yourself. It’s gorgeous year round, and especially magical during the winter season .

Neuschwanstein – and Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig spend time as a child – are located in the village of Hohenschwangau, which is near the small town of Füssen. These two towns are worth exploring in their own right and they’re also great places to stay if you decide to spend more time in the surrounding area.

If you just want to tour Neuschwanstein, you can do that on a day trip from Munich. If, however, you want to see both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschangau, and especially if you want to see both castles and Füssen, you’ll need to stay overnight.

Unfortunately, it’s pretty much impossible to tour both castles on one day trip from Munich. On our last trip we tried to make it work and decided to instead just spend the night in Füssen (we loved Hotel Sonne ) so we could see everything.

Directions from Munich: The drive from Munich is approximately 75 miles or around 2 hours. To get there by train you’ll take a regional train(s) from from Munich’s Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Füssen and then a bus from Füssen to Schwangau. The journey time is also about 2-2.5 hours.

Recommended tour: If you don’t want to deal with the stress of rental cars or public transportation, we recommend booking a guided day trip from Munich directly to the castle. This guided tour includes transportation by van, which takes you along a scenic route of the Bavarian Alps, and a walking tour of the castle.

2. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site (KZ Gedenkstätte Dachau)

Built in 1933, Dachau Concentration Camp was the first Nazi concentration camp. It was originally built by the Nazi party to hold political prisoners. The concentration camp stood for over 12 years, at one point holding over 200,000 prisoners from all over Europe, over 40,000 of which were murdered. 

The memorial site now stands on the grounds of the former concentration camp. There are several original structures that are still standing, which you can learn about via information throughout the memorial, an audio guide or in a guided tour. There are also permanent exhibitions and an informative documentary that pays homage to the victims and survivors (Aaron watched the documentary and highly recommends it, especially if it’s your first time visiting a concentration camp). 

Dachau is a dark but intrinsic part of German history and one that Germany doesn’t shy away from. A great way to learn about a country is to visit important historical sites like Dachau. It may not be an easy place to visit but it’s a valuable learning experience and highly recommended.

Directions from Munich: The easiest way from Munich is by public transportation. It takes around 40 minutes. Take the S2 train in the direction of Dachau/Petershausen to the Dachau station. Once there, you have to take bus 726 to the entrance (KZ-Gedenkstätte). If you’re driving, exit at Dachau-Ost and follow the well-marked signs. There’s a large parking lot near the entrance to Dachau.

Recommended tour: Since visiting Dachau can be a difficult experience, we recommend booking this guided tour led by qualified professionals who are authorized by Dachau. That way you’ll learn the context of what you’re seeing and you’ll get the most out of your visit to this powerful memorial.

3. Oberammergau & Linderhof Palace

Oberammergau is a small town in the Bavarian Alps, known for a variety of cultural activities and sights. The most famous one is the Oberammergau Passion Play which is performed only once every ten years, in years ending with a zero. The production involves thousands of town residents who participate as actors, singers, technicians, and more. 

The town is also known for its long-standing traditions in woodcarving and fresco paintings. You can admire it in the Oberammergau Museum which features ancient handcrafted artifacts and intricate carvings by local artisans.

Even if you just take a stroll through Oberammergau or stop for a meal or beer, it’s a fun place to visit. And Oberammergau is just a few minutes away from Linderhof Palace. It’s the smallest of King Ludwig’s castles but is one of the most picturesque, known for its symmetrical architecture and beautiful gardens.

Directions from Munich: 

• Oberammergau is around an hour drive from Munich. You can also take a train from Munich to Murnau, then take the Innsbruck train to Oberammergau. 
• Linderhof Palace is around 20 minutes away from Oberammergau. There is a bus connection to Linderhof (bus 9622).

Recommended tour: If you’re looking to make the most out of a day trip, this tour takes you to Linderhof Palace, Oberammergau, and Neuschwanstein Castle in one day! It includes the bus transportation, a tour guide and audio guide, plus you can buy the entrance tickets to the castles on the bus.

4. Mittenwald & Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Mittenwald is another beautiful town in the Alps, located near the Austrian border. One of their most popular attractions is the St. Peter und Paul Church in the main square of the town center. It’s known for its colorful frescoes and golden baroque decor. The town is also known worldwide for its manufacture of violins, violas, and cellos – they have a whole museum dedicated to it!

Mittenwald is also great for those looking for outdoor activities in nature. To the south, you’ll find Leutaschklamm, a ravine with wooden pathways that’s located between the two borders and atop the Leutascher Ache river.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is actually comprised of 2 separate towns (Garmisch and Partenkirchen), is a super easy day trip from Munich. Winter is a great time to visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen because the town is a winter sports resort known for hosting skiing championships and the Winter Olympics. Many of the chalets and venues are still used to this day, drawing ski enthusiasts of all levels.

If you’re not a fan of winter sports, don’t worry! If you visit during other parts of the year you’ll have lots of opportunities for hiking and climbing in the surrounding mountains, most notably the Zugspitze and the Partnach Gorge. Don’t want to hike? Explore Garmisch, then walk over to Partenkirchen. Stop for a laid back meal, beer or Kaffee und Kuchen (we had a delicious coffee, tea, and cake at Wildkaffee Cafe) while enjoying the alpine scenery. You can also hop on a train or bus to Mittenwald.

Directions from Munich: It takes about 1 hour to drive to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and 1.5 hours to Mittenwald by car. The best option for public transportation is to take a regional train from Munich central station to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and then on to Mittenwald. The average train ride with changes is 1-2 hours.

5. Zugspitze 

Zugspitze is Germany’s highest peak. It’s located to the south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and has a height of 9,718 feet. After taking the Zugspitzbahn, gondola or cable car to the summit, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of the glaciers and the mountain peaks from four different countries. 

In the winter, it’s a great place for skiing and sledding. But it’s just as fun during summer, when you can go hiking and climbing since there are several low-level trails that are more accessible. To end your hike, you can grab a beer in Germany’s highest beer garden or enjoy a meal in the small mountain restaurant!

Directions from Munich: The best way to reach Zugspitze is to go to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The drive from Munich is just over an hour, and it’s about the same by train. Then board the Zugspitzbahn and head to the top!

Recommended tour: This day trip brings you comfortably to Zugspitze from your hotel in Munich via air-conditioned van. It’s also a great option for those looking to travel and hike with a small group. 

6. Innsbruck, Austria

There are actually several day trips you can take to different cities in Austria. One of them is Innsbruck, the capital of the Austrian state of Tyrol. Like the previous day trips, the city is also known for being a major winter sports destination. But beyond that, there’s a lot more to see in the city.

Begin your day trip in Old Town Innsbruck by exploring the stores and cafes and trying out delicious Viennese pastries. Another must do is to walk by the river and admire the beautiful colorful buildings against the backdrop of the mountains. Other key landmarks include the Innsbruck Hofgarten and the Golden Roof. 

You can also ride the Nordkette Cable Car for stunning views of the city, valley, and Alps! We did this once and then hiked ALL the way back down to Innsbruck (even meeting alpine cows with bells around their necks)…it was fun but we were sore for a few days afterwards!

Directions from Munich: The drive from Munich to Innsbruck is around 2 hours. The fastest trains to Innsbruck take around 2 hours but those with more changes can take up to 3 hours.

Recommended tours: This guided tour includes transportation from Munich and a live guide who will tour you around the famous landmarks in downtown, including  Swarovski’s Crystal Worlds, an experience attraction with a museum, park, and restaurant. 

7. Reutte, Austria

Reutte, also located in the state of Tyrol, is a lesser known Austrian city that’s close to the Lech river and some Alpine lakes . There are around 10 crystal clear lakes you can visit nearby. Some of the most visited ones include Lake Heitwangersee and Lake Plansee which draws sailors, windsurfers, rowers and even sightseeing boats during the summer. For Lake Plansee, you can also hike the woods, explore waterfalls, and even swim in the clear waters.

Directions from Munich: Reutte is actually quite close to Füssen, around 20 minutes away by car. But if you’re coming from Munich, the car ride is almost 2 hours. Many of the train routes involve several changes, so driving would be your best bet.

8. Berchtesgaden & Eagle’s Nest

The Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest area is not only one of the top day trips from Munich but it’s a major tourist destination of Germany. Berchtesgaden is not only a town with great historical significance but it also boasts unmatched natural beauty. The photo above shows you the view we had from our apartment!

For those interested in the historical background of Eagle’s Nest and the area in relation to World War II, visit the Obersalzberg Documentation Center. Eagle’s Nest is another educational site but it’s also where you can get some of the best views of the Alps. Note, however, that due to its high elevation location, Eagle’s Nest is closed during the winter season.

For nature lovers, the Berchtesgaden National Park is a must! The landscape is rich with dense forests, rugged mountains, narrow gorges, and beautiful lakes and glaciers. If you’re traveling with kids, check out the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines for a fun tour that takes you deep inside the mines (via 2 miner’s slides!) and even an underground lake.

Directions from Munich: The train from Munich to the Berchtesgaden train station takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes. Most require a change in Freilassing. The drive from Munich takes around 2 hours via Autobahn München-Salzburg A8. 

Recommended tours: If you want to take a scenic route in a luxury tour bus, this guided tour drives through the German Alpine Way to the foothills of Berchtesgaden and brings you to Eagle’s Nest.

9. Königsee

There are many lakes near in the Berchtesgaden area. Lake Königssee is the most popular one and for good reason – it’s stunning! Most of the lake lies within the Berchtesgaden National Park and is easily reached from Berchtesgaden by bus or car (or a very long walk). This beautiful lake is the third deepest lake in Germany and is surrounded by the imposing Mount Watzmann. 

The best way to explore the lake is to go on a boat ride in the clear, emerald waters. From these boat tours, you can see other famous landmarks like the St. Bartholomew Church and hike your way to Obersee Lake and Röthbach Waterfall. During the crossing to St. Bartholomew, you’ll get to hear the world-famous Königssee echo as the boatman plays his trumpet. Highly recommended!

Directions from Munich: The drive from Munich to Königsee is around 1 hour and 50 minutes. There are no direct trains. You’d have to follow the same route from Munich to Berchtesgaden and then take a local bus to Königsee for a total journey time of around 3 hours.

Recommended tour: If you’d like to head directly to Königsee without going through Berchtesgaden, then this full-day tour will take you directly to the lake.

10. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is known by many as the setting of the musical “The Sound of Music” and as the hometown of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It’s one of the best day trips to take from Munich because of how unique the city is while also being small enough to see most landmarks in one day.

Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the well-preserved Baroque and medieval architecture seen in the picturesque streets of the downtown area. Salzburg is home to many castles and palaces like Salzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, and Hellbrunn Palace. Another landmark worth visiting is Mozart’s residence which has been turned into a museum. While in Salzburg, try some Mozartkugeln – small chocolate covered marzipan and pistachio candies named after Mozart.

Directions from Munich: The drive to Salzburg is around 1.5 hours from Munich. The direct train from Munich to Salzburg is approximately 2 hours.

Recommended tour: If you don’t want to worry about transportation, this guided tour already includes a roundtrip train ticket . For those who are big fans of “The Sound of Music,” check out this tour that brings you to the countryside where the movie was filmed . You’ll even get to listen to the soundtrack as you go between each stop! 

11. Chiemsee & Herrenchiemsee Palace

Chiemsee is considered the “Bavarian Sea” due to its size. It’s composed of three main islands: Herreninsel, Frauenchiemsee, and Krautinse which is completely uninhabited. 

Herreninsel is home to the area’s most famous landmark – Herrenchiemsee Palace. This is another one of King Ludwig’s castle which was based on the Palace of Versailles. The interiors are extravagantly decorated as an homage to King Louis (the Sun King). There is even an exact replica of the famous Hall of Mirrors, complete with ceiling frescos and sparkling chandeliers. The castle has an interesting location since you can only reach it by boat.

Frauenchiemsee, on the other hand, is a small island that houses a Benedictine monastery. The monastery is famous for their marzipan and liquor spirit, which is produced by the nuns. 

Directions from Munich: The most direct route from Munich to Chiemsee by train takes about 1 hour (you’ll travel to Prien am Chiemsee). The car ride from Munich to the same place is also a little over an hour. You can then take a boat to the palace.

Recommended tours: Since you can only reach the castle by boat, we suggest booking this boat trip day tour that takes you to both islands of the Chiemsee . It also includes the transport by train from Munich.

12. Nürnberg (Nuremberg)

Nürnberg (or Nuremberg in English) is the second largest city in Bavaria after Munich. It’s a historic medieval city that’s both an important cultural and educational center and tourist destination. It’s home to many prestigious universities and institutions and of course, their world famous Christmas Market. It’s a great day trip to make in the winter!

The market takes place in Hauptmarkt, the city center where you’ll find other landmarks within walking distance such as St. Giles’ Church and the Old Town Hall. A must-see landmark is the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, one of the most important surviving medieval fortresses in all of Europe. The historic city walls have also been well-preserved. A great thing to do to get to know the city is to walk along the walls and discover medieval gates and towers throughout. 

Directions from Munich: Driving to Nuremberg takes around 2 hours. There is a direct train from Munich Hbf to Nuremberg Hbf that can be much faster as it only takes 1 hour.

Recommended tours: One of the best ways to explore a city for the first time, and especially when you’re short on time, is by taking a Hop On Hop Off bus tour. It goes through six stops covering famous Nuremberg attractions including the historic Old Town, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, Memoriam Nuremberg Trials, and Hauptmarkt.

13. Bamberg

Bamberg is an historic town located in northern Bavaria, near where the Regnitz and Main rivers meet. Another interesting thing about Bamberg’s location is that it’s spread out over seven hills, each crowned by an old church. For those who have time to venture out, you can follow the Seven Rivers Path which takes you to the countryside.

For those wanting to stay in the center, the medieval Old Town (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has a lot to offer. Start off by crossing the Obere Brücke, a pedestrian bridge that gives you amazing views of “Little Venice,” a former fishermen’s district with half-timbered buildings and little boats floating in the moorings. The highlight is the Old Town Hall, one of the most photographed architectural structures of Bavaria. The facade is adorned by frescoes while the inside houses the beautiful old Rococo hall and the Ludwig Collection.

Directions from Munich: There’s a direct train from Munich that takes almost 2 hours but if you’re coming in from Nuremberg, the train is only around 45 minutes. The car ride from Munich to Bamberg takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Recommended tours: If you’re looking for a traditional tour, this 2-hour Bamberg walking tour takes you to all the city’s historical buildings, churches, and bridges. Bamberg is also known for its beer. In this guided beer history tour , you’ll get to learn about the brewing process, sample some beer and also see some of the main tourist attractions along the way.

14. Dinkelsbühl

Dinkelsbühl is one of the most beautiful old towns along the northern leg of the famous Romantic Road. It’s located to the south of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and to the north of Munich. This former Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire is still surrounded by a lot of old medieval walls and towers. 

