Munich is an amazing city to explore and has many fun things to do. It is also a great place to base yourself to take some of the day trips from Munich. There are many sites within two hours of Munich, you will want to spend at least a week exploring the area.
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Day Trips from Munich: Less Than 1 Hour
Landshut, Germany
By Maria of Map and Camera
If there is one place north of the Alps that can make you feel like you are in a medieval Italian town, it is Landshut. It is one of the best day trips from Munich. On a hill above the town stands Trausnitz Castle, built in the 13th century. For centuries, it was the residence and seat of the rulers of Bavaria. Don’t miss the Chamber of Art and Curiosities, which can be visited without a guided tour.
The Landshut City Residence is a museum built in the Italian Renaissance style. It is a second palace, the Italian Building, built behind the German Building and connected to it by wings. The Italian Building and the Residence Chapel can be visited on a guided tour. St. Martin’s Church tower is over 130 meters high and is the tallest brick building in the world.
Landshut’s medieval town center is well preserved with a pedestrian area full of shops and cafes. You can enjoy a concert in the summer months or visit the Christmas market in December. Every four years (next time in 2027), a medieval wedding is re-enacted in Landshut. Over 2000 locals take part in the reenactment of the marriage of Duke Georg the Rich to the daughter of the Polish king, Hedwig. The events last three weeks and take place in historic buildings with music, dancing, and games from the period. Even drinks are served from large clay jugs to complete the medieval atmosphere.
Landshut is 73 km (45 miles) from Munich, less than an hour by car or 45 minutes by train.
Ammersee and Andechs, Germany
By Kitty of Kitty Meets World
One of the best day trips from Munich is a visit to Lake Ammersee and the Andechs Monastery. With a combination of a boat ride, mountain views, a forest walk, cute towns, old churches, and, of course, local beer, this day trip embodies everything Bavaria is famous for!
Herrsching am Ammersee is only about 45 km from Munich, and you can reach this pretty lakeside town in just under an hour on the S8 commuter train from Munich’s main train station. If you are planning to use public transport on several days within the month, the Deutschlandticket is the most economical option. If not, you can buy a day ticket at the station.
The top activity in Herrsching is definitely a boat tour on the lake. You can choose between shorter and longer round trips with a Hop-on-Hop-off-option. The charming town of Dießen, with its 18th-century Baroque-style church, is an excellent choice if you want to explore further.
You could spend all day enjoying the Ammersee with its sights, beaches, and water sports activities. However, if you get an early start, you can combine your visit to Lake Ammersee with a short hike to the Andechs Monastery, known for its brewery.
You can walk approximately 4.5 km from Herrsching to Andechs in a good hour. Once at the monastery, it is time to treat yourself to a hearty Bavarian meal – and, of course, the local beer. Then, climb the church tower for a wonderful view over the surrounding woods and hills. But make sure you don’t get caught on the steps when the bell rings, as it is unpleasantly loud!
On the way back, you can either retrace your steps to Herrsching or catch a bus to one of the stops on the S8 line.
Erding, Germany
By Melissa of Parenthood and Passports
Erding is a small town located 42 kilometers from Munich. Easily accessible by public transport, it is roughly a 40-minute train ride from Munich’s city center. The storybook town is home to the famous Erdinger brewery, which you can tour and see their brewers in action. If you want to extend your day trip, you can even spend a night at the brewery’s connected boutique hotel.
Adjacent to the brewery, Stadtpfarrkirche St Johannes is also worth a visit. Inside the historic cathedral which sits in the center of the town, you’ll find the mummified remains of an early Christian saint that has been decorated in jewels and placed on display in a glass coffin. These sites make Erding one of the best day trips from Munich.
Additionally, the town is home to Europe’s largest thermal spa – Therme Erding. Inside this spa and bathhouse, you’ll find 35 different steam baths and saunas, 40 pools and mineral baths, a lazy river, a wave pool, and an entire water park with 28 different indoor and outdoor water slides. Open year-round, the thermal spa makes for a great day trip from Munich. Whether you are seeking relaxation or an exhilarating adventure with the kids, Therme Erding has separate and unique areas to provide the experience you are looking for.
