Here Are Some Great Day Trips From Munich!
If you’re somehow done exploring Munich, there are plenty of great day trips ideas from Munich. From great castles, beautiful lakes, cities, and attractions to explore all around Bavaria and into Austria, it can be hard to decide where to go next!
We would know: Lisa is from Bavaria so we’ve been lucky enough to have explored many of the places on this list.
We personally love exploring Nuremburg but hiking the lakes around Allgäu (near Neuschwanstein Castle) and going up the Zugspitze (Germany’s highest mountain) from Garmisch-Partenkirchen are also up there for us.
So, whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of the lakes around Munich or want to hop on a train to explore another city, here’s our guide full of great day trips from Munich in any season – with directions and ways to get there!
Table of Contents
Neuschwanstein Castle
Address: Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
If fairytale castles are what you are after, there’s a day trip from Munich that you will absolutely love: Neuschwanstein Castle! Built in the late 1860s by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle was supposed to be a home/retreat.
This world-famous attraction is located in the small village of Hohenschwangau and has inspired lots of people over the decades – even Walt Disney!
Today, because of it’s stunning location, interior/exterior, and history, Neuschwanstein Castle is visited by over a million people each year!
Just so you know, the castle is located up a hill and you can ONLY visit the interior if you book a guided tour. The only place to buy tickets is in the Ticket Center which is located in town (near the base of Neuschwanstein Castle).
Therefore, it’s highly advised to try and reserve tickets online in advance of your arrival or arrive early enough to ensure you can even get in for that day.
Even then, lines for those buying tickets on the day can be hours long in the summer season and the tickets for the day can sell out before lunchtime.
Yah, it’s popular – but there is more to the area that just one castle. If you’re making the trip, don’t forget about Hohenschwangau Castle – another beautiful place to check out close to Neuschwanstein. In fact, you can get a reduced ticket if you plan on visiting both.
Of course, you can still explore the area if you couldn’t/didn’t want to do a tour inside Neuschwanstein.
The region is known for the stunning mountains, nature, and you can always snap photos from the famous Marienbrücke or enjoy the lakes. You can learn all about visiting Neuschwanstein Castle on the official website.
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle By Car
There are a number of ways you can get to Neuschwanstein Castle by car. Just so you know, it’s located in the small village of Hohenschwangau.
Generally speaking, the drive from Munich will take about 1 hour 45 minutes (with good/no traffic) and is a driving distance of approximately 115 km (give or take 10).
The German train system is awesome but some of these day trips are just easier with a car. You can compare prices for rental companies in Munich here. We rented from Sixt right in Munich and it was easy pick-up, easy drop-off in Nuremburg.
Once in Hohenschwangau, you’ll find a number of parking lots around the small centre. You cannot drive up to the Castle. So, expect to park down below in the village and walk up to the Castle or take a shuttle (which fills in the busy season).
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle By Train/Bus
Taking public transport to Neuschwanstein Castle is one of those rare occasions where the German train isn’t a great option for a day trip. In fact, a car or tour is probably a better option. Why?
This is because from Munich you take the train to the nearby town of Füssen. There’s no train station near the Castle (again, rare for Germany).
From there, you have to get on a bus that heads for the village near the castle. The stop is known as “Hohenschwangau Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau”.
Here’s the catch – the total time is between Munich and the Castle is around 3 hours one way.
It’s doable – but for the purposes of a day trip, it’s a little high on the travel time. Plus, if you go in the summer season, you’ll be waiting for a tour for potentially hours once you get there.’=
It’s doable – but for the purposes of a day trip, it’s a little high on the travel time. Plus, if you go in the summer season, you’ll be waiting for a tour for potentially hours once you get there.
Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle Tour
One of the easiest ways to visit Neuschwanstein Castle if you don’t want to drive or navigate the train/bus is on a tour. Because it’s such a popular day trip from Munich, there are many great day tours to choose from. You just book ahead, show up, and enjoy!
- Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace – Explore the two top castles in the area on a great guided day trip! (Very Popular)
- Just Neuschwanstein Castle – Dive deep into the famous castle, local village, and views of the area with a knowledgeable guide.
- Neuschwanstein Castle and Füssen – Discover the castle and explore the old town of Füssen nestled in the nearby Alps.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Address: Alte Römerstraße 75, 85221 Dachau, Germany
If you want to dive into history – including the darker times of European history – then a somber visit to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is a must. As one of the closest places relative to Munich’s city centre, the site makes for a good day trip.
Originally opened back in 1933, Dachau has the rather unfortunate distinction of being the first concentration camp by the Nazi Regime. It also lasted right up until near the end of the war in April of 1945. So, there is a great deal of history at Dachau.
Eric visited Dachau as a day trip from Munich whilst travelling with a friend. You can visit the museum, wander the grounds, explore reconstructed buildings, visit religious memorials, and you can even hop on a live guided tour OR purchase an audio guide tour.
