Looking for the best day trips from Munich to make your visit unforgettable? As the hero of your journey, you don’t need to stress about planning—we’ll guide you through each step.
In this guide, we explore 10 amazing locations that let you escape the city and return by evening. As the hero of your journey, you’ll have all the guidance you need to plan effortlessly.
Along the way, you’ll discover:
- Tips to maximize your experience
- Transportation options for stress-free travel
- And essential details
Read on to uncover how these 10 destinations can transform a simple day into a memorable adventure.
10 Best Day Trips from Munich
Exploring Bavaria and beyond is one of the most rewarding experiences in Central Europe. Thanks to excellent trains, buses, and highways, there are endless day trips from Munich that take you to fairy-tale castles, UNESCO cities, Alpine mountains, and cultural treasures. Whether you prefer history, nature, or adventure, these are the best day trips to add to your travel plans.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
The most famous of all Munich day trips, Neuschwanstein Castle is the legendary “Disney Castle” built by King Ludwig II. Located in Füssen, about two hours away by train and bus, it is an absolutely gorgeous sight rising from the Bavarian Alps.
This fairy tale castle features stunning interiors, though access requires a ticketed guided tour (about €17). To reach, take a train ride from Munich to Füssen, then a short bus taking you directly to the entrance. Tickets are best booked online as they sell quickly. Hiking up takes about 30 minutes, or you can take a shuttle for a small fee.
- Tips for Neuschwanstein Castle
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure the best photos.
- Combine with Hohenschwangau Castle nearby for more history.
- The Bayern Ticket offers cheap group travel for this trip.
See Also Best Spring Break Destinations for Families in the USA
2. Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Located just about an hour from Munich, the Dachau Memorial Site was the first concentration camp in Germany, opened in 1933. It is now a powerful reminder of WWII history, offering exhibitions, survivor testimonies, and preserved buildings.
From Munich, the easiest way is by U Bahn to Dachau train station, then a short bus taking you to the memorial. Entry is free, but guided tours cost about €4–5 and are highly recommended for deeper understanding. Many visitors who have visited Dachau describe it as emotional and unforgettable. Plan about three hours here to walk through the barracks, crematorium, and museum.
- Tips for Dachau Memorial Site
- Wear comfortable shoes as the journey takes you across large grounds.
- Bring water and snacks; facilities inside are limited.
- Visiting on a sunny day allows more time outside exploring.
3. Nuremberg
Famous for its medieval charm and WWII history, Nuremberg makes a perfect day trip. Just two hours by direct trains, it offers a mix of ancient and modern. Start with Nuremberg Castle and the medieval city walls, then explore the old town with its half-timbered houses and churches.
Don’t miss the Fembo House, a historic museum showing city life through the century. Food lovers should try Nürnberger sausages in the city center. Tickets to the castle cost around €7. Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second largest city, rich in culture, museums, and other sites linked to WWII history.
- Tips for Nuremberg
- Buy a day card for public transport within the town.
- Head to the Christmas market in December if timing allows.
- Climb the castle tower for amazing views of rooftops.
4. Salzburg, Austria
To visit Salzburg, hop on a train from Munich and enter Austria in just under two hours. This city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to Mozart, Baroque churches, and the fortress above the old town. Don’t miss Mirabell Palace and its lovely gardens, the Salzach river walk, and St. Peter’s Abbey.
The Salzburg Card (about €29) includes free entry to museums and unlimited public transport. From the train station, it’s a short walk or bus into the city center. Salzburg is a fantastic destination for day trips from Munich, though many travelers choose to stay overnight.
- Tips for Salzburg
- Enjoy a boat ride on the Salzach River for unique views.
- Taste authentic Austrian strudel or schnitzel in the old town.
- A guided tour of the fortress includes panoramic Alpine sights.
5. Regensburg
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Regensburg is one of the most preserved medieval towns in Germany. Just about an hour and 30 minutes by train, it is known for the stone bridge (12th century), St. Peter’s Cathedral, and colorful houses along the Danube.
The old town is compact and walkable, with medieval city walls still partially standing. Regensburg’s breweries are among the oldest in the world, and a visit to the historic sausage kitchen near the bridge is a must. The city is lively with students and makes one of the most charming day trips you can take.
- Tips for Regensburg
- Check out the free exhibitions at the town hall.
- Take a short boat ride on the Danube for new perspectives.
