There’s no disputing that Munich is the prime destination in southern Germany.
But Munich isn’t just a great place to grab a maβ of beer; it’s a fantastic jumping point to explore the fascinating, and sometimes surprising, surrounding area.
Whether or not you have a car, buckle up, or avail yourself of that Deutschlandticket or Bayern ticket (more on those below) and explore…
The 13 best day trips from Munich – plus one bonus location! – all based on my personal experience.
Table of Contents
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is truly a fantasy castle. When I went to Germany for the first time, this place was #1 on my list of things to see.
Nestled at the foot of the Alps, this stunning castle is not an authentic medieval castle, but was dreamed up by Bavaria’s Mad King Ludwig in the 1800s.
Unfinished to this day, it is nevertheless one of Germany’s most famous attractions and an inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella castle.
Getting there from Munich: About 3 hours by public transportation. Take the regional train to Füssen, then bus 78 to Neuschwanstein.
To save time, I recommend this tour, which visits both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace, another of Ludwig’s famous creations. They take care of all the transportation to and from Munich, as well as tickets for entrance into both palaces.
If you have the budget, I highly suggest going with the premium tour, which is the one I took. The bus is very comfortable and complementary snacks are provided. They also visit Neuschwanstein first thing, when the crowds are a little less hectic.
What to see: There are lots of amazing things to see within the castle itself. (The Throne Room is my favorite.)
For the best and most iconic photos of the castle, head over to Marienbrücke (Marie’s bridge). From here, you’ll that classic shot of the castle. Word to those with a fear of heights – the bridge is over a gorge that is over 90m (or 200ft) high. The bridge is closed in winter.
Why I recommend it: This truly is one of the most beautiful castles in the world. In 2025, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Salzburg
Located right on the border of Germany, this delightful Austrian town is famous as the birthplace of Mozart (who actually hated it there and the feeling was mutual while he was alive) and as the setting of The Sound of Music.
Getting there from Munich: 1 hour 35 minutes by train. There are lots of train options throughout the day between the two cities.
Once you arrive in Salzburg, either take the bus or walk the 2km to the old town. If you do choose to walk, you’ll pass a number of sights along the way, including the Mirabell Gardens and the Makartsteg Bridge.
If you prefer, you can take this tour which arranges all the transportation, gives you a guided tour of the city, and leaves you with time to explore on your own.
Travel tip: Be sure to bring your passport, as there are frequently ID checks, particularly on the train from Austria back into Germany.
What to see: This will largely depend on your interests. If you’re a Sound of Music fan, take this tour that retraces the steps of the movie, which was partially filmed in the city.
If you’re a Mozart fan, head to either Mozarts Wohnhaus, where he once lived, or Mozarts Geburtshaus, the place of his birth, for exhibits on his life and works.
And if you’re not into either of those options, Salzburg Fortress is the place to go.
Why I recommend it: It’s got a picturesque old town and is jammed full of history. What’s not to love?
3. Nuremberg
The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg was an important city in the Holy Roman Empire.
Today, it’s probably most well-known in the English-speaking world for its association with National Socialism and as the setting of the Nuremberg Trials, during which Nazi officials were tried for the crimes they committed during WWII. Nevertheless
Getting there from Munich: There are a couple of options via train. The ICE gets you there in a little over one hour.
If you go by regional train, the RE 1 will get you there (sometimes with a transfer in Inglostadt) in 1 hour 45 minutes.
There’s also this tour, if you don’t fancy going on your own.
What to see: There’s so much to see and do in Nuremberg.
My personal favorite, and recommendation, is the Imperial Castle, just a 20-minute walk from the main train station. (And a lovely 20-minute walk, I might add.)
If you’re into WWII history, there are the Nazi Rally Grounds, the Historic Art Bunker, and Courtroom 600 (where the Nuremberg Trials took place) that you can visit.
For some more ideas, check out 12 Best Things to See in Nuremberg.
Why I recommend it: Even though it was mostly rebuilt after WWII, the old town is very picturesque. Also, if you’re a fan of museums, Nuremberg has them in spades.
4. Regensburg
Regensburg is one of my favorite day trips from Munich.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved architecture, the city was founded by the Romans before becoming one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire.
Some of Regensburg’s most famous residents include the Catholic saint Albert the Great, the “hero of Lepanto” John of Austria, mathematician Johannes Kepler, Oskar Schindler of Schindler’s List fame, and Pope Benedict XVI.
Getting there from Munich: The regional train from Munich takes 1 hour 30 minutes. From there, it’s a short walk into the center of town.
What to see: The old town is what Regensburg is known for and the Old Stone Bridge, dating from the 12th century, is the star attraction. If you’re there on a nice day, sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the view.
Just outside of Regensburg is Walhalla, built by Ludwig I of Bavaria as a monument to famous Germans in history. It might be a bit tricky to get here if you don’t have a car.
Why I recommend it: How often do you get to visit a real medieval city? As someone with a degree in Medieval History, I was completely geeking out here.
