There are so many incredible day trips from Munich, it’s hard to know where to start. From fairytale palaces to medieval cities and even a town in the Alps. Munich is surrounded by so much history and some amazing scenery. Here’s my guide to all you need to know!
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For skiing, history, or exploring beautiful towns, there are so many perfect Munich day trips. You have to head out of the city on atleast one of these amazing day trips!
17 INCREDIBLE Day Trips from Munich – Where you need to go
What you need to know
- What cities are close to Munich by train? Dachau, Ingolstadt, Innsbruck and Landhut are all under an hour away by train.
- What are the best day trips from Munich? A trip to Neuschwanstein Castle is probably the most popular day trip from Munich. But it entirely depends on what you’re interested in seeing!
- Can you do a day trip from Munich to Salzburg? Yes! There are direct trains to Salzburg from Munich.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
A site of remembrance, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is one of the more profound day trips from Munich. Opened in 1933, the camp was liberated in 1945, but not before nearly 42,000 lives were lost here. It’s a difficult, but important, visit providing vital education and ensuring those who were here continue to be remembered. You’re able to walk around the site and also visit several exhibitions.
Nuremberg – A hub of political history
Nuremberg, the second-largest city in Bavaria, is steeped in history and makes for one of the best day trips from Munich. Its Old Town, full of ancient buildings is dutifully overlooked by the medieval fortress of the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg. Nuremberg also carries a darker legacy in its city walls as a major site for National Socialist rallies. It later served as the location where many of its leaders were tried and convicted. The Nuremberg Christmas Market is also regarded as one of the best in Germany! Here are some top picks for Nuremberg:
- Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds: The Documentation Center is a powerful museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the past. It features striking exhibitions documenting the activities of the National Socialists.
- Imperial Castle of Nuremberg: Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, Nuremberg’s Castle has been an iconic feature of the city since the Middle Ages.
- Memorium Nuremberg Trials: Located in the courthouse where hundreds of National Socialists were convicted, this exhibition is another striking reminder of the atrocities of the past.
Ulm – The former Imperial City
Ulm, the birthplace of Albert Einstein and home to the world’s tallest church spire, has lots of personality to get to know. Once a free Imperial city, Ulm has plenty of historical sites alongside its more modern side, blending the old and new in spectacular fashion. Here are some must-see spots for Ulm:
- Ulm Minster: The city centre of Ulm is dominated by its minster. Standing around 162m tall it survived bombing raids of WW2 and is an iconic landmark in the city.
- Crooked House: An old fisherman’s cottage leaning over the water, the Crooked House in Ulm is a fun little spot to visit. It’s actually stood like that for hundreds of years now so rest assured it won’t succumb to the water any time soon!
- Wiblingen Abbey: The pinnacle of baroque grandeur, you have to visit Wiblingen Abbey. Its interiors are incredible and offer a step back in time to the 1700s.
Regensburg – A medieval city
Home of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its medieval city centre, and over 1500 listed buildings, Regensburg is the true definition of a medieval city. However, it isn’t a city stuck in the past. Its residents know how to have a good time, with over 500 bars in the city centre you’re never too far away from a party. Known for its busy shopping streets and impressive historic sites, Regensburg is a city that blends history with modern flair, making it another one of the best day trips from Munich. Here are a few top picks for your visit:
- St Peter’s Cathedral: A powerhouse of gothic architecture, St Peter’s dominates the Regensburg skyline and is home to the oldest boys’ choir in the world.
- Old Stone Bridge: For great views of the city head to Old Stone Bridge. Constructed in 1135 it’s stood the test of time and is now a popular spot for tourists.
Passau – The City of Three Rivers
Sat near the Austrian border, Passau—known as the “City of Three Rivers” – is a fantastic mix of history, incredible architecture, and a lively art scene. Its beautiful buildings blend Gothic, Baroque, and Mediterranean influences, creating postcard-perfect views along the river. Definitely one of the best day trips from Munich if you’re looking for a pretty little town!
- Veste Oberhaus fortress: Overlooking Passau and a former home to royalty, Veste Oberhaus is one of the largest castle complexes still standing in Europe.
- St. Stephan’s Cathedral: Full of grandeur and a little Italian flare, St Stephan’s is an important landmark in the city. It’s home to the world’s largest church organ made up of 17,974 pipes!
- Dreiflüsseeck (Three Rivers Corner): The point where the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers all meet creates a unique spectacle in the town. Each river has its own colour creating a beautiful meeting point in the middle as they all flow into each other.
Salzburg – An Austrian adventure
Hop across the border to Salzburg for another one of the best day trips from Munich! Originally on the site of a Roman settlement, the town has grown and expanded through time with its town centre now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s buildings are beautiful blending different architectural styles to give Salzburg a royal feel.
- Fortress Hohensalzburg: Atop the Festungsberg mountain, watching over the city, Fortress Hohensalzburg is an incredible castle complex which dates back to the 11th century.
- Schloss Mirabell & Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Palace and Gardens): A picturesque palace with beautiful gardens which has become one of the most popular spots in Salzburg.
Bamberg – A step back in time
Head north in Bavaria to explore the medieval town of Bamberg. Its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of winding alleys, cobbled streets, and timber-framed buildings that make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. If you drink be sure to check out the smoked beer, a local speciality!
- Altes Rathaus (Old town hall): One of Bambergs most unique treasures is it’s town hall. Its facade is held up over the river looking almost as if it’s just been stuck on as an extra bit!
- Little Venice: Full of pretty timbered buildings looking over the lake, hop a river cruise along the water to take in all the sites.
