Best Day Trips from Munich

By Vicky · Published Jan. 12th, 2024 · Updated Feb. 2nd, 2024

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Discover the top ten best day trips from Munich, including historic cities, fairytale castles and towering mountains.

Best Day Trips from Munich Map

Best Day Trips from Munich

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1. Neuschwanstein Castle

This fairytale castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. Its Disney appearance, amazing interior and picturesque setting in the Bavarian Alps make it one of the best day trips from Munich.

Getting There: It’s 2 hours drive or 2hr40 on the train and bus from Munich.

Read more about visiting Neuschwanstein Castle.

Best Tour: There’s plenty to do near the castle to make it worth staying overnight, but if you want an easy day trip from Munich, this is the best tour!*

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2. Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a very well-preserved historic city with plenty to see on a day trip from Munich. You’ll discover lovely old buildings, Schloss Kaiserburg, and the home of the famous engraver Albrecht Durer. In a darker period, Nuremberg was also host to the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and after the war the Nuremberg Trials to convict Nazis were held here. There’s so much to see you could stay overnight and spend two days exploring the city.

Getting There: It’s 1 to 2 hours on the train from Munich, with fast direct options or slower trains where you can use the €49 ticket. Driving from Munich takes almost 2 hours.

Read more about Nuremberg

Best Tour: Once you’re in Nuremberg, make the most of your time on a great guided walking tour*!

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3. Rothenburg-ob-der Tauber

This super cute, Medieval town is one of the top things to see in Germany. It’s a very popular day trip from Munich, though staying overnight means you can avoid the crowds in the early morning or late evening, during which time the town is very atmospheric.

Getting There: It’s roughly 3 hours on the train from Munich, with at least three different train connections. It’s about 2hr40 to drive.

When in the Area: If you drive, stop off at Dinkelsbühl on the way back. It’s another lovely Medieval town with lots of towers and is less touristy than Rothenburg.

Read more about Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber

Best Tour: This bus tour from Munich to Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber* stops off at the dramatic Harburg Castle, and saves the hassle of the many train connections.

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4. Zugspitze

Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, at 2962 m high. It’s near Garmisch Partenkirche, right on the border with Austria. You can take a cable car up from either the German or Austrian side. From the German side, the cable car leaves from Eibsee and costs €62. From the Austrian side, the cable car to the summit leaves from near Ehrwald and is €56, or €68 if you want the Glacier Ticket. This also includes a little train to a glacier at the top.

Getting There: It’s almost 1.5 hours drive from Munich or 2hr20 on public transport.

When in the Area: If you have time, visit the impressive gorge of Partnachklamm on the other side of Garmisch Partenkirche.

Best Tour: The easiest way to visit Zugspitze is on a van tour from Munich*. Bear in mind that the headline price doesn’t include the price of the cable car ticket.

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5. Bamberg

Bamberg is one of the most complete Medieval cities remaining in Germany. There’s plenty to see, including the large cathedral, cute streets, a grand Residenz and a castle. If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk from Bamberg to Schloss Seehof, another nearby castle.

Getting There: It’s 1hr45 to Bamberg on a fast, direct train from Munich. Alternatively, it’s 2hr30 drive, making the train the best option. Taking the train also means you can taste some of the famous Bamberg smoked beers!

Discover more of Bamberg

Best Tour: If you like beer, this self-guided tour* will help you discover the breweries of Bamberg. Smoked beer is a specialty of Bamberg, and it’s definitely worth discovering this unique flavour.

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6. Dachau Memorial Site

This very sobering visit to a former concentration camp is a reminder of the importance of learning from history to prevent such atrocities from happening again. It’s close to Munich and worth visiting on a day or half-day trip to pay homage to the victims of the Holocaust. It’s free to visit (small fee for an audioguide) and open every day from 9am to 5pm.

Getting There: The best way to reach Dachau Memorial Site from Munich is on public transport. It takes between 25 and 40 minutes on the train and bus. With a car, it’s at least 30 minutes drive but can be up to 1 hour depending on traffic.

Best Tour: This half-day tour* from Munich central station includes a guided visit of the memorial site, which really helps to explain the history of the place. If you don’t opt for a guided tour, make sure you get an audioguide as there are not many explanation boards.

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7. Königssee

Visiting Königssee, perhaps the most beautiful lake in Germany, is one of the best day trips from Munich. The crystal clear lake is surrounded by the majestic Bavarian Alps, and a boat ride on the lake is a must.

Getting There: It’s 2hr30 to drive to Königssee or 3 hours via train and bus. Parking is right by the Lake, and the bus stop is here too. If you go via train and bus, it’s included in the Germany public transport €49 ticket.

Read more about Visiting Königssee

When in the Area: If you like hiking, check out the amazing three-day hut hike from Königssee up to a rocky plateau in the middle of the Alps and down again.

Best Tour: If you want to save the hassle of driving or taking public transport, there’s a great guided tour from Munich to Königssee* where everything is organised for you.

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8. Salzburg

The town of Salzburg is just across the Austrian border, southeast of Munich. It’s a beautiful city and there’s a lot to see, including a hilltop castle and the birthplace of Mozart. If you have enough time, you might want to consider staying overnight.

Getting There: It’s about 1hr45 to Salzburg on a direct train from Munich, included in the €49 ticket. It takes roughly the same time to drive.

Best Tour: There’s a great guided tour of Salzburg from Munich* that makes use of the direct train. You’re accompanied by a professional guide who organises everything and takes you on a fun walking tour of Salzburg.

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9. Regensburg

Regensburg has a very long history, with some of the oldest ruins dating to Roman times when they built a fortress here. In the Medieval period Regensburg became a flourishing trading centre and today you can see the grand buildings and distinctive tall tower houses of the city. It makes a great day trip from Munich if you like history, culture and beautiful buildings.

Getting There: It’s roughly 1hr30 on a direct train from Munich to Regensburg, which is included in the €49 ticket. It takes a similar time to drive.

Discover more of Regensburg

Best Tour: When you arrive in Regensburg there’s a fun little train tour* that takes you around the old town with an audioguide in English.

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10. Lake Chiemsee

Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria and a fun day trip from Munich. You can visit two of the islands in the middle on a boat trip, and on one is Schloss Herrenchiemsee, the most extravagant palace built by the Fairytale King Ludwig II. If you take two days, you can also go swimming, walk along the lake shore or even cycle around the entire lake.

Getting There: It’s just over 1 hour on a direct train from Munich, included in the €49 ticket. It takes a similar time to drive.

Read more about a day trip to Chiemsee

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Check out our Germany Hiking Page for more great travel and hiking ideas, and for walking tours of the famous Bavarian cities.