Much like the rest of the stops along the Romantic Road, Dinkelsbühl is characterized by colorful half-timbered houses. The most famous one is the Deutsches Haus, which has a highly ornamental timber framing. Another important sight is the St.-Georgs-Kirche, a Gothic hall church filled with intricate art and six altars. 

Directions from Munich: The fastest way to Dinkelsbühl via car takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are no direct trains from Munich. All of the train routes involve at least 2 changes in Nuremberg and Dombühlf for a total journey of a little over 3 hours one way.

15. The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is one of the most popular tourist attractions in southern Germany. This picturesque route runs through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, making for an excellent road trip. It traverses through an area with many of Germany’s best castles starting from Nuremberg Castle in the north all the way down to Neuschwanstein Castle in the south.

The Romantic Road route will transport you back to the medieval times as you pass through many towns that have preserved their original architecture from the middle ages. Along the way you’ll see everything from quaint cottages, fairytale castles, and the beautiful countryside. Many of the highlights are already popular day trips in themselves like Neuschwanstein, Dinkelsbühl, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber (more on that below).

If you have a car you could get out of Munich and drive some of the Romantic Road in a day. But if you find yourself wanting to see multiple stops on this route, consider a multi-day road trip instead of a day trip.

Directions from Munich: The most traditional way of doing the route is by car, starting in the North in Würzburg and finishing in the South in Füssen. But if you’re coming from Munich, the best way is to do it South to North. Since Füssen is around a 2-hour drive away from Munich, you’ll likely want to start north of Füssen.

Recommended tour: If you only have time for a day trip but still want to see a significant part of the southern part of the Romantic Road, this day trip from Munich brings you to multiple stops including Harburg Castle, Dinkelsbühl, Nördlinger Ries, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

16. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

As previously mentioned, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the highlights of the Romantic Road. Much like Dinkelsbühl, it’s one of the very few German cities that have completely intact city walls. From this you can tell that it’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the region. 

This charming town is full of the classic elements of any Romantic Road medieval destination like colorful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. To get panoramic views, we recommend climbing up the medieval Town Hall. You can also walk a covered walkway on top of the walls and towers surrounding the city. Other highlights include St James’ Church and the central square, Marktplatz.

Directions from Munich: The drive from Munich is quite long, at a little over 3 hours. But it won’t be a problem if you’re stopping along the way to other stops in the Romantic Road. It’s best to do this journey by car since the train route requires several changes.

Recommended tour: The Romantic Road tour from Munich includes Rothenburg ob der Tauber as its final stop. This tour is guided but it also allows you to explore the city at your own time and pace.

16. Regensburg

Regensburg is another city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and importance during the Holy Roman Empire. It’s located in Eastern Bavaria, along the Danube River. The Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of stately churches and aristocratic houses.

Since it’s on the Danube, you can get spectacular views of the river on the Old Stone Bridge, one of the oldest standing medieval bridges. It’s now only used for pedestrians. Afterwards, head on to the Old Town center and visit the impressive Regensburg Cathedral, a Gothic church with spires towering at over 300 feet. 

Directions from Munich: Regensburg is around 1 hour 50 minutes away from Munich by car. There is a direct train from Munich to Regensburg, which takes around an hour and a half.

17. Stuttgart (Christmas Markets!)

Stuttgart is another major German city and the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg. It’s globally known as an automotive hub, being the birthplaces of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Since it’s a big city, you might want to stay in Stuttgart for a couple of days in order to see all the landmarks like the automotive museums, downtown, and the Wilhelmina zoo and botanical gardens. 

Another main attraction is the Stuttgart Christmas Market – one of the biggest and oldest in all of Europe! This Christmas market has nearly 300 stalls selling everything from decor, toys and crafts and sweet holiday treats like Glühwein and cinnamon roasted almonds. It would be a long day but if you’re into Christmas markets, it could be worth it to visit on a day trip from Munich!

Directions from Munich: The direct train from Munich to Stuttgart takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. The drive is longer, taking almost 3 hours. 

Recommended tour: Get to know the city by booking a Hop On Hop Off Bus tour ! This tour has three different routes and takes you to the city’s highlights including the Mercedes Benz Museum, Stuttgart TV Tower, Marienplatz, and more. It’s the perfect way to see a lot in a short amount of time.

Cate has been traveling to Germany for 30+ years. She has lived in Germany, taught college German, and has a PhD in German Applied Linguistics. She loves helping travelers plan their dream trips to Germany!

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The 10 Best Day Trips From Munich, Germany (by Train!)

Created On: August 20, 2023   |   Updated: August 14, 2023   |   2 Comments

These day trips from Munich can all be done by train and most take 2 hours or less to reach. If you’ll be in Munich for a few days, you’ll definitely have time for a day trip! 

As the capital of Bavaria, Munich makes an excellent home base for exploring the region. Whether you’re craving half-timbered houses, peaceful Alpine scenery, or regal palaces, Bavaria has something for everyone. 

This list of day trips from Munich will take you to some of the most beautiful — and interesting! — cities in Bavaria. All of the destinations I’m sharing in this post can be reached easily by train and and are no more than 2.5 hours away (most are much closer, though!) 

I’ll update this list as I take more Munich day trips, but so far these are the only ones I’ve been to since moving to Germany in 2019 and absolutely adore! 

Note that this list is ordered by how long it takes to travel by train from Munich Central Station ( München Hauptbahnhof ) to the central train station of the day trip destination. 

Table of Contents 

Click “show” to see the full table of contents for this post. You can jump around the post as desired by clicking on the individual sections listed below. 

Travel time by train: 21 mins (using Munich’s public transportation system)

Just 20 minutes from Munich, you’ll find one of the darkest sites in Germany.

Now the Dachau Memorial Site , it’s on this site that the first concentration camp built by the Nazis during WWII. It served as a model for all other concentration camps built during the war, and I think all visitors should make time for a Dachau day trip from Munich. 

It’s estimated that 41,500 people were murdered at Dachau. You’ll be able to see many of the original buildings at the memorial site, some of which contain exhibitions discussing the reign of terror under the Nazi regime or sharing the stories of specific people who were imprisoned at Dachau. 

The Dachau Memorial Site is free to enter, but I recommend paying the small fee for an audio guide to make the most of your experience.

Travel time by train: 30 mins ICE / IC or 45 mins RE

One of Germany’s oldest cities — and one of the quickest Munich day trip destinations! — Augsburg is worth visiting while you’re in Bavaria. You can’t see the entire city in a day, but you can see a lot of it! 

While in Augsburg, take the time to do the following: 

• Town Hall – Considered the most important Renaissance-style building north of the Alps. The Golden Hall is the main draw.
• Fuggerei – The world’s oldest social housing complex. A small portion of the complex is now a museum.
• Cathedral — It dates back to 995 AD and is lovely. 
• Old Town — Where you’ll likely spend much of your time in Augsburg anyway.

Schleissheim Palace

Travel time by train: 45 mins (using Munich’s public transportation) 

Schleissheim Palace is easily accessible with Munich’s public transportation, making it yet another quick, easy, and cheap day trip idea. The palace is one of the most beautiful that I’ve visited in Germany (and I’ve visited a LOT!), and you can easily spend a full day touring the multiple buildings and the extensive gardens. 

There are three buildings on site you can tour: the Old Palace, the New Palace, and the Lustheim hunting lodge.

The Old Palace was originally a ducal country mansion. It was destroyed in WWII and has since been rebuilt. It now houses a folklore museum — this is the one building on site that I think you can skip, as the museum didn’t impress me very much. 

The New Palace is the star of Schleissheim Palace! It was built in the 1700s for Bavarian Elector Max Emmanuel. The palace is beautiful, and the audio guide is quite detailed. I visited during the work week on a sunny October day and had it almost entirely to myself, but I imagine it’s busier on the weekends. 

The Lustheim Hunting Lodge is small but stunning. It now serves as the palace’s porcelain museum. If you don’t like looking at pretty plates in glass cases as much as I do, you can skip the interior of the hunting lodge since that’s all there is to see. 

Travel time by train: 1 hour 10 mins ICE 

Every destination on this list is fantastic, but Nuremberg easily makes my personal top 3 for best day trips from Munich. If you love castles, half-timbered houses, pretty market squares, and medieval history, you’re going to adore Nuremberg! 

If you only have one day in Nuremberg, you’ll want to spend much of your time in the Old Town. The city was most prosperous during the Middle Ages and was known throughout Europe as being a center for talented artisans and craftsmen. Those artistic roots can still be felt in the city center today. 

While in Nuremberg, here are the top sites I recommend visiting: 

• Kaiserburg – The Imperial Castle. Each newly elected Holy Roman Emperor held his first Imperial Diet (i.e. session with the official legislative body of the empire) here. Today it’s primarily a museum space, and the ramparts offer an epic view of the Old Town! 
• Albrecht Dürer’s House – Albrecht Dürer was one of the most well-known Renaissance artists in all of Europe. Explore the beautifully preserved 16th century half-timbered house and learn more about this famous artist and his life. 
• Weißgerberstraße — A small street lined with half-timbered houses. The 20 or so houses somehow survived the air raids of WWII, so know that you’re looking at the original facades!

Be sure to read my full guide to Nuremberg’s Old Town when planning your day trip! 

Salzburg (Austria) 

Travel time by train: 1 hour 30 mins (you’ll be using the Austrian railway, so the train names are different than in Germany)

A Munich to Salzburg day trip is very easy to do by train and is a great way to check one more country in Europe off of your bucket list! 

Salzburg, Austria is a quaint postcard of a city with the Alps as a romantic backdrop. Among other accolades, Salzburg is known for being the birthplace of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as well as a recurring filming location for The Sound of Music. 

Salzburg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and I recommend spending most of your day trip exploring the area on foot. 

While in Salzburg, make time for the following attractions: 

• Festung Hohensalzburg –  A massive fortress on top of a hill above the Residenzplatz. The fortress has been around since the early 1000s, but most of the building left standing today was completed in the 1500s. 
• Mozart’s Birthplace – Learn more about the famous composer and see artifacts from his lifetime. 
• Salzburg Cathedral – A beautiful Baroque cathedral in the city center. 

Travel time by train: 1 hour 45 mins ICE 

One of the prettiest towns in all of Germany, Bamberg makes for a fantastic one-day trip from Munich. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s home to half-timbered houses and historic buildings galore. It also has the largest intact old city wall in Europe!  

Bamberg is very compact, so feel free to show up for the day without an itinerary and discover the city’s gems at your own pace. If you need some starting recommendations, here are the sites I love: 

• “Little Venice” (Klein Venedig) — Bamberg’s former fisherman’s district. You’ll want to view it from across the river to get a good look at the half-timbered houses and their quaint gardens. 
• Old Town Hall — Quite possibly the loveliest in the country! The frescoed town hall straddles the Regnitz River and sits atop a man-made island. 
• Cathedral — Completed in the 13th century. Be sure to find the graves of Kunigunde and Heinrich II, located within the cathedral. 

Travel time by train: 1 hour 50 mins ICE and RB or 90 mins RE

One of the lesser known day trip destinations from Munich is Regensburg. It’s a small city nestled along the Danube River, with a history that stretches back many centuries. 

You can easily see Regensburg’s top attractions in a single day: 

• Old Town — A UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Schloss St. Emmerman, Thurn und Taxis — A gorgeous rococo palace where a noble family still resides. You can only visit on a guided tour, and you’ll want to book tickets in advance. (One of my favorite Christmas markets also takes place on the palace grounds!)
• Old Stone Bridge — Cross all the way to the other side for an unforgettable view of the Danube River.
• St. Peter’s Cathedral (Dom St. Peter) – A High Gothic cathedral that was built in the 1200s.

Travel time by train: 2 hours ICE

Automobile fanatics MUST make the day trip from Nuremberg to Stuttgart. Known as the “cradle of the automobile,” Stuttgart is home to Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

Things to do on a day trip to Stuttgart include:

• Mercedes-Benz Museum or Porsche Museum — Pick your poison!
• Staatsgalerie Stuttgart (State Gallery) — Known for its 20th century paintings, but has art from other eras as well. One of the top-visited museums in Germany.
• Eugensplatz – Has great view of the city
• Explore the area around the Schlossplatz – It’s the older part of the city center and also one of the prettiest areas.

Travel time by train: 2 hours 20 mins ICE and RE

If you’re well versed in the history of the British royal family, you may recognize the city of Coburg as being the birthplace of Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria). He spent much of his childhood in Ehrenburg Palace near the city center, which I highly recommend touring while you’re in town. 

Enjoy your day in Coburg by visiting the following attractions: 

• Veste Coburg (shown above) – A medieval fortress complex atop a hill. Martin Luther lived here for 6 months! It’s worth walking up to the palace and looking out from the ramparts, even if you don’t want to pay to go inside. 
• Ehrenburg Palace – Located in the heart of the city; this is where Prince Albert spent much of his youth. The guided tour takes you through the beautifully maintained palace and you’ll learn more about the Ducal family and its history.
• Old Town – Small but lovely. Be sure to see the old city gates. 
• Stadtkirche St. Moritz — The oldest church in the city.

Here are all of my recommendations for things to do in Coburg , plus more information on the city’s history. 

Neuschwanstein Castle / Schwangau

Travel time by train: 2 hours RB, then 30 minutes on the bus (2 hours 30 mins total) 

Be honest, you were waiting for me to mention the Neuschwanstein day trip from Munich, weren’t you? When it comes to the best Munich day trips, Neuschwanstein Castle is the big kahuna. 

You might know Neuschwanstein as the “fairytale castle” of Germany. It’s the castle that’s plastered all over Bavaria’s tourism materials, and for good reason! 

Neuschwanstein was built for “Mad King” Ludwig II of Bavaria, but was never completed due to his ever-changing architectural plans, increasing budget, and ultimately his untimely (and suspicious) death. 

The only way to see the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle is by taking a guided tour. I’ll be honest, the tour isn’t very good and it’s expensive. The tour guide shuttles you through the few finished rooms of the castle at breakneck speed (it takes about 20 minutes from start to finish). 

The handful of completed rooms in the castle are incredible, though. They’re all decorated in frescoes depicting scenes from Richard Wagner’s operas, which King Ludwig II loved. 

Even if you can’t or don’t want to book a tour to see the inside of Neuschwanstein Castle, it’s still worth visiting on a day trip! You can explore the grounds, take in the views of and around the castle, and generally just enjoy the fairytale ambience of the Bavarian Alps. 

Neuschwanstein Castle can be reached by a combination of train and bus. It’s an easy route to follow, but you’ll need to look up the exact train times beforehand to ensure you make all the right connections. 

What Else to See Near Neuschwanstein Castle

I recommend getting to the town of Schwangau (where Neuschwanstein is located) as early as you can stand it. Tour Neuschwanstein first to avoid the crowds coming in off the tour buses, then walk over to Hohenschwangau Castle (give yourself about an hour between the two castles to allow for travel time either on foot or by bus).