Dachau, Germany
By Taylor of Traverse with Taylor.
One of the best half-day trips from Munich is a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Located just about a half hour (~30 kilometers) outside of the city center of Munich, the grounds of this former Nazi Concentration Camp is a somber place to visit.
The easiest way to get to Dachau is by taking a guided tour. The top Dachau tours that I recommend meet you at the Marienplatz in Munich include guided train transport to the Dachau site. However, if you’d like to navigate yourself, take a train to the Dachau station and then the RB16 bus to the memorial grounds.
The grounds of this camp are extensive. Walking in, you’ll pass under guardhouse and towers, as well as the iron gate and fence inscribed with “Arbeit Macht Frei,” “Work Will Make You Free.” As soon as you step foot into the complex, the air somehow becomes heavier.
A tour of Dachau is absolutely recommended, as it will enable you to see the grounds in a logical order as you learn about what happened here. However, the site is free to visit, and self-audio guides are available at the visitor’s center if you prefer to explore alone.
Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp, originally created to house political prisoners. Inside the grounds, you’ll see recreated barracks, a crematorium and gas chamber, burial grounds, and many memorials. In addition, a large museum has been erected with countless artifacts and pieces of history.
If you haven’t visited a concentration camp before, know that a visit to Dachau will be heavy. But visiting these Holocaust sites is a way to learn from history and ensure that we never repeat it again.
Day Trips from Munich: 1-2 Hours
Oberammergau, Germany
By James of Travel Collecting
Oberammergau is just a 91 km, about an hour and 10-minute drive from Munich, with no traffic. If you prefer not to drive, you can take the train. This is about 1 hour 50 minutes and typically involves a change of train in Murnau. There are also several day-trip tours from Munich. Oberammergau is one of the best day trips from Munich.
Oberammergau is famous for four things. First, its setting in the Ammergau Alps is incredibly beautiful and is a great place for a short hike into the mountains. Second, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Bavaria. There are numerous gorgeous painted houses in the small village. Many are painted with scenes from folk tales and children’s stories. Third, this is one of the best places in Germany to buy woodwork. The village is home to many woodwork artisans and their handicrafts make great souvenirs.
The final reason is perhaps what makes the village most famous – though it only happens once a decade. Back in 1633, as the plague ravaged Europe, the villagers promised that if they were spared, they would faithfully perform an outdoor version of the Passion Play forever. Well, their village was indeed miraculously spared, and the villagers have faithfully made good on their promise ever since. Nowadays, there is an enormous semi-outdoor theater permanently erected on the edge of town, and for several months every decade, you can visit and catch a performance (you’ll have to wait a while – the next one is in 2030).
In the meantime, you should definitely still go there for a day trip from Munich – it really is one of the most picturesque places in all of Bavaria. One thing to keep in mind if you’re going to drive – it’s worth going early as the traffic on this route can get congested later in the day, especially on weekends.
Innsbruck, Austria
If you have the possibility to rent a car to explore outside of Munich, then you can make a day trip out of one of Germany’s neighboring countries’ best cities. In just under two hours, travel 101 miles by car from Munich to reach Innsbruck, Austria! One day in Innsbruck is the perfect amount of time to visit its charming old town streets and even reach the famous peaks of Nordkette, part of Austria’s largest nature park.
Start in Altstadt, Innsbruck’s Old Town, where you can see not only the beautiful alpine architecture but also the town’s most famous landmark, the Golden Roof. If you want the best view of Old Town, the square, and the Golden Roof, then climb the Stadtturm clock tower as a fun, budget-friendly activity!
You also can’t miss getting a picture in front of the colorful stretch of houses along the Inn River. Walk by the Markthalle food market and then make your way to Maria Theresien Strasse, Innsbruck’s main square and shopping street. And whenever you need a sweet snack, you have plenty of options! Taste the king of Austrian desserts, the Sacher Cake, at Café Sacher or opt for something more comforting like a wide variety of strudels at Kröll Strudel Café.