Eric purchased the audio guide and it was great to have the information on hand while exploring.
Understandably, Dachau is a very heavy experience – but one that is certainly worth the time. You can learn all about visiting on the official website for Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.
Munich to Dachau By Car
Honestly, it’s WAY easier to take the train from Munich. In fact, you have to pay for parking once you get there and with Munich traffic it can take 40 minutes or more.
That said, to drive to Dachau head in a northwest direction and aim for the parking lot at: 73 Alte Römerstraße, 85221 Dachau, Germany.
Munich to Dachau By Train/Bus
Since it’s such a popular route, it’s quite easy to get from Munich to Dachau Memorial Camp. Eric has done this exact route, too. Just take a regional train from Munich Central Station (heading for Nuremberg) for about 12 minutes to Dachau Bahnhof.
The other (more frequent) train you can take is the S2 in the direction of Petershausen(Obb) and get off in Dachau for a slightly slower train time of about 20 minutes.
Once at Dachau Train Station, you walk a bit down the street and hop on the #726 bus towards Saubachsiedlung to Dachau Memorial Site (KZ-Gedenkstätte is the exact bus stop). This bus ride takes about 7 minutes – so overall the travel time is less than 30 minutes one way.
As with many Munich day trips on this list, you can check the train schedule at the DB website. This site will be your best friend.
Munich to Dachau Tour
While the route to Dachau is simple, you might want to benefit from having a guide take you. Guides can also offer extensive knowledge that you might miss if you do a self-guided tour of Dachau.
So, there are many day tours from Munich you can do to maximize your experience. The only difference is the companies that run the tours. You can see two popular ones below:
- Dachau Tour From Munich – Visit the Memorial Site via transport with a live English guide
- Dachau Tour From Munich II – Visit Dachau also using public transport with a live guide
Nuremberg
Address for Central Train Station/Parking: Bahnhofspl., 90443 Nürnberg, Germany
If you want to visit a German city that is smaller than Munich but still packs a historical punch, check out Nuremberg. Located to the north of Munich, the city boasts a lovely, medieval old town with a castle. You can also explore a great deal of World War II history here – so Nuremberg has something for lots of different interests.
Those looking to take nice photos will have the Pegnitz River running through the city centre, while those looking to learn about the Nazi Regime and Germany’s past can visit the Documentation Centre, Nazi Rally Grounds, at Zeppelinfeld and Lakes.
We really liked Nuremberg – we stayed for a few days and ended up experiencing lots of the city. With most cities in Bavaria, there are lots of great restaurants – like Trödelstuben – to try local foods such as Nuremberger Sausage!
We suggest checking out the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, Albrecht Dürer’s House, having a beer at literally any beer garden, St. Lorenz Church, and the German National Museum!
Munich to Nuremberg By Car
Travelling to Nuremberg by car is possible BUT we’d honestly suggest taking the train. It’s faster and likely cheaper because with a car you have to pay for gas and parking when you arrive.
That said, the drive to Nuremberg takes about 2 hours for a driving distance of about 170 kilometres (minimum). It’s basically due north and a bit to the west of central Munich.
Munich to Nuremberg By Train/Bus
You can get to Nuremberg very easily by train or by bus. In fact, unsurprisingly, the train is the best option. You can hop on a regional train that will take about 1 hour 45 minutes from Central Station to Central Station. This train – heading for Nuremberg – runs almost every hour.
Alternatively, you can get there in about 1 hour 5 minutes if you take the ICE (fast German train) but this ticket is much more expensive than a regional train ticket. It’s still a good option, though – and you might find cheaper tickets if you book in advance!
Lastly, the Flixbus runs from Munich to Nuremberg multiple times a day (especially in the morning) with direct buses averaging around 2 hours total commuting time. Check out the Flixbus website here.
Munich to Nuremberg Tour
If you’re short on time or don’t feel like navigating the train and the city by yourself, you can always hop on a tour to Nuremberg. This can be a great way to explore without the stress of figuring everything out by yourself.
- Nuremberg Old Town and Nazi Rally Grounds – Discover the city with a live guide and who takes the train there with you (Popular)
- Nuremberg Trials and Old Town – Explore the city with a live guide and get there by coach bus
Salzburg
Address for Central Train Station/Parking: Südtiroler Pl. 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
You might not think to visit another country while you’re in Munich – but with Austria so close, Salzburg is a really great option. We really loved the city of Salzburg – for the scenic lookouts, the great nature, and the incredible old town and history.
Salzburg can get pretty busy with visitors – and for good reason: It’s the birthplace of Mozart and there’s a massive 11th-century castle (Fortress Hohensalzburg) overlooking the old town!
There’s also so much green space which makes Salzburg a good escape to see the tip of the Alps in the area known as “Salzkammergut”.
