If the residents of Munich look pleased with their lot, it’s little wonder. Not only is this cosmopolitan city a fantastic place to live, but it also serves as a great base for exploring the nearby mountains and lakes, as well as other cities and countries. When you’ve had your fill of art collections, parks, and rollicking beer halls, there are vibrant cultural thrills and outdoor adventures just a short trip away.
Within an hour or so of the Bavarian capital, the stunning Alps await, where hiking trails and cable cars scale cloud-shredding peaks, while winter snowfall entices skiers. Alternatively, you can explore the rich history of Augsburg or Ulm, or visit one of “Mad” King Ludwig’s magnificent palaces. Austria is also within easy reach, with glorious Salzburg just a short train ride away. Here are ten of the best day trips from Munich.
1. Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Chiemsee, the Region’s Largest Lake
Travel time: 1 hour
This picturesque lake offers heavenly mountain views. On warm summer days, you might be tempted to relax at the lakeside lido beaches, rent a boat, or paddle along the shores. However, there are must-see sights here as well.
The big attraction on the lake is the opulent Schloss Herrenchiemsee, which King Ludwig II ambitiously modeled on Versailles back in 1878. The lavishly frescoed, gilded, and chandelier-lit Grosse Spiegelgalerie is longer than its Versailles counterpart at 98 meters and elicits awe 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 frequently depart from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, making the journey in one hour. From Prien-Stock, take the ferry to Herreninsel, followed by a 20-minute walk through pretty gardens.
2. Have a Fun Day Out with the Kids at Wildpark Poing
Travel time: 30 minutes
Founded in 1959, this wildlife park is home to deer, raccoons, wolves, and wild boar, along with a family of brown bears. A circular trail passes through the enclosures, featuring dense forest and open meadows, with several animals roaming nearby.
If visiting with kids, allocate ample time to explore the extensive play area halfway through the park. With rope courses, steep slides, water fountains, pirate ships, and spots for toddlers, it’s a guaranteed hit for families.
How to Reach Wildpark Poing from Munich: Public transportation options are limited unless you are happy to walk around 2 kilometers from the nearest S-Bahn station. It takes about 30 minutes to drive there.
3. Stroll Around Augsburg, One of Germany’s Oldest Cities
Travel time: 30 minutes/1 hour (train/car)
Augsburg is a perfect getaway for those seeking a cultural experience outside Munich. Founded by the stepchildren of Emperor Augustus over 2000 years ago, this city is rich in history, famously influenced by the medieval textile trade.
A city of impressive spires and charming gables, Augsburg dazzles visitors exploring the Romantic Road, which meanders through picturesque Bavarian landscapes. The Old Town centers around Rathausplatz, featuring its iconic fountain and 17th-century Rathaus, topped with a towering pinecone, the city’s emblem.
How to Get to Augsburg from Munich: Augsburg is one hour’s drive northwest of Munich via the A8 motorway, or take one of the frequent fast trains departing from the Hauptbahnhof, which takes roughly 30 minutes.
4. See Schloss Neuschwanstein, an Inspiration to Walt Disney
Travel time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Part of the allure of this whimsical castle lies in its breathtaking backdrop of forests and the Alps. King Ludwig II’s imagination flourished here at Schloss Neuschwanstein, which inspired many fairy tales. It also made a cameo appearance in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
With an interior designed more like a stage than a fortress, the castle features extravagant rooms adorned with frescoes from Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser. Extensive restoration efforts are currently underway to preserve its stunning grandeur.
How to Get to Schloss Neuschwanstein from Munich: Start your day early for a visit. The castle is approximately one hour and forty-five minutes southwest by car, or you can take a train to Füssen and then a bus to the castle.
5. Eat Well by the Shores of Lake Tegernsee
Travel time: One hour
Located directly south of Munich, Lake Tegernsee is a favorite excursion among locals. Here, you’ll find delightful boat trips, water sports, and a public sauna with scenic views, not to mention several great dining options.
Enjoy refreshing local beers and traditional dishes at Herzoglich Bayerisches Brauhaus Tegernsee or savor contemporary cuisine at the stylish dining space of the blyb hotel, managed by a team that oversees a Michelin-starred restaurant in Munich.
How to Reach Tegernsee from Munich: Trains to Tegernsee depart hourly from the main station. Alternatively, you can drive via the A8, but be cautious of traffic during beautiful weather.
6. Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Travel time: 30 minutes
Dachau was among the first concentration camps established, housing political prisoners from March 1933. Today, it stands as a poignant memorial to the more than 200,000 people imprisoned here, reminding visitors of the atrocities of the Third Reich.
Plan to spend a full morning or afternoon exploring the somber exhibits, some of which may be distressing for younger visitors. The visitor center offers information and audio guides for a guided understanding of the camp’s history.
How to Get to Dachau from Munich: Drive north for about 30 minutes via the A99, or take one of the frequent regional trains from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, which takes approximately 11 minutes.
7. Head Up to the Mountains Around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Travel time: 1 hour
As you approach Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you enter the majestic Bavarian Alps. The area is known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, whether skiing or hiking in the alpine meadows.
Don’t miss the chance to ascend Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain, via a cable car that offers spectacular views across four countries. For a more adventurous option, explore the stunning Partnachklamm gorge, famous for its steep sides and wild waterfalls.
How to Get to Garmisch-Partenkirchen from Munich: The driving distance is roughly one hour south on the A95, or you can hop on one of the hourly trains from the Hauptbahnhof, which takes around an hour and a half.
8. It’s Easy to Spend More Than a Day in Berchtesgaden
Travel time: 2 hours
Berchtesgaden is an alpine dream better experienced over a long weekend. With stunning lakes and rugged mountains, including Germany’s second-highest peak, the Watzmann, the scenery is breathtaking.
The Königssee, a fjord-like lake with emerald waters embraced by towering cliffs, is a scene-stealer. The area is part of the Berchtesgaden National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve filled with exhilarating hiking trails.
How to Get to Berchtesgaden from Munich: Expect a two-hour drive southeast via the A8, with longer travel times for trains from Ostbahnhof.
9. Learn About German Expressionist Artists at the Franz Marc Museum
Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
The Lenbachhaus in Munich features an extensive collection from the German expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter. This artistic movement was inspired by the nearby alpine landscapes and can be explored further at the Franz Marc Museum in Kochel am See.
The museum, located in a scenic villa, showcases works from Marc and other prominent artists, plus stunning views from its observation room.
How to Get to the Franz Marc Museum from Munich: Regional trains to Kochel run roughly every hour, taking about 60 minutes from the Hauptbahnhof.
10. Explore Unique Sights in the City of Ulm
Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Ulm, famous for its rich history and the birthplace of physicist Albert Einstein, boasts unique attractions, including the world’s most crooked house and the tallest cathedral steeple.
The Ulmer Münster and its impressive Marktplatz present a fascinating blend of modern city life and historical significance. Take time to explore the picturesque Fischerviertel, where historic homes line the waterways.
How to Get to Ulm from Munich: The drive to Ulm is about one hour and a half west on the A8 motorway. Alternatively, there are regular train connections, taking roughly 1¼ hours.
