Best Day Trips from Munich
The Bavarian capital of Munich in Southern Germany is a premier location to base yourself for day trips from Munich and nearby Austria.
There are many fun things to do in Munich, but make sure you make time in your itinerary for some day trips from Munich as well. Here are some of our favorites.
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Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein Castle is probably the most popular day trip from Munich. Some say this fairytale castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
The castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1868. He died before it was completed, so it has always been open as a public attraction.
The Castle is just over two hours from Munich and is best reached on a tour from Munich, however you can also take the train and purchase tickets to the castle in the village of Hohenschwangau, where the castle is located. One of the very best castle day trips from Munich.
Day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle tour
- Neuschwanstein Castle Entrance Ticket
- Small-Group Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Luxury Coach Day Trip from Munich
- Private Tour: Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau from Munich
- Neuschwanstein Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Munich
Linderhof Palace
Another Munich day trip to a beautiful castle in Bavaria is Linderhof Palace, just 100 km away. Linderhof is the smallest of three castles commissioned by King Ludwig II, and is the only one where he actually resided.
This castle sits at the end of a reflecting pool, sporting a gilded statue in the center, which makes for a very photogenic residence! Visitors to Munich can drive, join a bus tour or take public transportation (train + bus) to Linderhof Castle.
A variety of ticket options are available to tour the palace, the Royal Lodge and the magnificent gardens surrounding the palace.
Day trips to Linderhof Palace
- Small-Group Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castle Luxury Coach Day Trip from Munich
- Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich
- Overnight Royal Castles Tour – Linderhof, Hohenschwangau, Neuschwanstein
Eagle’s Nest
Many Munich tourists make a day trip to Berchtesgarden, 150 kilometers from town. The main attraction here is a visit to the Eagle’s Nest, or Kehlsteinhaus. This mountaintop retreat was gifted to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday.
Today, the chalet is run by a non-profit organization, and offers a museum, beer garden and cafe for visitors. There are many hiking trails in the area, and shuttle buses to take you from town up to Eagle’s Nest.
Of course, you can visit on your own, or there are several packaged tours for this Munich day trip to Eagle’s Nest.
Day trips to Berchtesgarden
Zugspitze Peak
Located near the mountain resort town of Garmisch – Partenkirchen, Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany.
After taking the train to Garmisch from Munich, then the Zugspitzebahn to the mountain, where you then take a cog train or a gondola to the peak. Of course, you can also climb the mountain yourself, but that may involve more than a day trip from Munich!
Once you reach the top, you’ll have marvelous views of the Alps, to Austria, Switzerland and even Italy! Enjoy a romp in the snow, and a snack or a beer in the cafe on top. There are several viewpoints along the way to enjoy the alpine scenery.
Day trips to Garmisch
Salzburg
For an international day trip from Munich, check out Salzburg, Austria. The birthplace of Mozart is just 150 kilometers from Munich, and easily accessible by car, train or bus. Salzburg is a beautiful Austrian city built around the Salzach River.
With medieval and baroque buildings flanking the river, Salzburg offers many attractions for the day visitor from Munich. Beautiful gardens, copper-domed cathedrals and and castles, against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps.
If you visit in winter, Salzburg has some remarkable Christmas markets to experience! Below are a few day trips from Munich to Salzburg.
Day trips to Salzburg
- Salzburg Small-Group Day Tour from Munich
- Sound of Music, Salzburg and Lake District Day Tour from Munich
- Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail
- Pearls of Austria- Salzburg & Hallstatt
Innsbruck
Another day trip to Austria from Munich is the Tyrolean village of Innsbruck. In just a couple of hours by train, you can be in Innsbruck for the day.
The capital of Austria’s Tyrol region is known for a medieval Old Town contrasted with more modern architecture, all in a beautiful mountain setting. With the mountains so close, Innsbruck is a gateway for outdoor adventure in every season, whether it’s hiking, mountaineering or snow sports.
Just hop on the Nordkette funicular, and you’ll be on the mountain in no time. If you prefer to stay in town for the day, there is plenty to occupy you in the city as well.
Stroll through cobblestone streets, enjoy delicious Austrian cuisine, or enjoy one of many festivals throughout the year in Innsbruck.
Day trips to Innsbruck
Rothenburg
The medieval town of Rothenburg is another excellent day trip from Munich. Germany’s best-preserved walled town is just a few hours from Munich by train, and even closer to Frankfurt, so it’s a popular destination for tourists from all over Germany.
A trip up the Town Hall tower gives you views of Rothenburg and surrounding hillsides. You can also walk on top of the wall surrounding Old Town.
Day trips to Rothenburg
Nuremberg
Another day trip destination in Northern Bavaria is the medieval city of Nuremberg. Perhaps best known for the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were brought to trial in 1945 and 1946.
Today, the city offers many attractions for a day trip. There are several medieval remains dating back to the 13th century, including the Imperial Castle.
Take a stroll down Weißgerbergasse, a cobblestone street lined with colorful, half-timbered houses that are straight out of a postcard! There are up to 40 daily trains making the 2-hour journey from Munich to Nuremberg.
Day trips to Nuremburg
Dachau
Dachau Concentration Camp, the first Nazi concentration camp is just 30 km outside of Munich. This was the first concentration camp in Germany, opened in 1933.
Originally an abandoned munitions factory, it was then used to hold political prisoners but eventually evolved into the death camp where over 40,000 Jews were killed. It is now a Memorial Site and can be visited on a guided tour, or using an audio tour.
Dachau can be reached by the S-Bahn train system from Munich, then transferring to a local bus.
Day trips to Dachau
- Private Tour: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich
- Fully Guided Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich
- Half-Day Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Walking Tour with a Local Guide from Munich by Train
- Munich WWII Combo: Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site and Third Reich Walking Tour
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