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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Munich

Day trips from munich.

• Munich to Schwangau
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1. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train

2. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich

3. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich

4. Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

5. Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof VIP All-Inc Tour from Munich

6. Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail

7. Guided Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour with Train from Munich

8. Romantic Road, Rothenburg, and Harburg Day Tour from Munich

9. Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest Day Tour from Munich

10. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Tour with Train from Munich

11. Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest Day Trip from Munich

12. Dachau Tour from Munich

13. Full-Day Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich

14. Dachau Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Munich By Train

15. VIP Day Trip Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle from Munich

16. Munich World War II Sites Including Dachau Concentration Camp

17. Nuremberg Guided Day Trip from Munich by Train

18. Salzburg and Lake District Day Tour from Munich

19. Zugspitze, Germany's Highest Mountain, Day Tour from Munich

20. Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof, Ettal, Oberammergau Private Tour from Munich

21. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site And Third Reich Day Tour From Munich

22. Neuschwanstein Castle Luxurious Private Tour from Munich

23. Neuschwanstein Castle by Bus Incl. Bike Ride or Hohenschwangau

24. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Private Tour from Munich by Train

25. Eagle's Nest, Lake Königssee and 'Fuehrer Headquarters' Private Tour from Munich

26. In Depth Dachau Concentration Camp Tour (Private Tour)

27. Skip-the-Line Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

28. Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Exclusive Skip-the-Crowds Tour

29. Neuschwanstein Castle, Ettal Abbey and Oberammergau Private Tour from Munich

30. Private Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich

What travelers are saying.

• Stephen C 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Jake our tour guide was awesome. Was a very heavy and well given Tour by Jake. We loved every minute. He was very knowledgeable and educated on many different facets. Read more Review of: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train Written April 11, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Sheila B 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome tour! This tour was great! Salzburg is beautiful. Elisabeth was very knowledgeable and the best guide! I had so much fun and would definitely book again! Read more Review of: Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail Written April 11, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train
• Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Day Trip from Munich
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace Day Tour from Munich
• Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof VIP All-Inc Tour from Munich
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7 of the best day trips from Munich: nature, culture, and fairy-tale castles

Jul 7, 2023 • 8 min read

From the lakeside beauty of Berchtesgadan to stunning Bavarian castles, here are the best day trips from Munich © Cavan Images / Getty Images

If the residents of Munich look pleased with their lot, it’s little wonder – this city strides effortlessly between the urban and outdoors. When you've had your fill of palaces, art collections and rollicking beer halls, a little farther afield you'll find plenty of new cultural thrills and outdoor adventures.

Within an hour or so of the Bavarian capital, you hit the Alps, where hiking trails hoof it up to cloud-shredding peaks and winter snows entice skiers. Alternatively, you could have a historic romp of Augsburg or Ulm, or a fantasy-loaded spin of one of "Mad" King Ludwig’s palaces. Here are seven of the best day trips from Munich.

1. It's easy to spend more than a day in Berchtesgaden

Travel time:  2 hours

While doable as a day trip at a push, the Alpine dream that is Berchtesgaden is better savored on a long-weekend detour from Munich. This is where Germany slings its hook into Austria . Landscape-wise, it’s astounding, with jewel-colored lakes and rugged limestone mountains, among them Watzmann (2713m/8900ft), Germany’s second-highest peak.

The Königssee , a fjordlike lake of dazzling jade green, cradled by steep mountain walls, is the scenic icing on the proverbial cake. Much of Berchtesgaden’s surrounds are protected by  Berchtesgaden National Park , a Unesco biosphere reserve crisscrossed by some of Germany’s most exhilarating hiking trails.

For breathtaking views with minimal effort, head up by bus or car to the eyrie-like Eagle’s Nest , a lodge built as a mountaintop retreat for Hitler on his 50th birthday and now a dark-tourism destination. It took 3000 workers two years to hack out the precipitous 6km-long (3.7-mile-long) road to the top. 

How to get to Berchtesgaden from Munich : Berchtesgaden is roughly a two-hour drive southeast of Munich via the A8. The journey takes half an hour longer by train (departures at least hourly).

2. Visit Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities

Travel time:  30 minutes/1 hour (train/car)

If you fancy a breather from Munich but are craving culture as opposed to outdoor adventure, Augsburg hits the mark exquisitely. History is writ large across one of Germany’s oldest cities, founded by the stepchildren of Emperor Augustus (hence the name) some 2000 years ago, and made great and glorious by the medieval textile trade.

A city of spires and pretty gables, Augsburg is real eye candy on the 400km (249 miles)  Romantic Road that meanders from the vineyards of Würzburg to the foothills of the Alps. The city’s Old Town revolves around the Rathausplatz , with its fountain honoring the Roman emperor and 17th-century, twin onion dome-spired Rathaus, topped off by a 4m-tall (13ft) pinecone (the city’s emblem).

Factor in a trip to the alley-woven Fuggerei , too, Augsburg’s Catholic welfare settlement, where the rent remains frozen at 1 Rhenish guilder (€0.88) per year. You can also book tickets ahead for the Augsburger Puppenkiste , one of the world’s most fabled puppet theaters bringing fairy tales to life. 

How to get to Augsburg from Munich : Augsburg is an hour’s drive northwest of Munich via the A8 motorway. There are very frequent fast trains (ICE, EC) departing from the Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes.

3. See Schloss Neuschwanstein, an inspiration to Walt Disney 

Travel time:  1 hour, 45 minutes

Part of the fun is getting your tongue in a twist pronouncing the name of this whimsically turreted 19th-century castle, with its incredibly beautiful backdrop of forest and the Alps. King Ludwig II loved to give free rein to his fertile imagination and nowhere more so than here in Schloss Neuschwanstein . Kids’ bedtime story stuff, the Schloss worked its magic on Walt Disney, who used it as the blueprint for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. It also staged an appearance in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang .

With its interior bearing the hallmark of a stage designer (as opposed to an architect), the castle is more exuberant folly than fortress, with its gaudy grotto, Byzantine-style Thronsaal (Throne Room) and Sängersaal (Minstrels’ Hall) dancing with frescoes from Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser.

While you’re up here, allow time for the 10-minute walk to Marienbrücke, a bridge spectacularly straddling the sheer-sided, waterfall-laced Pöllat Gorge, with knockout views of the castle perched high on its wooded crag.

How to get to Schloss Neuschwanstein from Munich : To reach the castle from Munich in a day, get an early start. The castle is a highly scenic one-and-three-quarter hour drive southwest via the A95. Or take the half-hourly train to Füssen (two hours), from where it is an eight-minute bus ride to the castle.

4. Explore unique sights in the city of Ulm

Travel time:  1 hour, 30 minutes

Under-the-radar Ulm deserves to be better feted, not least because this historic juggernaut of a city has sights you won’t see anywhere else: from the world’s most crooked house (as listed in the Guinness World Records) to the world’s tallest cathedral steeple (161.5m/530ft high), the world’s oldest zoomorphic sculpture (aged 30,000 years), and the birthplace of superstar physicist Albert Einstein.

Top billing naturally goes to the colossal Münster lording it above the Marktplatz , which took almost 500 years to build from the first cathedral stone laid in 1377. From here, dive into the warren of lanes leading to the Fischerviertel , the old fishers’ and tanners’ quarter, where half-timbered houses huddle along the channels of the Blau River.

If you’re on an Einstein mission, you won’t want to miss the rocket-snail fountain depicting the wild-haired genius and the memorial marking the spot where he was born in 1879.

How to get to Ulm from Munich: Ulm is an hour-and-a-half’s drive west of Munich via the A8 motorway. There are twice hourly trains (1¼ hours).

5. Enjoy the natural beauty of Chiemsee, the region's largest lake

Travel time:  1 hour

Nicknaming Chiemsee the "Bavarian Sea" might be a tad far-fetched, but for beauty, you can’t fault this looking-glass lake, with its heaven-on-earth mountain views. On warm summer days, it’s tempting to just hang out at the lakeside lido beaches, rent a boat or paddle along the shores.

The big cultural deal on the lake is the riotously romantic and unashamedly opulent Schloss Herrenchiemsee , which Ludwig II ambitiously modeled on Versailles back in 1878. The lavishly frescoed, gilded and chandelier-lit Grosse Spiegelgalerie is 10m (33ft) longer than its Versailles counterpart at 98m (321ft) and elicits a chorus of "wows" from visitors.

How to get to Chiemsee from Munich : Prien am Chiemsee – the easiest access point – is an hour’s drive southeast of Munich via the A8. Trains depart frequently for Prien am Chiemsee from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, making the journey in an hour. To reach the palace, take the ferry from Prien-Stock to Herreninsel (it’s a 20-minute walk through pretty gardens from there).

6. Pay tribute to those killed at Dachau

Travel time:  30 minutes

Needing little introduction, the KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau was the Nazis’ first concentration camp, built by Heinrich Himmler to house political prisoners in March 1933. The sobering statistics show that it "processed" more than 200,000 inmates and killed at least 43,000. It is now a stark, hard-hitting memorial and poignant reminder of the grim atrocities of the Third Reich.

Allow at least a full morning or afternoon here to fully absorb the exhibits (note that young children may find them too disturbing). Harrowing displays include original photos of the camp, its guards and prisoners, including some depicting the horrific "scientific experiments" carried out by Nazi doctors.

The visitors center is a logical starting point, with its tour-booking desk where you can pick up an audio guide. Two-hour tours depart at 12pm, and tickets should be purchased at least 15 minutes in advance.

How to get to Dachau from Munich : Dachau is a half-hour (30km/19 mile) drive north of Munich via the A99. Follow the signs to KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau. Alternatively, there are very frequent regional trains (11 minutes) or S-Bahn trains (21 minutes) from Munich Hauptbahnhof. Change for bus 726 (direction Saubachsiedlung) to reach the camp.

7. Head up to the mountains at Garmisch-Partenkirschen

Propelling you into the Bavarian Alps proper, this double-barrelled resort snuggles up close to the Austrian border. Garmisch and Partenkirschen are actually two towns (twinned for the 1936 Winter Olympics), the latter being the most appealing of the two, with its pastel-daubed old-world charm.

But, let’s face it, you’re here for the outdoors. Here you’ll find mountainscapes to make your heart sing, whether schussing down ski slopes or hiking high in Alpine meadows. First up should be a ride up to Zugspitze , the so-called "rooftop of Germany" at 2964m (9724ft) above sea level.

At the top, you’ll find snow, a Glacier Adventure Trail and arresting views dipping into four countries (Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany). For more drama, ramble through the 700m-long (2296ft)  Partnachklamm gorge, arguably at its most spectacular during the deep freeze of winter.

You’ve come this far, so why not make a couple of days of it? This allows time for visits to Ludwig II’s sumptuous Schloss Linderhof palace and Jagdschloss Schachen hunting lodge, with its Moorish Room straight out of an Arabian Nights fantasy.

How to get to Garmisch-Partenkirschen from Munich: Garmisch-Partenkirschen is a scenic hour’s drive south of Munich on the A95. Or hop on one of the hourly trains from the Hauptbahnhof. The journey takes around an hour and a half. From Garmisch, a cogwheel train chugs to Eibsee, where you can take the cable car to Zugspitze. Start early and avoid weekends to dodge the crowds.

This article was first published February 2021 and updated July 2023

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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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15 Best Day Trips from Munich in Germany and Austria: Bavaria’s Best Gems

Day trips from Munich are an underrated aspect of the popular German city. Munich alone is impressive, but it’s also an amazing home base for exploring the rest of Germany’s Bavaria region, and nearby countries like Austria.

You could easily spend your entire time in Munich visiting landmarks in the city, but if you want a taste of even more culture, architecture, and nature, setting aside a couple days to explore some of these day trips from Munich is a must.

Due to some of my own time constraints, I was only able to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Oberammergau, and Salzburg. The rest of these day trips come highly recommended by friends, locals, and other travelers.

Click below to find some of the best day trips from Munich :

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Distance from Munich: Approximately 2.5 hours driving, 3 hours and 20 minutes by train.

How to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Munich by train: Starting at the Munich Ostbahnhof (Ost) station, take Deutsche Bahn train EC 114 to Augsburg Hauptbahnhof. At Augsburg Hbf, transfer to the RE 57042 train. Get off the train at Steinach, transferring to the RB 58909 train before finally arriving at the Rothenburg ob der Tauber station.

Bavaria’s medieval towns and dramatic architecture are exactly why I fell in love with the region (because who doesn’t want to feel like they’ve taken a step back into a fantasyland?). Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the embodiment of that.

Located in northern Bavaria, half-timbered houses line the cobblestone streets of this picturesque town.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s Plönlein (think pretty intersection-meets-small plaza) is by far what the town is best known for. The Plönlein is one of the most famous images for Germany’s Romantic Road, a scenic road running through Bavaria’s charming towns. I highly recommend driving it!

Stop into St. Jakob’s Church to see a beautiful example of German woodcarving before dining at Zur Höll (“To Hell”), a traditional Bavarian restaurant whose origins date back to AD 900. The restaurant is cash-only, and you will need a reservation, but I’ve been told the restaurant is very worth it for rich Bavarian fare, Franconian wine, and a potential glimpse of the medieval night watchmen.

If you decide to stay the night, Rothenburg’s Night Watchman tours are an incredibly popular choice for learning more about the town’s history and lifestyle in the Middle Ages.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Distance from Munich: 25 minutes by train or driving.

How to get to Dachau from Munich by train: Take the S2 train from Munich’s Central Station towards Dachau/Petershausen.

At most landmarks in Germany, the country’s cruel World War II history is glossed over or altogether omitted (take Residenz in Munich for example, which is mostly restoration work as it was destroyed due to World War II bombing, yet makes no mention of this until a small, final mention at the end of your visit).

Visitors can pay tribute to those lost during the Holocaust at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site , where tourists from around the world gather to reflect on the grim reality of Hitler’s regime.

KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau was one of the first Nazi concentration camps built, opening in March 1933. Closing in April 1945, the Dachau was the longest-running concentration camp, housing over 200,000 prisoners.

This is understandably a somber, emotional place to visit. Displays include original images of the camp and the horrors that took place there—these may not be appropriate for children.

Today, the concentration camp is a memorial site and museum, open from 9 am to 5 pm, daily. Admission at Dachau Concentration Camp is free, though if you’re driving, you’ll need to pay to park.

The site offers guided tours available to book on-site for just €4, and self-guided audio tours. You can also book full tours from Munich to Dachau online here .

Neuschwanstein Castle

Distance from Munich: 1 hour and 45 minutes driving, approximately three hours by train.

How to get to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich by train: Take Deutsche Bahn train RB 68 from Munich’s Central Station (München Hauptbahnhof) to Füssen. At Füssen, transfer to Bus 73 or 78, getting off at Hohenschwangau. Detailed instructions for driving or taking the train here .

Tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular day trips from Munich. The popular tourist attraction was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century.

If you’re thinking that Neuschwanstein Castle looks like something out of an actual fairy tale, you’re not alone. Neuschwanstein Castle is said to be the inspiration behind Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Disney World’s Cinderella Castle.

Make sure you visit the castle early—shortly after opening, it fills up with large buses of tourists.