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber
If you can picture a quintessential German town, you’re probably thinking of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Heck, even Disney modeled their Germany pavilion in Epcot on this town.
Another well-preserved medieval town, Rothenburg is one of only 3 cities in Germany with their city walls still intact. It’s also probably the most celebrated city on the famous Romantic Road.
Getting there from Munich: About 2 hours 30 minutes. But, to be completely honest, this is one you should probably do as a day trip with an organized tour (this is the one I went on), as getting here on your own without a car is a bit complex.
What to see: If you’re a fan of Christmas, you absolutely cannot miss the Christmas Museum. For those not afraid of heights, there are stunning views from atop the tower at the city hall.
Why I recommend it: Fairytale-level half-timbered buildings.
6. Augsburg
Founded by the Romans, through the centuries this 3rd-largest city in Bavaria came up with a pretty ingenious water management system to bring fresh water into the city.
It was so ingenious, in fact, that in 2019 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city also played an important role in the Reformation, both as the place where the Augsburg Confession was written and where the Peace of Augsburg was concluded.
Getting there from Munich: Only 30 minutes on the ICE, and about 45 minutes on a regional train.
From the train station, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the main square.
What to see: The city of Augsburg offers tours, both in English and German, of the main sites of the city. Head to the Tourist Office in Ratshausplatz for the starting point.
If you opt not to take the city tour, you should still go see the Fuggerei. It’s the oldest public housing project in the world, and still lovingly maintained by its community.
Need more ideas of what to see in Augsburg? Check out the 11 best here.
Why I recommend it: The Fuggerei is particularly interesting. Also, add another UNESCO World Heritage Site to your list!
7. Herrenchiemsee Palace
While not as famous as Neuschwanstein or Linderhof, this last of Ludwig II’s palaces was made to rival Versailles.
Situated on an island within the very large lake of Chiemsee, the palace remains unfinished (you can still see the incomplete elements on the tour), but what was completed is absolutely breathtaking.
Getting there from Munich: It will take 1 hour from Munich to the town of Prien am Chiemsee. From there, you can walk to the harbor to catch the ferry to the island, or…
You can take the Chiemsee-bahn, a small steam train (in operation since 1887!) located right next to the main train station, which will take you directly to the harbor.
You can also take this tour from Munich, which I highly recommend, as they arrange all the transportation and entrance (entrance into the palace is timed), and you get to visit one of the nearby islands which is now an artists’ collective.
What to see: Check out the museum, located in the palace next to the ticket office, about Mad King Ludwig’s life and works. There, you’ll see some of the plans he had for the other palaces that never came to fruition.
Why I recommend it: The Hall of Mirrors is even bigger than the one in Versailles.
8. Dachau Concentration Camp
One of the infamous concentration camps of WWII was located on Munich’s doorstep. Dachau Concentration Camp is now a memorial site to the victims of Nazi atrocities.
Getting there from Munich: 40 minutes on the S-bahn or regional train, followed by a short bus ride.
There are also many tours that go here. My recommendation, based on having taken it myself, is this one.
What to see: There are a few original buildings still here, most notably where the “special prisoners” were kept. There are also the gas chamber, ovens, and place of execution. Be warned, the main exhibition is emotionally exhausting.
Towards the back of the site are Christian, Catholic, and Jewish memorial places. The Jewish space, with its architecture imitating a furnace and tomb, is particularly moving.
Due to the sensitive nature of the site, children under 14 will not be allowed in.
Why I recommend it: It’s a sobering experience, but it’s important not to forget the mistakes of the past and commemorate the victims.
9. Burghausen
Burghausen has one big claim to fame: the longest castle in the world. It even has the Guiness World Record for being such.
Getting there from Munich: A little over 2 hours via the regional train. Like with Altötting, you’ll take the RB 40 to Mühldorf, then change to the RB 42 to Burghausen.
To get to the castle, you can either walk, take a taxi, or take Bus Line 1.
What to see: The castle. The grounds are extensive and free to the public. The main part of the castle houses two museums, one with court items from the late medieval and Renaissance periods, the other showcasing the history of the town.
If you’re feeling adventurous, cross the bridge into Austria and climb the cliff for the best view of the whole castle.
Why I recommend it: Because it has the longest castle in the world and another great off-the-beaten-path destination.
Want to learn more? Check out Visiting Burghausen Castle – the World’s Longest Castle!
10. Berchtesgaden
Berchtesgaden is a lovely little town in the Alps, right near the Austrian border.
The town became wealthy during the Middle Ages thanks to the salt trade. It became a favorite haunt of the ruling Wittelsbach family (who still maintain a residence here) and, later, of Adolf Hitler.
Getting there from Munich: It’s a bit complicated to get here without a car. I recommend a couple of tours, depending on your interests (see below).
What to see: If you want to check out the commodity that made the region rich, take a visit to the famous salt mines.
More interested in the area’s Nazi connection? Visit the Documentation Center and the Eagle’s Nest, once Hitler’s retreat and now a restaurant. This tour offers a day trip from Munich.
