Besides being an awesome city, Munich is also an excellent base for exploring Bavaria and beyond, offering access to fairy-tale castles, historic cities, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. To make the most of your trip here, consider taking one of the best day trips from Munich.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks and is often referred to as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built by King Ludwig II in the late 19th century, the castle features stunning Romanesque Revival architecture and is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Bavarian Alps. The setting is truly magical, with lush forests, rugged cliffs, and serene lakes surrounding the area.

Check out our full guide on visiting Neuschwanstein Castle here.

  • How to get there by train: Take a train from Munich to Füssen (2 hours). From Füssen, a bus ride (10 minutes) takes you to Hohenschwangau, where the castle is located.
  • How to get there by car: The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via the A96 and B17 (Romantic Road).

What to See and Do

  • Tour Neuschwanstein Castle, known for its opulent interiors, grand halls, and murals inspired by Wagner’s operas. Advance reservations are recommended to secure entry.
  • Visit Hohenschwangau Castle, King Ludwig II’s childhood home, which sits opposite Neuschwanstein.
  • Walk to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge), which offers the most famous panoramic view of Neuschwanstein Castle.
  • Hike around Alpsee Lake, a peaceful spot with scenic trails and stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.

Salzburg

Salzburg, located just across the German-Austrian border, is known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture, musical heritage, and charming old town. The birthplace of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, the city offers a mix of cultural attractions and breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.

  • How to get there by train: Direct trains from Munich to Salzburg run every 30 minutes and take about 1.5 hours.
  • How to get there by car: The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the A8. A vignette (toll sticker) is required for driving on Austrian highways.

What to See and Do

  • Visit Mozart’s Birthplace and Residence, where the famous composer lived and worked.
  • Explore Hohensalzburg Fortress, a medieval castle perched on a hill with panoramic views of the city.
  • Stroll through Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a stunning Baroque landmark featured in The Sound of Music.
  • Walk along Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s historic shopping street, lined with traditional Austrian boutiques and charming cafes.
  • Try a Mozartkugel, the famous chocolate and marzipan confection named after Mozart.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a city of contrasts, with a beautifully preserved medieval old town and a significant role in World War II history. The city was once a major center of the Holy Roman Empire and later became infamous for its association with the Nazi regime. Today, Nuremberg is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers who appreciate traditional Bavarian culture.

  • How to get there by train: Direct trains from Munich to Nuremberg run every 30 minutes and take about 1 hour.
  • How to get there by car: The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the A9 highway.

What to See and Do

  • Explore Nuremberg Castle, a medieval fortress that offers spectacular views over the city.
  • Visit the Hauptmarkt, the city’s main square, known for its Christmas Market and the beautiful Frauenkirche.
  • Learn about the city’s history at the Documentation Center and Nazi Rally Grounds, which provide an in-depth look at the rise and fall of the Third Reich.
  • Discover the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, home to a vast collection of German art and cultural artifacts.
  • Try a traditional Nürnberger Rostbratwurst, a local sausage served with sauerkraut and mustard.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp, established in 1933, and served as a model for others throughout Europe. Today, it is a memorial site dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust. Visiting Dachau is an emotional and educational experience that provides deep insight into this dark chapter of history.

  • How to get there by train: Take the S2 S-Bahn from Munich to Dachau (25 minutes), then a short bus ride (10 minutes) to the memorial site.
  • How to get there by car: The drive takes about 30 minutes via the A99.

What to See and Do

  • Explore the Memorial Site and Museum, which provide historical context about the camp and its prisoners.
  • Walk through the preserved barracks and reconstructed gas chambers.
  • Visit the Documentation Center, which houses exhibits on the rise of the Nazi regime and the impact of the Holocaust.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of Germany’s most famous alpine destinations, offering year-round outdoor activities and breathtaking mountain scenery. It is also home to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. Whether you visit for hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter, this area is ideal for nature lovers.

And don’t forget to check out our list of other great hikes in Bavaria!

  • How to get there by train: A direct train from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • How to get there by car: The drive takes about 1.5 hours via the A95 highway.

What to See and Do

  • Take the cable car or cogwheel train to the top of Zugspitze for breathtaking views of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
  • Hike through Partnach Gorge, a scenic canyon with waterfalls and dramatic rock formations.
  • Ski or snowboard in the winter months at one of Germany’s best ski resorts.
  • Enjoy a traditional Bavarian meal at a mountain hut, featuring dishes like käsespätzle (cheesy egg noodles) and schnitzel.
Photo by Guido Radig

Herrenchiemsee Palace

Herrenchiemsee is a palace built by King Ludwig II on an island in Lake Chiemsee. Modeled after the Palace of Versailles, it is one of Bavaria’s most extravagant royal residences. The island setting makes it a unique and picturesque destination.

  • How to get there by train: Take the train from Munich to Prien am Chiemsee (1 hour). From there, take a short ferry ride to the island.
  • How to get there by car: The drive takes about 1 hour via the A8.

What to See and Do

  • Tour Herrenchiemsee Palace, known for its lavish interiors and Hall of Mirrors.
  • Take a boat ride around Lake Chiemsee, one of Bavaria’s most scenic lakes.
  • Explore the walking trails and gardens surrounding the palace.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany, known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and fairy-tale charm. Walking through Rothenburg feels like stepping back in time.

  • How to get there by train: The train journey from Munich to Rothenburg takes about 3 hours and requires multiple transfers (so it’s better to rent a car and drive).
  • How to get there by car: The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours via the A7 highway.

What to See and Do

  • Walk along the medieval town walls for panoramic views of the city.
  • Visit Market Square and Plönlein, the town’s most famous postcard-worthy spot.
  • Explore the Christmas Museum, open year-round with festive decorations.
  • Try a Schneeball, a local pastry made of fried dough covered in sugar or chocolate.