While you’re in the area, you can visit nearby Hohenschwangau Castle and the Alpsee, or stop by Oberammergau on your way back to Munich.

Find out exactly how to visit this dreamy castle in Germany with my guide on how to visit Neuschwanstein Castle .

Discover day trip tours from Munich by clicking below:

Distance from Munich: 1 hour and 15 minutes driving, one hour on the train.

How to get to Chiemsee from Munich by train: Take one of several direct Deutsche Bahn trains to Prien Am Chiemsee departing from the Munich Ost station. When you reach Prien Am Chiemsee, a 15-minute taxi may be needed to reach your final destination at the lake.

Formed 10,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age, Chiemsee is a stunning freshwater lake nicknamed “the Bavarian Sea.”

The lake’s main island, Herreninsel, or Men’s Island, is covered in trails for hiking and is home to Herrenchiemsee Palace. Water sports and bike tours are popular at the lake, as is just relaxing on the beach. In the winter, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing take over.

Chiemsee’s ease of access and close proximity to Munich makes it one of the best day trips from Munich for those wanting to experience both culture and nature. The abundance of activities also makes it a good option for families looking to entertain kids.

Herrenchiemsee New Palace

Distance from Munich: 1 hour and 20 minutes driving, approximately 1.5 hours on the train.

How to get to Herrenchiemsee Palace from Munich by train: Once reaching Prien Am Chiemsee via direct train from Munich Hbf, walk 30 minutes or call a taxi to the Prien/Stock pier. During the summer, a special Chiemsee train also runs to the pier from the station. At the pier, take a boat to Herreninsel. The schedule can be found here .

As mentioned above, Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee is located on Chiemsee’s Herreninsel island. Unlike many of the palaces in and near Munich, however, Herrenchiemsee Palace was never finished.

Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle was modeled after Versailles in France. Visitors can explore both the interior and exterior of the palace from 9 am to 6 pm, daily. Don’t let the palace’s unfinished history fool you—Schloss Herrenchiemsee is often regarded as one of the grandest palaces near Munich.

Neues Schloss Herrenchiemsee sometimes accommodates special events, altering its hours. Current hours can be found on the palace’s website . Like many of Germany’s castles, admission should be purchased in advance online to guarantee entry, though it can be purchased onsite in a pinch.

Pair Herrenchiemsee Palace with boating and water sports at Chiemsee for a laid-back day.

Oberammergau

Distance from Munich: 1 hour and 15 minutes driving, 1 hour and 50 minutes by train.

How to get to Oberammergau from Munich by train: Take Deutsche Bahn train RB 6 from München Hauptbahnhof towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen. At the Murnau station, transfer to Bus EV towards Oberammergau.

This charming Bavarian town covered in Lüftlmalerei (Bavarian painted buildings) is by far best known for making a vow to the Lord Himself back in 1633. Oberammergau promised that they would perform a Passion Play every 10 years if the bubonic plague stopped killing their people.

The town has upheld its promise, performing the Oberammergau Passionsspiele each decadal year. I happened to visit during a year that the play was being performed. The streets were absolutely flooded with tourists visiting to catch a glimpse of the six-hour-long spectacle when the play was on intermission.

Here’s the thing: as famous as the Passion Play is, you’re missing a lot if that’s the only reason you’re visiting this eye candy-filled village. The beautifully painted buildings will have you wanting to wander for hours. You’ll find yourself dodging Into all the woodcarving souvenir and Christmas stores celebrating the town’s traditions.

We met the nicest shopkeeper in Oberammergau at Toni Baur – Holzschnitzereien & Krippen aller Art. When I tried paying for my ornament, he told me no charge. It might sound crazy, but the kind gesture was one of the moments that made Bavaria feel so special.

Oberammergau is a short drive from Neuschwanstein Castle, Ettal Abbey, and Linderhof Palace. Pair all four destinations together for the ultimate day trip from Munich! Several tours offer the option to explore them all.

Read more about how to visit in my guide to the best things to do in Oberammergau .

Linderhof Palace

Distance from Munich: 1 hour and 15 minutes driving, 2 hours and 30 minutes by train.

How to get to Linderhof Palace from Munich by train: Follow train instructions to Oberammergau. After reaching Oberammergau, transfer to Deutsche Bahn Bus 9622 to Linderhof.

Linderhof Palace , also known as Schloss Linderhof is a small palace just a 15-minute drive away from Oberammergau. Of King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s three palaces, Linderhof Palace is the smallest and the only one he saw completed.

The petite palace’s main appeal is its beautiful gardens, designed by Court Garden Director Carl von Effner.

Visits to the palace’s interior are only allowed as part of a guided tour , available every five to ten minutes. Tours are available in both German and English and last about 25 minutes.

Due to Linderhof Palace’s small size, I would only visit if you’re pairing the palace with other nearby attractions like Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, and Ettal Abbey.

Tickets for Linderhof Palace’s guided tours can be purchased online here . Guided tours from Munich, including both Linderhof Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle are available here .

Distance from Munich: 2.5 hours driving, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by train.

How to get to Bamberg from Munich by train: Several direct trains are available from München Hbf including DB Fernverkehr AG ICE800 and DB Fernverkehr AG ICE708.

Bamberg is the lovely, preserved town in Bavaria I would have never thought to visit. I’m glad we did—the historic town was the perfect way to escape the city and get a glimpse of Bavarian tradition.

Located where the Regnitz and Main rivers meet, Bamberg is known for its landmark Altes Rathaus (town hall), 11th to 19th-century architecture, being the center of Enlightenment in Germany during the 18th century, and having the largest intact city wall in Europe.

The medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also gained notoriety in the beer world for the Rauchbier at smoked beer brewery and Bavarian restaurant, Schlenkerla , die historische Rauchbierbrauerei.

Bamberg has a wonderfully cozy feel, perfect for wandering with no plans whatsoever and taking in river views. Stay a night to truly experience the city.

Distance from Munich: Approximately two hours driving, approximately two hours by train.

How to get to Innsbruck from Munich by train: Take Meridian, BOB, & BRB train RB54 from München Ostbahnhof towards Kufstein. At Kufstein, transfer to ÖBB line RJX towards Feldkirch. Get off at Innsbruck Hbf.

All that glitters isn’t gold in Innsbruck—it’s crystal. Ah yes, the Swarovski Kristallwelten , an eccentric museum for the famed crystal seller is located just outside of Innsbruck in neighboring Wattens.

The capital of Austria’s Tyrol state, Innsbruck is best known not for its proximity to Swarovski but to the Alps and winter sports.

Innsbruck’s historic center boasts beautiful mountain views on its own, but tourists visiting the city should not miss the opportunity to get into the Alps for even better views from the Nordkette Cable Car.

Designed by famed contemporary architect, Zaha Hadid, the Nordkettenbahnen soars 2,256 meters above the Alps. Several ticket options are available based on how far up you want to go on the cable car. The Nordkettenbahnen departs from Innsbruck’s city center and reaches the top of the mountain in 45 minutes to an hour.

Distance from Munich: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes driving or by train.

How to get to Dachau from Munich by train: Take Austrian Railways (ÖBB) train RE5 or Deutsche Bahn (DB)  train IC 461 from München Hbf to Salzburg Hbf.

Salzburg , Austria is just a short drive or train ride from Munich. Tourists love the city for landmarks with lovely, romantic architecture like Hohensalzburg Fortress and Mirabell Palace .

Salzburg is best known for being the birthplace of Mozart. You can visit his birthplace and museum while there or can catch a beautiful Mozart dinner featuring a live orchestra.

There are tons of Mozart tours in Salzburg that visit the composer’s notable landmarks and end with a Mozart dinner show . Mirabell Palace actually hosts some of its own Mozart concerts.

Before hearing the sounds of Mozart’s symphonies, you can also go on Salzburg’s Sound of Music tour for a little film tourism. You’ll visit all the original shooting locations for the Sound of Music movie, including Mirabell Palace, Nonnberg Convent, Schloss Leopoldskron, Hellbrunn Palace, Basilica St. Michael (Mondsee Abbey), and the gazebo where Maria and Baron von Trapp first kissed.

Admittedly, I wasn’t all that impressed with Salzburg when we visited (I found day trips from Munich in Germany more interesting), but the city is ultra-popular with tourists visiting Munich.

Salzburg is worth checking out for the day if you have one to kill. Otherwise, it’s a good stop if you’re driving from Munich to nearby Slovenia or Croatia. I would not spend more than one day in Salzburg.

If you’re driving to Salzburg, make sure to buy a vignette at a gas station in Germany before crossing the border, or you could end up with a hefty fine. Your vignette must be displayed on the car’s window.

Find Munich day trip tours below:

Berchtesgaden

Distance from Munich: Approximately two hours driving, 2.5 hours by train.

How to get to Bamberg from Munich by train: From the München Ost station, take the train to Freilassing Station in Salzburg. In Salzburg, transfer to Bayerische Regiobahn train BRB S4, getting off at Berchtesgaden Hbf.

To foreigners, Berchtesgaden may be most recognizable as being home to Hitler’s command center and underground bunkers during World War II, and to the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), a former Nazi retreat given to Hitler as a gift. Acknowledging the town’s dark Nazi history, the Dokumentation Obersalzberg museum stands to educate visitors interested in learning more about the era. Visitors can tour the underground bunkers, or catch a glimpse of the beautiful view from the Eagle’s Nest, which is now a restaurant.

Present day, The National Park of Berchtesgaden is a beautiful natural area in the Bavarian Alps with hiking, skiing, and snowboarding nearby. At the base of the mountains is Konigsee, a beautiful blue lake.

While you’re there, try windbeutels, a large German cream puff dessert popular in the area. The indulgent dessert is sometimes made even sweeter by being drizzled in chocolate syrup.

Schönau am Königssee

Distance from Munich: Approximately two hours driving, approximately three hours by train.

How to get to Schönau am Königssee from Munich by train: Follow instructions for reaching Berchtesgaden by train. Once at Berchtesgaden Hbf, transfer to the Berchtesgaden Busbanhof, taking Bus 843 towards Berchtesgaden Zentrum. Get off at Schön Klinik Bgl.

Don’t plan separate day trips from Munich to visit Schönau am Königssee and Berchtesgaden. This rich blue lake is located at the foot of Berchtesgaden, nestled between the Alps.

Schönau am Königssee is among the popular day trips from Munich for travelers seeking to get outdoors. You can take a boat tour of the lake, or go hiking nearby. If you’re visiting during the winter, call the Tourist Information of Schönau am Königssee to see if the Ice Chapel (Eiskapelle) is accessible.

Distance from Munich: 1 hour and 40 minutes driving, 1 hour and 10 minutes on the train.

How to get to Nuremberg from Munich by train: Take one of several direct regional trains from Munich Hbf to Nuremberg Hbf.

Though Nuremberg does have a historic Old Town filled with beautiful structures, the city is probably best known to the international community for the Nuremberg trials following World War II.

We visited for this reason on our way to Bamberg. The Memoriam Nuremberg Trials allows visitors to view the courtroom where the trials took place, also including a small museum detailing the specifics of what took place both inside and outside of the courtroom as Nazi war criminals took the stand.

The memorial is located in the Palace of Justice (Justizpalast). Keep in mind that Courtroom 600, the courtroom used for the Nuremberg trials, is still in use today. If the courtroom is being used for a trial, you won’t be able to view it during your visit.

Tickets can be purchased onsite, and include a self-guided audio tour. Despite visiting during Oktoberfest, the Palace of Justice wasn’t busy at all.

Outside of the Justizpalast, you can also visit the Imperial Palace of Nuremberg, and the Germanisches Nationalmuseum to get a real education on German culture and art.

Nuremberg is relatively modern overall and is a large city rather than a charming small town. If you’re short on time or only able to take one or two day trips from Munich, I’d prioritize destinations like Oberammergau or Bamberg, unless you’re a history or religion buff—the Protestant Reformation was accepted in Nuremberg, and seven years later, the Nuremberg Religious Peace was signed there.

How to get to Regensburg from Munich by train: Take one of several direct trains from München Hbf to Regensburg Hbf.

At the meeting of the Danube, Naab, and Regen rivers lies Regensburg . This charming town is comprised of Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture, earning its old town UNESCO World Heritage status.

Wander the city’s narrow lanes and take in views of the city’s iconic Old Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and Gothic town hall that are remnants of the city’s former status as a center of the Holy Roman Empire.

Distance from Munich: Two hours driving, approximately 2.5 hours on the train.

How to get to Passau from Munich by train: Several nonstop trains are available between Munich Hbf and Passau Hbf.

Also known as Dreiflüssestadt and Three Rivers City, Passau is where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet on the Austria-Germany border. The town is a common port city for luxury cruise line Viking River Cruises and is one of the top day trips from Munich for musically inclined tourists and those looking to explore baroque architecture.

Passau is best known for St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a beautiful onion-domed church that boasts one of the world’s largest pipe organs. The decadent, baroque church is a sight to behold on its own, but for musicians, the appeal doesn’t end with the mosaic roof and stunning frescoes. St. Stephen’s pipe organ has a whopping 17,974 pipes.

Perched over the city is Veste Oberhaus, a hilltop fortress. Built in the 13th century, the fortress is now a museum and observation deck. Visitors can view exhibitions from the Middle Ages to the present day to learn more about Passau and the surrounding area.

Tips for Taking Day Trips from Munich

Before you head on one of these interesting day trips from Munich, make sure you’re prepared. Here are a few tips for successfully booking and taking a Munich day trip:

1. Book your day trips from Munich in advance

Munich is a frequently visited city for its central location in Europe. As a result, popular day trips get crowded and booked fast, especially during peak seasons like the summer and Oktoberfest.

Some excursions require payment at the door, but many, like Schloss Neuschwanstein (or any castle near Munich), allow booking online. Large tour buses often show up at popular landmarks and cause long ticket lines, or for tickets to sell out.

For example, booking a tour of the inside of Schloss Neuschwanstein is timed. Even if you show up at opening, tours for the day are often sold out or are not available until several hours later.

The same goes for trains—tickets for regional train systems like Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB can be booked in advance online. It would be a letdown to plan a day trip and have to cancel because of a lack of transportation.

2. Purchase a Bayern Ticket

Taking the train for your day trips from Munich? Buy a Bayern Ticket to save money.

Online and at any DB ticket machine, Bayern Tickets (Bavaria Tickets) are available for just €27. The ticket grants you unlimited train and bus rides within Bavaria for a day (9 am to 3 am the next day for Bayern Ticket, 6 pm to 6 am the next day with Bayern Ticket Nacht).

This includes local train rides within Munich, and regional rides to cities like Füssen for Neuschwanstein Castle, and Salzburg, even though it’s in Austria. Basically, if Deutsche Bahn goes there and the location is near Munich, it’s covered!

Here’s the thing, that €27 is just the cost for one person. You’ll save even more if you’re traveling as a group. You can travel with up to five people on a single ticket. Just add an additional €9 per person to the €27 base fare for 2nd class travel. First-class Bayern Tickets start at €39.50 with a €11 charge per additional person.

Regional train fares in Germany can add up. This is usually the most cost-efficient way to use the train for day trips from Munich.