We got the chance to hike up to Fortress Hohensalzburg to check out the museum, do an audio tour, and snap photos from one of the tallest towers.
Elsewhere in the Salzburg Old Town (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you can see gardens like Mirabell Palace, visit Mozart’s birthplace, go inside Salzburg Cathedral, and do much more.
We also rented bikes and visited Hellbrunn Castle which is just outside the centre. Point is: There are plenty of things to do in Salzburg!
If you head down on a day trip, you should have a look at the Salzburg Card if you plan on exploring more than two attractions. Also, check out the viewing platform up at the Museum der Moderne for amazing city views!
Munich to Salzburg By Car
Munich to Salzburg by car is a straightforward drive. Heading east of Munich (and a bit south), the total driving time is around 2 hours and 160 km (shorter and a tad faster if you take a toll highway).
Keep in mind that you’ll cross the border into Austria but there’s no actual physical border (it’s just a sign) because you’re travelling within the Schengen Zone.
Yay for freedom of movement! Once you’re in Salzburg, there are parking lots all over the place – especially in the Old Town.
Munich to Salzburg By Train/Bus
You can get to Salzburg very easily by train, too. There’s a direct train between the two centres that leaves frequently (every hour, if not more often) and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
We’ve actually taken the train in the other direction (from Salzburg to Munich) and it was a super easy ride – and scenic, too!
Alternatively, you can take the Flixbus to Salzburg. The trip is 2 hours flat and there are multiple departures throughout a given day (even more frequent on weekends). A seat can be as low as 5 Euro/per way which is a pretty good price to see another city in a whole other country!
Munich to Salzburg Tour
Admittedly, there is a TON to see and do in Salzburg. So, if you want to explore as much as you can in a single day and learn a lot, you might want to go on a Salzburg Tour.
Tours are good because then you also don’t have to worry about getting there – you just show up, travel there with a guide, and enjoy the amazing city!
- Salzburg City Trip – Dive into exploring just the city of Salzburg with a guide and get there by train ride! (Popular)
- Salzburg City Trip II – Explore the city with a guide (travel by train) and a 2.5-hour walking tour of the UNESCO Old Town!
- Salzburg, Chiemsee, and More – Explore Salzburg, the famous Chiemsee, and more by bus ride from Munich
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Address for Tran Station: Bahnhofstraße, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
If you are looking for those perfect photographs of a medieval German old town, then you should head for Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This town – located to the northwest of Munich – is known for its preserved walled old town that is filled with colourful wooden buildings and cobblestone streets.
Because it’s just so pretty to visit, the town is very popular for tour groups visiting the south of Germany – but that’s understandable.
As for things to do, besides just wandering the gated old town, you can check out specific attractions around the Marktplatz (market square) like the Rathaus (Town Hall) and climb its tower for amazing views.
Of course, you will also find your fill of restaurants and souvenir shops if you’re looking for classic takeaways from your Germany trip! Lisa has been to Rothenburg and really liked it.
She can confirm that it’s busy (especially in the summer season) but still lovely. In the winter, you can check out the Christmas Markets which make for a classic and festive experience.
When you visit, you have to try out a “Schneeball” which literally means snowball in English. This is a shortbread-like pastry dessert that is rolled into a ball and coated in various toppings like chocolate, nuts, and more. We’ve tried them and they are really good!
Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber By Car
The only way to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber that makes sense for the purposes of a day trip is on the road. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located to the northwest of Munich (it’s more west of Nuremberg, for reference).
If you are travelling by car, the trip will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes for a total distance averaging 225 km (there are multiple routes you can take). Once you’re there, there are plenty of parking lots to choose from just outside the old town walls.
Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber By Train/Bus
For the purposes of a day trip, the train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber is just too complicated and would take over 3 hours. It’s just not worth it to change multiple times in large cities (like Nuremberg) which you can just go and see instead!
Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber Tour
If you are keen on seeing Rothenburg ob der Tauber but don’t want to drive, you could take a tour. As part of Germany’s famous “Romantic Road”, on the tour you’d explore other picturesque towns and villages in a single day!
- The Romantic Road and Rothenburg – Explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Harburg Castle on a guided day tour!
Bamberg
Address for Schlenkerla Brewery: Dominikanerstraße 6, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg is one of those smaller German cities that you would recognize from the beautiful photos – but you wouldn’t know it’s Bamberg! Case and Point: the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) that straddles the Regnitz River is a sight to see.
Bamberg makes for a great day trip from Munich – but it’s about as far as we have on this whole list.
That said, we’d say it’s worth the journey. Bamberg has a lovely medieval old town that exudes Bavarian culture at every turn. You can visit the Bamberger Dom (Cathedral), the Neue Residenz Bamberg, the Michelsberg Monastery, and more.