One tip for this mini road trip: since you’ll be using the highway in Austria, you will have to purchase a vignette that practically counts as paying tolls for using motorways. You can purchase them online or in person at places like gas stations or the post office. Inssbruck makes for one of the best day trips from Munich.
Rattenburg, Austria
By Paul of Paulmarina
Rattenberg is situated in the neighboring Tyrol region in Austria, about 74 miles (119 kilometers) from Munich. You can get there within 1 1/2 hours by road via the A8 and Inntal highway or take the train, which is also just a one and a half hour trip if you take a fast train.
Rattenberg is known as Austria’s smallest city, and it’s a charming, colorful medieval town on the banks of the Inn River. Towering above the city is the ruined fortress, which is used as a background for the annual themed theater play. Visitors can walk up to the ruins to get a fantastic panoramic view of the town and valley.
The people of Rattenberg are traditionally skilled glassmakers and cutters. Intricate shapes and designs are still hand-blown and cut in the workshops there. One can even watch them do it in the Kisslinger glassmaker workshop and store. Purchase a handmade glass set or a set made by the world-renowned Riedel, which comes from the nearby Kufstein fortress city.
If you have a vehicle, I recommend the 5-minute drive to the open-air Tyrolean farmhouse museum in Kramsach, a neighboring town. The farmhouses there were literally brought from distant alms and valleys so that visitors from all over the world get to learn more about the farmer’s culture of yesteryear.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
By Shandos of Travelnuity
One of the top day trips from Munich is to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle. Used as the basis for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, this 19th-century castle is just over 100km (about 65 miles) southwest of Munich, about a 100-minute drive.
Alternatively, it’s possible to take the train and bus. It’s about a two-hour train trip from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen, then follow the crowd of people catching the bus to the castle, about 15 minutes away. FlixBus also operates a direct bus.
Make sure you buy your entry tickets in advance, as they often sell out. Your ticket is for a guided tour at a set departure time, with English tours frequently offered. Make sure you allow plenty of time to walk from the village up to the castle on the hilltop, where the guided tours start – punctually!
It’s recommended to arrive at least one hour early, with the option of walking to the top, taking a shuttle bus, or taking a horse and cart ride. If you arrive early, walk to nearby Marienbrücke, one of the best vantage points for photos of the castle. Note that no photos are allowed inside the castle on tours!
Neuschwanstein Castle is a stunning sight to see, both the exterior and the fantastically decorated interior. There are also plans to add it to the World Heritage list in the coming years, along with the other palaces constructed by Ludwig II of Bavaria.
Linderhof Palace, Germany
By Natalie of Outsider Odyssey
Linderhof Palace is about 97 km from Munich, and it takes an hour and fifteen minutes to drive there. The easiest way to get there is by car. However, it’s also possible to get there by train and bus. Take the train from Munich to Oberammergau and then take the bus to Linderhof. Additionally, there are a few tour companies who will take you to both Neuschwanstein and Linderhof from Munich—a great option if you want to have a castle day!
Linderhof was commissioned and inhabited by King Ludwig II. Though he’s better known for Neuschwanstein, he lived in Linderhof much longer. The only way to see Linderhof is to take a tour. It’s the smallest of King Ludwig’s castles, so the tour isn’t very long—about 25 minutes. However, it’s well worth visiting to learn about the fascinating history of the castle and King Ludwig’s life and to admire the intricate, over-the-top gold decor and beautiful artwork on the ceilings and walls.
The palace grounds are just as gorgeous as the interior. Take a stroll and see the fountain, gold statues, the palace’s beautiful exterior, and majestic mountains. The grounds are extensive—allow yourself additional time to explore and take photos! It is one of the best day trips from Munich.