3. Pay attention to your train station

Regional trains in Munich typically depart from München Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central Station) or München Ostbahnhof (Munich East Station).

These train stations are not close together. Before departing on your adventure, double-check that you’re going to the correct station and plan your travel time accordingly.

4. Dress for the weather

Munich isn’t exactly known for its stellar weather. When I visited the city for Oktoberfest, it was cold and rainy during the entire trip!

On any day trip, layers will be your friend. Pack a raincoat or umbrella , a light jacket , sunglasses , and plenty of sunscreen so you’re prepared for any forecast.

5. Wear comfortable shoes

You might be surprised to know that some of Munich’s top day trips require a little more rugged walking than a stroll in the park.

For example, visiting Neuschwanstein Castle requires a 30-minute walk if you don’t want to pay for a shuttle or horse-drawn carriage. This walk isn’t paved, it’s an uphill dirt trail that gets muddy and slippery when wet.

Even for the darling Bavarian towns, medieval cobblestone streets rule the Altstadt (old town) which are difficult to walk on in uncomfortable footwear.

Bring comfortable walking shoes for your day trips from Munich. For those that are style-minded, a white leather sneaker is a good option for trips that don’t require outdoor activities.

6. Bring a camera

Ask anyone I travel with—I’m the annoying friend holding everyone up with my nonstop photo-taking.

You don’t need to be a photographer or as vigilant in your photo-taking as me to capture some great memories. A phone camera is totally sufficient, especially if you don’t want to be lugging around too much during your day.

For those that want to up their souvenir photo game, my camera of choice is the Sony Alpha A7 IV . I have the previous version of this camera, the Sony Alpha A7 III and love that this camera is mirrorless making it much lighter and easier to travel with than a typical DSLR camera.

Another popular travel camera choice is the GoPro Hero 11 . This compact camera is ultra-lightweight and waterproof. It’s also mountable to tons of different tripods, headgear, and chest mounts. If you’re planning on swimming in one of Munich’s lakes or going skiing in the Bavarian Alps, the GoPro Hero 11 could be a great option for you.

Day Trips from Munich: FAQ

Salzburg is a lovely city in Austria but may feel more lowkey and less exciting than Munich. It’s possible to visit the city as a day or weekend trip from Munich if you’re really interested in attractions like a Sound of Music Tour or Mozart dinner. Vsitors who are crunched for time can still fit a lot in during a half-day trip to Salzburg from Munich.

Nuremberg is an easy day trip from Munich. The city is a little over an hour away from the city on the train. If you’re only interested in visiting attractions like the Justizpalast, you may only need a half-day in Nuremberg. If you have a weekend, stop by Nuremberg for a half or full-day trip on your way to Bamberg.

Being on a guided tour is not necessary to visit Dachau. Admission is free and does not need to be booked in advance. The memorial site for the concentration camp is only 25 minutes away from Munich on the train—easy to access without a tour guide. Both guided and audio tours are available at Dachau, but using them is not required.

Looking for more fun things to do in Germany? Discover some of my favorites below:

How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany: What to Know Before You Go

One Day in Oberammergau: Your Guide to Exploring Bavaria’s Most Charming Town from Munich

A Single Girl’s Guide to Munich, Germany: Unique Things to Do, Eat, and Shop for Solo Travelers

First Time at Oktoberfest: 34 Can’t-Miss Oktoberfest Tips for Tourists

Oktoberfest Tents: Complete Guide to the BEST and WORST Beer Tents

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Eva Phan is the founder of Eva Darling, a travel and style website aiming to empower women to see the world solo while sharing on-trend, luxury feminine style inspiration. Featured in publications including Forbes, Thrillist, and Yahoo News, Eva has combined her education from Parsons School of Design with her incurable case of the travel bug to create a global destination that encourages others to romanticize their everyday.

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Day Trips from Munich

15 Best Day Trips from Munich

Whether it’s hearty Bavarian food and beer you’re looking for, or jaw-dropping vistas from the top of The Alps, the various regions around Munich, Bavaria’s largest city, are a wealth of endless possibilities for any and all types of traveller.

From castles and palaces more magical and mysterious than the last, to beautiful natural escapes that are within easy reaching distance, finding the perfect Munich day trip couldn’t be easier.

Between the country’s highly reputable transport system and the ease of hiring a car in Europe, you’ll have no problem in arriving at the ideal excursion and enjoying all it has to offer within the space of a day.

To get you started, here are the best day trips from Munich :

1. Neuschwanstein Castle

Arguably the most iconic castle in Europe, if not the world, this pastel-coloured masterpiece with its complex of sprawling turrets, battlements, towers and spires is a true testament to the concept of a fairytale castle.

So much so, that it was actually used for the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s famous castles in the various Disneyland parks.

Less than two hours away from Munich, you’ll be transported to a realm of princes and princesses in a magnificent structure that is just as lavish on the inside as on the out.

You can expect a luxurious Throne Room and indulgent decorations inspired by romantic literature and opera.

This is without mentioning of course, the stunning views of the Alps that can be enjoyed from one of the many towers.

2. Linderhof Palace

The mind behind Neuschwanstein Castle, namely King Ludwig II – happened to also have another favourite spot.

Linderhof Palace, tucked away in the alpine woods near the mountains where Neuschwanstein sits, is an elegantly furnished palace built with the intention of being the king’s hunting lodge in the late 19th Century.

Like so many of the royal establishments of the era, Linderhof is supremely luxurious, containing rich wall hangings, immaculately carved fountains and beautiful gardens.

Make sure you don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors, the Tapestry Chambers and the famous Venus Grotto.

It’s worth noting that you can find some tours that combine Linderhof Palace with Neuschwanstein Castle in the space of a single day.

3. Herrenchiemsee

Built on an island that happens to be situated in the middle of Bavaria’s largest lake (a worthy tour in itself), the royal complex of Herrenchiemsee is only around 60km from Munich and truly is a sight to behold.

Partially finished but no less impressive, the palace grounds contain highlights such as the State Staircase, the Great Hall of Mirrors and King Ludwig’s Small Apartment.

The gardens are bedecked with fountains and sculptures of exceptional calibre and you can expect not one, but two museums to be found on the estate.

The King Ludwig II Museum and the Augustinian Monastery are both filled to the brim with artefacts from the King’s life and pieces of priceless furniture.

4. Salzburg

Make your way to the Austrian border and hop over to one of Europe’s most loved countries where you’ll find the impossibly picturesque city of Salzburg, surrounded by alpine snow peaks and complete with Baroque-style castles and romantic neighbourhoods.

Most famously known for being the birthplace of the immortalised composer Mozart, Salzburg is a hotbed of attractions concerning the late musician.

With it’s pretty winding roads, beautiful Old Town and scenic natural backdrop, it’s easy to see why the city was the setting of Mozart’s The Sound of Music.

Make sure you set time aside to visit Salzburg’s cathedral and the wonderful St Peter’s Abbey.

5. Nuremberg

One of the oldest cities in Bavaria, the ancient settlement of Nuremberg has been the site of many pivotal artistic and cultural events since the 14th and 15th Centuries and still holds a lot of the evidence there today.

So much importance has been attributed to the arts here that almost all of the beautiful Gothic buildings and various churches have been painstakingly restored after bombing from World War II. Discover a sense of deep history walking along the preserve walls of the city and explore the castle in the city center that offers excellent views from its vantage point on top of a hill.

6. Ingolstadt

Perfect for wandering around on foot due to it’s pedestrian-friendly layout, with wide walkways and boulevards, the old town of Ingolstadt is a veritable maze of historic buildings each more beautiful than the last.

Encircled by the preserved ruins of medieval battlements and fortifications, you’ll find highlights such as the Rathausplatz, the monumental Herzogsschloss and the Kreuztor.

Amongst the many wonders you’ll find scattered around the town, be sure to make time for the Minister of Our Lady Church, that contains the jaw-droppingly beautiful and largest stained glass window in Bavaria that was installed in 1527.

7. The Schleissheim Palace Complex

Containing not one, not two, but three magnificent palaces, the 18th Century-built Schleissheim Palace and Park is a convenient 20km away from the center of Munich, meaning its gorgeous attractions are within easy reaching distance either by public transport or by car.

The Neues Schloss is the grandest of the palaces with pavilions linking the huge sections of building and interior that is guaranteed to dazzle visitors with its subtle combinations of different styles including Baroque, Italian and Rococo.

Standout highlights include the Entrance Hall and the Grand Staircase Hall.

The other highlight every bit as impressive as the palaces is the Schleissheim Park which is a Baroque garden that has survived since 1720.

One of the most striking townscapes in Europe belongs to the skyline of Passau, a combination of Italian-style buildings and houses reminiscent of Venice overlooking the banks of the beautiful River Danube.

Located on the Austrian border, the town is perfect for those looking for a riverside getaway.

Passau’s old town is perfectly laid out to give the impression of always being close to the water’s edge, with cobbled lanes leading down from the hill to the river at regular intervals.

Be sure to visit the Cathedral of St Stephen and the pedestrianized shopping street Ludwigstrasse, where you’ll find all manner of Austrian and Bavarian goods and treats.

9. Rothenburg

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of Europe’s most impeccably well-preserved towns and without a doubt one of the most picturesque towns in the world.

Street after street are lined with pastel-coloured, fairytale timbered buildings and store fronts and no shortage of fine churches.

A popular stop on the famous route through various towns known as the Romantic Road, Rothenburg attracts visitors from all over the world to amble through its postcard perfect streets.

10. Berchtesgaden and Eagle’s Nest

Perched on a vantage point-like spot that is surrounded by the striking beauty of the Berchtesgaden National Park, the town of the same name is frequently visited by travellers in search of the perfect 360 degree view of the Alps.

The town boasts an impressively old palace dating back to the 1100’s and the Wittelsbach dynasty.

Also of great popularity to tourists is the infamous Eagle’s Nest, a hideaway built into the mountain for Hitler, standing at an astonishing 1834 meters.

A perfect mix of Alpine scenery and fascinating history, the town of Berchtesgaden is best visited on a tour with a professional guide and ease of transport from Munich.

11. Mount Eckbauer

A nationwide favourite place for snowsports, Mount Eckbauer is the home of the astronomically large Olympic ski jump that is still used today.

Best viewed from the thrilling gondolas of the Eckbauerbahn, its been in use since the Winter Olympics of 1936. With unbeatable views of the snowy Alps, you can even bring a toboggan with you to descend one of the public slopes instead of taking the return gondola.

Also wonderfully appropriate for the location is the hearty Berggasthof where you can fill up on beer and traditional, deliciously authentic Bavarian food.

12. Chiemsee

Easily reachable in under two hours from Munich on public transport, you’ll find Chiemsee, the largest lake in Bavaria.

Its serene waters, backdropped by mountains make for excellent photo opportunities on both sunny and overcast days.

One of the main attractions of the lake is the Prienavera centre, a custom complex built specifically for exercise and relaxation and boasting both indoor and outdoor pools with panoramic views of the lake and unique lakeside saunas.

If all the relaxation works up an appetite, then enjoy a meal at one of the many waterside restaurants before returning to the city.

13. Walchensee

For more alpine lake magic, head about an hour away from Munich to the depths of Walchensee Lake, one of the deepest in Germany.

With a host of activities available, it’s impossible not to stay entertained when visiting, whether you surf, sail dive or fish in Walchensee’s waters.

To get a real perspective of the depth of the lake, you can venture up into the mountains the surround it and peer down into the clear water.

Once you’re up in the mountains you can also enjoy a number of hiking trails, including the beautiful pine tree-lined Mittenwald.

14. Partnach Gorge

Declared as a natural monument owing to its stunning aesthetic beauty, the Partnach Gorge offers an immersive adventure into the middle of the gorge along winding walkways that take you down cliff side paths and through waterfalls.

Make sure you wear clothes that you’re prepared to get a little wet!

15. Regensburg

Less than 2 hours away from Munich is a world famous, UNESCO listed World Heritage Site that sits on the banks of the River Danube.

A truly remarkable city with roots dating back to 179 AD, the riverside city flourished from the regular trade routes established after the Stone Age and as a result is home to some fascinating history and beautiful architecture.

15 Best Day Trips from Munich:

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Linderhof Palace
• Herrenchiemsee
• The Schleissheim Palace Complex
• Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest
• Mount Eckbauer
• Partnach Gorge

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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GERMANY TRAVEL PLANNER:  Just getting started? Have questions about Germany’s confusing train tickets or how to find the best guided tours? Not sure which parts of Germany should be in your itinerary (and what to leave out)? Our  Germany Travel Planner  answers those questions and more via how-to videos, our interactive Germany Planning Map, City Cheatsheets, and MUCH more. Click here to unlock the best of Germany the easy way!

GERMANY TRAVEL CONSULT:  Feeling overwhelmed? Itinerary just not coming together? Wonder if a few tweaks would take your trip to the next level? Book a Mini or Full consult with Cate! She’ll help you create or tweak your itinerary, recommend train tickets/passes, hotels, things to do, guided tours, show you how to buy train tickets, orient you to specific cities, help you plan out day trips, and answer your Germany travel questions.

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We recommend using  Booking.com  since they have widest range of accommodations available from hostels, boutique hotels, luxury chains, aparthotels, at the best prices. Check out our  accommodation guides  for specific recommended hotels.

WHAT TO PACK: If you’re bringing your phone, be sure to bring this plug adapter , this power bank , and this wrist strap . They’ve been lifesavers for us! You can see our other packing essentials here and here .

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TRAINS & BUSES:  To research train schedules and buy tickets or a Germany Rail Pass, we recommend the official  Deutsche Bahn (German Rail System)  website (and download their DB Navigator app). For buses, look at  FlixBus  , which offers tickets for routes within Germany and to other European countries. FlixBus is often cheaper than trains but can take longer.

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Top Day Trips from Munich – Including Hiking Trips To Bavarian Alps

By: Author Mattie Bamman

The Top Day Trips from Munich

Bavaria is the most visited state in Germany and most people that visit add Munich to their itinerary. We recommend to stay a few extra days in Bavaria’s capital and enjoy some of the best day trips from Munich to explore the beauty of the region. Whether you are looking to go hiking near Munich in the Bavarian Alps, explore Neuschwanstein Castle or nearby towns and cities, we have something for you. 

Our list of Munich day trips focuses on famous Bavarian castles, a handful of unique hikes, a lot of history, a great brewery, several quintessential Bavarian towns, and more.

In order to plan day trips from Munich , you should become acquainted with the region’s transportation options. The best option, of course, is renting a car, as Germany’s roadways are excellent and you have better access to many more attractions.

Need help planning your trip? Don’t feel like planning this hiking trip to Germany yourself? Then I recommend JayWay Travel! They offer custom trip planning services that tailor your trip to the German and Austrian Alps according to your interest and skill level. Take a look at their 10-Day Alps hiking itinerary here.

List of Day Trips from Munich

Hiking in the bavarian alps.

If you can’t wait to go explore the best hiking trails near Munich and hike in the Bavarian Alps, you can either rent a car and go out on your own or join a guided hike . As a lot of the trailheads are not that easy to get to, especially if you don’t have a car, we recommend the latter. That way, you don’t have to worry about anything, can meet other avid hikers and make the most of your day hiking near Munich. 

