Summary
There is so much to love within Munich, it can be hard to remember the wonders that lie just beyond its city borders. Located in the heart of Bavaria, this region is quintessential Germany of charming medieval villages, alpine peaks, and pristine lakes.
These nine day trip destinations from Munich offer the best of nature for summer, winter, fall or spring.
Starnberger See
Address: Lake Starnberg, 82, Germany
Only a 30 minute ride (or drive) from Munich, Lake Starnberg is the second largest lake in Bavaria. Once the playground of royalty, it is now a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.
Take a swim, visit the 18th-century St.-Josef-Kirche, or just stroll along the scenic promenade. Those who desire a better view of the breathtaking lakefront can cruise the waters. There are tours of the lake that stop in Berg and Leoni. Leoni is home to schloss Possenhofen, where beloved Princess Sissi grew up.
Transportation: 30 minutes. By public transport – Frequent departures by the S-6 towards Tutzing; By car – A-95 southwest.
Best Season: This destination shines on warm summer days.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze
Address: 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
The most famous ski slopes in Germany are located here. Used in the 1936 Winter Olympics, the two resorts feature over 45 miles of downhill runs and 7 miles of cross-country skiing. The town itself sits in the valley below the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest point at nearly ten thousand feet.
Transportation: An hour and a half. By public transport – Almost hourly departures to Garmisch-Partenkirchen; By car – A-95 South.
Best Season: Ski the legendary slopes in winter or enjoy hiking in the summer months. Aim for clear skies any time of year to ascend the Zugspitze.
Lindau and Bodensee
Address: Lindau, 88, Germany
An ideal German island destination, Lindau sits on beautiful Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in Germany). Sunshine, sailing, and swimming are fundamental elements of a Lindau vacation. Admire the Mangturm (13th-century lighthouse) and Bavarian Lion that face each other in the harbor.
Transportation: 2-3 hours. By train – Almost hourly departures with local and faster EC trains; By car – A-96 Southwest. Parking on the mainland and crossing onto the island by bridge is recommended.
Best Season: Visit Lindau when the sun is shining and prepare for crowds on holidays and weekends.
Berchtesgaden
Address: 83471 Berchtesgaden, Germany
Hitler’s Kehlsteinhaus (or Eagle’s Nest) absorbs most of the attention in Berchtesgaden, but it is far from the only attraction. In addition to stunning mountain vistas, there is a postcard-worthy Schlossplatz (castle square) and a charming Königssee. The Königliches Schloss Berchtesgaden was originally a monastery, serving as a summer home for the Wittelsbachs, and is now open for public tours.
Transportation: 3 hours. By train – Almost hourly departures with a change required at Freilassing on some routes. Some trains may split en route, so ensure you’re in the car heading for Berchtesgaden; By car – A-8 Southeast to Bad Reichenhall exit, then take B-20.
Best Season: This destination is worth visiting year-round. Bring a sweater even during warm weather as it can get chilly high in the mountains.
Bad Reichenhall
Address: 83435 Bad Reichenhall, Germany
Germans love a spa town and Bad Reichenhall is a stunning example. Located at the foot of the Alps, it has been famed for its salt mines since the 12th century. Soothe any ailment of body or mind with the 24% saline content of the spas – the highest percentage in Europe.
If you seek excitement, head to Kurgarten, which features a casino and bierhall in the park. Learn more about the history of the town at the Alte Saline. You can also take a tour of the caves followed by a unique exhibition on glass-blowing.
Transportation: Just over 2 hours. By train – Regular service with a change required on some routes at Freilassing. Some trains split en route, so confirm you are on the car heading to Berchtesgaden; By car – A-8 Southeast.
Best Season: Explore the spas and hiking in the warmer months, and enjoy winter sports as the snow falls.
Chiemsee
Address: Chiemsee, 83, Germany
Bavaria’s largest lake is located just north of the Alps. A fanciful steam train takes visitors from the train station to the Stock-Hafen Pier.
There are two islands to explore that host a nunnery and a monastery (known as Frauenchiemsee and Herreninsel) plus an uninhabited Krautinsel. Most visitors choose “Men’s Island” for the spectacular Herrenchiemsee. The dream castle of King Ludwig II, this lavish complex emulates the grandeur of Versailles.
Transportation: One hour. By train – Regular train service to nearby Prien; By car – A-8, Bernau exit, and follow signs to Prien.
Best Season: Visit Chiemsee from late May to September when all attractions and transport are open.
Ammersee
Address: Ammersee, 86911, Germany
Much less touristy than Lake Starnberg, Ammersee offers many similar attractions. Some Germans choose to stay in quieter Ammersee rather than bustling Munich, yet it remains relatively unknown to most international travelers.
Aside from water sports and cruises, visitors can explore the Archäologischen Parks or hike through woodlands to the monastery, Kloster Andech. Hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views.
Transportation: 45 minutes. By public transport – Frequent S-5 departures to the last stop of Herrsching; By car – A-96 west toward Landsberg, take the Oberpfaffenhofen exit, and follow signs to Herrsching.
Best Season: This destination is best enjoyed on a warm summer day.
Mittenwald
Address: 82481 Mittenwald, Germany
Located along the Austrian border, Mittenwald is renowned for its forests, mountains, and music. Matthias Klotz elevated his hometown’s status by mastering the art of violin making in 1684.
Stroll through the fairytale-like streets reminiscent of a Brothers Grimm story or ascend the Karwendel Mountain by foot, bike, or via the Karwendelbahn (cable car). Although the peaks aren’t as imposing as those in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the crowds are significantly lighter.
Transportation: Under 2 hours. By train – Almost hourly departures; By car – A-95 toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then continue on the B-2.
Best Season: Delight in the warm weather during summer and savor the winter snow.
Wendelstein
Address: 90 Wendelstein, Germany
Climb 6,000 feet into the Bavarian Alps to visit Wendelstein. Müncheners have been making this trip since 1912 when the first alpine rail scaled its icy peaks.
Transportation: An hour and a half. By train – Several trips each morning to Bayrischzell; By car – A-8 Southeast, Irschenberg exit, follow signs to Bayrischzell.
Best Season: This destination welcomes visitors year-round but is particularly enchanting when dressed in winter snow.