Bamberg is also known for a famous brewery – Schlenkerla – which has been producing a “smoke beer” since the 1400s!
This beer – with a very dark and smoky flavour – is delicious and a must-try even if you aren’t a beer drinker. Eric tried it and it was great… very different than a lighter pale ale or lager!
Bamberg also has places for great photographs beside the Old Town Hall. There’s also a sight called Little Venice – where small colourful wooden houses line the river bank. If you want to learn more, you can check out our post on exploring Bamberg.
Munich to Bamberg By Car
If you want to drive by car to get to Bamberg, the trip is around 2 hours and 30 minutes and approximately 240 kilometres (depending on the exact route). Bamberg is north of Munich – essentially on the other side of Nuremberg.
Once you get there, you can find parking near the Old Town easily. We once parked in an underground garage on a weekend and there was loads of space still available.
Munich to Bamberg By Train/Bus
If you want to take public transit to Bamberg, the train ride is about 2 hours and 30 minutes – and you’ll change in Nuremberg basically for certain and potentially Ingolstadt (depending on when you leave and which train you take).
Once there, the train station in Bamberg is in the city centre’s east end so it’s a 10/15 minute walk to the historic Old Town. It’s pretty much along one road all the way to get there, so it’s nothing complicated.
The Flixbus would take between 3 and 4 hours so that’s not really an option for the purposes of a day trip.
Ingolstadt
Address for Rathausplatz: Rathauspl. 4, 85049 Ingolstadt, Germany
In case you haven’t had enough of medieval old towns to explore, you might also want to consider Ingolstadt for a day trip from Munich. This city to the north of Munich has another great example of a walled old town that has been preserved and features towers like the “Kreuztor”.
While the city might seem a little smaller than the others on this list, there is still plenty to see and do – and it’ll likely be less busy than other top day trip destinations. The city also has the Danube River running through it so you can even get in some river views/walking.
Ingolstadt is known for a few top attraction like Ingolstadt Village (for top shopping), the Audi Forum (Audi Museum and birthplace with cars on display and more), and a variety of museums to learn about Germany like the Museum of the History of Medicine and the Bavarian Army Museum!
Munich to Ingolstadt By Car
If you want to drive to Ingolstadt, the drive is pretty simple. The city is north of Munich about 1 hour driving time (for approximately 80 kilometres). Once you’re there, you’ll find parking no problem if you head for the Old Town.
Munich to Ingolstadt By Train/Bus
You can take the train to Ingolstadt very easily. It’ll be about 45 minutes to an hour on a regional train (the one that makes more stops). These trains run frequently (multiple times an hour) so you will have options to get there and back.
Once there, if you want to explore the Old Town (as many people probably do) then aim to get off the train at Ingolstadt Nord Station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk into the heart of the Old Town whereas it’s 30 minutes walking from the Central Station.
Munich to Ingolstadt Tour
One of the things Ingolstadt is known for is shopping. So, you can hop on a tour to Ingolstadt Village for a day of shopping via luxury coach!
Augsburg
Address for Rathausplatz: Rathausplatz 1, 86150 Augsburg, Germany
Augsburg might not seem too important – but it’s certainly a worthy day trip from Munich. As Germany’s third oldest city, there is a TON of rich history to check out in Augsburg. Located not too far to the west of Munich, this smaller city on the Wertach River has plenty to check out.
You might want to start in the old town at Rathausplatz where you find the old Town Hall and its famous “Golden Hall”. From there, you’ll easily see the Perlach Tower (built in the 10th century as a watchtower) which you can climb (over 250 steps) for views of the city!
If you are into Baroque Palaces, go and check out the Schaezlerpalais which isn’t too far from the top attractions. This whole inner city (Innenstadt) area is also full of cafes, restaurants, and shops that you can check out.
Munich to Augsburg By Car
Driving to Augsburg is a good option. The drive is short – only around 50 minutes – and about 65 kilometres exactly northwest of Munich. Once you arrive, there are a handful of parking lots/garages in the city centre (there isn’t really a classic walled Old Town like in other cities).
Munich to Augsburg By Train/Bus
You can also easily take the train to Augsburg. There are frequent regional trains (usually heading for Ulm) that take about 45 minutes to get to Augsburg. Once there, the train station is in the middle of the city and you walk 10 minutes east to the “heart” of the old buildings/Rathaus.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen (+ Zugspitze + Partnachklamm)
Address for Franz Krönner Konditorei und Cafe: Achenfeldstraße 1, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
If you want to embrace nature and head for the towering Bavarian Alps, you should think about a day trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This small town is nestled in the south of the country – and serves as an access point for skiing, hiking, and more!
The town itself is very much a ski/hiking/resort town with plenty of shops and restaurants focused on these kinds of travellers.
We wandered around the heart of the town – it’s a healthy mix of traditional Bavarian buildings and modern shops. We even ate at Franz Krönner Konditorei and Cafe and it was excellent!