Also check our guide on Hiking Gear Packing Essentials before you head to Munich. 

Neuschwanstein Castle and Summer Coaster Run in Rural Bavaria – Perfect for Families

This is the perfect Family day trip from Munich if you like to get outdoors. First, visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and then hit the Alpine Coaster for some downhill adventures. Perfect to explore the Bavarian Alps and the beautiful countryside. Book this trip here.  

Alpine Ski Trip in Winter

If you visit Munich in winter and want to have some fun in the snow, this is the easiest way to hit the slopes. Everything is organized for you – transfer, snowboard or ski gear rental, ski pass and all – so you don’t have to worry about anything. The trip will take you to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the home to the 1936 Winter Olympics. You will find any level of slopes, from beginner to black diamond afficionados. Book your Munich Ski Trip here. 

Neuschwanstein Castle

Likely your guidebook features this castle on the cover, and it looks like something out of Disneyland for a reason: The Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland was based on it. And now that the tourism industry has fully taken over the area, you’ll feel like you’re visiting Disneyland, too. Neuschwanstein Castle is probably one of the most popular day trips from Munich. Expect huge crowds, long ticketing queues, and exceptionally well-organized tours led by robotic tour guides.

Neuschwanstein is two hours by train and we highly recommend going with a guided tour, (this one is a small group tour and includes Linderhof palace) as it really takes the hassle out of it. They book the tickets, organize a tour guide and transportation from Munich, so all you need to do is show up (and there isn’t really a way to see Neuschwanstein “off the beaten path” anyways).

If you want to splurge and do something really special, I recommend this Helicopter tour that will take you to some of the most stunning castles and lakes of Bavaria. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget!

Berchtesgaden & Eagle’s Nest

If you are a history lover, this is a must do for your trip to Bavaria: A visit to the idyllic alpine town of Berchtesgaden and Hitler’s infamous Eagles Nest. You can explore Hitler’s vacation home – the Kehlsteinhaus – which looks just like it did in 1945, plus a beer garden on the terrace in the summer. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful scenery yet at the same time, the place feels eery and haunted.

If you are in Munich, I recommend the Berchtesgaden and Eagles Nest Tour .

Dachau Concentration Camp

Located just a 30-minute train ride from Munich, Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp ever built, and today it can be toured. Many of the camp’s original buildings remain intact, as well as the crematorium. Guided tours are offered daily.

Take the S2 train from Munich to the Dachau train station; from there, take bus 726 towards Saubachsiedlung to get to the concentration camp. Or you can book a tour that includes your train ticket and a guided tour of the Dachau Concentration Camp.

Königssee & Bavarian Alps

On this tour, you will see some of the most magnificent Bavarian landscapes, the Alps and stunning Königssee. On this 9-hour small group tour, your guide will take your from Munich to the Bavaria Alps’ heart: Berchtesgaden. There you will have a chance to take short boat ride on the beautiful Königssee (King’s Lake) where you can spot the infamous Eagle’s Nest – Hitlers Bavarian vacation residence.

As you drive through the breathtaking  scenery, you will feel like you are driving through the set of Sound of Music.  Book your tour here.  

Romantic Road – Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg , albeit quite touristy, is a beautiful little town in Franconia. Its iconic half-timbered houses are instantly recognizable and to be honest; it is the stereotypical German town. While it is a top tourist destination, it is also worth a visit. Some places you just have to see for yourself. Just be aware that you might hear more English than German. This tour will take you along the Romantic Road and you’ll have an extended stay in Rothenburg.

Lake Starnberg

Lake Starnberg is also a 30-minute train ride from Munich, and this beautiful lake is home to several small towns and relaxing lakeside promenades. Completely off the beaten path, this is a great day trip for absorbing Bavarian culture and relaxation.

The town of Starnberg has a castle in the center, and it is worth hiking up to it for the views of the lake.

If you want to experience something special during your time in Starnberg, you can book a dinner cruise on the lake, which includes a 3-course meal, a Water Music Concert and even a firework.

Ferries run from Starnberg, and you can either spend an hour or three puttering around the lake. Ferries run to the town of Berg, which is home to the Castle Berg. King Ludwig II, who resided in the castle, was famously found dead in the lake one day.

Germany’s tallest mountain is a great choice for a day trip from Munich, if you want sweeping alpine views. If you do a guided tour to the Zugspitze, you will be picked up at your hotel and drive to Garmisch-Patenkirchen, where you will take a cable car to the 2962-meter-high peak. Enjoy the stunning views, relax and have a beer at Germany’s highest beer garden and take way too many photos.

If you want to get up close and personal with the mountain and are in good shape, you can also hike up to the top. I highly recommend going on a guided hike, especially since you get all the equipment (you need crampons and harnesses for this hike) through the tour company.

Ammersee Lake and Kloster Andechs

50 minutes by train, this day trip combines a beautiful lake, relaxed hiking, and one of the best places for beer in Germany: Kloster Andechs. The train drops you off in the town of Herrsching , where you can stroll down to the Ammersee Lake. From Herrsching you can get to Kloster Andechs monastery by taking a bus or hiking 45 minutes along a well-marked path. At the monastery, you can take a tour, drink the excellent beer, and eat the famous Schweinehaxe (roasted ham hocks). A must for beer enthusiasts.

If you want to join a group tour for convenience, check out this one leaving from Munich .

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

One of the closest ski resorts to Munich, this Bavarian Alps town is famous for hosting the 1936 Olympics, so if you are interested in some winter fun, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of your best day trips from Munich options in the winter.

In the summer, hikers can trek down to the Partnachklamm Gorge : a narrow, deep canyon with walkways carved into the cliff walls. You will get wet, but it will be worth it. Other hikes can be reached by taking a breathtaking cable car ride. Garmisch-Partenkirchen can be reached in one hour by express train, and the local train takes around an hour and a half.

If you don’t want to organize this day-trip yourself, you can book this  Tour from Munich , that includes Garmisch-Partenkirchen, as well as the Zugspitze , the highest peak in Germany (don’t worry, you can take a cable car up to the top!).

The second-largest city in Bavaria after Munich, Nuremberg is a true gothic city with one of the most impressive centers in Germany. The Nuremberg castle looms above the cobblestone streets and sunny courtyards.

Ornate churches and buildings are around every corner; the city’s once impenetrable city walls, now broken into sections, stand side-by-side with Renaissance buildings. Nuremberg has a wide selection of art and history museums, including the Reichsparteigelande, which documents the rise of Adolf Hitler. Nuremberg was the Nazi Party’s rally grounds.

Express trains reach Nuremberg in just one hour or you can book a day trip that includes an English-speaking guided tour , and roundtrip train tickets from Munich.

Regensburg is a stunning little city that is worth a visit. Its old town is a UNESCO Heritage Site and you can admire the beautiful medieval center, including the 12th-century bridge crossing the Danube river, the impressive St Peter Cathedral or the Porta Praetoria tower. 

A bit out of the city, you can visit the Walhalla – sort of like the “Hall of Fame” of notable Germans. 

Würzburg

Würzburg is a bit further away, but if you get an early start, you can still make it a day trip from Munich. Located in the North-Bavarian region of Franconia, this city makes wine lovers’ hearts beat faster. Try some Silvaner – the most iconic Franconian grape variety – on the Old Main Bridge. It is a favorite hangout spot for locals to drink a glass of wine, with a stunning view of the Würzburg Fortress.

I also highly recommend a visit to the Würzburger Residenz – another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Especially in the summertime, the gardens are lovely and they offer tours in English.  

Naturpark Altmühltal

The valley of the River Altmühl lies between Munich and Nuremberg. It is home to the Altmühltal Nature Park , where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and swimming. Rent bicycles and take the Altmühltal  Radweg cycle path along the river to see stunning rock formations and more. Several towns are located inside the park; from Munich, most towns take an hour and a half to reach by train.

Herrenchiemsee Castle

Around two hours by train, this castle is just as grand as Neuschwanstein, but it is much less known. Located on an island in the middle of Chiemsee Lake , the Herrenchiemsee Castle was designed to look like Versaille. The gardens and grounds are expansive, replete of bubbling fountains and sculptures.

Inside you’ll find rooms elaborately decorated with gold leaf as well as the largest porcelain chandelier in the world. Tours are offered daily . To get to the castle, take a train to Prien, then a ferry to the island.

This Austrian city is two hours by train from Munich. It is famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music . Besides reenacting scenes from The Sound of Music , you can tour the stunning Old Town of Salzburg , which is overlooked by the imposing Hohensalzburg Castle.

With all the gothic homes and churches, it’s definitely worth spending a whole day in the city, then unwinding with great beer at Augustiner Bräustübl . Here is a great tour that will take you to Salzburg – a fun day trip from Munich.

All of the day trips above can also be made by train. The local trains run frequently, are reliable, and take you through the Alps, forests, and incredible lake districts. The Bayern ticket is a good deal: it gives you unlimited travel for one day through Bavaria for 21-31 euros. It is only good for local trains, not the IC or EC trains, and some other restrictions apply. It is an especially great deal if traveling in a group of two to five people. The Einfach Raus ticket  is Austria’s version of the Bayern ticket.

To plan day trips from Munch by train, visit bahn.de  , which provides searches in English. To search for routes covered by the Bayern Ticket, check the “Local Transport” box, unchecking the “Prefer fast connections” box.

Munich Day Trips – Pin for later:

Sophie Camp

Sunday 16th of September 2012

I loved Andechs. Would love to have seen the others in this list as well!

The Language Journal

Wednesday 20th of June 2012

This place is quite great.Along the streets of Munich, there are royal avenues, parks and more squares. Museums hold collections of the branches of science. 

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Munich Sightseeing Tours

Our day trips from munich.

Where are we going? Choose your sightseeing tour. We hope to bring back all tours soon!

Discover the Bavarian metropolis individually in an open double-decker bus with the Munich sightseeing tours.

Important notes

• We recommend that you buy your ticket for your chosen day trip online in advance.
• Tickets are also available at our stop at " Karlsplatz 21 / Stachus " (Sonnenstraße next to BUDDY hotel), at the Tourist Information Office as well as in many hotels in Munich. Just ask for day trips from Autobus Oberbayern.
• The seats on our tours are limited. Tickets are subject to availability.
• All of our modern coaches are equipped with air conditioning.
• Please arrive at the bus a minimum of 20 minutes before departure.

Do you have any questions?

In our FAQ section you will find answers to frequently asked questions.

With the Munich city tours you will discover the most beautiful corners of the Bavarian metropolis in the original blue panorama double-decker bus!

If you’re planning on visiting Munich and want to explore Bavaria and Austria with its beautiful sights, a guided day trip from Munich is perfect. "DAYTRIPS by Autobus Oberbayern" offers you a wide variety of day tours to picturesque towns, fairytale castles and popular sights.

Offering different day trips on every day of the week, some of them throughout the year, you'll surely find the perfect day trip to add to your holiday. You can choose between guided tours to Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle or a trip to Castle Herrenchiemsee, located on an island in Lake Chiemsee. All of the castles were built by Bavarian King Ludwig II.

If you're rather in for an adventure, you should choose the day trip to Lake Königssee in the Bavarian Alps, that also includes a tour into the salt mines of Berchtesgaden, which have been in operation for over 500 years. Adventurous is also the cable car trip up to 3,000 meters to the Zugspitze summit, Germany's highest mountain.

Or join us on a tour on the Romantic Road, visiting the Harburg Castle as well as the old town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber which is also famous for its picturesque Christmas market.

If you're interested in German history, especially National Socialism, come along on one of our day trips to Nuremberg, Berchtesgaden or Dachau. Nuremberg is not only Bavaria's second largest city and famous for its medieval buildings and streets, it also still possesses remaining National Socialist architecture that can be visited. The day trip to Berchtesgaden allows you to visit the documentation center Obersalzberg. The tour to Dachau includes a memorable visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.

Other day trips from Munich offer visits to the Austrian cities of Innsbruck, including a tour to the Swarovski Crystal World and the Mozart City Salzburg , including a visit of Lake Wolfgangsee.

You're not sure what day tour to book? Check the "Important notes" section and the timetable on every day trip detail page to find out, which one suits you best.

If you still have any questions, please contact us . We're happy to help you!

3 Day Trips From Munich to Great Bavarian River Towns

Last Updated on December 14, 2023

With the rise in popularity of air and train travel in the mid-20 th century, many river towns in Germany lost their luster. Today though, there’s a resurgence in their popularity thanks to river cruising. They’re still as magical as they once were, and are good days trips from Munich…

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

By Jim Ferri

Day trips from Munich can be exceptionally interesting. That’s because the city, tucked away in Bavaria in southern Germany, is so well positioned.

In addition, it also has a great transportation infrastructure for traveling about the area.

You’ll find numerous day trips from Munich , which have become so popular that they’re overrun with tourists. Paradoxically, that’s the problem – many are already filled with thousands of other day-trippers by the time you arrive.

But there are other places –to me more beautiful and intriguing – that I’ll bet you’ll enjoy just as much and they haven’t yet begun attraction legions of travelers.

They are beautiful and historic river towns in Bavaria, each unique and charming. In fact, they all have so much allure they’ve become popular river cruise destinations.

Reachable by Ship, Train or Car

However,  you don’t need to go on a cruise to see them. You can easily reach each by rental car on a day road trip from Munich. Although you can also reach them by train , it’s best to see them by car. Then you’ll have more leeway to stop in other little tantalizing places you’ll pass along the way.

Bavaria is Germany’s top holiday destination. If you’re going to Munich, set your sights on one or more of these Bavarian river towns for a fascinating day trip.

Passau (2-Hour Drive from Munich)

Passau is a postcard-perfect, little Bavarian city with a beautiful old town that appears so Italianate in style.

Clinging to the riverbank near the Austrian border, it’s an old Roman settlement. It was built as a trading port at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers.

However, that location also proved problematic. At Passau’s Rathaus , you’ll see high-water markings on the exterior of the building, the result of floods over the centuries (the highest occurred in 1501). Still, the Rathaus itself is a beautiful building, a structure that was cobbled together from eight patrician houses.

Largest Pipe Organ in Europe

On this day trip from Munich, visit to Baroque St. Stephan’s Cathedral to see its massive pipe organ (with 17,774 pipes, the largest in Europe). But don’t linger since there’s much more to see in the town.

Also, visit the former castle of the prince-bishops, now a regional museum. I enjoyed the well-regarded Passauer Glass Museum and the Old Bishop’s Residence.

You’ll find much of the city a warren of colorful, little streets lined with shops, restaurants, and apartments. Rest for a while at one of the many cafés along picturesque Rindermarkt. The entire area, with its archways and alleyways, has a medieval feel to it.

However, it’s the market area that is one of the prettiest places in the small city. Multicolored buildings and little stores and shops line its streets.

I enjoyed the chutney shop with its sampling table out front. Also, the bakeries with their variety of cakes and strudels. I enjoyed the funky little Café Bar Centrale , which looks like it was snatched right out of the 19th century.

Bamberg (2½-Hour Drive from Munich)

On the banks of the Regnitz River, Bamberg is a town of narrow cobblestone streets, ornate mansions, palaces and impressive churches. Built in AD 902, it’s a beautiful medieval city that one of Europe’s largest fully intact old town centers.