Nuremberg, Germany
By Rich of Rijon Tour
Nuremberg is a beautiful city that is a great place to visit for one of the best day trips from Munich. It is a pretty straightforward train journey between the cities. The 169km journey takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours, depending on the train. The train station is a short walk from all the attractions in Nuremberg’s old town.
Nuremberg old town is a beautiful place to explore with lots of of timber-framed buildings. A city wall surrounds the historical center of Nuremberg, which has many towers and gates. Overlooking the city is the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, which is a fascinating place to visit. The castle is beautiful with lots of nice towners and fortifications. The views of the city from the castle are splendid, too.
There are also lots of churches in Nuremberg to visit, including Frauenkirche, which is the backdrop for the annual Christmas markets. The hangman’s bridge on the river in Nuremberg is also well worth seeing. This is a 16th-century covered footbridge, and it’s very photogenic. Nuremberg is also home to the Nuremberg Nazi Rally Grounds, an educational place to visit.
Throughout the city, there are many places to dine out or have a drink, including some local Tucher beers. For food, the must-try dish in the city is the Nuremberg sausage, which is delicious. Overall, Nuremberg is a beautiful city with layers of history to see.
Regensburg, Germany
By Soumya of Stories by Soumya
If you’re looking for a beautiful, history-filled day trip from Munich, head to the world heritage town of Regensburg. The history of Regensburg dates to the early 1st century when it functioned as a Roman fort city. It became a trading hub in the Middle Ages because of its strategic location on the River Danube and is one of the best day trips from Munich.
The medieval city center of Regensburg, or the Old Town, is still well-preserved and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk through the cobbled lanes of the old town and appreciate the mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Visit St. Peter’s Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic church featuring an impressively carved façade. Stroll through the Old Stone Bridge, a medieval trading route, and explore the Thurn and Taxis Palace.
Regensburg is also home to Wurstkuchl, or the Sausage Kitchen, one of the oldest restaurants in the world (it has been operational since the 12th century), that still serves delicious sausages to its customers. Located just 1.5 hours (80 miles) northeast of Munich, Regensburg is easy to get by train, bus, and car. Once you get to Regensburg, you can explore the old town on foot or hop on a sightseeing train to see the city.
Garmisch, Germany
By Brit of Life of Brit
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a beautiful German town at the base of the Bavarian Alps. Its convenient location, about an hour’s drive from Munich, makes it an easy way to trade the city streets for fresh air, snowy peaks, and charming mountain chalets and is one of the best day trips from Munich.
Driving to Garmisch is the best way to get there and allows you complete freedom to visit the surrounding rural sights at your leisure. However, it’s also possible to reach this popular town via Flixbus or a direct ride on DB’s RB6 train that leaves once an hour from Munich Hbf to Garmisch. There are local buses that connect Garmisch-Partenkirchen with the surrounding attractions, but the official schedules and routes are only in German.
While in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the absolute best things to do include admiring the charming streets of these two Alpine towns, strolling through the pretty Partnach Gorge, and riding cable cars to the top of the numerous mountain peaks nearby. Germany’s tallest peak, the Zugspitze, and the bright blue waters of Eibsee are only a 10-minute drive from the town center and shouldn’t be missed either!
Be sure to make a dinner reservation at Zum Wildschütz while there, a famous Bavarian restaurant known for its Schweinshaxe (ham hock) and potato soup. Summer is the best time to visit for hiking and greenery, whereas winter is best for snow sports.
Zugspitze, Germany
By Sara of Big Adventures, Little Feet
Zugspitze is the highest peak in Germany and a fantastic day trip from Munich if you love to explore the outdoors and are into activities. It is just 95 km away from Munich and a little over an hour’s drive, or just under 2 hours on a bus direct from Munich for €70. You can easily get there and back in a day and try out some of the fun activities on offer, such as taking a gondola ride to the top for the view!
Zugspitze itself is different from a traditional mountain resort in the sense that it doesn’t offer extensive lodging, restaurants, and other amenities directly on the peak. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, located at the foot of Zugspitze, is the nearest well-known resort town, offering a range of accommodations, dining options, and activities.