It’s no secret that the town is a key access point for many mountains around it – all you have to do is look up! The highest peak in all of Germany – the Zugspitze – can be accessed via cable car/cogwheel train just outside the town at the Eibsee (Lake).
When we visited the area with Eric’s family, we headed up the Zugspitze and spent the day exploring Garmisch. The combination of trains and cable cars was so worth it for the views. We even had a beer at the top – it was quite the experience.
Besides the highest peak, another popular hiking trail leads you to check out the Partnach Gorge (or Partnachklamm in German) with its waterfalls and walkways.
If you are keen to make it down here on a day trip, you’ll want to arrive early so you have enough time to enjoy all that the town has to offer. You can learn more about visiting Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the official website.
Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen By Car
Driving to Garmisch is super easy. The two places are connected by the A95 (Autobahn) so it’s very fast to get there – about 1 hour and 10 minutes driving for a total distance of 90 kilometres to the southwest of Munich.
Once you get there, it should be easy to find parking close to the town centre. We parked on/at Marienplatz and were able to walk into the area with shops, restaurants, cafes, etc.
Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen By Train/Bus
The train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a great option. The ride on a regional train takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and leaves multiple times throughout the day.
Once you’re there, the train station is right in the middle of the town – walkable in all directions to shops, restaurants, or to catch the bus to get on cable cars up the mountains!
You can also take the bus to Garmisch. There are a surprising number of Fluxbus departures throughout the day – the top takes 1 hour 15 minutes and can cost as little as 5 Euro/per way.
Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen Tour
One of the top reasons people travel to Garmisch is for the mountains – and for access to the Zugspitze. So, if that’s your plan as well – you might consider booking a guided tour from Munich to the top of the Zugspitze (and back)!
This way, you don’t have to worry about transportation there, tickets for the cable car or the train back down, etc. and can just relax and enjoy your day at the top of the country!
Innsbruck
Address for Golden Roof in Old Town: Herzog-Friedrich-Straße 15, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
If you want to discover a mountain city that feels small but packs a ton of history and natural beauty, you should consider Innsbruck. This Austrian city is located on the other side of some mountains from Munich – and the train ride to get there is absolutely breathtaking!
Once there, Innsbruck is full of things to do and see. We headed right for the Old Town to start with the top sights like the Golden Roof, the City Tower (Stadtturm), Hofburg Palace, the Cathedral of St. James, and more. We climbed the Stadtturm and would really recommend it!
For those incredible views, head up the Nordkette train and cable car to ascend to the top of Hafelekarspitze. It was closed for renovations when we visited but we will get those mountain views next time!
The city – not just the Old Town – is also full of shops, cafes, and great restaurants. For great strudel, eat at Strudel Cafe Kroll and for a massive authentic meal, try out Fischerhäusl! It also helps that the central train station is so close to the city centre/Inn river!
Munich to Innsbruck By Car
The drive to Innsbruck is doable – and would certainly be beautiful. It’s about a 2-hour drive and about 150 kilometres south of Munich… through the mountains!
You’d actually go through Garmisch-Partenkirchen which is one route if you want to avoid any tolls. You’ll cross the border when you’re heading into the Alps but there’s no actual border – just a sign.
Munich to Innsbruck By Train/Bus
You can get to Innsbruck by train from Munich. The trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes – but they leave less frequently throughout the day (every few hours) so you will need to plan ahead to catch the train you want there and back.
Once you get to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), it’s just a 10-minute walk to the heart of the Old Town. We did it – it’s very simple!
If you want to take the bus, you’ve got options. The Flixbus runs multiple times per day with the average trip taking about 2 hours 15 minutes and costing as little as 8 Euro/way!
Munich to Innsbruck Tour
If you want to hop on a tour to Innsbruck, you can certainly do so. You can book a day trip from Munich to Innsbruck that takes you right to the heart of the Old Town – and nearby attractions like Swarovski Crystal Worlds!
Read More: One Day in Innsbruck – A Full Itinerary w/ Food!
Chiemsee
Address for Train Station: 83209 Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
Sticking a bit closer to Munich with this one, there’s a lake you might want to check out! Sometimes called “The Bavarian Sea”, Chiemsee is a very popular lake in the Bavarian region. Located just to the southeast of Munich, it makes for a popular day trip in any season – but summer is extra nice.
The large lake is known for its three islands – one of which has the Herrenchiemsee Palace (which you can visit). Another smaller island has a historic abbey – Frauenwörth Abbey. You can explore the islands (and the surrounding views) with the frequent ferries across the lake.
The town on shore – Prien am Chiemsee – is a great starting point for any adventure. There are shops and restaurants and you’ll even find a place to hop on a boat to the islands. You can learn more about what to do when visiting on this Bavaria travel website.