You won’t want to miss Königssee, a nearby lake with a breathtaking view of an onion-domed church and the mighty Alps in the background. This tour combines a visit to the lake with a trip to the salt mines.
Why I recommend it: With its stunning Alpine views, if you’re looking for nature, this is it.
11. Altötting
This place is definitely off the beaten path. It’s also one of the most important Catholic shrines in Germany.
Altötting became a popular pilgrimage site in the late Middle Ages after a reported miracle where a young boy was brought back to life after being placed in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary.
Getting there from Munich: About 1 hour 45 minutes from Munich. Take the regional train RB 40 to Mühldorf. At Mühldorf, switch to the RB 42 towards Burghausen.
What to see: The highlight is the Chapel of Grace (Gnadenkapelle), dating to about 660, where the statue of the Madonna is housed. It is also covered floor to ceiling with grateful offerings from pilgrims whose prayers were answered.
Other places of interest are the Treasury Museum (Schatzkammer), whose most valuable piece is a rich late Gothic altarpiece known as the Golden Horse; the Collegiate Church of Saints Philip and James, the burial place of Johann Tserclaes, Count of Tilly, commander of the Catholic forces during the Thiry Years’ War; and the Panorama, a 19th century painting of Christ’s crucifixion and one of the last of its kind in Europe.
Why I recommend it: Altötting continues to be the most popular pilgrimage site in Germany, with nary a foreign tourist in sight.
12. Schleissheim Palace
The history of Schleissheim Palace dates back to the 1500s, when Duke William V of Bavaria bought the moorland and farm and turned it into his personal retreat. The palace then became one of the summer homes of Bavaria’s rulers, the Wittelsbachs.
Getting there from Munich: Take the S1 towards Freising and get off at Oberschleißheim. From there you can either walk or take bus 295 or 292 to the Schloss stop or the Lustheim stop. The total journey from the center of Munich should be about 50 minutes. I decided to walk (an easy 15–20-minute walk), but the bus passed me a couple of times, so it evidently runs on a regular basis.
What to see: There are actually three palaces to visit, as well as the gardens (the gardens are free to wander).
The New Palace is a Baroque beauty, built for Elector Max Emanuel.
The Old Palace contains a museum showcasing religious folk art from around the world. (Very interesting, but I wish they had information in English, not just German.)
The Lustheim Palace houses an exquisite collection of Meissen Porcelain from the Bavarian National Museum.
Just a short walk away is the Flugwerft Schleissheim, a branch of the Deutsches Museum dedicated exclusively to aviation.
Why I recommend it: A stunning, yet overlooked, palace close to Munich, minus the crowds of the more famous Nymphenburg Palace or the Residenz. If you like airplanes, the Flugwerft Schleissheim is not to be missed.
13. Kufstein Fortress
Set in a valley on the banks of the river Inn, Kufstein is the second entry on this list located in Austria.
I actually wasn’t aware this town existed until I was visiting some Germans friends who were like, “Oh, you like history? Let’s take you to a medieval castle!” They certainly know the way to my heart.
Getting there from Munich: For the local train, hop on the BRB RB54. The ride from Munich, which involves no transfers, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From there, it’s less than 10 minutes on foot to the fortress.
What to see: The town’s defining attraction is Kufstein Fortress. Contested for centuries between Bavaria and Tyrol, it now houses a series of museums about local culture and history.
Why I recommend it: Another of my favorite off-the-beaten path destinations, it’s hard to beat a real-life medieval fortress set in a spectacular Alpine setting.
Check out my article Visiting Kufstein Fortress if you want to learn more about this place!
Bonus: Landshut
An easy 40-minute train ride from Munich, Landshut is a sleepy town most of the time. But every four years, the city comes alive during the Landshuter Hozchzeit (“the Landshut Wedding”), a reenactment of a medieval wedding procession that is held for four weekends in July. The whole town shuts down, the townspeople participate, and the atmosphere is so jovial and festive, it’s 100% worth the visit (and the crowds).
A note on train travel
You may have noticed I mentioned two types of trains: the ICE and regional trains.
The ICE are Germany’s long-distance, high-speed trains. However, they can’t be used with the Bayern ticket or Deutschlandticket, and therefore must be purchased separately. They are also more expensive than regional trains and the price goes up the closer you get to your day of travel, so it’s best to book in advance if you’re planning to use them.
The Bayern ticket and the Deutschlandticket are two discount tickets offered by the Deutschebahn, Germany’s national rail service.
The Bayern ticket allows unlimited travel on all trains, buses, and U-bahns in Bavaria for one day. The ticket can be used by up to five people, so it’s ideal for families or groups. The cost of the ticket starts at €32, then increases by €10 euros for every person you add (so for 5 people it would be €72). That’s quite the savings.
The Deutschlandticket is a monthly subscription that offers unlimited travel on all local and regional transportation throughout Germany.
I hope you get to check out some of the beautiful and historic places around Munich! Which one are you most excited to see?
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