For those who are into skiing and snowboarding, Zugspitze is an awesome winter resort with pristine slopes ready to play on. For the super enthusiastic and adventurous, the Zugspitze Glacier, with year-round snow, provides an ideal playground for winter sport enthusiasts of all levels. For those craving an adrenaline rush, paragliding over the majestic peaks offers an unforgettable aerial experience. While ice climbing on frozen waterfalls presents a challenge for the daring.
In the summer, hiking enthusiasts can explore scenic trails, ranging from strolls through alpine meadows to challenging ascents with beautiful panoramic views. During the warmer seasons, the Eibsee Lake at the base of Zugspitze invites visitors to unwind with leisurely boat rides or refreshing swims in its crystal-clear waters.
Whether seeking thrills or tranquility, Zugspitze promises an unforgettable Alpine experience for every traveler. Zugspitze is one of the best day trips from Munich.
Day Trips from Munich: More Than 2 Hours
Berchtesgaden, Germany
By Angie Kunze of We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
Some of Germany’s best attractions can be found in the Berchtesgaden area, all conveniently located within just a few kilometers driving distance from each other. The area itself, surrounded by the commanding and picturesque Bavarian Alps, is one scenic landscape after another. This hotspot features attractions like Königssee and Obersee, Berchtesgaden National Park, the Parish Church of St. Sebastian, and even Eagles Nest. Königssee and Obersee can be seen together in one fantastic excursion. It is one of the best day trips from Munich.
Königssee is a fjord-like lake and one of Germany’s prettiest. Take a boat to the far end of the lake, where you can disembark and make your way down a trail to Obersee, an emerald-green alpine lake tucked away in the mountains. From there, you can make your way to Röthbach, Germany’s highest waterfall.
Just past Königssee, you’ll find the Parish Church of St. Sebastian. With its mountainous background, a little wooden bridge, and a babbling brook in the foreground, this iconic little church is one of Germany’s most photographed. Just down the road is Hintersee, a lovely lake circled by an idyllic trail. A short distance away is scenic Berchtesgaden National Park, which has over 150 mountains. Take the Alm bus through the park or get out and do some hiking! Can you fit it all in a day? No way! Choose your favorites and plan to return to this amazing area of Germany again!
Lake Wolfgangsee, Austria
By Martina of PlacesofJuma
The stunning Lake Wolfgangsee in Austria is a beautiful gem and is a great option for one of the best day trips from Munich. Nestled in a lush green landscape, surrounded by majestic mountains, with the turquoise waters of the lake and the traditional villages along its shores, you’ll find a true natural treasure here.
The Wolfgangsee is located approximately 190 kilometers southeast of Munich and can be reached by car in about 2 hours. Unfortunately, traveling by public transportation takes much longer and is therefore not a good alternative.
A day trip from Munich to the Wolfgangsee is worthwhile for several reasons. Firstly, the breathtaking natural landscape of the lake offers a refreshing change from the bustling city life of Munich. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria, and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including beautiful boat rides and exploring the picturesque villages along the shore, such as St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl.
For adventure enthusiasts, there are numerous hiking trails in the area that offer panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. A must-visit is a ride on the red SchafbergBahn train up to the 1,364-meter-high Schafbergalm. From there, you can enjoy arguably the most beautiful mountain scenery ever.
Also worth a visit is the historic White Horse Inn, a 15th-century hotel that has even been the setting for operettas. Mozart fans should also visit St. Gilgen, as it is the birthplace of Mozart’s mother.
Friedrichschafen, Germany
By Zoe of Together In Switzerland
For a wonderful day trip from Munich to a lakeside location, consider choosing Friedrichshafen. This city in Germany is located at the shore of Lake Bodensee and exactly 200 km / 124 miles from Munich, which is just 2 hours and 6 minutes with a car trip. It is one of the best day trips from Munich.
But you are wondering why you should choose Friedrichshafen for your day trip from Munich. Friedrichshafen is mostly known for its aviation history, and you can visit the local Zeppelin Museum. You might even see one flying above the city! For museums, there is also the Dornier Museum, with standing aircraft that you can get up close to, and a school museum showing different eras.