Munich to Chiemsee By Car
Since Chiemsee is a lake, you’ll need to head to an actual place to park in the town nearby (Prien am Chiemsee). To get here by car, it’s only about an hour’s drive to the southeast from Munich about 90 kilometres.
Once you’re here, you can find lots of parking lots to leave the car while you explore and/or head over to see the island and Herrenchiemsee New Palace.
Munich to Chiemsee By Train/Bus
You can take the train to the lake really easily, too. The train from Munich Central Station to Prien am Chiemsee is semi-frequent and just shy of an hour long. Depending on which one you take, it might actually be the same train that heads for “Salzburg HBF”.
Once there, you can walk to the water OR take the Chiemsee-Bahn which is a small train that runs from the main train station to the lake!
Munich to Chiemsee Tour
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake (and all it has to offer) is to head there on a guided tour. This way you don’t have to worry about boat tickets, Royal Castle tickets, getting there from Munich (and back), and more logistics!
If you’re interested, check out this popular Chiemsee tour by bus from Munich to explore the Royal Castle and more!
Regensburg
Address for St. Peter’s Cathedral in Old Town: Domplatz 1, 93047 Regensburg, Germany
Another great city to check out that is packed with history is Regensburg. Located to the north of Munich, the city has a long history as a trading port because the Danube River passes through the city.
You can learn about the city’s maritime history at the Maritime Museum (boats converted into exhibits).
One of the top attractions is the Stone Bridge which was built over the mighty Danube in the 12th century.
We walked across it to snap photos – it was a popular spot! Other highlights in the Old Town – besides just walking around – are St Peter’s Cathedral, St. Emmeram’s Abbey (so beautiful), and the colourful Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) close to Haidplatz.
If you want a place to grab food, we had a sit down lunch at Café Lila. We sat outside and overlooked the open square (Haidplatz) which made for a lovely afternoon. Overall, we really liked Regensburg and would recommend checking it out for a day!
Munich to Regensburg By Car
Driving to Regensburg is certainly doable. The city is located to the north (and slightly east) of Munich. The driving time is about 1 hour 20 minutes for a total distance of about 130 kilometres.
Munich to Regensburg By Train/Bus
The train is easy to take to Regensburg. Depending on the time you leave, the best option is to take a regional train (headed for Nuremberg HBF) that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
This train runs directly to Regensburg throughout the day – but there are other combinations that include S-train and/or changing once. Once you’re there at Regenssburg HBF, you can walk to the Old Town – it’s only about 15/20 minutes to the Danube. You can also take the city bus!
If you want to take the bus to Regensburg, Flixbus runs a direct bus (1 hour 40 minutes) from Munich to Regensburg multiple times a morning for as little as 8 Euro one way!
Starnberg (with Starnberger See)
Address for S-Train Station: Bahnhofpl. 8, 82319 Starnberg, Germany
If you want your day trip to include a lake but don’t want to travel too far at all, consider heading to Starnberg! This town is located at the north end of Starnberger See – a long lake (the second largest in the region) that is located just south of Munich!
The town of Starnberg is small but full of things to check out to fill up part of your day – like the Lake Starnberg Museum, lots of restaurants, and shops. The shoreline is great for walking and there are hiking trails in the surrounding area, too.
Once you’re down there, you can take a ferry around the lake – stopping at various points to explore the shoreline. The shore is packed with smaller towns and attractions like Schloss Höhenried, Schloss Berg, restaurants, green parks, and more. You can plan a visit with help from this official resource.
Munich to Starnberg By Car
Given that it’s so close, it’s really simple to drive to Starnberg. The town/lake is located just to the southwest of Munich – so the driving time is about 30 minutes and not long at around 25 kilometres!
Once you get there, you’ll find parking right by the water – which is also where the train station, and the main area for shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. are!
Munich to Starnberg By Train/Bus
You can very easily take the train to Starnberg. From Munich Central, hop on the S6 – it takes about 32 minutes directly there and runs very frequently (every 20 minutes or so). There are other S-Train/regional train combination options but why take those when you can catch the S6 direct?
Once there, the train station is right on the water so you can walkabout into the town OR hop on a boat cruise right away to explore the lake!
Königssee
Address for Central Parking Lot: Seestraße 3, 83471 Schönau am Königssee, Germany
Of course, no post on day trips from Munich would be complete without a mention of the famous Königssee. Located as far as you’d basically want to go on a day trip from Munich (very close to Berchtesgaden, the Salt Mine, and the Eagle’s Nest), the Königssee is worth the trek.
This natural lake is different from the other lakes in this post because it’s location among towering mountains which means that you get these dramatic sheer cliffs that rise from the shorelines – like the fjords in New Zealand or Norway.
As such, you can take a ferry out on the lake and see the landscape for yourself. Along the way, you’ll see attractions like the famous St Bartholomew’s Church by the shoreline.