Fewer people bother to visit Hohenschwangau Castle, so you get treated to a longer, more relaxed tour and you get to see the entire building. This is where King Ludwig II spent the bulk of his childhood, and the medieval frescoes decorating the walls give you a peek into the upbringing that inspired his love of Richard Wagner and operas. 

If you have any time left after visiting both Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, head down to the beautiful Alpssee cradled in the valley between the castles. I had time to walk part way around the Alpsee and although it’s small it’s one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen! 

Tip: I arrived in Schwangau as early as I possibly could to see both Neuschwanstein AND Hohenschwangau on my last visit. It’s totally doable, but you must book both castle tickets and train tickets in advance and be prepared to stick to a schedule! 

Navigating Bavaria by Train: Is the BayernPass Worth It? 

When traveling around Bavaria, I often buy my train tickets day-of via the Deutsche Bahn app or directly with the BayernPass .

Ticket prices sometimes increase if you book them the day you plan on traveling, but since I often use the regional trains for my Munich day trip excursions the prices often remain the same. (It’s only when you’re booking last-minute  ICE or IC high-speed trains that the prices can skyrocket!)

Another reason I prefer booking my train tickets for day trips out of Munich is because it allows more flexibility in my schedule.

Depending on your timing and how soon you want to reach each destination, you might want to consider buying a BayernPass . The BayernPass costs just 27 Euros for one person and lets you take an unlimited number of trips on the regional (RB) and regional express (RE) trains within Bavaria for one day.

You can only travel with the BayernPass from 9am to 3am the following day, Monday to Friday. On weekends the BayernPass is valid from midnight to 3am the following day.

Enjoy Your Day Trip From Munich! 

You definitely don’t want to shortchange your stay in Munich, but if you have the time, a day trip or two would be great!

Hopefully this list of day trips from Munich proves useful in your trip planning. Please leave me a comment below letting me know if you visit any of the cities I mentioned!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to keep up with my daily adventures in Berlin and beyond!

More Things to Do & See in Munich: 

• The Top Things to Do in Munich, Germany
• Ultimate Guide to Munich’s Old Town
• 3-Day Munich Itinerary (All the Top Attractions!)

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Comments & Reviews

January 15, 2024

Great suggestions! We r planning a two month tour of Europe in 2025, very helpful hints!

January 16, 2024

Glad you found this guide helpful, Mary! Two months in Europe sounds fantastic, enjoy your trip!

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10 Best Day Trips from Munich

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, was founded by a group of Benedictine monks who settled in the rich farming area that was close to Catholic Italy. In 1175 Munich formally became a city. It was eventually destroyed by allied bombing during World War II. After the war, the Bayern set to work and rebuilt this remarkable place. There are many interesting things to see in the city itself including the famous Glockenspiel. The metropolis also hosts the famous Oktoberfest celebration each year.

Hemmingway said of Munich, “You needn’t bother going anywhere else. I can tell you: you can’t beat Munich, everything else in Germany is a waste of time.” Apparently, he overlooked the day trips from Munich to some of Bavaria’s most famous historical sites.

Map of day trips from Munich

10. Nuremberg

The second largest city in Bavaria is rich with medieval architecture. With its ancient Kaiserburg Castle and old churches in the Altstadt, the city’s history goes back a long way; it was considered the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire.

Nuremberg was also the location of Nazi rallies; the starting point of the boycott of Jewish businesses and the trials at which Nazis were held accountable after WW2. Following its almost complete destruction by allied forces, the city was painstakingly rebuilt.

Nowadays, Nuremberg is a fun and energetic town to visit – especially over the Christmas period due to its magically festive Christmas Market. Not only the place for seasonal celebrations, Nuremberg’s historical streets are packed full of charming cafes and old pubs, where locals and visitors rub shoulders over a local beer.

Getting to Nuremberg

• To get to Nuremberg from Munich couldn’t be easier as you simply need to hop on an hour-long direct train that will take you from the heart of one city to the center of the other. Trains run very frequent, so if you miss one, you’ll only ever have to wait a short time until the next one while tickets can cost as little as 7 euros. Once you arrive at the central train station in Nuremberg you’ll find yourself within walking distance of most of its main attractions.
• While getting there by public transport is very simple and quick, another great option to see as much of the city as possible is by taking a guided tour as this will teach you all about Nuremberg’s history while taking you around all of its main sights. Famed for its links to the Nazis, your guide will look into this side of Nuremberg’s past while also taking you around its beautiful medieval old town and later on to the Nazi Party Rally Grounds.

9. Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Tucked away down in Southern Bavaria, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is nestled in the arms of the Bavarian Alps. Naturally, it’s the perfect spot for a little bit of skiing. It’s also home to Germany’s highest peak, Zugspitse, which towers above everything at 2,962 meters above sea level.

Summertime pursuits include swimming in the Eibsee and hiking in the hills. Split into two parts, Garmisch is the relatively more modern side of town, whilst wandering around the eastern portion of Partenkirchen is the perfect opportunity to soak up traditional Bavarian architecture. Here you can see wood carvings and Lüftlmalereien, traditional Bavarian fresco paintings.

Getting to Garmisch-Partenkirchen

• As a direct train runs from Munich Central Station it usually takes around an hour and fifteen minutes to get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, so in no time at all, you’ll find yourself immersed in nature.
• Driving is equally quick and offers you the advantage of stopping off at any of the astounding viewpoints you see to take a photo or explore the mountain roads at your leisure. To get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Munich, take the Bundesautobahn 95 heading south. Follow it until it merges into Bundesautobahn 2, just before you reach the town itself nestled away amidst the Bavarian Alps.
• For an easy and stress-free visit to one of Germany’s most incredible landscapes, you may want to consider taking a tour. This not only includes a cable car ride up Zugspitze – the highest mountain in the country – but also transport to and from the site.

8. Regensburg

You’ll find the Bavarian city of Regensburg nestled at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Naab, and Regen all meet here. That riverside location makes for a perfect slice of picturesque beauty, especially with the Gothic spires of the wonderfully ornate 13th century Regensburg Cathedral peeking out above everything else.

The medieval part of Regensburg is definitely a major draw, but there are also Roman ruins here. The city sustained little damage from the bombings at the end of World War II, and offers visitors the unique opportunity to study the unbroken past of this town.

Getting to Regensburg

• As trains directly from Munich to Regensburg only take an hour and a half, the beautiful Bavarian city makes for a fantastic day out. It couldn’t be easier to get there by public transport; just sit on the train and watch the world go by.
• It is a similar travel time by car; from Munich, all you need to do is head north on the Bundesautobahn 9 until it turns into the Bundesautobahn 93, then continue until you see signs for Regensburg. If you go by car, there are a number of sights to check out in the surrounding area. The impressive Walhalla monument is well worth stopping by, as is the Liberation Hall at Kelheim – both of which were commissioned by Ludwig I.
• With so much history on offer in Regensburg, a guided tour is one of the best ways to see as much of the city as possible. While wandering around the medieval city, you’ll see fantastic sights such as the Old Stone Bridge, the impressive Regensburg Cathedral, and the Historic Sausage Kitchen, while learning about the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.

7. Herrenchiemsee

Located in southern Bavaria and set on the Herreninsel, the biggest of the islands on the large Chiemsee Lake – Herrenchiemsee – is a sprawling network of royal buildings. A day spent at the palace complex is one packed full of interesting architectural and historical delights.

The palace was built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, to reflect the glory of Louis XIV, the Sun King of France. On a backdrop of lakes and mountains, the interior of the palace oozes opulence, as it drips with gold and glistening glass decorations – there’s even a grand Hall of Mirrors akin to that at Versaille.

Getting to Herrenchiemsee

• Herrenchiemsee lies just an hour and a half away from Munich by public transport. Visitors must first take an hour-long train to Prien am Chiemsee, then embark on a fifteen-minute scenic boat trip to Herrenchiemsee.
• Driving there yourself takes around the same amount of time. You will follow the A8 south out of Munich until you reach Bernau. Here, turn off at Exit 106 and follow the signs to Prien am Chiemsee, where you need to park the car and take the boat to the island. Hiring your own vehicle gives you the advantage of exploring the area at your leisure, or even hopping across the border to Austria if you feel like it.
• If you’re looking to gain a deeper insight and understanding into the history surrounding Herrenchiemsee, you may want to consider taking a guided tour around the palace. Tours often combine a visit to the island with a stop at the Benedictine monastery on nearby Fraueninsel Island, and a scenic boat trip on the lake.

6. Berchtesgaden

Set in the Bavarian Alps, Berchtesgaden is a town plentiful in beautiful, mountainous scenery; there’s absolutely no shortage of that. In fact, just to the south of this town is a unique place where you can admire the view: the Eagle’s Nest, which was Adolf Hitler’s alpine retreat.

Martin Bormann had it built, and gave it to Hitler for his 50th birthday. In spite of that, Hitler did not spend a great deal of time there. It’s now a restaurant and museum. Nearby, there’s the Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden, where you can learn all about the 500-year-old salt mine.

Getting to Berchtesgaden

• Lying next to the border with Austria, Berchtesgaden makes for a popular day trip, and there are a number of ways for you to get there. Public transport in Germany always works smoothly, so taking the train there is comfortable and convenient, although it does usually take two or three hours. This is because you must first catch a train to Salzburg before changing for Berchtesgaden.
• Driving knocks an hour off the journey time. From Munich, follow Bundesautobahn 8 south out of the city. You’ll eventually cross over into Austria where it turns into the A10 before looping back into Germany. It’s a very simple drive as the only turn you need to take to find yourself at Berchtesgaden is at Grodig. By going by car, you also afford yourself the opportunity of stopping off at nearby Salzburg on the way back home.
• Yet another option is to take a tour to Berchtesgaden; this is a popular option amongst many visitors to Munich as it combines a visit to the famous Eagle’s Nest with a trip to the stunning scenery of the Bavarian Alps.

5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

This medieval town is one of the stops on the Romantic Road, which is a trail that features a number of interesting places to visit. It is approximately at the half-way point between Frankfurt and Munich.

Rothenburg is a walled town that has remained intact down through the years. It is famous for being the most German town in Germany. During World War II the Nazi leaders habitually took people on day trips to show them this model village. It is also famous for the stores that carry Christmas items all year round and for having an outstanding Christmas market each December.

Getting to Rothenburg

• While it does take quite a bit of time to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the medieval town is adorable and well worth the effort. From Munich, it generally takes around three hours and fifteen minutes by train; this involves a couple of transfers. One option is to take the train to Nurnberg before hopping onto another train to Ansbach, where you then take the 732 bus for the last fifty minutes of the journey to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Another option is to take the train to Treuchtlingen before heading on to Ansbach and again taking the 732 bus.
• Driving to Rothenburg ob der Tauber knocks quite a bit of time off the journey, which only takes two and a half hours. In addition to this, you get to drive along the ‘Romantic Road,’ which is home to some wonderfully picturesque medieval towns and Nordlingen and Harburg are particularly worthwhile visiting. By car, take Bundesautobahn 8 heading northwest from Munich before turning off at Gersthofen and continuing along Road B2. After following this road for a while, you’ll eventually end up on the Bundesautobahn 7 which will take you all the way to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
• To make the most of their trip along the Romantic Road, many people take a tour which combines a visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber with a stop at Harburg Castle.

Less than twenty kilometers from Munich, Dachau is a short day trip from the Bavarian capital. Dating back to the 9th century AD, the city has a long history but is best known for being the location of the former Dachau Concentration Camp . Originally intended to hold political prisoners, it was here that eventually tens and thousands of persecuted people, including Jews, were killed by the Nazi regime.

Established in 1933, Dachau was, in fact, the first of the many concentration camps eventually set up in Nazi-held territory. Today, there’s a memorial center and museum, as well as an art gallery.

Getting to Dachau

• Getting to Dachau from Munich by public transport couldn’t be simpler; the S-Bahn train will whisk you there in around ten to twenty minutes. After that, you can walk into town from the train station, or take either bus 724 or 726 to the Concentration Camp Memorial Site.
• To gain an insight into the horrifying events of the Holocaust and World War II, many visitors to Munich opt to take a guided tour to Daschau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. This was the camp upon which all other Nazi camps were modeled. Excursions to the concentration camp are both moving and illuminating, and the commentary that the guides provide is eye-opening.

3. Linderhof Palace

The Linderhof Palace was the only castle out of three that Ludwig completed in his lifetime. His intended to spruce up the already existing lodge, but ended with a scaled down version of Versailles Palace.

Of special interest are the Hall of Mirrors and the Peacock Bedroom. He lived in seclusion in this palace hideaway for much of his life. In honor of Wagner, Ludwig built a fantasy grotto partway up the mountain behind the palace based upon Wagner’s opera, Tannhäuser.

Getting to Linderhof Palace

• Due to its relative proximity to Munich, Linderhof Palace is a very popular day trip amongst visitors to the city. With a car, it couldn’t be easier to get there. Heading south out of Munich, merely follow the Bundesautobahn 95 for around 45 minutes and turn off at Oberau. After this, you should see signs pointing you to Linderhof Palace. In total, it should take around an hour and ten minutes, and you won’t get bored as you pass some lovely scenery. A good idea is to combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Zugspitze – the highest mountain in the country.
• While it is relatively easy to drive to Linderhof Palace yourself, a lot of people decide to take a tour from Munich for all the extra features that it provides. Many tours combine a visit to Linderhof Palace with a stop at the beautiful Neuschwanstein castle that lies nearby. You can also enjoy a peaceful walk around the picturesque town of Oberammergau.

2. Salzburg

Located just across the border in Austria, Salzburg is probably best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With its iconic historic center bursting with Baroque buildings, there are a lot of sights to soak up in Salzburg. Ride the funicular or hike to the top of Hohensalzburg Fortress, which dates back to 1077.

The fortress is an icon of the city and offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking to relive scenes from the movie “The Sound of Music”, must-see attractions include the 17th-century Baroque Mirabell Palace and Gardens and the von Trapp family home, which is now a hotel.

Getting to Salzburg

• By train, it takes between an hour and a half to two hours to reach Salzburg . On the way, you pass through some very scenic landscapes. From Salzburg’s central railway station, it is only a short walk to many of the city’s most impressive sites, so public transport is a quick and easy way to visit one of Austria’s most famous cities.
• To make the most of your time in the city, you may want to consider taking a guided tour. Guests are accompanied on the train ride from Munich to Salzburg and upon arrival are taken on an informative and entertaining tour of the city’s main attractions as well as the “ Sound of Music ” sites.

1. Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein, Ludwig’s fairy tale castle, is set on a hill above the village (and castle) of Hohenschwangau. It is one of the most visited castles in Europe. Walt Disney used it as a model for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland. Ludwig paid tribute to Wagner in this castle as well with the furnishings and by naming the castle after Wagner’s opera, the Swan Knight. The Singer’s Hall is the entire fourth floor where the walls display images that point to Wagner’s works.

Slightly to the south of Neuschwanstein is another beautiful castle; Schloss Hohenschwangau. Maximillian II, father of Ludwig II, discovered Hohenschwangau Castle when he was still the Crown Prince. The vicinity in which he found it pleased him immensely. In spite of it being in ruins, he bought the castle and had it renovated. With two popular castles nearby, the town of Füssen is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Munich.

