Embarking on day trips from Munich offers a splendid opportunity to discover the breathtaking Bavarian region of Germany. Delight in the charm of historic buildings, wander through picturesque villages, marvel at snow-capped peaks, and unwind by the serene lakeshores.
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Munich – Neuschwanstein Castle(Schloss Neuschwanstein)
Neuschwanstein Castle is located near Fussen, Germany, and is one of the most popular day trips from Munich. This 19th-century castle was once home to King Ludwig II of Bavaria and now offers daily tours. Visitors can explore the inner chambers, marvel at the ornate decor and grand views over the Bavarian countryside. You can also explore nearby attractions like Linderhof Palace and Ettal Abbey.
How to reach by Train to Neuschwanstein Castle: Simply hop on the BRB RB68 (62704) train and catch bus 78 which takes around 2hrs.
By car, the drive takes around 1.5hrs
Bamberg
Located roughly an hour and a half away by car, Bamberg is a historical city that offers visitors plenty of sights to see in a day. Start off with a visit to Bamberg’s old town center which is full of picturesque buildings, churches, museums, and monuments. Don’t forget to try some Bamberg beer while you’re there! Other attractions include Altes Rathaus (old City Hall), Rose Garden Park, and the Little Venice Canal area.
How to reach by Train to Bamberg: You can take the fast train ICE506/ICE508/ICE600 for 1.5hrs
With €49 ticket: Take RE1 and RE42/RE49 (Takes 3hrs 17min)
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is approximately 2 hours away from Munich by car or train, making it an ideal destination for a single-day trip. Start your journey with a stroll around Nuremberg’s Old Town, featuring cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Then head over to the Imperial Castle where you can learn about the city’s imperial history as well as get stunning views from atop its towers. Other attractions include the Nazi Documentation Center, St Sebald Church, and Wallenstein Palace Gardens.
How to reach by Train to Nuremberg: You can take the fast train ICE772/ICE800/ICE880 for 1hr 10min
With €49 ticket: Take RE1 (Takes 1hr 45min)
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located in the Bavarian Alps just under two hours away from Munich by car or train. Whether it be winter activities like skiing or summertime hikes – Garmisch-Partenkirchen has something for everyone! Be sure to visit Partnach Gorge for breathtaking views of nature or spend some time at Zugspitze – Germany’s highest mountain peak – for panoramic mountain views above the tree line.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing and even paragliding with views of the Zugspitze peak – Germany’s highest mountain at 2,962 meters above sea level.
How to reach by Train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen: With €49 ticket, Take RE61-BusEV-RB6 (Takes 1hr 55min)
Salzburg, Austria
Just an hour away by car or train, Salzburg is an ideal destination for a day trip from Munich. This picturesque city was the birthplace of Mozart and served as the backdrop for The Sound Of Music movie.
Visitors can spend the day exploring the old town’s architecture, hiking through its lush mountain forests, or visiting its many museums like the Museum Franz-Xaver Messerschmidt and Fortress Hohensalzburg.
How to reach by Train to Salzburg: With €49 ticket, Take BRB RE5 (Takes 1hr 47min)
Augsburg
Admire this 2000 year old city’s fascinating history and monuments such as Fuggerei – the world’s oldest social housing project, or spend time in Maximilianstraße – one of Bavaria’s most renowned shopping areas with unique boutiques and restaurants galore!
How to reach by Train to Augsburg: You can take the fast train ICE568/ICE610 for 30min
With €49 ticket, take RB86/RE80 (Takes 45min)
Berchtesgaden National Park
A short drive from Munich brings visitors to this stunning national park set high in the Bavarian Alps along the Austrian border. Here visitors can explore pristine alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, crystal clear mountain lakes teeming with trout, snowcapped peaks perfect for winter skiing or summer hiking, as well as quaint villages featuring centuries-old chalets with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
How to reach by Train to Berchtesgaden: With €49 ticket, Take BRB RE5 and BRB S4 (Takes 2hr 50min)
Nymphenburg Palace
This Baroque palace lies just outside of Munich and is surrounded by gardens and parks that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic lunch. Inside visitors will find elaborately decorated salons showcasing fine art collections gathered by Bavarian royalty over centuries past as well as a sprawling grand courtyard where they can marvel at one of Europe’s largest porcelain figurine collections housed within two ornate pavilions.
How to reach by Train to Nymphenburg Castle: Take STR16/17 and Bus 51 (Takes 16min)
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Located only 15 miles outside of Munich is this memorial site dedicated to those who suffered under Nazi rule during World War II located at what was once one of Germany’s first concentration camps established in 1933 – Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site now serves as a reminder to never forget what happened there and to honor those who were unjustly imprisoned or lost their lives during this dark period in history
How to reach by Train to Dachau: Take RB16 and Bus 722 (Takes 23min)
Lake Starnberg
Finally, take a short trip to Lake Starnberg located about 50 kilometres south of Munich. You can spend a relaxing day swimming in its crystal clear waters or rent a boat for a cruise around its shores – perfect for admiring the surrounding countryside!
How to reach by Train to Starnberg: Take RB65 (Takes 17min)
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