Of course, the geography of the area makes it great for hiking/mountaineering trails. However, for the purposes of a day trip, you should just check out the lake by boat and perhaps visit another nearby attraction listed above!
Munich to Königssee By Car
If you want to drive to the Lake (and the town of Königssee), then it’ll take you about 2 hours with a driving distance of around 160 kilometres. It’s pretty far but will get beautiful as you near the mountains.
It’s also very close to the Austrian border with other attractions listed below in this post. Once there, aim for a parking lot such as the one mentioned below.
Munich to Königssee By Train/Bus
For the purposes of a day trip, it’ll take too long to take the train or bus. You basically need to drive or take a tour since roads are the best way to get there.
Munich to Königssee Tour
One of the easiest ways to experience the lake and the amazing views is to head down there on a tour. Because the lake is just so far down from Munich – and it’s not THAT great to get to by transit – you’re limited for options.
Luckily, there is enough of a desire to explore the beautiful landscape that you’ll find a handful of great tour options to take you down there, guide you around, and bring you back to Munich with photos and memories!
- Discover the Königssee – See the famous lake by boat and check out other attractions (waterfall, etc.) on a guided bus trip!
- Königssee and Salt Mines – Explore the lake by boat AND see the Salt Mines on a guided day trip from Munich!
The Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus)
Address: Aim for the Parking Lot at the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg: Salzbergstraße 43, 83471 Berchtesgaden, Germany
If you’re looking for one of the top attractions that are reachable from Munich, then you should check out the Eagle’s Nest. Known as the Kehlsteinhaus in German, this compound is located high atop a ridge in the mountain region known as Obersalzberg in southern Bavaria.
Aside from the incredible views of the area, the Eagle’s Nest is most known for its role in history – it was a frequent meeting point for high-level members of the Nazi Party – and Hitler did visit a handful of times.
These days, the location offers a very limited retelling of its history – and it’s largely a tourist attraction with a restaurant and beer garden. You can buy tickets for the bus ride up (and elevator to the actual building) at the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg at the bottom of the hill.
Be sure to check the website for seasonal open hours – winter season is reduced hours or closed because the road is impassible. You can find all the latest information about visiting the Eagle’s Nest on the official website.
Munich to The Eagle’s Nest By Car
As with visiting the Königssee, you’ll need a car. The trip to this area is just shy of 2 hours and about 160 kilometres. The difference is that you’ll not go as far south to the lake if you’re heading for the Eagle’s Nest Parking Area.
Once you are at one of these parking areas, you can then choose to take the bus or hike for a few hours to the actual restaurant/viewpoint.
Munich to The Eagle’s Nest By Train/Bus
As mentioned, it would be too hard to get to the attraction itself using public transport. You need to get to the base parking lot to even get up there – and making it here is tough without a car. You basically need to drive or take a tour.
Munich to The Eagle’s Nest Tour
To be honest, this is one of those trips that is easier if you just do a tour. This is because there are just too many twists and turns (literally) that if you screw up can put a damper on your whole experience.
Plus, guides take care of tickets and offer knowledge – something you can’t get if you drive down yourself! Because the attraction is a popular one, the tour industry does a great job of taking people down there.
This means that you have some great Eagle’s Nest tour options to explore the Nest, the lake, amazing views, and more!
Salt Mines (at Berchtesgaden)
Address: Bergwerkstraße 83, 83471 Berchtesgaden, Germany
As one of the top attractions in Bavaria, it’s hard to compete with an underground train ride AND an underground lake. Well, at the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden, that’s just a normal day! Opened back in 1517, the mine is the oldest (and still active) salt mine in all of Germany.
These days, visitors can put on overalls (it’s cold down there) and embark on a guided tour of the operation.
It’s a great attraction for kids because you ride a train that takes you about the tunnels, there’s a slide you get to go down, a salt cathedral, and there’s even a boat ride across an underwater lake!
It’s a smart idea to book tours/tickets online in advance if you know when you plan on heading down. You can learn all about the Mine at the official website here.
Munich to Berchtesgaden By Car
Similar to driving down to the Königssee and Eagle’s Nest (listed above), the trip to this area is just shy of 2 hours and about 160 kilometres. Once you’re there, you will find a handful of parking lots close by.
Munich to Berchtesgaden By Train/Bus
Compared to the above day trips, the Salt Mines are located closer to the actual town of Berchtesgaden. However, the train connections are still a little wild to get there for purposes of a day trip. Just drive to Berchtesgaden and explore the Salt Mines yourself!
The Salt Mines make for a better day trip from Salzburg (since they are closer) – which we are writing about very soon!
Tegernsee
Address for Parking/Near Train Station: Klosterwachtstraße 5, 83684 Tegernsee, Germany
If you want to head south of Munich to enjoy a small town and a lovely lake, Tegernsee is definitely an option. This smaller lake – and the town of the same name – is a popular day trip from Munich because it’s so simple to have a lovely day.