For visitors wanting to check out the fabulous Neuschwanstein Castle, there are a couple of important things to note before looking at travel options. First of all, visitors need to stop off at Hohenschwangau to buy their tickets to the castle at the Ticket Center . In the summer months, it is a good idea to book tickets in advance online as the place will be heaving with visitors and you may end up waiting a long time to buy tickets. In addition to this, the only way to enter the stunning castle is if you opt to go on a guided tour.

Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle

• As public transport works so effortlessly in Germany, many people opt to take the train. From Munich, simply take the train to Fussen railway station, which takes around two hours. From there, it is a short ten-minute bus journey to Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau – the nearest stop to the castle itself and the place where you need to buy your tickets. After that you can either take a short shuttle bus or Disney-esque horse-drawn carriage ride to the castle.
• By car, it takes slightly less time to get to Neuschwanstein from Munich. It is only an hour and forty-minute journey, but you may find that it takes you some time to find a parking space when you do arrive. From the city center, head south and take the Bundesautobahn 95 before turning off at Murnau am Staffelsee, where you then take the 23 until Steingaden. After that, it is an easy and short drive on Bundesautobahn 17 until you arrive at Hohenschwangau to buy your tickets.
• To avoid the hassle of getting there yourself, you can always opt to take a tour to Neuschwanstein and its surrounding sights. One popular option is to combine both Neuschwanstein and the nearby Linderhof into one package. As you are picked up in Munich, you can simply sit back and enjoy the fantastic castles at your leisure.

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10 amazing day trips from Munich by train

Munich counts among the 10 most livable cities in the world. bavaria’s capital certainly is amazing, but it’s the sheer  endless amount of day trip options that are the deciding factor . the mountains are just an hour away, there are three large lakes just as close, there are amazing unesco world heritage sites, ancient castles, and medieval towns all around..

Norman has been living in Munich for more than 20 years and looks back on over 30 years of travel experience. When he is not reclining in the pool of a fantastic luxury hotel or exploring one of the most remote corners of this planet, you will find him writing about his hometown.

The Munich Guide

If you’d spend every weekend of the year exploring Munich’s vicinity, you’d still not see it all. As a tourist, you probably don’t have that much time, which is why I compiled this list of the best day trips from Munich. The best part: You can  easily visit them by train in 2 hours or less .  

It’s the reason why I always recommend staying 4 or 5 days. There are so many things to do in Munich and you not want to miss these either. Actually, you could easily stay a full week or more and explore the whole southern part of Germany from my beautiful hometown.

Ready? Let me get you started with the best day trips from Munich – by train:

#1: side trip from munich: head to bamberg.

Bamberg is one big UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are looking for a  beautiful medieval old town , then this is possibly the best day trip from Munich for you. There are direct trains every hour from the central station and it’s easy to spend a whole day there.

Apart from the famous half-timbered town hall, there is a fantastic palace, quite a couple of small museums, and of course outstanding churches and monasteries to be explored. Bamberg is also  well-renowned for its many artisanal beer breweries , so that’s definitely one of your best chances to sample an important aspect of our Bavarian culture.

Munich day trip #2: Visit Neuschwanstein castle

Schloss Neuschwanstein is the most visited tourist attraction in Bavaria. The place that  inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle  looks like straight from a picture-book. Yes, it might be crowded (1.4 million tourists per year!), but it is also beautiful beyond imagination.

I grew up very close to the fairy tale castle built by King Ludwig II. and no matter how often I visit, I am still in awe. There are three things you need to know, though. First, you have to reserve your tickets in advance. And secondly, you have to walk quite a bit to get to the castle (or take a horse carriage). And lastly, there is a second castle called Hohenschwangau right next to it, so bring some extra time to see them both. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Neuschwanstein castle from Munich .

#3 Excursion from Munich: Regensburg

Regensburg once guarded an important bridge across the river Danube. Even today, you can cross the  architectonic marvel from the 12th century  into the fantastic medieval old town. Regensburg dates to the Roman times and you can still see the old city gates. Just one of many reasons why it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site today.

You should reserve 3 hours to see the equally  famous Walhalla memorial  on the outskirts of Regensburg. The neoclassical temple was built to house sculptures of famous Germany artists, inventors, and politicians. You get to enjoy a fantastic view of the whole river valley from the top, so don’t miss it!

#4: Cross the border to Austria and visit Salzburg

The beautiful town of Salzburg might be across the Austrian border, but if you are a fan of the movie  The Sound of Music  then visiting this city is a no-brainer. It only takes 90 minutes by train. There are special tours to the most important film locations. But you should also be aware that Salzburg is home to one of the biggest medieval fortresses in Europe.

The famous  composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg , and you can still visit his birth house. You’ll find it in the amazing old town (which is another UNESCO World Heritage site). On top of all the baroque splendor, there are many ancient mines and caves in the vicinity. So, why not visit the World of the Ice Giants as well?

#5 Take the train from Munich to Nuremberg

Nuremberg is the capital of the Franconia region in Germany. The city hosted the important Nuremberg trials at the end of World War II and  is famous for its beautiful Christmas market  right in the medieval old town.

There is a beautiful fortress you can visit, but I personally love the  Germanic National Museum  the most. Inside, you will find beautiful artworks from all ages, and some outstanding highlights like the  oldest pocket watch or the oldest globe in the world . There are also endless masterpieces by Lucas Cranach, Albrecht Dürer, etc. So, do visit!

#6: Visit Würzburg

Before 1805, Bavaria was split into many smaller shires and duchies. Some of them were  ruled by powerful prince-bishops , and Würzburg was maybe the grandest of them all. As a testament to his sheer absolute power, Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp Franz von Schönborn built a magnificent residence palace in the first half of the 18th century that beggars comprehension. The most elaborated stucco works and frescoes adorn every inch of the Baroque masterpiece.

The palace was heavily bombed in the last months of World War II, just like the rest of the old town. But the local craftsmen rebuilt the palace (luckily all the interiors survived) and it is now a  UNESCO World Heritage site you cannot miss.

#7: Bayreuth is easy to reach by train from Munich

The quaint little town of Bayreuth would not appear on any tourist map save for the outstanding projects Margravine Wilhelmine started during her reign (or rather that of her husband). Missing the splendor of the Prussian court, she commissioned a new palace, a hunting palace (the fabled Hermitage) and a new opera house.

This Margravial Opera House is  the single most intact Baroque court theater in the world  and words cannot describe the beauty of it. There is so much detail, you’d probably need days to experience it all. This is another UNESCO World Heritage site you can easily visit on a day trip from Munich.

#8: Augsburg

And talking about the UNESCO, there is one last site you should be aware of which is only 40 minutes away from Munich: Augsburg.  The city has a history of 2,000 years  and more. For centuries upon centuries, the famous silversmiths supplied the European aristocracy with priceless artworks.

Augsburg is also famous for its waterworks. Ever since the 14th century, the citizens of the free city used the power of the River Lech to supply the old town with the tap water.  An unrivaled luxury in the late medieval ages . The system is still in use today and it is quite a marvel to look at!

#9: Dachau Concentration Camp

One of the darkest chapters of our history happened during the reign of the Nazis. Millions of Jews and other political prisoners were killed in so-called concentration camps. Instead of the most horrible furnaces, you will find  important memorials  in these sites.  Dachau  was one of them, and even though it will be a bit grizzly, I still urge you to visit. We cannot undo the past but we can learn from it so it never happens again.

#10 day trip from Munich by train: Innsbruck

Innsbruck is one of the oldest towns in Austria and has been continuously settled for more than 3,000 years. Today, the city with a population of 132,000 thousand is famous for its  picturesque old town  (especially the famous golden roof) and the beautiful mountains surrounding it. You could also visit the famous Swarovski World.

A couple of important tips

10-day trips already sound like a lot. But in fact, I could list another 50. In this case, I tried to focus on places that are easily accessible by train. Why? Well, because there is the so-called  BavariaTicket . For 25 euros, you get unlimited rides on the regional train for one day. Each additional group member will have to pay an extra 7 euros.

This is a great bargain and one you really should make use of (especially as buses and the subway in Munich are covered by the ticket as well). Just make sure to sign your ticket (otherwise it’s not valid). Regional trains are a bit slower, and there is no bistro on board, so you should  bring a little snack and some drinks on your day trips.

As for checking your connections: The website of the  German Railway service  works like a charm and here you can plan your trip and even buy your tickets.

You should also bring some cash because credit cards are NOT widely accepted in the rural areas of Germany, and ATMs might be a bit harder to find.

So, this is it. This was my guide to the best day trips from Munich. I hope I was able to provide you with some solid inspiration and ultimately helped you planning your Germany itinerary.

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‎ Germany ‎ > Munich > Best Day & Top Side Trips From Munich

Top 10 Munich Tips | Suggested Itineraries For Munich

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Top Day Trips From Munich:

Because of its central location in Bavaria and Germany’s vast train system, it is easy to take a day trip from Munich to some of the best sights in Europe.  It seems like every time we visit Munich we find a new unbelievable village or castle within a close striking distance.  With Munich as your base camp, the options can feel endless, but we have narrowed down a great list covering all of the best day and side trips.  Hope you enjoy our top day trips from Munich!

Train Tickets & Transportation Info:

1. Neuschwanstein Castle ( 2 Hours & 15 Minutes ):

About Neuschwanstein Castle : Tucked away on the edge of the Alps mountain range, the top day trip from Munich is the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein ( Noy-shvahn-shtine ).  This castle is so impressive that Walt Disney used Neuschwanstein as the model for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in the hit 1959 film as well as his theme parks and company logo.  From the castle’s timeless design and lavish interior to the Alpine setting overlooking a lake, you’ll quickly understand why visitors from all over the world love Neuschwanstein so much.

While Neuschwanstein Castle may look like it is straight out of the Middle Ages, it was actually the work of Bavarian King Ludwig II in the mid-1800s.  Ludwig was inspired by Romanticism, the operas of his friend Richard Wagner, and the former Medieval castle ruins that once stood on the perch where Neuschwanstein was built.  Neuschwanstein ( which means New Swanstone Castle ) is filled with everything from a man-made grotto cave to grand halls, a Byzantine-style throne room, and embellished bedrooms that only a theater mind could drum up.  While touring the inside of this wondrous castle, you’ll see where Ludwig’s imagination and spending both went wild.

One huge added bonus of visiting Neuschwanstein as a day trip from Munich is that you also get to tour King Ludwig’s boyhood castle Hohenschwangau ( Ho-en-shvahn-gau ) which is just downhill from the main attraction.  The bright orange-colored Hohenschwangau Castle was built for the family by Ludwig’s father King Maximilian II and is where the young prince grew up.

Made in the Gothic style, Hohenschwangau Castle was built over the ruins of the former fortress of the Knights of Schwangau .  These knights had controlled the region from the 1100s until 1535 and had three ruined castles, one where Hohenschwangau sits, and two that Ludwig eventually built his masterpiece Neuschwanstein over.  It is said that many of Ludwig’s fantasy castle ideas came from staring up at the remaining ruins as a boy.

Touring both properties during your day trip from Munich is a must as it gives you a lot deeper insight into the secluded life of the King behind what may be Europe’s greatest castle.  In his day, Ludwig was nicknamed the Mad King due to his uncontrolled personal spending on over-the-top building projects.  As time has passed, however, Ludwig has become beloved in Bavaria for the beauty of his projects and Neuschwanstein Castle is now a national treasure.

One of our favorite things to do at Neuschwanstein is to explore Mary’s Bridge ( closed mid-Winter )   which spans a large waterfall behind the Castle.  You’ll get excellent views of the castle’s profile and access to hiking trails for even more viewpoints.  Just as fun as the castles is taking a paddleboat out onto nearby Swan Lake just like the young King Ludwig did in his childhood.   There is even a Summer luge slide within one mile of Neuschwanstein.

Ambitious day-trippers from Munich can also explore the nearby village of Füssen before leaving the area which has a Medieval Archbishop palace and a delightful old town that dates back to Roman times.  If you have a car, you can also consider visiting Mad King Ludwig’s Linderhof Palace on the way back to Munich.

Getting Here From Munich By Train : Take the train directly from Munich to Füssen ( 2:05 ) then either Bus 73 or 78 directly to the Castles’ ticket office ( 0:10 ) from outside the Füssen train station.  Consider getting the Bayern Pass for the train, explained above, to save money which is valid for the round-trip regional train travel all day on weekends or anytime after 9am on weekdays.  By Rental Car : It takes 1:45 by rental car which isn’t necessary just to save you 30 minutes but does give you the flexibility to explore old town Füssen or nearby Linderhof Palace before returning to Munich.

Tour Hours : April to October 15th 9am-6pm; October 16th through March 10am-4pm; Closed on Christmas Eve & Day, New Year’s Eve & Day.  Tour Cost : 13€ for one castle or 25€ for both; free is under 18 years old.  Booking  Tour Tickets : This is the crown jewel of Europe’s fairytale castles and therefore and you need to book your tickets a couple of weeks in advance.  They have a limited number of daily tickets and are usually sellout 2-14 days ahead of time.  We suggest booking 4-5 weeks early to be safe in the Summer or on any weekend.  Tickets must be picked up 90 minutes before your tour time.  Same-Day Tickets : Each day there is a very limited amount of in-person tickets you can buy if you get there when the ticket office opens ( 7:30am in Summer or 8:30am in Winter ).  Every time we have done this our tour time ended up being between 1-3pm and we have heard of people getting there just opening and all the in-person tickets were already gone.  Reservations Phone : +49 (0) 8362-930830.  Official Online Tickets : HERE .

Rating as a Side Trip From Munich : A strong 10 out of 10.

2. Salzburg, Austria ( 1.5-2 Hours ):

About Salzburg :   Known as the home of Mozart and the setting for the hit movie The Sound of Music, compact Salzburg has great Medieval roots that still shine brightly today.  Protected by a mighty castle in the middle of town, Salzburg was originally a Roman city that grew powerful through the Middle Ages thanks to the salt trade.  Salzburg stunning to visit on a few days’ stay in its own right, but because it is less than two hours from Munich it can also make for an excellent day trip.

During your day trip from Munich to Salzburg, you will be carried away by the music of Mozart and tunes from the Sound of Music as you stroll the cobblestone lanes.  While there seems to always be a festival going on, the vibe of the city is definitely driving by classic music, alpine culture, and gorgeous architecture.  Because of Salzburg’s wealth from the salt trade, most of the city was rebuilt in the 1500s in the Baroque style and preserved after they basically bought their way out of the 30 Years War.

There seems to be an impressive church on every corner, fountains everywhere you turn, and Salzburg has some of the best shopping in Central Europe. You can really see the Medieval roots of this compact pedestrian street by the signage that hangs above each shop.  In the Middle Ages, almost no one could read so instead of having signs with business names on them, the shops would hang an icon for their trade of craft.  Notice how the signs for the hat maker, locksmith, umbrella shop, and many more have kept this signage tradition alive.