Thankfully, it survived several regional wars over the centuries, the black plague and was relatively untouched during World War II.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , Bamberg’s 1,000 years of architectural style includes Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and 19th-century eclecticism.

In addition, its old center, with 2,000 buildings listed as historical monuments, is Europe’s largest existing group of historic buildings. It’s the furthest of the three towns but still a good day trip from Munich.

“Old Germany At Its Finest”

Arguably, for many people Bamberg is Old Germany at its finest. It is a beautiful little city where seemingly everywhere you turn you find old timbered houses on one street and an old Wedgewood-style of architecture on another.

It’s a city that screams with color, from pastel buildings to the blazing red geraniums tumbling out of window boxes.

Be sure to visit the 800-year old, triple-nave Bamberg Cathedral, the final resting place of Pope Clement II . Also, it’s home to the famous equestrian statue of the “Bamberg Rider” whose identity has remained a mystery for centuries.

First and foremost though, see the old town hall , which sits on an island in the middle of the river. With its beautiful exterior and dramatic location, it’s probably the most photographed building in town.

Throughout the old city, you’ll find some restaurants that serve traditional Franconian food. The city also has eight breweries, many of which also operate good restaurants.

Incidentally, The New York Times calls Bamberg “a beer drinker’s Eden …there are more breweries here than in Munich. Be aware that Bamberg’s rauchbier , has a unique smoky flavor. As a result, it’s an acquired taste, much like the city’s local delicacy, a stuffed onion.

Regensburg (1½-hours Munich)

Regensburg, on the Danube River, is Germany’s largest medieval city and a great day trip from Munich. Originally a Celtic settlement, it later became a campsite for Roman soldiers.

Today it’s a quiet little town with beautiful Baroque buildings that, luckily, were undamaged in World War II. Moreover, it has been beautifully preserved. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Also, you’ll find little restaurants lining the warren of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways in the old town. There are also hundreds of shops selling just about every knick-knack you can imagine. Even so, it’s all incredibly clean, tidy and quiet.

A 500 Year-Old-Wurst Restaurant

Furthermore, the city is home to Germany’s oldest bridge, the famous Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), a marvel of medieval engineering. At one end is the Historische Wurtsküche, a 500+-year-old cottage-size wurst restaurant reputed to be the oldest in Germany. On a day trip it’s a great place to stop for a beer and wurst, especially a Regensburger sausage.

On this day trip be sure to visit the soaring St. Peter’s Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral adorned with beautiful 14th-century stained glass windows. It sits on the site of the old Roman military camp.

Moreover, visit the turreted Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) and its beautifully decorated Reichssaal. Interestingly, its seats are colored to dictate who could sit where. Incidentally, it was in this hall that the first Parliament of the Holy Roman Empire sat for nearly 150 years.

Finally, go up to the rooftop terrace of the restaurant of the Kaufhof department store on the old market square. Bring your camera to capture a wonderful view of the old town and the market area.

You may also enjoy: The Unexpected Pleasures of Medieval Regensburg / Things to Do in Bamberg, Germany / In Passau, Ambling About on A Quiet Autumn Day

March 10, 2019 at 3:07 pm

Thank you. Great notes. Tom

March 10, 2019 at 3:26 pm

Glad you liked it Tom. Hope you can get to them one day.

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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

This article may contain affiliate links that provide commission on purchases you make at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

Search for other hotels in Augsburg

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

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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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Things to Do in Munich, Germany Including Day Trips

Munich is a beautiful city in southern Germany. It is the capital of Bavaria and home to many historical landmarks and attractions.

You can explore the city’s fascinating history, visit world-class museums, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. And, of course, no visit to Munich would be complete without taking in a Bavarian beer garden or two. No matter what your interests are, you’ll find many entertaining things to do in Munich, Germany.

Munich has many attractions, including Nymphenberg Palace, beer houses, and Marienplatz. Germany is also known for its delicious food. Many restaurants in Munich serve traditional German cuisine. For a more adventurous trip, you can go hiking in the Bavarian Alps or visit one of the many castles in Germany.

Hirschgarten

The Hirschgarten, dating back to 1791, was originally a hunting lodge for German princes. Eventually, it was turned into a restaurant. Today, the Hirschgarten, meaning “Deer Garden,” is Munich’s most extensive beer garden, seating around 8,000 people!

The restaurant can seat 500 people and has six beautifully decorated dining rooms. It’s a great place to visit for traditional Bavarian cuisine, too. If you’re looking for a taste of Munich, the Hirschgarten is the perfect place to start.

Marienplatz 

Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) has been Munich’s main square since 1158. In the Middle Ages, the square was used for markets and tournaments. Today, Marienplatz houses Munich’s new and old city halls, which are on opposite sides of the square.

The Glockenspiel, located at the top of the new city hall, was inspired by these tournaments and is a popular tourist attraction. You can also enjoy some shopping or find a place for lunch in the area.

Hofbrauhaus

Founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V as the brewery for his palace, it soon became one of Munich’s most popular beer halls. Today, Hofbrauhaus is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Munich. The hall is enormous, with a capacity of over 3,000 people, and the atmosphere is electric. The beer is excellent, and the food is hearty and filling. If you’re looking for an authentic Munich experience, Hofbrauhaus won’t disappoint.

Viktualienmarkt

The Viktualienmarkt is a food market filled with fruits, vegetables, cheeses, sausages, truffles, and more. The market has been running since 1807 and is open daily except for Sundays and holidays. Stroll through the market and sample gourmet cheeses, or stop by a cafe and enjoy a meal. You may even listen to a band play and sing traditional German folk songs on a nice day.

St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s Church is the oldest Roman Catholic parish church in Munich. Opened in 1294, St. Peter’s Church is of baroque and Gothic architecture. You can climb the 260 steps up to the tower for a small fee. Although quite a workout, reaching the tower is worth it for the magnificent views of the city. It’s quite the sight, and you’ll take lots of photos! And you may also be lucky enough to see the church bells in action on your way up!

Oktoberfest

After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Oktoberfest is back! Munich’s Oktoberfest is held annually in late September and early October and features a wide range of traditional Bavarian music, food, and drink.

Oktoberfest offers everything from lederhosen and dirndls to hearty sausages, and pretzels washed down with a stein of beer. There is also a large carnival with rides for all ages. Be sure to ride on the Ferris wheel for gorgeous events and city views!

Chinesischen Turm

The tower, built in 1789 and featuring a Chinese-style pagoda, is one of Munich’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for views of the parkland or enjoy a meal or drink at the beer garden at its base. The Chinesischen Turm is a beloved Munich landmark and a beautiful example of Chinese architecture.

Nymphenberg Palace

Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace is a Baroque masterpiece. Built in the 17th century as a summer residence for the Bavarian Wittelsbachs, the palace complex includes several gardens, fountains, and museums. You can explore the lavish staterooms filled with art and antiquities or stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Munich residents often come to the palace to relax on weekends, and it’s not unusual to see people picnicking or playing games of frisbee. With its stunning architecture and idyllic setting, Nymphenburg Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Munich.

Frauenkirche

The Frauenkirche is a church located on the northern side of Marienplatz and was designed by Munich native Jorg von Halsbach. Construction of the church began in 1468 and was completed in 1494. The Frauenkirche is considered one of Munich’s most iconic landmarks. The church is notable for its two distinctive onion-shaped domes, visible from all over the city. The Frauenkirche is also home to a statue of the Virgin Mary, which is said to date back to the 12th century.

Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany is home to some of the most beautiful castles in the world, and Neuschwanstein Castle is no exception. It is about a 2-hour drive from Munich. Built in the late 19th century by King Ludwig II, this fairytale castle was intended to be a retreat from the outside world.

Today, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, the castle offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can explore opulent rooms decorated with exquisite murals and intricate details. It is a truly magical place.

Day Trip to Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria and is only an hour and a half train ride from Munich. Situated on the banks of the River Salzach, towering mountains and lush green meadows surround it.

The city has several historic landmarks, including the Hohensalzburg Fortress (a must-visit) and the Mirabell Palace, where parts of the Sounds of Music were filmed. It is also a renowned cultural center with a thriving music scene and several museums and art galleries.

You will find plenty to see and do, from exploring its rich history to enjoying its many shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Day Trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located in the heart of Bavaria and a 3-hour bus ride from Munich. It was founded in the 12th century and has since been well-preserved, making it a popular tourist destination.

The city is home to numerous historical landmarks, including the castle of Kaiser Karl der Große, the Gothic cathedral of St. Jakob, and the medieval town hall. In addition, Rothenberg is also known for its traditional Christmas market, which draws visitors from all over Germany and beyond.

Be sure to take a walk along the wall that barricades the village! You’ll get delightful photos of this gorgeous German village.

Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States. 

Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.

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.

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11 Surprisingly Great Day Trips from Munich

Munich is the vibrant and historic capital of Germany’s largest state: Bavaria . Much of what American travelers know about German culture today comes from Bavaria. Lederhosen, pretzels, Oktoberfest, beer steins – all of these things are Bavarian . I receive questions from guests on my Cologne walking tours about these things SO often. Honestly, we don’t really have any of that stuff in Cologne. It is unique to Bavaria. 

Munich is a city that effortlessly blends modernity with tradition, and Bavaria has a long and complicated history, most of which locals are quite proud of today. Yet, just beyond the bustling metropolis lies a treasure trove of picturesque towns, historical sites, and breathtaking landscapes. From charming medieval villages to stunning alpine lakes, Munich serves as the perfect base for a variety of enriching day trips.

You could easily spend 1 week exploring the region around Munich, but if you prefer to select a few specific day trips, this list has got you covered! I have hand-selected my favorite day trip destinations around Munich. I sorted this list roughly from closest to furthest away. So, pack your day bag, hop on a train or rent a car, and let’s embark on a journey to some of Bavaria’s most captivating destinations.

What You'll Find in this Article

Distance from Munich: Approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles)

I’m sorry to start out this list on such a heavy note, but the reality is that Dachau is one of the closest and most historically significant locations to see outside of Munich. Dachau is the site of the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp. This sobering memorial is a reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II. A visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a powerful and educational experience, as it provides insight into the horrors of the Holocaust.

The memorial includes the preserved barracks, the crematorium, and an exhibition that delves into the history and suffering endured by the prisoners. While it may be emotionally draining, visiting Dachau is an essential Munich day trip. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of human rights and tolerance in today’s world.  Of all the Jewish remembrance sites I’ve been to thus far, I found Dachau to be the most informative and powerful. 

Lakes District

Distance from Munich: Approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles)

There are a number of lakes outside of Munich, and they are one of the most beloved weekend destinations for local residents. Sometimes called the German Lakes District, many of the lakes are just a short drive from Munich. A few options are Starnberger See, Ammersee, Wörthsee, Pilsensee, and Weßlinger See. You will find locals grilling, playing on the lawn, swimming, sunbathing and doing water sports. This is honestly a SUPER German thing to do, so if you want a slice of local life, go to a German lake.

For more picturesque lakes, you’ll need to head further into the Alps. The mountain scenery is much more dramatic at lakes like Tegernsee, Walchensee, and Eibsee. Around these lakes, you’ll find more opportunities for hiking and Alpine sports. You can easily combine a stop at a lake with several of the other day trips on this list. 

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Distance from Munich: Approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles)

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a picturesque alpine town located at the base of the Zugspitze, and it’s the gateway to some of Bavaria’s most stunning landscapes. This charming town offers a blend of Bavarian tradition and outdoor adventure. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is known for its winter sports, with access to ski resorts like the Garmisch Classic and the Zugspitzplatt. 

In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding in the surrounding mountains. The town itself boasts cozy Bavarian architecture, lively markets, and a welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to explore the beautiful Partnach Gorge, a natural wonder that’s accessible by a hiking trail. 

Linderhof Palace

Distance from Munich: Approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles)

Linderhof is the least visited of the three palaces built by Bavarian King Ludwig II, but it was actually my favorite. Fun fact – it was his favorite too. It was the only palace that Ludwig II actually saw completed. I loved Linderhof because of the beautiful scenery and gardens around the palace. It is nestled in Graswang Valley with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Surrounding the palace are stunning French gardens modeled off of the ones at Versailles. There is a naturally powered fountain in the middle which shoots an 80 foot spout of water every 10-15 minutes. 

Once inside, Linderhof’s highlight is the sheer enormity of Rococo detail. Because this palace is smaller than the others, the rooms are packed with ornate details to make it seem more grand. The interior is meant to replicate Versailles, so there is a Hall of Mirrors with stunning decor and details. The King’s Bedchamber is incredible with a massive glass candelabra hanging in the center. No pictures are allowed inside, and you can only visit the interior on a scheduled tour. 

Standing at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet), Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain. To reach the summit, you can take a cable car from the German side or ride the cogwheel train from the Austrian side. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding Alps, including the Zugspitzplatt glacier. 

The Zugspitze region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities and some of the most breathtaking views in Bavaria. In the winter, the area becomes a skiing and snowboarding paradise, while the summer months offer hiking and climbing opportunities. Be sure to explore the nearby Eibsee, a beautiful, crystal-clear lake at the foot of the Zugspitze, where you can swim, boat, or just enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

The absolutely heart-warming and adorable town of Mittenwald is one of my favorite places that I have visited in Germany. That’s why I feature it on my list of Germany’s cutest small towns ! Nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps, the small town is known for its violin-making tradition and stunning natural surroundings. It literally feels like you have walked onto a fairytale movie set with its painted facade buildings and hobbit-like hovels.

Try some local Bavarian cuisine at Gaststaette am Kurpark restaurant and wash it down with beer from Brauereigaststätte Postkeller . You should also get the pretzel soup there because it is f*cking delightful. If you’re looking for something a little fancier, the tiny town of Mittenwald is home to Michelin star eatery — Das Marktrestaurant . 

Neuschwanstein

Distance from Munich: Approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles)

If there is a German castle that you already know, it is Neuschwanstein. This is one of the most visited castles in the world and is certainly the most iconic of Germany’s castles . Bankrolled by the enigmatic King Ludwig II, everything about this castle was designed in the high romantic style he loved. Its fairytale-like appearance and stunning location in the German Alps may look familiar to Disney lovers. Walt Disney is rumored to have designed the Sleeping Beauty castle after Neuschwanstein. 

Open throughout the year, you should be prepared for large crowds at Neuschwanstein. The castle is located at the top of a small mountain which can be accessed by foot (via a steep paved trail), by horse-drawn carriage or by shuttle bus. You need to buy your ticket a minimum of one week in advance . You will be given a specific time slot for entering the castle, and you can only see the castle on a guided tour. No pictures are allowed inside the castle.

Distance from Munich: Approximately 145 kilometers (90 miles)

Cross the border into Austria, and you’ll find the enchanting city of Salzburg, famously known as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. I actually wrote a whole itinerary for Salzburg on my other blog, Traverse , if you are interested in going in depth into the city.