One thing you have to enjoy is a walk along the promenade, where many restaurants and cafes are lined up, ready to welcome you in for a bite to eat or drink. We suggest stopping at Bella Vista Friedrichshafen if you fancy an Italian dish for lunch! The views across the lake are well worth the day trip!
You can walk all the way along between the Schloss-Steg landmark to the Moleturm Observation Tower, providing 360° pretty views of the Bodensee Lake and Friedrichshafen City, as well as the Swiss mountains in the distance. From here, you can choose to walk back through the small shopping area, where you can find local boutiques and
Friedrichshafen is also home to the huge Messe halls, where many events are held throughout the year, so you can also combine the city visit with an event of your choice.
Stuttgart, Germany
By Diana of Travels in Poland
One of the best day trips from Munich is to Stuttgart, Germany. It is a great way to explore a city known for the second-largest beer festival in the world. Separated by approximately 147 miles, the journey takes a bit over two hours. Travelers have multiple options for the trip: Deutsche Bahn (DB) train service or the flexibility of driving.
Stuttgart is renowned for its automotive industry, being home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Both companies have museums here, popular with visitors and locals alike. The city also has Wilhelma, one of Europe’s largest zoos and botanical gardens.
The large downtown green space is bordered by Neues Schloss (New Castle), a stunning palace. In 1942, the same year Auschwitz Birkenau started functioning, the city of Stuttgart was severely bombed, and the palace suffered significant damage during this time, as well as an additional bombing in 1944. The building, however, was restored in the 1950s and today and serves as a backdrop for Christmas markets, outdoor events, and the local and regional parliament.
Stuttgart is also home to some of Germany’s largest spring and fall festivals, the Staatsgalerie, a museum showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to modern art, as well as home to an architecturally stunning city library that has won numerous awards for its modern flair. Stuttgart’s city center is easily navigable on foot or by public transportation, making it possible to explore its main attractions in just one day.
Salzburg, Austria
By Stephanie from BeyofTravel
Salzburg makes for a day trip from Munich, Germany, and it is about 2 hours, and you will be in a different country (Austria)! Embark on one of the best day trips from Munich to Salzburg by catching an early train to make the most of your time. The journey between these two historical cities is not only convenient but also an opportunity to witness the picturesque Bavarian countryside. The fastest train will get you there in one hour and 30 minutes! If you are driving, it will take about one hour and 45 minutes to cover a distance of 90.1 miles.
Upon arrival, head straight to the Hohensalzburg Fortress, a grand medieval castle sitting atop Festungsberg Hill. As you wander through its historic chambers, allow yourself to be transported back in time, and don’t miss the panoramic views of Salzburg from the lofty watchtowers — a backdrop worth capturing!
As noon approaches, descend into the heart of Salzburg and stroll along the cobbled Getreidegasse, the city’s renowned shopping street. Here, treat your taste buds at one of the local eateries, perhaps sampling the famous Salzburger Nockerl, a divine dessert that perfectly reflects the sweetness of this town. Or Fürst.
Post-lunch, head to Mozart Square, followed by a visit to the Mozart Museum (which was also his birthplace). Afterward, take a leisurely walk through Mirabell Gardens and soak in the sunset before returning to Munich. One of the popular activities in Salzburg is the Sound of Music Tour – if you are keen on adding this experience, you must set aside 1-3 hours for the guided tour. Even with a short 8 to 10 hours in Salzburg, it is worth taking a day trip to explore the quaint city and admire the Bavarian Alps!
Pro tip: Purchase a Salzburg Card for free entry to many attractions and public transport.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Munich
Munich is an amazing city to visit in Germany. There are so many awesome day trips to take from Munich. If you have more time, explore more of the surrounding area, such as Switzerland, Northern Germany, or Vienna. Alternatively, head to Italy to explore places like Rome, Florence, or Venice.