One of the biggest surprises for most visitors seeking to find where the “Hills Are Alive” is how impressive Salzburg’s High Fortress is.  The massive castle ( started in 1077 ) is one of the best urban castles to visit in all of Europe and is our #1 favorite to visit in Austria.  From the castle, you can get a feel for Salzburg’s important trade position at the foot of the Alps.  With mountains on one side and the village pinned between the Salzach River on the other, you’ll also see how the Prince-Archbishops ruled Salzburg through Medieval Times.  At one point Salzburg was the 2nd largest church-state in Europe behind the Vatican.

We especially love visiting Salzburg for the traditional Austrian food and local beer.  Between the hometown Stiegl brewery and the Medieval Augustiner Monks Brewery, there are plenty of great drinks for any tourist.  If you plan ahead you can even get tickets for the evening Mozart Dinner Concert inside Saint Peter’s Keller which is the oldest Restaurant in Europe dating back to 803 before returning to Munich.

Top Things to do : Old Town Walking Tour , Sound of Music Movie Locations Tour .   Getting Here From Munich : Takes 90-120 minutes from Munich by train which is covered by the money-saving Bayern Pass using the Blue & Yellow Meridan trains although the pass cannot be used on weekdays before 9am.  If you are leaving from Munich’s airport you can reach Salzburg in 2-2.5 hours with an easy connection in Munich Ost Station instead of the Central Station.   Rating as a Side Trip From Munich : 9 out of 10.  If you are able to swing staying overnight in Salzburg a visit bumps up to a 10 out of 10.

View Our Salzburg Section : ( HERE ).

3. Dachau Concentration Camp ( 21-38 Minutes ):

About Dachau Concentration Camp : Reachable in less than 30 minutes from central Munich, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial is one of the most powerful day trips to take from Munich.  As the Nazis’ first forced labor camp, the Dachau Memorial is now a chilling reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.  Overall the site does a great job serving as an outstanding museum and memorial for life as it was in the camp and the hardships endured here.

During your day trip to Dachau from Munich, you will learn about the torture that took place here, the background stories of some of the prisoners, and the propaganda used to cover it all up.  The excellent exhibits are all detailed in English plus there are daily guided tours available in English every day.  The main buildings you will see including the former barracks, the ghostly crematorium, the supposedly never used gas chamber, and the famous Work Will Set You Free Gate.  The thing that will stick with you the most is a saying posted, in multiple languages, in the center courtyard stating ‘Never Again.’

Getting Here From Munich : It takes 21-38 minutes from Munich Station to reach the memorial including a transfer to Bus 726 at Dachau Station.  We have a full guide on How To Get To Dachau From Munich including tips on the route and how to save money using day passes.   Visiting Hours : Daily 9am-5pm. Cost : Free.  Tours : Paid tours in English are at 11am & 1pm ( plus 12:15pm on weekends in Summer ) and there are also audio guides available.  Rating as a Side Trip From Munich : 9 out of 10.

View Our Dachau Section : HERE .

4. Rothenburg, Germany ( 2.5 Hours ):

About Rothenburg :  The quaint German village of Rothenburg seems frozen in time, Medieval times that is.  Known as the Imperial City, Rothenburg was once home to the King of Germany ( Conrad III – 1142 ) before becoming a trading powerhouse but eventually got stuck in the 1600s have as the local economy collapsed during the 30 Years War.  This downslide help preserved Rothenburg from modernization and today there probably isn’t a more authentic feeling Medieval village in Europe from top to bottom which makes it a great side trip from Munich.  Ideally, you will stay overnight in Rothenburg a few nights since it is over two hours from Munich, but you can still see a lot on a long day trip.

Rothenburg is packed full of Medieval city gates, half-timber homes, cobbled streets, splashes of color, secret passageways, amazing festivals, and postcard-perfect views including the famous Plönlein Corner.  The old city wall still stands circling the village while trying with all of its might to encapsulate Rothenburg’s magical feel.  You feel like you left the real world and stepped onto a movie set.  Having been the inspiration for many Disney movies ( plus Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ), in some ways Rothenburg really is a living film set.

Once you wrap your head around Rothenburg’s beauty, you’ll find there is actually a lot to do here as well.  We love touring the Imperial City Museum, the famous Medieval Criminal Museum, the Germann Christmas Museum, the entertaining 1 hour Night Watchman’s Tour in the evening, and walking on top of the old city wall.  Throw in an old Blacksmith shop, a lively market square, plus great family-owned pubs, and you’ll feel like you have traveled hundreds of years into the past in no time.

All of these elements together make Rothenburg the Medieval destination for you if you are looking for fun, authenticity, and some small-town flair.  A visit gets even more magical if you can stay overnight as you will be able to see the village totally free of other tourists in the early morning and again after dinner time.  If you are really lucky you can time your day from Munich to be during Rothenburg’s Imperial City Days in the Fall or the magical Christmas Market which has been happening each December since the 1400s.

Getting To Rothenburg By Train : Trains make this journey in each direction about every half hour from Munich with departures ranging from 4:30am until 10pm. The trip is very easy but will require 1-2 train transfers depending on your ticket.  Getting To Rothenburg By Car : It is very common to rent a car to drive to Rothenburg from Munich as it’s faster than the train ( especially from the airport ), but it also gives you the ability to check out other Romantic Road cities such as Dinkelsbuhl and Nordlingen along the way.  Tour groups also make the full-day round trip journey but don’t give you a ton of time in each village.

Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 8.5 out of 10; only negative is the total travel time, but with an overnight stay it is a 10 out of 10.

View Our Rothenburg Section :  HERE .

5. Berchtesgaden, Germany ( 2.5 Hours ):

About Berchtesgaden :   Berchtesgaden has been a retreat for kings, monks, and travelers since the early 1100s at it still retains much of its old-world charm.  Whether it is the Deer House ( Hirschenhaus ) on Marktplatz , the storybook Advent Christmas Town over the holidays, or a visit to a beer hall during Oktoberfest , you’ll fall in love with Berchtesgaden.  Sitting right next to Old Town is the  Berchtesgaden Salt Mine ( Salzbergwerk ) which is a tourist favorite and has been in operation since 1517.  No visit to the region would be complete without visiting a salt mine as it is how many of the towns like Berchtesgaden and Salzburg got rich starting in the 1100s.

Perched above Berchtesgaden is a pair of reminders of the atrocities from WII, the Nazi Documentation Center and Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest .  During WII, Hitler built the mighty Eagle’s Nest as his 2nd seat of power after being inspired by the area’s beauty.  Today mini fortress serves as a restaurant sitting high enough above the valley floor to give visitors a 120-mile view on a clear day!  Combined with the Documentation Center you will be able to learn a lot of history as well as check out some old WW2 bunkers and even take a high-speed elevator up the mountain.

Before leaving your alpine elevation, make sure to check out the views of Königssee from above at Jennerbahn Mountain .  The Mountain also has great skiing, but it is the lake below that interests us more. If you have time, a ride out onto Königssee can put your trip over the top.  You’ll not only cruse between tower peaks and through an echo chamber, but also past the is the triple-domed St. Bartholomä Chapel .  Either way you slice it, Berchtesgaden is one of the best-hidden gems in all of Germany.

Getting To Berchtesgaden From Munich : You can take the train directly to Berchtesgaden from Munich with a quick line switch in Freilassing. Berchtesgaden is best seen either on the way to or from Salzburg to which is connected by bus only 12 miles away. This will help you maximize your travels.

Rating as a Side Trip From Munich : 8.5 out of 10. While small, the best sights in Berchtesgaden are a little spread out so we suggest seeing it either right before or after spending the night in nearby Salzburg so you aren’t cutting your time short in this amazing city.  From Salzburg, it is easily a 9 of 10 rating.

View Our Berchtesgaden Section : HERE .

6. Zugspitze Peak & Eibsee, Germany ( 2.5 Hours ):

About Zugspitze : At 9,718 feet ( 2,962 meters ), the Zugspitze Mountain Peak near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is literally the top of Germany!  As the tallest peak in Germany , the Zugspitze has the best Alpine views and downhill skiing you can find during a day trip from Munich.  It’s said that on a clear day you can see up to 155 miles ( 250 kilometers ) along the horizon.  This view spans some 400 mountain peaks in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland).

Because the main peak sits on the border of Austria, you can be in two countries at once while on top of the mountain with one foot in Bavaria and the other in Tirol.  Aside from the stunning views, our favorite activity at Zugspitze is the Summer Snow Sledding .  From June through September you can sled down a gently sloped toboggan run at the peak which is free to use.

There is also another great mountain peak right next to Zugspitze called the Alpspitze.  This peak offers great opportunities for hiking as well as thrills from the AlpspiX viewing platform .  The daring platform is in the shape of an ‘X’ and hangs over the valley 3281 feet below.  We prefer to visit Zugspitze first then visit Alpspitze on our way back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

One of the coolest things about visiting Zugspitze Mountain is that you have to transfer trains in nearby Garmisch-Partenkirchen which is a tourist hotspot.  This tiny village at the foot of the Alps is known for its rustic homes with murals painted on their facades, excellent woodworkers, and great souvenir shopping.  The village can feel a bit tacky, but it is cool t stroll through before you return to Munich from your day trip.

Getting Here From Munich : Train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen takes 8o minutes.  Once you get there walk to the neighboring train station ( Zugspitze Bahnhof ) and get on the local Cogwheel Train to your desired cable car lift.  The Cogwheel will take 40 minutes to Eibsee Station or 75 minutes to the end up at the Zugspitze Glacier.  From either stop, it is a 10-minute cable car ride up to the main observation deck.  We like to go up one way and back the other.  The cable car section from Eibsee to the main peak is a world record holder rising over 6381 feet (1,945 meters).

Keep in mind that the Classic Train is also an option from Garmisch, but it only goes to Grainau which is fine for visiting Alpspitze but for Zugspitze, you need to take the Cogwheel Train.  The cable car for the AlpspiX is at Alpspitzbahn and the cable car for Zugspitze is at Eibsee.  While Eibsee is the last main stop, hikers can ride the Cog up the Rifferlriss to get closer.   Video : HERE .   Website : HERE .

Rating as a Day Trip From Munich :  8 out of 10.

7. Nuremberg, Germany ( 90 Minutes ):

About Nuremberg :   Before heavy WW2 bombings for being a Nazi stronghold, Nuremberg ( Nürnberg ) was one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.  Luckily enough of the city remained that Nuremberg has slowly rebuilt itself over the decades into a great tourist destination yet again.  We like to start off with the city’s biggest attraction, the Kaiserburg Imperial Castle which dates back to 1050 AD.

The Castle sits at the highest point of Nuremberg which created a natural defense and still provides great views of the town.  All the Holy Roman Emperors stayed at the Imperial Castle for a short period at least between 1050 and 1571.  The historic castle looks plainer than some of Germany’s other over-the-top castles which were built later in the Middle Ages, but we enjoy the old feel.  Today, one of the best youth hostels in Europe sits inside the Medieval castle’s former horse stables.

That same old-world feel carries into the city wall and watchtowers, plus the picture-perfect Craftsmen’s Courtyard.  Built into the city wall is our favorite buildings called the Wine Store ( Weinstadel ) .  The beautiful building overlooks the water and is connected to the town by Hangman’s Bridge .  The bridge and tower were constructed in the 1400s as a place for the Nuremberg executioner to live as the common people didn’t want someone of his profession living among them.  It was really a strange arrangement, but interesting.  You have to make sure to stroll down Weißbergergasse in Old Town and check out Saint Elisabeth Church which was once home to the Knights of Germany as well.  Not to be overlooked in Old Town is the food and especially the Original Nuremberg Rostbratwursts which have been made here since the 1300s.  The best way to wash down your wursts is with Nuremberg’s best beer on the City Brewery Beer Tour .  The 3-hour tour is only 25 Euros and is lead by a Medieval innkeeper who teaches you about the 700 years of beer in the city complete with tastings.

While these sights are the happy-go-lucky ones it is also important to know about Nuremberg’s Nazi years .  One of the most moving sights is in the former Nazi rally grounds where 100,000s would gather for rallies. The grounds were later used by the Nazis as a concentration camp for over 50,000 Socialists and now holds the Fascination and Terror Museum . There is also a monument marking the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were put on trial for the horrors of WW2. When you are all done with doom and gloom Nuremberg has plenty more historic sights and mansions to tour on top of having one of the best Medieval Christmas Markets in Europe. If it is not over the Holiday season you can still get your Christmas on in the wonder Toy museum at Nuremberg has been famous for its toys since the middle ages

Getting Here From Munich : Direct train from Munich to Nuremberg takes 75-90 minutes.   Tourism Website : HERE .

Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 8.5 out of 10.

8. Bamberg, Germany ( 2-2.5 Hours ):

About Bamberg :   Bamberg is known as Little Venice, and for good reason.  The Regnitz River literally runs directly through Bamberg and the Old Town Hall sits right in the middle of the flow.  As seen in the photo to the left, they actually built the Old Town Hall ( Alte Rathaus ) in the middle of the river and connected to town with a series of bridges.  The build is the most photographed spot in Bamberg, but it is the impressive murals painted on the sides of the Old Town Hall that we really like.  Most of the town hugs the riverbank making renting a rowboat a very popular thing to do.  A lot of the island-like city center was once a fisherman’s settlement in the Middle Ages and has been turned into a great pedestrian-only area today.

Getting beyond the buildings and sights, Bamberg is really a city known for its beer .  There are 9 breweries, 2 malting companies, 50 local beers, and tons of taverns just inside the city limits.  If you go out a couple of miles there are 90 more breweries in the small towns around Bamberg.  The most famous beer in Bamberg is Smoke Beer , which tastes like bacon.  Unlike most beers where the malt is dried industrially by hot air, the malt for the Smoke Beer is kiln-dried over an open fire to add flavor.  The BierSchmecker Beer Tour is awesome as you vouchers for drinks at your choice of 5 of the 9 breweries for only 20 euros, plus you keep your mug.  If you are deciding what time to go July hosts the International Magician and Street Performers’ Festival which really brings Old Town to life.  In August is our favorite event called the Sandkirchweih Fair .  During the Sandkerwa Festival, fishermen joust on the river standing on the end of their boats American Gladiator-style.

Getting Here From Munich : A direct train from Munich takes 2 hours ( 2.5 with a connection ) or from Nuremberg it is only 1 hour.  Tourism Website : HERE .

Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 8 out of 10.

9. Herrenchiemsee New Palace & Lake ( 1 Hour 45 Minutes ):

About Herrenchiemsee New Palace : The Herrenchiemsee New Palace is a replica of Paris’ Versailles Palace and is another one of Mad King Ludwig’s extravagant properties to make our top day trips from Munich list.  This grand project was almost scrapped when King Ludwig’s plot of land at Linderhof Palace was too small, but lucky his family acquired a large island in the middle of Chiemsee Lake to build it on.  Although Ludwig died two before Herrenchiemsee was completed, his vision for this masterpiece lives on today.  While there are still plenty of tourists, the crowds here are much less than other major castles in Germany which makes it easy to enjoy.  If you have ever been to the real Versailles, then you will really love the uncrowded replica of the Great Hall of Mirrors and boulevard like French gardens.