The train line terminates in Tegernsee – and the small town on the east shore of the lake is a great place to start a journey. You can visit the Olaf Gulbransson Museum and grab a bite to eat or a drink at the VERY popular Bräustüberl Tegernsee.
The area is known for many hiking trails and outdoor recreation so it’s also great to explore on foot.
Of course, the lake offers visitors an extensive boat tour route with many stops around the lake that you can hop on or off at to explore smaller towns along the shore and more.
Munich to Tegernsee By Car
The drive to Tegernsee is pretty simple. It’s located just south of Munich – meaning you’ll drive for about 50 minutes with a driving distance of about 55 kilometres.
Once you’re there, you can aim for the tourist centre address above (on the west side of the lake) to find parking, restaurants, shops, and connections to hop on a boat cruise of the lake.
You can also aim for the town of Tegernsee on the east side of the lake (near the Tegernsee train station) to find much of the same things.
Munich to Tegernsee By Train/Bus
You can take the train to the lake pretty easily actually. Tegernsee Station is right by the lake – and it takes just over 1 hour to get there direct from Munich.
Once you’re in Tegernsee (the town), you can walk to the shore, find restaurants, and hop on a boat to explore the lake.
Murnau am Staffelsee (+ Staffelsee)
Address for Parking Lot by Lake: Seestraße, 82418, Murnau am Staffelsee, Germany
Likely one of the lesser-known day trips from Munich, heading to Murnau am Staffelsee might feel like the most authentic experience. Located to the south of Munich, this very small town by the lake is a perfect setting for getting away from the big city for some peace and quiet.
The town itself – Murnau – is small with a cobblestone main street of shops, restaurants, cafes, and more. Check out Karg Bräustüberl if you need an authentic Bavarian meal. Around the town, there are holiday homes, green parks, campgrounds, and multiple places to play mini-golf (we did and it was awesome!).
Of course, no visit to Murnau is complete without checking out the lake. There are lots of walking trails/loops that make their way around the whole lake or just stick to a smaller area. You can also hop on a boat cruise to check out the island and other areas around the lake.
We just hiked near the water from the main town – but we did watch the boat pick up people and sail away again (shown above). Overall, we really liked Murnau because it was very peaceful so we’d recommend it!
Munich to Murnau By Car
Murnau by car from Munich is very easy – it’s just a drive down the Autobahn 95 basically heading south. The total driving time is about 55 minutes and around 70 km. We’ve done this – the closer you get to the mountains the more beautiful the drive becomes!
Munich to Murnau By Train/Bus
You can get to Murnau Train Station in about 55 minutes from Munich Central. You can take one regional train that runs quite frequently throughout the day directly there. Check out the DB website for the train.
Bad Tölz (+ Blombergbahn)
Address for the Blombergbahn: Am Blomberg 2, 83646 Wackersberg, Germany
If you want another thing to check out near the Tegernsee area, you can always head to Bad Tölz and check out the Blombergbahn. This small town that sits on the Isar River is a scenic getaway nestled in the rolling green hills of southern Bavaria.
If you want to get up a little higher for great views, that’s what the Blombergbahn is for. This double chair lifts you up to “Munich’s local mountain”, which is a great destination in the summer and winter with hiking and snoweshoeing trails all over the place.
One of the top activities is tobogganing – riding a cart down a mountain track.. and this can be done in summer! Sometimes people also call this tobogganing run the “Blombergbahn” so it can be a little confusing. You can learn more on the official website.
Munich to Bad Tölz By Car
Driving to Bad Tölz is pretty simple. The route is basically due south of the city centre for a driving time of around 55 minutes and driving distance of around 55 kilometres. Once you get there, there are numerous parking lots close to the town centre near the river.
Munich to Bad Tölz By Train/Bus
You can get to Bad Tölz easily by train as well. From Munich Central Station, there are frequent trains heading south that take anywhere from 55 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
These trains all terminate at the central station in Bad Tölz which is just to the east of the town centre. You could then take a Oberbayernbus (#9612) to the Blombergbahn.
Related Articles
If you’re looking for other great Munich posts (and/or need help travelling to Germany), check out our other Munich posts:
- Where to Stay in Munich – Hotels and Neighbourhoods
- How to Spend One Day in Munich
- Our Favourite Munich Cafes
- Our Detailed Germany Itineraries for 5 to 14 Days!
- Brush Up on Your German Phrases
And there you have it – 19 of the best day trips from Munich! Obviously there are more villages, lakes, and other attractions, but we think this is a pretty comprehensive list for different interests.
Let us know if you’ve completed any – and if you know of a place we need to add to this list!
As always, Happy Waddlin’,
– L&E
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