Innsbruck – For outdoor enthusiasts
Another trip across the border into Austria will take you to Innsbruck. Surrounded by the Alps, it’s an ideal location for winter sports having hosted the winter olympics twice. It’s a beautiful city backdropped perfectly by the mountains and is full of history. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of historic cities, Innsbruck is another one of the best day trips from Munich.
- Schloss Ambras – Ambras Castle: Sat in the hills overlooking Innsbruck, Ambras is a former royal residence and the oldest museum in the world!
- The Golden Roof: A highlight of the Old Town, it’s made up of 2657 copper tiles, giving it a golden appearance.
Herrenchiemsee Palace – The palace on an island
A royal palace on an island, Herrenchiemsee is another one of the more unique day trips from Munich. Sat on Herreninsel (Herren Island) on Lake Chimsee, Herrenchiemsee Palace was built by King Ludwig as a copy of the Palace of Versailles. You’re able to walk around the grand gardens and take in the surrounding views as well as take a guided tour of the palace. There are even horse-drawn carriage rides in the summer!
Lake Walchensee – The Bavarian Caribbean
If you’re looking to step into nature and experience some unforgettable views of the Alps, a visit to Lake Walchensee is one of the best day trips from Munich for you. It’s known as the ‘Bavarian Caribbean’ thanks to its sparkling blue-green waters and is an ideal spot for hiking, swimming and windsurfing. It’s a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts and one of those places that truly lives up to its reputation.
Landshut – A Pretty little town
The capital of lower Bavaria, Landshut is a cosy little town a short distance away from Munich. Overlooking the Isar River, it’s full of Gothic buildings and has one of the best-preserved historic centres in Germany. If you’re looking for a more low-key day trip down to a pretty German town, this is the place for you.
- Burg Trausnitz (Trausnitz Castle): A former residence to royalty, the castle dates back to the early 1200s.
- Landshuter Hochzeit (Landshut Wedding): This is an epic celebration which takes place every four years. It’s in honour of the wedding between the Duke of Bavaria and a Polish Princess with the wedding being recreated and a procession through the town.
Schleissheim Palace – A beautiful Palace
If you love visiting royal palaces, Schleissheim Palace is one of the best day trips from Munich for you! Only a short train ride away, the magnificence of this place is well worth the trip. Originally a more humble dwelling, the original manor was removed and replaced with what we now see today after reconstruction from damage suffered during the Second World War. It features intricate frescos, incredible pieces of furniture and beautifully decorated rooms that let you live out your best royal life, if only just for a day!
Berchtesgaden – For breathtaking scenery
Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Berchtesgaden is a picturesque town surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Its notable history includes being a frequented spot for Nazi officials and its proximity to Hitler’s infamous Eagle’s Nest. However, Berchtesgaden has so much more to offer. The views are unreal while the town itself is filled with colour Alpine buildings. For the scenery alone, Berchtesgaden has to be one of the best day trips from Munich.
- Lake Königssee: One of the most beautiful lakes you’ll ever see, Königssee is a natural masterpiece. Sail across the water, take a hike or just gaze at the views!
- Eagle’s Nest: A building with 360 views of the Alps synonymous with Hitler’s regime, the Eagle’s Nest is an interesting site. It’s reached by an elevator through the mountain and now houses an exhibition and restaurant.
Neuschwanstein Castle – The ultimate fairtytale castle
One of the most popular day trips from Munich is definitely Neuschwanstein Castle. There’s a reason it’s so popular, it’s incredible. Picture the most fairytale-esque Castle possible perched atop the foothills of the Alps surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery you’ve ever seen.
I can’t recommend a visit enough, Neuschwanstein is an essential day trip if you’re in the Bavarian Capital. Head inside the castle for a guided tour, take in the views from Marienbrücke and take a horse and cart ride back down the hill and relax by the Alpsee Lake. It’s the perfect day trip!
Linderhof palace – An oppulent palace
Similar to Neuschwanstein, Linderhof Palace is another one of the most popular day trips from Munich. It’s hard to believe what you’re seeing is real. Nestled into the hills, the striking white palace of Linderhof and its sprawling fountain and gardens are just unreal. You can take a tour of the inside which has one of the best and most lavish furnishing of any of the German palaces/castles I’ve been to.
Again, like Neuschwanstein, this has to be on your Munich bucket list!
Ingolstadt – For foretresses and cars
Known for its motor industry and as a famous setting in Frankenstein, Ingolstadt offers a great blend of history and modernity. Its Old Town is over 1000 years old and houses the town hall, plenty of churches and lots of beautiful buildings. Yet Ingolstadt is not all about history—the city is also home to Audi’s headquarters, a major hub of industry in the city. Here are some of the top things to see:
- New Castle: Fortress-like in its appearance, it’s hard to miss the striking white exterior of New Castle. Today it’s home to the Bavarian Army Musem.
- Kreuztor – Cross Gate: The gateway to the city, Kreuztor is beautifully designed, looking like it’s from a tale of medieval times.
Augsburg – One of Bavaria’s oldest cities
One of Bavaria’s oldest cities, Augsburg is renowned for its majesty in its architecture. It’s known for the Fuggerei, the oldest public housing complex in the world. Steeped in centuries of history—from witch hunts to uprisings—Augsburg’s streets have witnessed it all, making it another one of the best Munich day trips.
- Fuggerei: The oldest public housing complex in the world which is still in use. The Fuggerei was also home to Mozart’s great-grandfather and the birthplace of his father.
- Schaezlerpalais: A beautiful baroque palace with an incredible golden Rococo ballroom.
Summary
Whatever you want to see, there are so many great places to go near Munich. Some of the most incredible sights in Bavaria can be accessed from its capital. It’s an ideal place to stay if you’re looking to explore the region!