Getting Here From Munich : 1-hour train to Prien a Chiemsee, then 30 minutes later the boat leaves from the pier which takes 15 minutes to get to the Palace. During the Summer a shuttle line takes you to the boat dock saving you a 1/2 mile walk, but there is a 30-minute gap from getting off of the train until the boat leaves. Click here for the boat timetable.  If you are looking to only visit the lake and beach instead of the palace, then you can get a train ticket to the village of Übersee on the southside of Chiemsee

Stopover on the way to Salzburg :  It is a great stop on the way to or from Salzburg from Munich but with the ferry ride and layover it adds 90 minutes to the total route to Salzburg in addition to the time doing the tour so you need to account for an extra 3-3.5 hours on your journey.

Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 7.5 out of 10.  Website : HERE .

10. Linderhof Palace ( 2 Hours ):

About Linderhof Palace :   At the same time Mad King Ludwig was building his fairytale castle near Füssen, he had plans for many other expansive building projects as well.  On some family land near Oberammergausd, Ludwig created the design for a palace modeled on Paris’ Versailles plus another large complex in the style of a Byzantine Palace.  At the last second, he decided to fix up his dad’s old cabin on the property in a royal hunting lodge instead due to a lack of space.  The end result was an amazing hunting palace with a beautiful garden with an unreal series of fountain ponds.

As the tourist tend to flock to Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen, the crowds at Linderhof are smaller, making it a very enjoyable place to walk around.  The area is also a great place to jump over to Ettal Abbey or down to Zugspitze Mountain.

Getting Here From Munich : Take the train to Oberammergau ( 1 Hour and 45 Minutes ) then take local Bus 9606 directly to Linderhof Palace ( 22 Minutes ).   Getting Here From Füssen : From Füssen, Bus 9622 connects all the way to Oberammergau where you can hop onto Bus 9606 for the Palace.   Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 7 out of 10.   Website : HERE .

Honorable Mention Day Trips:

11. regensburg, germany ( 90 minutes ):.

About Regensburg : Locals call it “Germany’s medieval wonder”.  Pretty small but the Cathedral of St Peter, the Stone Bridge, the Bridge Tower, and the ‘Salt Barn’ is cool.  Famous for torture. Locals call it “Germany’s Medieval wonder”.  It was settled by the Celts in the Stone Age and around AD 90, the Romans built a fort there.  In 179, a new Roman fort Castra Regina and it served as the Roman’s most Northern fort on the Danube.  The city became the capital of Bavaria  from 530-1180AD.  The Duke of Bavaria, Heinrich II of Babenberg, was ousted as ruler in 1156, and quickly went on to lay the groundwork for a new city built over another former Roman fort known today as Vienna which he modeled after his beloved Regensburg.  When the Wittelsbachs were appointed the new rulers of Bavaria in 1180, they decided to move the capital to Munich.

City Website :  ( here ).   Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 7 out of 10.

12. Würzburg, Germany ( 2 Hours & 15 Minutes ):

About Würzburg : Northwest of Munich a long way, but really cool.  Prince-bishops’ Residenz Palace and Marienberg Citadel are the main highlights.  The UNESCO World Heritage Site the Residence , the medieval fortress Marienberg, the historic town hall building the Romanesque cathedral “St. Kilian”, from the old bridge “Alte Mainbrücke”, you will enjoy fantastic views of the fortress “Marienberg,” the pilgrimage church “Käppele” and the famous vineyards.  The nearby town of Volkach has the Historic Schwane wine cellars. http://www.schwane.de http://www.wuerzburg.de/

Getting Here : The train from Munich takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 7 out of 10; if you are going to go this far toward Frankfurt, you might as well see Frankfurt instead.

13. Landsberg am Lech, Germany ( 50 Minutes ):

About Landsberg am Lech : This small medieval city is a great getaway if you want to experience an authentic Bavarian feel without the flocks of tourists.  Large portions of the Medieval city walls and gates are still intact plus most of the city’s buildings still have colorful, traditional facades.  We especially love to visit the riverside Landsberg am Lech as a day trip from Munich because it is littered with many beautiful Medieval towers  which feel like they could be Rapunzel’s fairytale house.

Among the towers is the Schmalzturm Tower, also called Beautiful Tower, which lies in the Witches Quarter ( Hexenviertel ) was named for its beautiful tiled roof and is the cities oldest tower built in 1260.  The romantic Mother’s Tower ( Mutterturm) at the Herkomer Museum on the West side of the river is the newest built in 1888.  This is one of the towers you can actually go inside.  There is also the beautiful Bayertor Tower on the Eastern city wall, and the Northern wall’s gate has Sandauer Tor and the tall Dachlturm tower overlooking the village.

The village is maybe most famous for being where Adolf Hitler was imprisoned for 9 months in 1924 following his failed Beer Hall Pusch in Munich.  It was in this jail where he wrote/dictated the first half of his book Mein Kampf ( finished in Berchtesgaden ) which later served as a foundation for the Nazi Party.  Like many cities in Germany, Landsberg am Lech ended up being home to a large concentration camp during World War II.  Lucky today the horrors of the past was well behind Landsberg am Lech and you can explore the various towers as a day trip from Munich pretending like you are looking for Rapunzel.

Getting Here : Train from Munich takes 50 minutes and often requires a train transfer in Kaufering.  Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 6.5 out of 10.

14. Esslingen, Germany ( 2 Hours and 15 Minutes ):

About Esslingen : At just 9 miles ( 15km ) away from Stuttgart, Esslingen is one of the little gems of Germany that most tourists don’t even know about.  This little village is so untouched by the hoards of tourists that we almost left it off this top day trips from Munich list just so we could keep it all to ourselves.

First mentioned in 777, this little village gained market rights in 866 which was very early compared to most German cities.  After becoming a Free Imperial City in 1229 Esslingen flourished thanks to its Neckar River toll bridge and position on numerous trade routes.  The trade industry is highlighted by Esslinged Castle which is a section of the fortified wall that encircles a large sloped grape vineyard on the edge of town.  Started in the 1300s, the fact that they went to such great lengths to protect sections of crops shows how important they were.  Today this “castle” offers a great chance to walk along a covered Medieval town wall and offers the best views in Esslingen.

The most iconic attraction in Esslingen is the Gothic Town Hall which dates back to the 1420s.  Located on the main square, the salmon-colored facade of the Town Hall is highlighted by an astronomical clock from 1592.  Esslingen is also jammed packed with over 200 half-timber homes and many churches including one with foundations dating to the 800s which you can tour the excavations of.  Walking along the riverfront with the Medieval half-timber houses to us feels like visiting Bamberg, Germany which is also on our best day trips from Munich list.

Rating as a Side Trip From Munich : 6.5 out of 10.

15. Innsbruck, Austria ( 2 Hours ):

About Innsbruck : Known as the city of the Golden Roof, and the Tirolean capital, Innsbruck is the only major city located in the European Alps.  Innsbruck is best known for its winter sports and skiing as it hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympic Games.  There are mainly other year-round attractions such as Ambras Castle, great shopping, a number of beautiful lakes, and the world’s largest crystal at Swarovski’s Crystal Factory.

Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 6 out of 10; if you are into downhill skiing then it is a 10 out of 10 in the Winter.

16. Wendelstein Mountain ( 1.5-2 Hours ):

About Wendelstein Peak : The Wendelstein is 1,838-meters high is the easiest accessible Alpine peak from Munich.  The summit can be easily accessed either with the cable car from Osterhofen or the rack railway from Brannenburg.  Overall we still prefer to visit either Zugspitze near Garmisch-Partenkirchen or Jennar Peak near Berchtesgaden as a day trip from Munich since both have more to do around them, but Wendelstein still has some great views.

About 100 meters below the summit is the Berggasthof Inn with a large terrace serving hot and cold meals.  On the summit, there is a viewing platform offering an excellent view of the northern Alps and of Bavaria, an observatory, a weather station, and a broadcast relay station.  Easy hiking trails lead from the valley up to the summit of Wendelstein Mountain.  In Winter it is possible to ski on the slopes of Mount Edelstein.

Getting Here : 80 min train ride to Osterhofen-Bayrischzell and take a brief walk to the Cable Car which climbs almost 1,000 feet in 7 minutes -or- you could instead take a 60-minute train Brannenburg from which it’s a 30-minute scenic walk to the Cog Railway which takes you directly to the summit within 30 minutes on a very unique, fun, and steep ride.   Hours :  9am-5pm in Summer, 10am-4pm in Winter.   Brochure :   HERE .   360 Degree Photo :   HERE .   Tip : You can get an upgraded Bayern Pass with a combo that includes round-trip train to/from Munich and the cable car.

17. Ulm, Germany ( 90 Minutes ):

About Ulm : In Medieval times, Ulm was a jewel of a village and although 80% of the town was ruined in WW2, it was once again become an enjoyable place to visit.  While much of Ulm has been rebuilt, there are still a large number of surviving half-timber homes scattered around the city.  Some of the homes date back to the 1400s and they are denser in the Fisherman’s Quarter which is very picturesque.  We can only imagine how amazing Ulm was in Medieval times when it would have more closely resembled villages like Colmar, France.

As you walk around Ulm you will also see numerous sections of Medieval wall and preserved towers that once protected the city.  From the same era, the Ulm Cathedral or Minster is the main attraction in the town today.  Started in 1377, the Ulm Minster still was still the 5th tallest building in the world in the year 1900s and still has the tallest true steeple out of any church.  The steeple is so large that from the ground it almost looks wider than the height of the church’s nave.

Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 5 out of 10.  Expect your visit to mainly be a visit to the cathedral and a stroll through the Fisherman’s Quarter.

18. Herrsching & Lake Ammer ( 50 Minutes ):

About Herrsching : Sitting on the shores of Lake Ammer, Herrsching is the best place to visit a beach as a day trip from Munich.  Even if you aren’t looking to swim or lounge on the beach, Herrsching can still be a very relaxing place to visit and from Munich, it only takes 50 minutes to get here.  You can have a wonderful time simply strolling the paved waterfront trail, having lunch by the lake, and visiting the famous Little Castle ( Kurparkschlössl ).  Built in 1888 by the artist Ludwig Scheuermann, the red and white Little Castle was built in the style of Italian noble homes.  Today the mansion is owned by the city and part of a park which you are free to visit.

Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 5.5 out of 10.  Definitely the top of the list if you are looking for a beach near Munich although Chiemsee is also wonderful.

19. Landshut, Germany ( 45 Minutes ):

About Landshut : Landshut is an ideal Bavarian day trip from Munich.  The highlights of Landshut are its Trausnitz Castle ( website )and multicolored home facades.  The main reason it makes this list is that every 4 years it is home to the 3-week-long Royal Wedding Festival ( website , Landshuter Hochzeit ) which in 2009 drew 600,000 visitors.  The festival is to celebrate a royal wedding between Bavaria and Poland in 1475 and serves as a living history as most visitors dress in Medieval Dress and the town’s people reenact the original wedding.  Home to the largest European Middle Ages festival which celebrates the marriage of Duke George and Hedwig, the daughter of the king of Poland each summer with the next one being 2021.

Getting Here : The train from Munich takes 45 minutes and is direct.   Rating as a Day Trip From Munich : 4 out of 10; but during the Wedding Festival every 4 years it is a 10 out of 10.

Longer Side Trips From Munich:

Here are a couple great places not too far from Munich that may be worth a night or two stay over.

Accessible In 3-5 Hours :  Hallstatt ( Austria ); Vienna ( Austria ); Prague ( Czech Republic ); Berlin ( Germany ); Frankfurt ( Germany ); Heidelberg ( Germany ). Accessible By Night Train : Budapest ( Hungary ); Rome ( Italy ); Florence ( Italy ); Amsterdam ( Netherlands ); Paris ( France ).

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The 20 Best Day Trips from Munich, Germany

A local’s list of the top tourist attractions near munich you can visit in one day..

Munich is one of the most affluent regions in the world. It also sits at the heart of a unique cultural landscape humans have been continuously shaping for the past 2,000 years and more. UNESCO World Heritage sites, national parks, medieval castles, half-timbered old towns – there are so many outstanding destinations in the direct vicinity, you could easily do a different day trip from Munich every weekend of the year.

But which are the best? Quite a hard question, which is why I put together the 20 most popular options. As we are all different, I leave you to judge. When writing this guide I tried to supply you with all the important information: How to get there, how long it takes and what to see . So, the rest is up to your preferences.

But remember: There are a lot of things to do in Munich itself to keep you occupied for a week. So, you have to find a good balance between leaving the city and exploring the many museums and highlights in Bavaria’s capital itself . This is why I generally recommend spending at least 3 days in my hometown ( click to see a detailed itinerary ).

So, let’s start with my list of the 20 best day trips from Munich, shall we?

Note: I earn a small commission from links to GetYourGuide in this article

1. Neuschwanstein Castle (2 hours)

Without a doubt, Schloss Neuschwanstein is the most popular day trip from Munich. The fairy tale fantasy castle built by King Ludwig II inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and is just magnificent. I actually grew up only 15 kilometers away from it and I have visited so many times. Yet, whenever I return, I am still struck by its beauty.

You’ll find the castle close to the town of Füssen im Allgäu, which is actually home to another castle: Hohenschwangau. Both places are very crowded in summer and you absolutely need to reserve your entrance tickets in advance. There is a limited amount of people allowed inside at each given time and despite a complicated time-slot system, a lot of tourists will end up with no ticket.

Definitely check out my post of the 15 best castles near Munich for further inspiration.

Either way, you do have to climb towards the Marienbrücke (Bridge of our Lady) for the classic panorama . It’s just a short uphill walk, but it can be closed in winter. Another beautiful photography spot is the Reith-Alpe lodge in the east. Click here to check out how to visit from Munich .

Also, don’t forget to drop by at the amazing Linderhof palace – a particularly beautiful ensemble by king Ludwig II only some 20 kilometers away from Neuschwanstein castle. It’s impossible to see both places by public transport, which is why I recommend booking a tour. It’s faster and better.

• Recommended tours: Neuschwanstein Tour with Linderhof | Neuschwanstein Tour with Hohenschwangau (I went on both, and they offer excellent guides & perfect organization as they do it every day)
• How to get there: If you like to go by public transport, take the regional train to Füssen and then Bus 78 to Neuschwanstein Castle
• Why I like it: The most beautiful castle in Europe

2. Bamberg (1h 45 min)

Most people visiting Germany want to see at least on historic old own. Half-timbered houses and gothic churches all the way. Probably the best place to experience this fairy-tale vision in Bamberg. The UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its beautiful city hall and intact old-town.