On just a day trip, start with a visit to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which offers sweeping views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Next, stroll through the charming Old Town and make a stop at Mozart’s Birthplace. Don’t miss a visit to Mirabell Palace and its beautiful gardens. If you’re a “Sound of Music” fan, consider joining a guided tour to visit the film’s iconic locations around the city. Make sure to try the locally beloved candy, Mozartkugeln, which are chocolate balls stuffed with nougat.

Distance from Munich: Approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles)

Nuremberg, a medieval city with a beautifully preserved old town, is one of the classic and most popular day trips from Munich. And rightfully so! Surrounded by towering city walls, Nuremberg has such a cool historic feeling about it. One of Nuremberg’s most iconic sites is the Nuremberg Castle, perched high above the city, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Pegnitz River. 

For WWII history enthusiasts, the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds provides dark insights into the city’s past as one of the primary locations of the Nazis during the Third Reich. The Courtroom 600 in the Nuremberg Palace of Justice is where the Nuremberg Trials took place, and it is open to visitors. These are both heavy places to visit, but I think it is really important to understand how fascism grew and succeeded in Germany during the 1930s & 1940s.

Rothenberg ob der Tauber

Distance from Munich: Approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles)

Rothenberg ob der Tauber is a fairytale town that feels like it’s been plucked from the pages of a storybook. When I visited with friends this winter for the Christmas Markets , they kept saying “It feels like we’re on the set of Beauty and the Beast”. It is a true beauty that transports you back in time! I basically mention Rothenburg ob der Tauber on every single one of my “ must visit places in Germany ” lists because I just love it so much! 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s most notable feature is its exceptionally preserved medieval old town. Encircled by fortified walls, you can walk around practically the entire city admiring views and snapping photos. The town’s centerpiece is the Marktplatz, a vibrant square where you can admire the Renaissance-style Town Hall (Rathaus) and the imposing St. Jakob’s Church. Climb the Town Hall Tower for panoramic views of the town and its surroundings, offering breathtaking vistas of the rooftops and the Tauber River valley. 

Distance from Munich: Approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles)

With an extensive network of canals, Bamberg is another picturesque Bavarian gem waiting to be explored. Its well-preserved medieval and Baroque architecture, along with its UNESCO World Heritage status, make it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the region’s history and culture. I went during the Christmas Markets in 2022 and absolutely fell in love with this charming little city.

Start your day in Bamberg at the Bamberg Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. Continue your journey to the Old Town Hall, perched in the middle of the Regnitz River, and visit the enchanting Altenburg Castle. Make sure to sample the local specialty, smoked beer at one of the town’s historic breweries. 

Do you have thoughts or questions about these Munich day trips? Tell me in the comments below!

Further reading....

Ultimate 1 Week Road Trip Through the Best of Bavaria

Everything You Need to Know About Traveling in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Complete Guide to the Munich Christmas Markets

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A Non-Cyclist's Guide to Biking in the Moselle Valley

How to spend 2 perfect days in düsseldorf, meganarz.travels.

See Bavaria’s Most Famous Historical Sites On These 10 Day Trips From Munich

Munich has many historical sites worth visiting; here are the top 10 day trips and great places to stay while you're there!

Bavaria is infamous for its beautiful landscapes, its rich culture, and magnificent palaces. It is one of the must-see locations for anyone visiting Germany. There's lots to do here , like visiting glamorous castles and seeing historical sites .

The tricky part is to find the best activities to do; this article dives into some of the best things to do in Bavaria for people who are interested in visiting as many historical sites as possible.

RELATED: 10 Things to Know About Bavaria's Neuschwanstein Castle Before Going

10 Day Trip To Nuremberg

Nuremberg is the second-largest state in Bavaria and has some of the best-preserved historical landmarks that are a sight to behold. The beauty of this place isn't only rooted in its picturesque atmosphere but also in the rich history tied to it. Make sure to take a tour of the Nuremberg Castle and the Historic City Walls.

• Where you should stay: Hotel Victoria
• Address: Königstr. 80, 90402 Nuremberg, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Paid private parking, breakfast buffet, meeting rooms

9 Visit Linderhof Castle

People have traveled far and wide for decades to get a chance to see this stunning castle . Linderhof Castle is known for its glamour, designed by the King of Bavaria. It is what a typical fairytale castle would look like, and it's absolutely breathtaking in person.

• Where you should stay: Oberhulme
• Address: Muehlstrasse 22, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Infinity pool, fitness center, ski rentals

8 Visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a great place for people who are interested in delving deeper into the history of the Holocaust. Since thousands of Jews died in this camp, there's a beautiful memorial for the precious lives lost.

• Where you should stay: The Charles Hotel
• Address: Sophienstrasse 28, 80333 Munich, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Airport transportation, spa, business center

7 Neuschwanstein Castle Day Tour

This is the castle that inspired the Disney Castle, Sleeping Beauty. It is surrounded by beautiful, plush vegetation and sits on a hill in Fussen, Bavaria. It's quite a long walk, but the view of this castle is so stunning and incredibly memorable. Make sure to add this to the itinerary!

• Where you should stay: Hotel Sonne
• Address: Prinzregentenplatz 1, 87629, Fussen, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Breakfast buffet, spa, pets allowed

6 Salzburg Sightseeing

Salzburg gave the world incredible musical geniuses like Mozart and is home to the renowned Salzburg Festival. If that isn't convincing enough, then remember that this was also the filming place of the Sound of Music. This is a must-visit location for anyone who gets the pleasure of visiting Bavaria.

• Where you should stay: Wildpark Hotel
• Address: Kurallee 2, 56470 Bad Marienberg, Rhineland-Palatinate Germany
• Amenities: Bar/lounge, breakfast buffet, hot tub

RELATED: Explore Helen, Georgia: The "Bavaria of the US" Alpine Village

5 Climb Zugspitze - Germany's Highest Mountain

Germany has so many beautiful mountains that are worth visiting. The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, and it's one of the most beautiful. People who love hiking and skiing will have a great time exploring this glorious mountain.

• Where you should stay: Riessersee Hotel
• Address: Riess 5, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Spa, heated pool, complimentary breakfast

4 Visit Garmisch-Partenkirchen

This is one of the best ski destinations in Germany, and its picturesque appearance makes it a great place to visit as well. It is right by the dreamy Eibsee lake, which creates such a tranquil environment that gets to visit this stunning location.

• Where you should stay: Das Graseck
• Address: Graseck 4, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Pool with view, spa, fitness center

3 Day Trip to Regensburg

Regensburg is a UNESCO Heritage Site best known for its medieval town, the Gothic cathedral, and the old stone bridge from the 12th century. This is also a popular destination for river cruises.

• Where you should stay: Ibis Styles Regensburg
• Address: Bamberger Str. 28, 93059, Regensburg, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Children's playground, bar/lounge, free breakfast

2 Day Trip to Herrenchiemsee

The Herrenchiemsee in Bavaria is comparable to the infamous Versaille palace in France. It's a complex of royal buildings right by the Chiemsee lake. It's one of the most beautiful castles in Bavaria, and it's definitely worth a visit.

• Where you should stay: Residenz Heinz Winkler
• Address: Kirchplatz 1, 83229 Aschau Im Chiemgau, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Indoor pool, sauna, pets allowed

1 Visit Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is an excellent place for people who want to explore the Eagle's Nest; it has a stunning old town that is an absolute must-see. This is a beautiful place to visit for anyone planning a trip to Bavaria.

• Where you should stay: Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden
• Address: Hintereck 1, 83471 Berchtesgaden, Bavaria Germany
• Amenities: Fitness center, ski in/ski out/ pets allowed

Munich & Bavaria

Munich & bavaria.

Welcome to Bavarian Day Tours! We look forward to making your vacation special.

Our New Website

We have made use of the pandemic-induced down time to build a completely new website!

The Past 2 Years

It has been a tough couple of years for us, the travel and tourism business, and for everyone.

Tours During Corona

We prioritize health and safety during this pandemic and provide you the latest local info.

Private Tours in Munich, Bavaria and the Alps

Our tours at a glance, we do private tours.

All our tours (except Oktoberfest) are strictly private and therefore unique; you have us to yourselves for the duration of the tour. This makes our tours exclusive and customizable. We never forget that it is your vacation.

Five Star Destinations

We have many historically important and incredibly beautiful day trip destinations. Whether famous highlights or interesting off-the-beaten-path destinations, we have a tour for you.

Munich City Tours

We love showing guests how wonderful our adopted hometown is. We offer everything from a 2-hr walking tour to a 7-hr Munich and More tour including the nearby countryside.

Custom Tours

Special interests and custom itineraries are no problem at all. Whether family heritage trip, photography, history, spiritual, beer, golf, or trade show, we can operate your custom tour.

Our Top Destinations

Why Book With Us

We have been guiding travelers in Munich, Bavaria, and the Alps since 2011, and have done thousands of tours. We arrange each tour so you get the most out of each day.

Variety and Flexibility

We offer more destinations than any other company and are unique in offering multi-day tours. Any tour can be personalized and we can build your custom tour from scratch.

Our Customers Love Us!

Because we strive to make each tour special, we get great reviews from our clients. We get a lot of repeat business from frequent travelers as well as referrals from previous clients.

More Outstanding Tour Ideas

Testimonials

Highly recommended.

We had a day tour with with Kevin to the Fairy Tale Castles and then visited castle ruins. Kevin picked us up from our hotel promptly at scheduled time. Kevin is a very knowledgeable tour guide and my son Jacob and I had great day. On day two we had Bridget. She picked us promptly at hotel and we headed to the Eagles Nest! She is very knowledgeable tour guide and we had a great day. We also toured a salt mine and a tiny german villiage! Wonderful tour! Wonderful company!! Highly recommended!!

– D.Trieb, USA

Memories Last A Lifetime

Spent 2.5 days with Bridget seeing Kitzsteinhorn, Salzburg, Salt Mines, Eagles Nest, and Lake Königssee… What a great time for our family of 7!! Bridget is one of the sweetest persons you’ll ever come across and showed us a wonderful time. Thank you Bridget for helping to make our trip to Bavaria one we will always have great memories of. We’ll remember our time with you always. You’re the BEST!!

– N.Zolnak,  USA

Flexible, Professional and Perfection!

Our family of 6 adults (one pregnant) and one 2-year-old, spent 4 wonderful days with Kevin. He was very flexible to the needs of my crew. He took us to Salzburg, Rothenburg, Neuschwanstein, and Oberammergau, as well as Nuremberg and Regensburg for the Xmas markets. He gave us wonderful history lessons and his restaurant picks were top-notch. It was our pleasure to have Kevin as our guide and driver for those days. We spent 9 days in Munich and Kevin’s suggestions for sights and restaurants to visit were spot on. We cannot thank him enough! This company is definitely 5 stars! You will not be disappointed.

– K.Hulbert, USA

These testimonials were originally posted on Trip Advisor

Our Munich Old Town + Oktoberfest Tour

Learn about the history of Munich and the Oktoberfest and then enjoy a wonderful afternoon with a guaranteed seat in one of the major beer tents on our special Munich + Oktoberfest 2021 tour.  These are small group tours to a large party. Each day we have as many as four guides to keep the group sizes intimate. We also hold to a maximum of 9 people per table to give everyone a bit more room. Our Munich Old Town and Oktoberfest Tour is a great way for couples, singles and small groups to get a guaranteed spot at a table and have a wonderful Oktoberfest experience.

This is our only open tour. Included in the price:

• 90-minute city tour of Munich
• Tour of Oktoberfest grounds
• Afternoon seat in major beer tent (4 hrs)
• Includes 2 liters of beer and 1/2 chicken

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King Ludwig II of Bavaria built three magnificent structures during his reign of just over 20 years. His fairy-tale castle, Neuschwanstein, is world-famous, and truly one of the most recognized symbols of Bavaria. At Herrenchiemsee Palace, the Bavarian Versailles, you...

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The perfect 7 days in Bavaria Itinerary – exploring castles, mountains, and traditional cities

If you’re anything like me, you probably also have a hard time deciding for cities to visit once you arrive at a new destination. There’s so much to see, yet so little time – right?! I often find it difficult to choose my main points of interest and the perfect Itinerary from an outside position. If you’re feeling the same (or just looking for inspiration), I’ve got you covered. I’ll share my perfect Itinerary for 7 days in Bavaria that covers the most iconic spots.

Besides the step-by-step Itinerary, you’ll find a map and a rough price calculation for this trip at the end of the article.

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

All links marked with a * are so-called affiliate links. These links will allow me to get a small commission whenever you decide to purchase through the link.

Where should you start your 7 days in Bavaria?

The two (international) airports in Bavaria are Nürnberg (NUE) and Munich (MUC). Since Munich is one of the largest hubs in Germany, we’ll start our 7-day Bavaria road trip here. But, of course, you can also swap the individual stops and choose a different city like Nürnberg as starting point.

Nürnberg and Munich offer good infrastructure, especially if you also want to rent a car.

The ultimate 7 days in Bavaria Itinerary

As mentioned, you can also start this round trip at any other point. However, we’ll start our road trip in Munich since the Bavarian capital is usually the first place for travelers visiting Bavaria – especially if you are traveling from abroad.

This specific seven-day trip Itinerary isn’t made for slow travelers. You’ll cover a new city daily to make the most of your stay in Bavaria. Feel free to skip a town if needed; however, these stops will give you an excellent overview of the main points of interest in this part of Germany.

Day 1 | Munich

München (de) = Munich (en)

The journey begins! You will spend your first day in Munich, the world-famous Bavarian capital. Since Munich is so much more than just the Oktoberfest and FC Bayern München, you’d need multiple days in Munich to cover all there is to see.

Here are some sights you should add to your list to get to know the city:

Many of Munich’s attractions are within walking distance of each other so that you can combine sightseeing with a long walk. After your sightseeing tour of Munich, you can end the evening in one of the many restaurants.

If you want to try good Bavarian cuisine , I’d recommend the “Augustiner Bräustuben” and “Donisl.” At night you can wander through the many bars and clubs.

The following day is packed – maybe you’d better try to get some rest. (I know it’s not that easy… Munich’s nightlife is great!)

Hotels in Munich

• The NIU Brass*
• MIO by Amano*
• Roomers Munich*

Day 2 | Zugspitze – Neuschwanstein Castle – Füssen

A quick heads-up in advance: this day is packed! If you want to spend a little more time on the Zugspitze, the Eibsee, or the castle, I recommend spreading the two activities over two days. On the other hand, if you want to visit both spots in one day, as suggested, you should leave early to get the most out of it.

Step 1: Munich → Zugspitze | 1 hour 10 minutes

The second day of your journey takes you further south, close to the Austrian border. In the morning, you’ll go to Garmisch Patenkirchen to taste the mountain air. Then, you can hop into a cable car and ride up Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze . The ride on the gondola or mountain railway is a sensation already. After arriving at the mountain station, you’ll have a fascinating view of the mountain landscape. The perfect start for your week in Bavaria!

ADD ON: EIBSEE

At the foot of the Zugspitze is a lake called Eibsee, which you can reach after a 10-minute drive from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This lake is one of the most famous in Bavaria , as it offers a truly fantastic view with crystal clear water and mountain scenery. The valley station of the new Zugspitz cable car is only 2 00m from the lake and takes you directly to the Zugspitze. This specific cable car is one of the area’s newest and most innovative ones!