- Enjoy beer gardens during summer along the riverbanks.
See Also Top Hotels in Kauai
6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This is the crown jewel of the Romantic Road and perhaps the most picturesque of all medieval towns. Located about three hours away by train (with changes), Rothenburg features cobblestone streets, cute half timbered houses, and intact city walls you can still walk.
Attractions include the Toppler Castle, Market Square, and Christmas Museum. Entry to the town’s museums is about €5–7. Many travelers combine Rothenburg with a day tour of the Romantic Road. Though a bit far, it’s totally worth the effort for a perfect day trip from Munich.
- Tips for Rothenburg
- Climb the town hall tower for panoramic photos.
- Join the Night Watchman’s guided tour in the evening.
- Visit the Christmas shop for year-round holiday cheer.
7. Garmisch-Partenkirchen & Zugspitze
Adventure seekers will love heading south to the Bavarian Alps. Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, can be reached by train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then a cable car or cogwheel train to the summit. The journey takes about two hours. Tickets for the cable car cost around €60 but include access to amazing views over four countries.
In winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular; in summer, hiking trails provide fresh air and outdoor activities. The town of Garmisch itself is charming, with painted houses and Alpine cafes, making it one of the best day trips from Munich year-round.
- Tips for Zugspitze
- Check weather in advance—clouds may block the views.
- Carry layers, even in summer—it’s cold at the top.
- Look for other tours combining Zugspitze and nearby lakes.
8. Chiemsee & Herrenchiemsee Palace
Known as the “Bavarian Sea,” Lake Chiemsee is one of the most beautiful sights near Munich. From Prien (reachable in just about an hour by train), take a boat ride to Herreninsel, where you’ll find Herrenchiemsee Palace, another creation of King Ludwig II.
Modeled after Versailles, it features grand halls and lovely gardens. Tickets cost around €10, plus about €5 for the boat. Fraueninsel, another island, offers a monastery and charming restaurants. With its mix of culture and lakeside relaxation, this is one of the best day trips in Bavaria.
- Tips for Chiemsee
- Bring cash for small restaurants on the islands.
- Pack swimwear in summer—there are beaches by the lake.
- Explore Fraueninsel for handmade crafts and smoked fish.
9. Berchtesgaden & Eagle’s Nest
In the southeast, near the Austrian border, lies Berchtesgaden. Famous for its scenery, lake Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest, it’s about two hours by train and bus. The Eagle’s Nest, built during WWII, now serves as a restaurant with stunning Alpine views.
Access requires a special mountain bus and costs about €28. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour from Munich. Don’t miss a boat ride on Lake Königssee, one of the most absolutely gorgeous lakes in Germany. With its history, salt mine, and landscapes, Berchtesgaden is a fantastic destination for trips from Munich.
- Tips for Berchtesgaden
- Arrive early as parking lots fill quickly.
- Combine with a visit Innsbruck for an extended Alpine trip.
- Best visited on clear days for amazing views at Eagle’s Nest.
10. Innsbruck, Austria
Just across the border, visit Innsbruck in the Tyrolean Alps, one of the most beautiful sights near Munich. Trains take about two hours, making it a quick escape to Austria. Innsbruck offers a mix of history and adventure: the Golden Roof in the old town, the Imperial Palace, and modern ski jump arenas.
Take the Nordkette cable car up for views of the Alps—tickets are about €40. The town is small and easy to explore on foot from the train station. Innsbruck is a fantastic destination for day trips, combining fashion, culture, and mountain air.
- Tips for Innsbruck
- Try Tyrolean dumplings at a traditional inn.
- Visit Swarovski Crystal World nearby if you like art and design.
- Great base to stay overnight for longer Alpine adventures.
See Also Best New Year’s Destinations in the USA
Day Trips from Munich: A Recap
Exploring Bavaria and beyond is easy with so many day trips from Munich available by train, bus, or rental car. From fairy-tale palaces like Neuschwanstein Castle and Herrenchiemsee Palace, to historic sites such as the Dachau Memorial Site and Nuremberg Castle, each destination offers unique insights into culture, history, and landscapes.
You can enjoy the charm of medieval towns, relax by lakes, or take a cable car up to Germany’s highest mountain. Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or scenic beauty, these best day trips promise unforgettable memories. With efficient transport and endless trips from Munich, planning your travel will be effortless and rewarding.