There is also a wonderful palace and quite the imposing cathedral you can’t miss. Among locals, the city in the heart of the Frankonia region is particularly famous for its artisanal beer . There are quite a lot of small & excellent breweries in Bamberg, which is why a brewery tour is recommended! If you want to visit a lot of museums and use public transport, then you should get the BambergCard to save money ( buy it here ).

If you are fast, you can try to see the beautiful Seehof Castle in front of the city gates of Bamberg. The baroque hunting lodge was the summer residence of the bishops and is truly remarkable and quite the insider tip!

• Recommended tours: Private Brewery tour
• How to get there: There is a direct highspeed train (ICE) connection to Bamberg from the central station (1h 45min). You can also take the regional train, but then it will be 2 hours and 45 minutes one way. Best take a bus from Bamberg central station to the old town, as it is quite a long walk (2 kilometers)
• Why I like it: Easy to get there and a good combination of a beautiful old town, interesting museums and excellent food

3. Regensburg (1h 30 min)

Regensburg might just be the most diverse day trip from Munich. The city is the seat of the Thurn und Taxis clan who have been running the german postal system for hundreds of years (and became wealthy beyond belief in the process). You can visit the Thurn & Taxis Palace (Schloss Emmeram) where the head of the house (Princess Gloria) is still living today.

But there is also a historic old-town with a beautiful cathedral , a mighty bridge across the Danube and some beautiful museums (the new House of the Bavarian History will blow your mind). You can even go on a short Danube cruise (2hours) if you like, or explore the Roman past. One of the city gates, the Porta praetoria, from 222 AD, still stands, can you believe it? So, definitely go on a walking tour through the old town.

And don’t forget to visit the Walhalla Memorial on the outskirts of Regensburg. The neoclassical temple was built in the 19th century by Crown Prince Ludwig to commemorate the deeds of important politicians, artists, and composers. It was also meant to garner support for the unification of Germany. From the top, you have an excellent view of the whole Danube valley. There is a regular bus (Bus no 5) from the city center, but it takes about 30 minutes).

• How to get there: There is an hourly regional train from the central station to Regensburg. You can easily walk to the old town from the station.
• Why I like it: Short train ride, a beautiful old town, Roman ruins, and the most beautiful neoclassic temple in Europe.

4. Salzburg (1h 45min)

Salzburg is the home of one of the biggest medieval fortresses in Europe, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the old town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site . It’s only a short train ride across the Austrian border and I’m pretty sure you will not regret visiting. There are quite a lot of museums in town, so it’s really worth getting the Salzburg Card for free admissions ( buy it here ).

The Sound of Music is one of the most famous (and still popular) movies in the USA. And large parts of the film were shot in Salzburg. So, if you are a fan, you absolutely need to visit the museum and perhaps even go on a Sound of Music tour to the historic sets of the movie.

Definitely make sure the visit Hellbrunn palace as well. Some might say it’s the actual highlight of the city . The pleasure palace is famous for its intricate trick fountains. For example, there is an outdoor table with fountains in the actual seats (to surprise the guests) or an artificial cave where basically every statue can suddenly squirt water at you. Quite the experience!

• Recommended tours: Salzburg tour from Munich | Sound of Music Tour
• How to get from Munich to Salzburg: There regional train runs every hour from the central station. From here, you have to take the bus to the old town. You can walk but it’s almost 2 kilometers.
• Why I like it: Picturesque old town with good shopping opportunities and the most fun palace (Hellbrunn) I know.

5. Nuremberg (1 hour)

Nürnberg is a special place. It played both an important role in late medieval Germany and during the Nazi regime. As a tourist, you can explore remnants from each epoche. There is a beautiful medieval fortress (the Kaiserburg) looming above the old town. You can visit the birth house of the famous painter Albrecht Dürrer and there is the Germanic National Museum – one of the best museums in the country .

But only a short bus ride away, you can tour the infamous Rally Ground of the Nazi Party that was prominently featured in many propaganda movies of the Hitler regime. There is an important documentation center nearby to put it all into a context.

Due to its crucial role, the city was heavily bombed during World War II , so there is not much of the old town or the city walls left. It’s still somewhat pretty, and quite a lot of houses have been restored, but it is certainly nothing compared to places like Bamberg or Rothenburg.

• Recommended tours: Guided Day trip from Munich | Tour of Nazi Party Rally Ground
• How to get there: There is a highspeed train from Munich central station to Nurnberg almost every 20 minutes. If you take the region train, it will take 1 hour 45 minutes instead of 1 hour. From here, you can easily walk into the city center
• Why I like it: Very close to Munich, amazing museums, and a good mix of old & recent history

6. Würzburg (2 hours)

You might think of Germany as one unified country, but for almost a thousand years of its history, it was compromised of hundreds of smaller nations loosely ruled by an elected emperor. Some of these duchies and shires were ruled by old aristocracy, but there were also many free cities and some religious fiefdoms. Würzburg was one of them. The Prince-Bishop of Würzburg was one of the most important in the country and also one of the richest.

As a testament to their power, Johann Philipp Franz vo Schönborn had a palace built in 1720 that looked a lot more than Versaille than a monastery. Now, the famous Würzburg Residence is a UNESCO World Heritage site , because the interiors are nothing short of breathtaking. Inside, you’ll also find the largest ceiling fresco in the world, so be prepared to amazed.

You can also visit the gigantic fortress the prince bishops used in the centuries before the residence palace was finished. Sadly, Würzburg is another of these cities that suffered heavily in the last day of World War II, so there is not much of an old town.

• How to get there: You have to take the highspeed train from the central station in Munich. the leave basically every half hour. Please note that the regional train will take 3hours +, so it’s not an option for a day trip in my opinion.
• Why I like it: The most beautiful baroque palace in Germany and quite an interesting fortress.

7. Bayreuth (2 hours)

One of my personal favorite day trips is Bayreuth in the far North of Bavaria. Here, you will find the amazing Margravial Opera House. A UNESCO World Heritage site and the single most intact baroque court theater in Europe . Every single inch is covered with stucco work, wood carvings, paintings, and gold. You can only visit on a guided tour which always feels entirely too short to breathe in all the details.

But there is more, yet. You’ll also find a beautiful palace in the heart of Bayreuth from the same period. Definitely make sure to go on the tour of the Italian Building , where you can marvel at the most naturalistic stucco work ever. On the outskirts of Bayreuth, you can also visit the hunting and pleasure palace of Margravine Wilhelmine of Prussia. The Hermitage Palace is a late baroque dream come true and a must-visit.

• How to get there: Take the highspeed train to Nürnberg. From here, you have to switch to the regional train to Bayreuth.
• Why I like it: The most beautiful historic opera house in Europe, possibly in the world, and some beautiful palaces to keep you occupied for a day.

8. Augsburg (3o min)

The (former) free city of Augsburg is home to the oldest social housing complex in the world (the so-called Fuggerei from 1521 AD). The ancient water management system of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site , and the craftsmen of Augsburg have been supplying the European court with the finest silverware for centuries. Yet, so few tourists come to visit.

I’d like you to rethink your priorities. Augsburg is a beautiful city and so close to Munich. The two cathedrals of the city are extraordinary (you’ll find some of the oldest stained-glass windows in the world here), and there is a fantastic city palace with an outstanding old-masters gallery. In short, Augsburg is vastly underrated.

• How to get there: Trains to Augsburg leave every odd minute from the central station and you got a couple of highspeed train options (30 minutes) and regional trains (45 minutes) to choose from.
• Why I like it: Off the beaten path with few international tourists, some very important landmarks, and an interesting industrial past.

9. Ulm (1h 15 min)

The Ulmer Münster has the highest church tower in the world . The best part, you can climb all the way to the top of the 530 feet tall neogothic spire. But be aware, there is no elevator and there are 768 steps! The view from the top is quite amazing and totally worth the grueling hike.

The old town hall and the historic Fishermen’s Quarter are also quite popular , though I have mention that Ulm was heavily bombed during World War II and the old town cannot compare with other intact cities in Bavaria.

• How to get there: Take the highspeed train from the central station in Munich straight to Ulm. It’s a 10 minutes walk to the cathedral, and because it’s so big it’s hard to miss it. Regional trains take 2 hours.
• Why I like it: The view and the climb up to the highest church tower in the world is quite a memorable experience

10. Altötting (1h 45 min)

Are you looking for a little different day trip off the beaten paths? Then Altötting could be just the right thing for you. The town is a truly ancient pilgrimage site. At the heart, you will find the tiny Chapel of Grace which is one of the most-visited shrines in Germany. The current building was consecrated in 1494, but the inner sanctum is probably from the 8th century.

Pope Benedict XVI, Pius VI., and John Paul II. visited the place , which should tell you a lot about its significance. They all came to pray in front of the Black Madonna. Most of the hearts of the Bavarian Kings were buried here. Altöttingen is thus often called Bavarias National Sanctuary.

Definitely visit the Treasure Vault where you can see the Golden Horse (Goldenes Rössli) which is at outstanding medieval artwork made from pure gold, silver, and precious gems.

• How to get there: There are only regional train available; First you have to take the train to Mühldorf and then you have to change into the train to Burghausen but obviously get out at Altötting. It’s a walk of 200 meters to the city center from the station.
• Why I like it: A true hidden gem with a religious background of more than a thousand years and virtually no international tourists.

11. Burghausen (2h)

If you visited Altöttigen, you should definitely drop by in Burghausen as well, which is only a couple of kilometers away. Here, you will find the longest castle in Europe . The Burghausen castle is, all things put together, over 1 kilometer long. Inside, you will find churches, living quarters (still in use today), and shops. It’s quite a fascinating place.

In the valley below, you will find a quaint little old town. Quite the typical place, but otherwise not all that noteworthy. But definitely cross the bridge and climb the cliff on the other side to get a beautiful view of the whole length of the castle (fun fact: by crossing the river, you’ll actually cross the border to Austria). The closeby Raitenhaslach monastery is also worth a little detour.

• How to get there: It’s the same connection as to Altöttingen, but you have to stay in the train until the final stop. First, take the train to Mühldorf and then switch here to the regional train to Burghausen.
• Why I like it: It’s an authentic, sleepy little Bavarian backwater town with quite the imposing fortress and a beautiful setting.

12. Innsbruck (1h 45 min)

I already mentioned Salzburg and I love Germany, but I really want to imprint on you how very close Austria is. Tyrol is often cities as the most beautiful region of our neighboring country and Innsbruck is its capital. The historic old town is very popular among tourists, especially the famous Golden Roof (“Goldenes Dacherl”). There are also quite a lot of lovely museums and churches to keep you occupied for a day.

Above everything else, you should know that there are mountains all around Innsbruck . So, take the funicular up to the Hungerburg or go hiking in the afternoon. In winter, you might even be lucky to watch ski jumping at Berg Isel or visit the famous Christmas market. You should probably also visit the Swarovski Crystal World in closeby Wattens – most of the fine jewelry you know is actually produced here.

Very popular is also the Aquadome thermal baths very close. I have been there so many times and it’s one of my favorite spas. They have this huge outdoor area and quite a lovely sauna landscape.

• Recommended tours: Guided City tour | Swarovski Crystal World Tickets & Transfer from the old town
• How to get there: There is a direct Euro City train every two hours and I recommend you to take this one. The regional alternatives takes one hour longer and you need to transfer to a different train in Kufstein, Austria
• Why I like it: Wonderful old town in a fantastic alpine region with lots of hiking & skiing possibilities

13. Dachau Concentration Camp (40 min)

The Nazis slaughter probably over 6 million Jews and other political prisoners during their cruel reign. Most of the actual killing took place in so-called concentration camps and Dachau was one of them. The inmates were held worse than slaves and subsequently killed when they were too ill or weak to work. Some of the worst atrocities in human history were committed here . A genocide of unparalleled proportions.

Today, the Dachau Concentration Camp is a memorial so we are reminded of our past and never let it happen again . The exhibition in the old main building is quite graphic and not for the faint of the heart. But it’s equally important not to look away.

• Recommended tours to Dachau from Munich: Guided Tour from Munich | Combi Tour of Nazi sites in Munich and Dachau Concentration Camp
• Related blog post: Visiting Dachau Concentration Camp
• Munich to Dachau by train: Take the suburban train S2 from Hauptbahnhof (or any station along the line). Then get on Bus 726 in Dachau which will stop right at the entrance.
• Why you should visit: It’s never a good idea to forget the past, and this memorial helps you remember why we need to fight dictators and unjust regimes with all we got.

14. Fürstenfeld Abbey (40 min)

I know, there are a lot of beautiful churches in Munich itself. But there is one place close-by you really should have on your list of the best day tours from Munich as well: Fürstenfeld Abbey. The ancient Abbey was founded by the Bavarian dukes in the late medieval times (1263) to atone for murder by papal decree. Duke Ludwig II had his five murdered because the thought she was cheating on him (which turned out to be totally unfounded).

All the following generations kept the Abbey and funded it further. The idea of having their own church where monks prayed for their salvation was, after all, quite enticing. The current building dates to the early 18th century and is a true Baroque masterpiece .

• How to get there: Take the suburban train S4 from the central station (or any other station on the S4) and get out at Fürstenfeldbruck. From here, you can walk (about 10 minutes) to the abbey.
• Why I like it: A hidden gem very close to Munich with virtually no international tourists and yet so beautiful.

15. Schleissheim Palace (30 min)

Most tourists visit the Nymphenburg Palace and the Munich Residence, but very few know that there is actually a third spectacular palace very close to Bavaria’s capital. Schloss Schleissheim was meant to rival Versaille and was built to help the Prince-Elector Max Emanuel gain the imperial german throne. The ambitious ensemble fell into disuse soon after his death and was subsequently opened to the public as a museum. For me, it’s one of the best photo spots in Munich !

This is probably the reason why the huge Baroque park was never changed in the 19th century when English landscape parks were en vogue . The best part: There are actually three palaces in Schleissheim. You can more or less ignore the old palace houses where you’ll find a quaint museum about religious ceremonies around the world. But the beautiful Lustheim palace in the park is quite noteworthy, not only for its beauty but because there is one of the most important collections of early Meissen porcelain inside.

• How to get there: Take the suburban train S1 from the central station and then either walk (800 meters) or take bus 292 to the palace
• Why I like it: Far less crowded than all the other castles near Munich and one of the most beautiful gardens in the area.

16. Rothenburg ob der Tauber (2h 30min)

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the highlight on the famous Romantic Road. It looks a bit like a village from a fairy tale picture book or a Disney movie . There is an intact city wall and half-timbered houses wherever you look. Definitely make sure to climb the tower of the town hall to get a nice view from the top.

To be quite honest with you, it is a bit complicated to get there from Munich . I feel you got two options. Either book a guided tour by bus, which will take a full day but will be reasonably efficient, or use it as a stop on your way to or from Berlin/Dresden. Public transport is doable, but maybe a bit too complicated for first-time visitors.