In addition, you can visit the lake before or after your trip up the mountain. Since the Eibsee is very well known, I recommend you get there early if you plan a short detour around the lake.

Before you start, you should know that the ride in a cable car can be challenging for travelers who are afraid of heights. The floor-to-ceiling glass gondolas take you to a dizzying height of 3000m – this can be frightening, even for passengers who are not scared of heights. The journey takes about 10 minutes and will definitely leave you speechless.

Before you arrive, you should check the departure times on the official Zugspitze website . Here you can also check which days the cable cars are closed and where you can find additional parking spaces. The cable car ride (ascent and descent) costs you €63 in summer and €57 in winter , and you can purchase your tickets online.

PS: Don’t forget to pack a jacket and skip the open sandals (even in summer). It’s cold up there!

Step 2: Zugspitze → Neuschwanstein Castle | 1 hour 15 minutes

The fastest route for this part often leads through Austria. Before you set off, you should check this and – if necessary – check whether you are allowed to cross the border and the costs thereby incurred. I’d recommend choosing the route within Germany – it only takes 10 minutes longer.

After an exciting morning in the mountains, you’ll continue to the next iconic destination: Neuschwanstein Castle . Of course, this world-famous attraction should not be missing from any Bavaria Itinerary. Entry to the castle costs €15 and includes a guided tour . Unfortunately, visiting the castle on your own is not possible, and a tour lasts about 30 minutes.

You can park your car in Hohenschwangau , as there is no direct access to the castle. Then, you can hike up to Neuschwanstein castle (approx. 30 minutes) or use the shuttle bus. The bus takes you to the Marienbrücke, where you have to walk another 15 minutes downhill to the castle. Option three would be the horse carriage, which will take you to a turning point just before the castle. You’d still have a 15-minute walk ahead of you from this point.

The iconic photo spot can be found on the Marienbrücke , about 15 minutes’ walking distance from the castle.  Please note that the bridge may be closed on some days in winter due to the weather.

You can read more about recent information and prices on the official website of Neuschwanstein Castle . I recommend you buy the tickets online in advance, even if there is a fee of €2.50. Since the ticket contingents are limited, you’re not at risk of not getting a ticket after your arrival. You can also check the seasonal opening times on their website.

I would generally plan 2.5 hours for a visit since the outdoor area and the view from the Marienbrücke should also be considered. In addition, the paths between the castle, bridge, and car park also take some time.

Step 3: Füssen

The cute town of Füssen is only a 10-minute drive from the castle and is a great place to stay for the night. You can end the adventurous day in a cozy, traditional restaurant. Then, if you don’t fall straight into bed from exhaustion, you can use the remaining time for a walk around the city center.

Hotels in Füssen

• Hotel Maurushaus*
• Hotel Sonne*
• Hotel Hirsch*

Day 3 | Rothenburg ob der Tauber (along the romantic road?)

After checking some of the top attractions in southern Germany off our to-do list, we are now driving north, more precisely to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The drive from Füssen to Rothenburg takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes along the A7 highway.

Alternatively, you can also drive the Romantic Road . This route takes you from Füssen via many small towns to Rothenburg (and even on to Würzburg). 

But what exactly is the Romantic Road? In short, this route connects culturally significant cities along picturesque countryside and traditional villages . It extends over 470km and 29 towns – so it will take you some time if you should aim for this route. 

The Romantic Road is particularly popular with travelers who prefer to travel slowly and are also interested in the culture and history of smaller towns. If you’re in Bavaria for only seven days and want to explore more than just this region, I would rather skip it, as the journey from Füssen to Rothenburg o.d.T on the Romantic Road takes twice as much time (without the stops along the route). However, since you’ll hear about this route often, especially concerning cities like Füssen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, I wanted to give you a quick insight into what you’d have to expect.

Arrived in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, you’ll get to explore a magical city full of medieval flair. Especially during the Christmas season, Rothenburg is a magnet for visitors from all over the world!

To get the most out of your day in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, these are the best places to visit:

If you are not too tired after the long drive and the day in the city, you can participate in one of the iconic night guard tours *.

• For more tips, feel free to read my guide about The best things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Hotels in Rothenburg

• Gästehaus Goldenes Lamm*
• Historik Hotel Goldener Hirsch*
• Romantikhotel Markusturm*

Day 4 | Würzburg

Würzburg (de) = Wuerzburg (en)

On this day, you’ll explore the city of Würzburg, which is only a 45-minute drive from Rothenburg.

This city is known for its charming city center, history, and tradition around wine . As with most other cities, you can experience a lot here. If I had to narrow it down, I’d recommend the following things to do in Würzburg:

In the evening, I recommend you immerse yourself in the world of wine. For example, you can reserve a table in the Julius Spital and try the local wine accompanied by delicious German cuisine. Afterward, you should stop by the Old Bridge and drink a so-called “Brückenschoppen.” This term describes the serving and enjoyment of wine on the bridge.

In the evening, many people drink wine along the bridge with friends and family and enjoy the atmosphere.

An absolute must-do in Würzburg!

Hotels in Würzburg

• Hotel Moxy Würzburg*
• Hotel Franziskaner*
• Hotel Würzburger Hof*

Day 5 | Bamberg and Nürnberg

Nürnberg (de) = Nuermberg (en)

The next destination on your seven-day trip through Bavaria will be the beautiful city of Nürnberg – which I also call my home. I’ve been in love with this city since day 1, which is why it shouldn’t be missing from this itinerary. The ride from Würzburg to Nürnberg takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes . But before we talk about Nürnberg, I wanted to give you a quick tip for an additional stopover.

Bamberg is a very picturesque and charming town that wouldn’t be that much of a detour on your way to Nürnberg. If you liked Würzburg and Rothenburg, Bamberg would inspire you just as much. The journey from Würzburg to Bamberg takes 1 hour, and from Bamberg to Nürnberg, it’s another 50 minutes . The city is also known as “Franconian Rome” and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the monastery garden, The new residence, or walk through the charming old town. Bamberg, aka “little Venice,” has a lot to offer. 

Back to our main stop of the day: Nürnberg is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. The city has a lot to offer. However, in my opinion, the most important stops for your visit are:

If you need a break from sightseeing, you can find my favorite cafes in Nürnberg in this guide. 

You will find many restaurants and bars to end the adventurous day.

Hotels in Nürnberg

• Leonardo Nürnberg*
• Karl August*
• Park Plaza Nürnberg*

Day 6 | Regensburg

Day 6 of your 7 days in Bavaria takes you to the city I grew up in: Regensburg. The university town on the Danube river combines modern and medieval gems. The old town of Regensburg has even made it onto the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

The journey from Nürnberg to Regensburg takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes . Therefore, if you made a stop in Bamberg the day before, you can also use the morning of this day for more sightseeing in Nürnberg and drive on to Regensburg later that day.

Once you arrive in Regensburg, you should visit the following places:

Regensburg has many bars where you can end the last evening before your return to Munich.

Short boat trips on the Danube , which also lead past the Walhalla , for example, are trendy. If you are not a fan of ships, you can also drive to the Walhalla by car. Evening picnics at the Walhalla are an excellent date-night idea!

Hotels in Regensburg

• Holiday Inn Express*
• Novotel Zentrum*
• Orphée – Großes Haus*
• For more tips about Regensburg, you can read my guide about the top 10 things to do in Regensburg.

Day 7 | Back in Munich

The last day of your round trip through Bavaria takes you back to Munich. Depending on your arrival time in Regensburg the day before, you could also spend some more time exploring the city. Alternatively, you can continue to Munich right after breakfast and discover the corners of the town you didn’t see on the first day. The journey from Regensburg to Munich takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes . If you drive directly to the airport, you’d only have a 1hr 10min ride.

What foods to try during your 7 days in Bavaria

Besides all the adventures and impressions, the best thing about traveling is often the local cuisine. Bavaria also has a lot to offer here. On your round trip, you will find some of the most famous Bavarian dishes. For example, you can eat “ Schneeballen ” (snowballs) in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Or maybe you try a classic “ Weißwurst ” (white sausage) breakfast in Munich and then enjoy “ Schäufele” or “ Bratwurst ” in Nürnberg? A pretzel is a perfect snack between meals, and you will definitely find the classic Schnitzel on every menu.

PS: An iconic combination would be a portion of “ Käsespätzle ” with a view from the Zugspitze!

• If you want to know more about the culinary delights of Bavaria, you can browse through my list of the 20 most famous dishes in Bavaria .

What you should know before spending 7 days in Bavaria

• Sundays are rest days, so you should plan shopping or similar tasks during the week. On weekdays, supermarkets here usually close at 8 p.m. Some shops close even earlier.
• The smaller the town, the more cash you’ll need . Although card payment is widely accepted, you often come across specific limitations. Smaller shops, in particular, often only accept EC cards and sometimes only accept cards above a specific value. In traditional shops like smaller bakeries, you might only be able to pay cash. So I would recommend always having some cash on hand. 
• Driving in Germany is, in general, really pleasant and easy. However, in the southern regions, you should ensure that you get the right winter tires in the colder months. You may have also heard that some highways in Germany have no speed limits. Nevertheless, please drive carefully and don’t let speeders harass you in your rearview mirror.
• The expression “Servus” is used here both to greet and to say goodbye .
• English is widely spoken , and you can usually find someone speaking it. However, dialects differ within Bavaria. So don’t be surprised if everything sounds different throughout your trip.
• Public toilets usually charge fees . Most of the time, you’ll find entry gates (especially on motorways) or staff asking for payment, which is around 50-70 cents.

How much will a road trip for 7 days in Bavaria cost?

Let’s talk about the price of this trip. Germany isn’t the most expensive country on the European average, but this trip will not be a bargain either.

Of course, the exact costs depend on your travel time, the accommodation, and the car you drive. 

Here is an example of a trip calculation to give you a rough overview.

As a database for this calculation, I chose a week in May for two persons , the mid-range hotels of the respective stops, a mid-range car , and the entrance fees for the attractions mentioned on day 2.

I also calculated €10 per day for parking spaces – this changes if you book a hotel with free parking, for example.

You’d still need to add the cost of fuel, meals, shopping, etc., on top of this. 

You can find a rough estimate of the current prices in Bavaria here (10/22):

~0.8€/bottle

I hope you found this Bavaria itinerary helpful. Even if you’re not staying an entire 7 days in Bavaria, you can now narrow it down to your specific points of interest. 

If you have more questions or something to add to the list, please let me know or leave it in the comments for others to read. Also, don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest boards so you can access it as soon as you start planning your Bavaria itinerary!

As always, stay happy and healthy!

See you soon,

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Hi there, I'm Julia. I am a german native travel blogger and content creator showing you the world through my eyes. Welcome to the page!

13 Comments

So lovely. I missed seeing the Neuschwanstein Castle when we visited and regret that. Next time!

The perfect reason to come back soon!

Woow this is such a great guide, and I absolutely love the design! Amazing effort!

Thank you so much Sabrina! 🙂

Bavaria is so pretty! Especially this time of year! Thanks for sharing this extensive guide. So easy to plan our trip now!

true, fall season is absolutely stunning here!

This is a perfect itinerary to explore Bavaria in 7 days. So many beautiful and historical areas.

I’m happy you like it 🙂

We have travelled all over Europe but have not spent any time exploring the castles, mountains or cities of Bavaria. I am sure that 7 days would give us a taste test of this lovely region. But I am sure we will want many visits to see it all. We certainly will be checking out the wine from this region. We will try to book a “Brückenschoppen”. Thanks for this great itinerary. We can certainly build our trip on this.

There are so many things to see there! I only visited Munich but Neuschwanstein Castle is high on my wish list! I love your detailed budget breakdown.

Bavaria is one of my dream trips! I will definitely save this guide for when I finally have the chance to go. Thank you for sharing!

Great itinerary! There is so much to see in this region. I’ve done Munich and Rothenburg ob der Tauber but I’ve been dying to go back to see Neuschwanstein Castle. I’ll be saving this for when I’m able to go back, thanks!

Glad you like it! 🙂

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Winter in Munich: 4 perfect day trips in Bavaria

Winter in Munich is a magical time. The city is covered in snow and a festive mood is in the air. But sometimes you might want to escape the city for a day and explore the winter wonderland that surrounds it. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie or just looking for a break from everyday life, Munich offers a wealth of day trips to suit different tastes and preferences. In this blog post, we take you on a journey through five wonderful winter trips from Munich that will make your day trip unforgettable.

Table of Contents of this Article

Experience the magic of winter with day trips from Munich

These one-day itineraries from Munich in winter offer a variety of experiences , from skiing in the Alps to exploring historic cities and visiting the festive Christmas markets. So, pack your winter gear, hop on the train or take a short drive and enjoy the enchanting winter season in and around Munich. Each of these destinations promises a day full of unforgettable experiences that you will remember for years to come.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: A winter wonderland just an hour away

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is the ideal travel destination for anyone who longs for an authentic winter experience. This charming Bavarian city is located just an hour from Munich in the heart of the Bavarian Alps and is surrounded by majestic mountains and enchanting forests.

Start your day with a visit to the Garmisch-Classic ski area, where you can either hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding or take the cable car up the mountain and enjoy the panoramic views . Then explore the picturesque town with its colorful houses and charming cafes. Warm up with a steaming cup of mulled wine and enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes at one of the local restaurants.

Nuremberg: A winter market spectacle

If you’re a fan of traditional Christmas markets, a day trip to Nuremberg in winter is an absolute must. Just over two hours by train from Munich, Nuremberg offers one of the most famous and enchanting Christmas markets in all of Germany. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is a festive paradise full of handmade decorations, delicious treats and the legendary Nuremberg sausages.

In Nuremberg, you can spend the day strolling through the festive market, enjoying gingerbread and sipping warm, spicy wine. Don’t forget to visit the impressive Nuremberg Castle and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. And if you have time, explore the Germanic National Museum to discover the country’s rich cultural heritage .

Chiemsee: A quiet day at the lake

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Lake Chiemsee, about a two-hour drive from Munich. Lake Chiemsee, also known as the “Bavarian Sea”, is a breathtaking freshwater lake surrounded by picturesque villages and snow-covered landscapes.

Start your day with a visit to Herrenchiemsee Palace, often referred to as Bavaria’s Versailles . Explore the opulent rooms and beautiful gardens. Afterwards, take a scenic boat ride on the lake and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty Bavarian meal in one of the lakeside restaurants and take leisurely walks along the shore.

Regensburg: A historic winter wonderland

Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a gem and is about two hours by train from Munich. This historic town comes to life in winter with its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets and charming Christmas markets.

Start your day with a visit to Regensburg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture . Next, explore the Old Town, where you can admire the medieval architecture, visit the stone bridge, and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at one of the local cafes. The Regensburg Christmas Market is a must-see and offers a range of festive delicacies and handmade gifts.

Credit Featured Image: winter in Munich – Generated with AI by Microsoft Designer

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Lisa is a Blogger for more than a decade now,  sharing her adventures exploring the world on JoyDellaVita , as well as excursions into the culinary world, sustainable choices, how to live a healthy active lifestyle but overall,  how to enjoy a life full of joys .