• Recommended tours: Guided Rothenburg trip from Munich
• How to get there: The fastest connection involves 3 transfers. First, to Nürnberg, then switch to the train to Ansbach, from here, you need to go to Steinach, and then finally on the train to Rothenburg. It’s quite complicated with tight transfer times.
• Why I like it: Such a beautiful old town and half-timbered perfection

17. Herrenchiemsee (2 hours)

I already mentioned two castles build by King Ludwig II, but there is one more: Herrenchiemsee. During his visit to Paris, the Bavarian King was dearly impressed by Versaille so he promptly decided to built his own version – but in the middle of an island on Bavaria’s biggest lake .

The palace never got finished completely, but it’s still insanely beautiful and the giant mirror hall is a true highlight. The best part: There is another island right next to the Herreninsel (Gentlemen’s Island) where you’ll find a little monastery and a scenic little village famous for its smoked fish. The whole Chiemsee region is incredibly beautiful and you could even rent a bike and explore a bit on your own.

• Recommended tours: Day tour to Herrenchiemsee from Munich
• How to get there: Take the regional train to Prien am Chiemsee. From here, you have to walk to the harbor and then take the ferry to the island.
• Why I like it: Very scenic trip, where you see so much more than just a castle.

18. Königssee (3 hours)

Half of the dairy products in German supermarkets feature pictures from the Berchtesgaden region. The whole region is incredibly beautiful and Lake Königsee (Lake of the Kings) is, forgive the bad pun, the jewel in the crown. Right on the banks of the scenic mountain lake, there is a famous church: St. Bartholomew’s Church (St. Bartholomä). It’s a famous pilgrimage site for Catholics and photographers alike.

A lot of hikers come to the region and you should not miss the chance to hike the Eagle’s Nest – one of the most spectacular mountain lodges in the alps. It’s almost like a movie set and there are paths for every skill level. And if hiking is not your thing, you will enjoy the scenic ferry across the lake nevertheless, eh?

• Recommended tours: Direct day trip from Munich
• How to get there: First, take the train from central station to Freilassing. From here, transfer to the train to Berchtesgaden. Then take Bus 841 to Lake Königsee. It takes quite a long time, and a guided bus tour is recommended.
• Why I like it: Very beautiful alpine scenery and lots of hiking and walking opportunities

19. Blaubeurren (1h 45min)

Blaubeurren is a true insider tip. Which might sound a bit weird because it is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site – but only recently so. Before, the city was “only” famous for its scenic half-timbered houses and a natural well of the deepest blue color .

But things changed drastically when the Venus of Hohle Fels was unearthed in a nearby cave in 2008. The tiny ivory figure is the oldest known artwork depicting a human body . It has been dated to be 35,000 to 40,000 years old and you can actually see her in the URMU museum in the city center. It’s such a fascinating place and will leave you quite in awe.

• How to get there: Take the highspeed train to Ulm. Here you need to transfer to the regional train to Sigmaringen and get out at Blaubeurren
• Why I like it: A charming medieval old town and the most significant prehistoric artifacts in Germany.

20. Church of the Wies (2h 30 min)

I already mentioned a couple o f UNESCO World Heritage sites , but there is one more: The Wieskirche. In the very south of Germany, quite close to Neuschwanstein Castle, you’ll find a region often called Pfaffenwinkel – Shavelings corner. It was named thus because there is an unusual amount of beautiful churches in that area (and the locals are very catholic).

The most important example of this devotion is the Wieskirche. Built around 1745 it features the most ambitious ceiling frescos by Johann Baptist und Dominikus Zimmermann you can ever imagine. It’s like a true gate into heaven and an outstanding example of the Rococco in German y.

• Recommended tours: Sadly, there is only a combination tour with Neuschwanstein castle
• How to get there: The fastest connection is taking the train to Weilheim, then transfer to bus 9651 to Steingaden. And from here, you can catch another bus to the Church of the Wies. So, either book a combo tour to Neuschwanstein castle or rent a car.
• Why I like it: One of the prime examples of Bavarian Pilgrimage churches

Other day trips from Munich

At the beginning of this post, I promised you a day trip for every weekend of the year. For me, Munich is the city most worth visiting in Germany . Well, this post is already quite long, so I want to keep things brief and just do some name dropping. Lake Starnberg is a favorite weekend trip among locals, and so is the beautiful Museum Buchheim and the Andechs Abbey. Kehlheim abbey should be mentioned in the same breath.

If you like mountains, you could take the ropeway to Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Or explore one of several deep mountains gorgeous like the Breitachklamm , the Höllentalklamm or the Partnachklamm. The Wildpark Poing is a wonderful (and sustainable) alternative to the Munich Zoo.

If you like to visit an authentic Bavarian town, then Murnau, Garmisch-Partnerkirchen or Oberammergau will be your best bet. All feature beautiful air-paintings and traditional houses. Freising would be a beautiful city with quite a history as well. Passau is another popular city and Stuttgart in Badenwürtemberg is also quite close by train.

If everything fails, pick a blindfold and randomly point your finger on a map of Bavaria – it’s hard to hit an area without a castle or beautiful church. Still, in this post, I tried to focus on sites that would be of interest to an international crowd on their first visit.

Some practical tips

Most of the directions I gave you involved taking the train. It’s not only the cheapest but often the fastest way to get anywhere . For reference: The train to Nürnberg takes only 1 hour, with the car you will probably need 2 hours (but the highway is famous for it’s frequent traffic jams).

The German Railway has a website where you can check connections in a matter of seconds and even book your tickets: Here is the direct link

They also have an app , which you really should download. I use it all the time, and it’s very helpful to check the platforms for connecting trains and any delays.

Another thing you should definitely be aware of is the BayernTicket (Bavaria ticket). For 26 euro, you get unlimited train rides on the regional trains, buses, and most subway systems in Bavaria . Every additional passenger pays 8 extra euros. So, a group of 4 would pay only 50 euros for a full day of travel. You only have to make sure you sign your tickets and you do not use it 9 am on weekdays (weekends is unlimited).

Now, here is the problem. A lot of the day trips from Munich involve taking the highspeed train which is NOT covered by the Bavaria Ticket. But, if you book a month or so in advance , you can usually score a bargain (the so-called Sparpreis). Or, you could buy a German Rail Pass if you plan to travel by train a lot.

Also, you should be aware that some of these day trips are very popular. So, the trains right after breakfast and the return trains around 5 am are usually super busy. The highspeed trains to Berlin and Hamburg (which will get you to Nürnberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, etc) are used by commuters. This means you absolutely need to reserve your seats (costs extra in 2nd class) in case you do not want to risk standing all the way.

This is the end of my guide to the best day trips from Munich. I hope I was able to give you some solid inspirations for your Germany itinerary. Feel free to comment with your questions.

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The Train Diaries

6 Best Day Trips From Munich By Train

The very best day trips from Munich for you will largely come down to how you like to spend your time. Luckily, there are so many incredible destinations just a short drive or train journey away that there there really is something for everyone. Whether you’d like to spend a relaxing day by one of Bavaria’s breathtaking lakes, immerse yourself in Germany’s history or even nip over the border, this list will show you the very best locations outside of the city.

For each destination, I’ll give you the low down on how to get there by train, the best tour you can take from Munich plus any exciting experiences not to miss when you’re there. Without further ado, here are the best day trips from Munich.

Table of Contents

This lakeside town is one of the easiest destinations to get to on this list, located a mere 30 minute train journey from Munich’s central station. The jewel in its crown is Starnberger See, Germany’s fifth largest lake that boasts scenic mountain views.

Offering boat rides, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water, Starnberg is a popular destination that attracts people from far and wide. Around the lake, you’ll also find some stylish restaurants and cafes, while in the town there are traditional beer halls and a good selection of shops.

By Train: As mentioned above, the train to Starnberg is very quick, making it a great option for a last minute day trip, particularly when the weather is good (although it’s beautiful in winter too!). At 60 trains a day and with tickets starting from just €15.60, it’s a fun day out that won’t break the bank and will give you some respite from the bustling city.

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Starnberg and to book online.

By Tour: For a regular day out, I wouldn’t bother investing in a tour to Starnberg as it’s so easy and accessible to do on your own. However, if you’re looking for something extra special, you can book a sumptuous evening aboard the luxurious MS Starnberg.

Royal Water Music On The Starnberg Lake is a 4 hour experience including live classical music, a 3-course meal with drinks and champagne and a Baroque fireworks display to top things off. It promises to be a night to remember and would by a lovely way to celebrate something special.

For more information about Starnberg, check out my blog post: ‘ The Best Day Trips From Munich: 8 Hours In Starnberg ‘

One of the great things about Munich is its close proximity and easy access to a number of other countries. One of those countries, of course, is Austria, where you’ll find Salzburg right by the border. Austria’s fourth-largest city, Salzburg is known as being the birthplace of Mozart, and not much of the Baroque surroundings has changed since then.

Its old town is a UNESCO heritage site, nestled at the foot of a hilltop fortress, and is set by the flowing waters of the peaceful Salzach River. For culture-lovers there is plenty to see, with museums, gardens and churches along its immaculate streets.

By Train: The fastest trains to Salzburg take just 1 hour and 28 minutes with 37 trains running per day. It would take about the same amount of time to drive there, but travelling by train avoids the hassle of finding a parking space or getting stuck in traffic (with scenic views as an added bonus!)

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Salzburg and to book online.

By Tour: Unless you are wanting to add on another destination like. St Wolfgang , Salzburg is another place where I’d recommend making your own way there. If you would like to enjoy a unique experience during your trip, however, there are plenty on offer.

You could learn how to make an original Austrian apple strudel with a professional chef, find out all about the city’s ghoulish history or relive all your favourite scenes from iconic musical The Sound Of Music .

Pro Tip If you live outside of Germany and will be travelling to lots of different German destinations during your trip, then a Eurail Germany pass is a great way to save money and cut down on hassle. With options for 3 to 15 days, it gives you unlimited travel on Germany’s trains, plus special discounts for boat and bus tours, attractions and shopping outlets, Learn more and get your pass here !  

Neuschwanstein Castle

It’s hard to research a trip to southern Germany without coming across some mention of Neuschwanstein Castle. It has become something of an iconic image for Germany, sat high on a rugged hill in a beautiful part of Bavaria.

While there are arguably better castles to visit, Neuschwanstein’s fairytale appeal is undeniable, making it one of the most popular day trips from Munich. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, construction began in 1869 and opened to the public shortly after his death in 1886.

Neuschwanstein survived the two World Wars thanks to its secluded location, and for a time served as the storage space for artwork stolen by the Nazis. Today an astonishing 1.3 million people visit the castle every year to experience its incredible architecture and learn more about its long and fascinating history.

By Train: Due to the aforementioned secluded location, Neuschwanstein Castle cannot be reached directly by train. Instead, you will have to get the train to the nearby town of Füssen, which will take you 2 hours on the fastest trains.

From there you can catch the No. 78 bus for Hohenschwangau castles, where you will arrive after a short 10 minute journey. Note that there is about a mile between the castle’s ticket office and the entrance, so be prepared for a bit of an uphill walk.

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Füssen and to book online.

By Tour: If you would like to soak in everything about this iconic location, you can join the Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip from Munich . Along with transport there and back, the tour includes a guide who will be with you every step of the way, exploring not only the castle itself but its beautiful surroundings.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming Bavarian town with a medieval center (including one of the most photographed streets in Germany, as seen above!) Often described as a fairytale town, you could easily spend a day wandering around and experiencing all the charming buildings, shops and restaurants that Rothenburg has to offer.

Christmas fanatics will also enjoy Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village, where you can experience the magic of the holidays all year round.

In the Christmas spirit, Rothenburg is also known for its ‘ Scheeballen ‘ (Snowballs), a special type of spherical pastry made with various fillings and dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Though Rothenburg is beautiful at any time of year, I’d say it’s definitely one of the best day trips from Munich over the festive period.

By Train: The quickest train from the centre of Munich will get you to Rothenburg in 2 hours 29 minutes, with services running 34 times a day (choose your train wisely though, at certain times it will take you closer to 3 and a half hours).

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Rothenburg and to book online.

By Tour: If you’d like to experience some of the other highlights of one of Southern Germany’s most famous routes, then this Romantic Road And Rothenburg From Munich tour is really good value for money.

For just €54 per person you will visit one of the oldest castle complexes in Germany, drive by the Nördlinger Ries crater and travel via Dinkelsbühl to Rothenburg where you will be able to spend a few hours.

The second largest city in Bavaria after Munich, Nuremberg is a fantastic destination in its own right. It’s packed with historical landmarks, trendy shops and beautiful buildings, and over the winter becomes home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Closely associated with the Nazi regime, Nuremberg also has a complex and often harrowing past, offering plenty to see for visitors who want to learn more about this period of German history. Diverse, interesting and with storybook looks, it will be hard to squeeze everything into one day in Nuremberg, but if you ask me it’s well worth a try!

By Train: You can reach Nuremberg in just over an hour on the train, making it one of the best day trips from Munich if you’re looking for a last-minute change of scene. The direct service runs 54 times a day, with tickets costing as little as €9.90. As mentioned above, there is an awful lot to see and do, so if you can I would recommend extending your visit to an overnight trip.

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Nuremberg and to book online.

By Tour: With such a short and easy train journey, I certainly wouldn’t bother booking onto a tour to reach Nuremberg. However, if you want to find out more about the city there are plenty of great guided tours catered to every interest.

History buffs may want to join the Third Reich Historic Tour while foodies can enjoy the Culinary Walking Tour and sample some local delicacies. I’d probably go for the 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour to get a good general overview while leaving plenty of time to do my own exploring.

Zugspitze and Eibsee

Eibsee is one of my favourite places in Germany thanks to its idyllic location and truly stunning views (can you tell by now I’m rather partial to a lake?!) Eibsee has the added benefit of being situated right at the foot of Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany at a whopping 2,962 m above sea level.

If you’re brave enough to take the cable car to the top, be aware that it will set you back €61. For me personally, I’m more than happy to take a stroll around the lake, relax by the water and enjoy a beer at one of the lakeside taverns.

If you’re after a more active day trip, then you can rent boats, pedalos and stand up paddle boards, or you can hike the full loop of the lake which will take you around 2.5 hours.

By Train: You can’t reach Eibsee directly by train, but it’s very easy to get to nonetheless. You will have to take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (which is also well worth having a wander round), where you will arrive after around 1 hour and 20 minutes. From there you have the rather charming option of taking the cogwheel train to Grainau or simply hopping on the EIBSEE-Bus .

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and to book online.

By Tour: If there are 4 or more of you travelling then you can book onto the Zugspitze Tour From Munich , where you will be picked up from your accommodation by a guide who will take you to Zugspitze.

There you will take the cable car (admission is not included) and take a break for lunch at a small mountain hut. You’ll end your tour with a round-trip ride through the mountains by a cog-wheel train before being taken back to Munich.

Pin ‘The Best Day Trips From Munich’

Beth is a freelance writer and creator of The Train Diaries. When she's not writing, she can usually be found petting dogs, watching horror films or creating her true crime podcast, Case Remains.

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