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Manchester City lead Liverpool in race for Bayern Munich star superstar

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A string of Europe’s biggest clubs are considering a summer move for Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala, but Manchester City are leading the race for his signature, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has been a regular in the Bayern team for four seasons now, already racking up over 150 first team appearances, winning four Bundesliga titles along the way.

The former Chelsea youth team standout has also accumulated 27 caps for Germany and will play a big part this summer at Euro 2024 on home soil.

However, he could be returning to England soon after that, with The Independent reporting that Manchester City are considering a bid for him in the next transfer window.

Liverpool are also credited with an interest in the playmaker, along with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but the Premier League champions are reportedly in pole position.

Musiala’s contract with Bayern Munich runs until 2026 but there has been no suggestion that he intends to sign a new one and the German giants could be tempted to cash in on him this year while they can still demand a huge fee for him.

The Germany international is thought to be interested in a move to the Premier League at some stage after growing up in England from the age of seven and representing the Three Lions from Under-15 to Under-21 level before opting to represent the country of his birth at senior level.

He also, reportedly, wants some encouragement on whether Bayern will be improved next season after a poor campaign in the Bundesliga by their standards.

Thomas Tuchel’s side remain in the Champions League and are well placed in the quarter-finals after a 2-2 draw at Arsenal in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

However, despite being second in the Bundesliga, they are 16 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen and the title race is already over.

If Musiala did make a big-money move, it would be good news for Chelsea, who lost him to Bayern when he was just 16.

The Blues agreed a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the contract that took him to Bavaria, so they would be set for a big pay day on a deal that would likely cost at least £80m.

MORE : Chelsea ‘could be better off’ without Cole Palmer, Liverpool legend John Barnes suggests

MORE : Sporting boss Ruben Amorim rubbishes rumours he’s agreed deal to become Liverpool manager

For more stories like this,  check our sport page .

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Harry Kane got himself on the scoresheet at one of his happier hunting grounds but it’s all to play for between both sides at the Allianz Arena

• Read Nick Ames’ match report from the Emirates Stadium
• 2d ago Match report: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
• 2d ago Full time: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
• 2d ago GOPAL! Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich (Trossard 76)
• 2d ago Second half: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich
• 2d ago Half-time: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich
• 2d ago GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich (Kane 32pen)
• 2d ago Penalty for Bayern!
• 2d ago GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Bayern Munich (Gnabry 18)
• 2d ago GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Bayern Munich (Saka 12)
• 2d ago Arsenal v Bayern Munich is go ...
• 2d ago Arsenal v Bayern Munich line-ups
• 2d ago Tonight's match officials
• 2d ago Champions League: Arsenal v Bayern Munich

And last word on that penalty shout goes to the Arsenal manager: “They said they checked it and decided it was not a penalty,” he says, not sounding entirely convinced.

Mikel Arteta: “The game had different moments,” he tells TNT. “We started really well, we were dominant, didn’t concede anything. We scored a really good goal and after that is the moment of the game when Ben [White] is in front of [Manuel] Neuer and if it was 2-0 it would have been a very different game.

“They scored and it created some uncertainty, the second goal was unusual for us to concede but it is the Champions League , you make a mistake and get punished. We allowed them the spaces to run and they were very dangerous but even at 2-1 we tried to make a rhythm, we were composed and didn’t try to rush things and the changes had an impact on the game.”

That late Saka penalty shout III: Having seen several replays, I think it was an excellent decision by the referee. Neuer ran to the edge of his area as Saka approached with the ball at his feet.

With a touch of his left foot, Saka touched the ball to the goalkeeper’s left, before kicking out with his right to ensure heavy contact was made with his left leg and Neuer’s right. I think it was the correct call but wouldn’t have been even remotely surprised if it had been given. Gooners are wlecome to disagree but it was nowhere near the stone-waller that the penalty awarded to Bayern was.

Arsenal’s late penalty shout II: “Nice objective reporting, claiming only one-eyed Arsenal fans could deny Bayern’s penalty but Saka was looking for it?” writes Nick Archard. “Bayern’s was definitely a penalty and Arsenal’s at the end was even more so. Why would Saka give up rolling the ball into the empty net? Did you see Neuer’s expression afterwards?!”

Eh, whether or not Saka was looking for a penalty is entirely irrelevant to the legitimacy of his claim. Either he was fouled or he wasn’t – whether or not he was “looking for it” is completely irrelevant.

Arsenal’s late penalty shout: “I don’t really see why Arteta should be aggrieved,” writes Colin Livingstone. “If Saka went any further out of his way to kick the goalie, he’d have needed to take a taxi.”

Harry Kane: Having praised the quality of Arsenal and the quality of Gabriel Jesus’s “chop” inside the box, Kane says “obviously we’re never happy not to win but it’s a good point away from home.”

Yes, yes … it’s a two-legged eliminator but you know what he means.

“I think we’ve seen over the past couple of years, probably during my last season at Tottenham they were really strong,” he tells TNT, when asked to compare this incarnation of Arsenal to previous ones he has faced.

“They’re having a good go at trying to win the league and they’re a really good team. We changed our plan a little bit today in terms of how we defended without the ball bec ause they keep the ball well and find the spaces but of course we know they’re a top team.”

Match report: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich

Champions League: Serge Gnabry and a Harry Kane penalty had overturned Bukayo Saka’s early strike but substitutes Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard combined to restore parity for Arsenal ahead of next week’s second leg. Nick Ames reports from the Emirates …

Leandro Trossard: On the pitch it looked like a penalty to me,” he tells TNT, upon being asked about that late incident. “I haven’t seen a replay but for me it looked like there was clear contact but I have to wait until after to see it again, obviously.”

Are you pleased with that result: “I think not pleased but when you’re 2-1 down at half-time you take the draw at the end. I think we started so well in the first half, the first 15 or 20 minutes were so good, we could have scored two or three. At the end of the day it’s a draw and we take it and we have to finish it off.”

Post-match shenanigans: Mikel Arteta was quickly on to the pitch to complain about Arsenal being denied a late penalty but he can argue all he likes, they’re not going to get one now. I think he is entitled to feel aggrieved but his side have come from behind to earn a decent draw and have every chance of beating Bayern Munich in Germany next week.

Full time: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich

Peep! Peep! Peeeeeeeeeeep! The ref draws proceedings to a close with Saka still on the deck in the Bayern penalty area. He and Neuer were each running toewards a through ball, Saka got to it first but sort of thrust his leg towards Neuer to ensure contact.

I think if he’d just let the laws of physics and momentum take their course, he would have got a penalty. The fact he was clearly looking for one might have influenced the referee’s decision-making.

90+6 min: Now Saka goes down in the Bayern box after colliding with Manuel Neuer, who had come out to collect a through ball. There’s a massive appeal for a penalty but the ref waves play on.

90+5 min: Odegaard goes down outside the Bayern box under a challenge from Davies and appeals for a free-kick. None is given.

90+4 min: Trossard swings his boot at a bouncing ball near the middle of the pitch and sends it high in the air, bouncing towards Neuer, who gathers.

90+3 min: A poor touch from Trossard sends the ball out of play for a Bayern throw-in.

90+2 min: We’re into five recommended minutes of added time and Bayern are dominating these late, late stages, possibly smelling blood.

90 min: Kingsley Coman sticks out a foot to stab a Musiala pull-back from the byline on to the foot of the near post from what looked an impossibly tight angle. It’s a late let-off for Arsenal!

89 min: Partey is booked for Fernandinho-ing Musiala as the Bayern man attempted to gallop upfield on the break.

87 min: Bayern win a free-kick in a decent position wide(ish) on the left. Guerreiro floats the ball towards the far post and it ends up drifting out for a throw-in. There’s a brief break in play as Zinchenko goes down after a clash of heads.

85 min: Arsenal substitution: Thomas Partey on for Kai Havertz, who has struggled to make an impact on tonight’s game.

84 min: Saka sends an extremely inviting cross drifting across the face of the Bayern Munich goal but there’s nobody there to nod it home.

83 min: Bayern Munich are showing no signs that they’re happy to sit back and defend this scoreline, which they’ll surely be happy with ahead of the second leg at the Allianz Arena. They’re going after a third goal!

81 min: Musiala pings the ball inside to Coman, whose scuffed shot from distance is gobbled up by David Raya.

78 min: That was straight out of the top drawer by Gabriel Jesus, who showed incredible skill in a very tight and crowded space on the edge of the Bayern penalty area to dance past De Ligt and then Goretska before squaring the ball for Trossard, whose task was fairly straightforward.

GOPAL! Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich (Trossard 76)

Arsenal are level! Brilliant feet from Gabriel Jesus, who dances into the Bayern penalty area, sits De Ligt on his backside with a soft-shoe shuffle and squares the ball for his fellow substitute. Trossard makes no mistake, burying a low drive from about 12 yards out.

75 min: Arsenal win a throw-in deep in Bayern territory and Ben White retrieves the ball from the foot of the advertising hoarding. It’s worked inside to Zinchenko and then back out towards the touchline, where Bayern win the throw-in.

73 min: Eric Dier goes down holding his face after a coming-together with Gabriel Jesus and the Arsenal crowd respond as sympathetically as you might expect to the former Tottenham player’s plight. He’s fine.

71 min: Leroy Sane was playing a blinder for Bayern but there is a suggestion he was taken off because he was suffering from some sort of niggle. Thomas Tuchel had enquired after his welfare from the touchline a few minutes before withdrawing him and sending on Coman, who has barely played at all in the past few months.

69 min: There’s a break in play while Serge Gnabry receives treatment for an injury. He has to go off and is replaced by Raphael Guerreiro, a more defensive player.

68 min: Harry Kane, who I think is maybe a little lucky to still be on the pitch, has a shot on goal deflected wide off Declan Rice.

66 min: Bayern Munich substitution: Kingsley Coman on for Leroy Sane. Arsenal double-substitution: Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard on for Jorginho and Martinelli.

64 min: Havertz goes down in the Bayern box and appeals for a penalty. He doesn’t get one and replays show he was chancing his arm.

62 min: Laimer tries a shot from distance but doesn’t trouble David Raya in the Arsenal goal.

61 min: Kane picks out Sane with a wonderful ball out wide and the Bayern winger cuts inside into the Arsenal penalty area. He’s dispossessed by Saliba and Arsenal clear their lines.

60 min: Arsenal waste the free-kick and the ball ends up in the gloves of Neuer.

59 min: Letting the ball run past him, Saka cleverly draws a foul from Konrad Laimer and Arsenal win a free-kick in a dangerous area.

58 min: Goretzka picks up a ball inside from Gnabry and shoots from the edge of the Arsenal penalty area. Wide.

55 min: Harry Kane gets booked for catching Gabriel with a firm right-elbow into the chops as he reversed into the Arsenal defender with his back to goal and the ball approaching the duo. I’ll tell you what, that looked naughty from Harry and possibly worthy of more than a yellow card.

54 min: Joshua Kimmich steps in to intercept a Havertz ball towards Martinelli on the left flank with his head. Routine but important defending.

52 min: Zinchenko is seeing plenty of the ball since his introduction. He takes a throw-in, receives the ball back, plays it inside, gets it back again and then sends it skidding wide with an overhit delivery down the inside left.

51 min: From the left touchline, Rice overhits his free-kick and sends the ball harmlessly over the bar.

50 min: Goretska breaks up another Arsenal attack but Sane immediately gives the ball away. Sane is penalised for an accidental clip on the heels of Declan Rice out on the left wing. Free-kick for Arsenal.

47 min: Arsenal play the ball from side to side in the middle third before Jorginho pings it wide to Ben White. Havertz sends a cross towards Martinelli at the far post, where Leon Goretska cuts out the danger. Belatedly, the flag goes up for offside but that was excellent play from the experienced Bayern midfielder who, dare I say it, has kept Declan Rice firmly under wraps this evening.

Second half: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich

46 min: Arsenal restart the game, having made one change. Oleksandr Zinchenko is on for Jakub Kiwior. I did mention before kick-off that I thought the Ukrainian was very unlucky to be left out, which clearly demonstrates that I would make a better football manager than Mikel Arteta.

Bayern’s second: “Raya dived a good second before Kane even kicked the ball,” observes Crispin in LA. “I don’t understand why more keepers don’t just stand their ground at penalty kicks. They would save all the shots down the middle and likely the poorly struck placed ones. And they would defy and confuse the takers who wait for keeper to commit.”

Well, I mean standing youir ground occasionally is OK, but if you do it all the time, penalty-takers from opposition teams will soon twig what you’re up to and never hit the ball down the middle. I also reckon that goalkeepers think not diving and conceding makes them look lazy, whereas diving and conceding at least demonstrates some effort on their part.

Half-time: Arsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich

Peep: An entertaining half of football draws to a close with Arsenal trailing by the odd goal in three. They started brightly and went ahead through a fine strike from Bukayo Saka, before gifting two goals to Bayern courtesy of defensive blunders.

Serge Gnabry rounded off a fine counter-attack for the Bavarian side to draw them level, before Harry Kane converted from the spot after William Saliba had brought down Leroy Sane. Only the most one-eyed of Gooners will argue that it was anything other than a penalty.

44 min: Arsenal keep control of the ball, passing it around in the middle third of the pitch. One of those passes is mishit and Bayern win a throw-in.

42 min: Odegaard wins a throw-in deep in Bayern territory and moments after it’s taken wins another corner for his team. Saka sends the ball into the mixer and referee Glenn Nyberg blows for an infringement on some Bayern player or other, probably Neuer, who was flapping haplessly.

39 min: Kane goes down under a challenge from Martinelli and is booed by the locals. The Arsenal winger avoids a booking, which seems odd considering Alphonso Davies got one for a near identical challenge on Saka earlier in the half.

37 min: That particular Bayern counter-attack came about on the back of a weak header from White that gifted possession to Sane. Between them, Arsenal’s defenders are making a lot of mistakes tonight and most of them have been unforced.

36 min: Bayern attack on the break again and Sane shows their defenders a clean pair of heels as he advances upfield. Ben White performs heroics to get back and prevent him getting a shot off.

35 min: Saka and Odegaard combine down the right and the Arsenal captain has a shot on goal blocked by Matthijs De Ligt.

33 pen: That’s not the kind of penalty-kick you associate with Kane, who normally goes for power. It was unquestionably a spot-kick despite the complaints of Saliba, who clearly tripped Sane as he waltzed into the Arsenal penalty area from the left.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich (Kane 32pen)

Kane scores! He rolls the ball into the bottom right-hand corner sending Raya the wrong way and Bayern Munich lead at the Emirates.

Penalty for Bayern!

William Saliba brings down Leroy Sane in the Arsenal box and it’s a stonewall penalty for Bayern Munich . Over to you, Harry.

29 min: Saliba sells Odegaard short with a poor pass near the halfway line and Gnabry pounces. Arsenal get away with another defensive error, this time made by their other defensive linchpin.

27 min: Saka sends the ball towards the near post, there’s a mini-scramble in the six-yard box and a panicked Manuel Neuer eventually claims possession.

26 min: Saka runs on to a ball from deep and Gnabry sticks a boot out to put it out for a corner, Arsenal’s first of the game.

• Champions League
• European club football
• Bayern Munich

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