The 11 Best Day Trips from Munich, Germany

Just over an hour’s drive from the city centre is one of the deepest Alpine lakes in Germany. Its clear waters are almost 200 meters (656 ft) deep, and the lake itself covers over 16 square kilometres (six square miles)! it can be hard to take it all in from ground level, so drive up into the surrounding mountains for panoramic views back down into the valley. In summer, you can hire boats and pedalos, or just jump into the clear waters for a swim. You can also surf, sail, fish, and dive. Hikers should head over to the nearby Mittenwald trail to stroll through pine trees, and enjoy the views.

Close your eyes and imagine medieval Germany… that’s Rothenburg! A trip little over two hours north of Munich between Stuttgart and Nuremberg, this walled town has some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in the country. It’s hard to imagine now, but in the 1300s, Rothenburg was Germany’s second-largest city. Take a walking tour around the ramparts, or head to the Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum for a glimpse into the past. Check the town’s website before your trip – there are often plays and festivals celebrating the town’s history.

The ultimate Disney-princess castle is just an hour and 40 minutes from Munich. This nineteenth-century gem was King Ludwig II’s escape until it was opened to the public after his death in 1886. A tourist hotspot, over 1.4 million people visit each year to explore the castle, admire the view and take pictures. Make sure you buy your entrance ticket before tackling the mountain walk up to the castle, or – if you’re feeling lazy – complete the Cinderella experience by taking a horse-drawn carriage right to the front door.

Equally stunning in its frozen winter state as it is in summer, this gorge was declared to be a natural monument in 1912. Visitors can go down inside the gorge and walk along the cliffside path that winds through the waterfalls. You will get wet, so make sure you’ve got the right clothes and some non-slip shoes. It’ll take you about an hour and a quarter to drive from Munich to the parking area, and you’ll need to walk for around 30 minutes before reaching the gorge itself.

Right on the Austrian border is Hitler’s former mountain hideout. Presented to him as a gift for his 50th birthday, it was used for government meetings in the Third Reich. It’s now a restaurant, which you reach by taking a Charlie-and-the-Chocolate-Factory-style brass elevator 407 ft (124 metres) to the peak. Plan your trip carefully – its exposed position means that it’s closed between November and May. You can head there yourself, or join one of the many organised tours leaving Munich for a greater insight into the region’s dark past.

Step back in time to the 1936 Winter Olympics! Hop on the slightly rickety two-person gondolas of the Eckbauerbahn, and admire the views of the enormous Olympic ski jump that’s still in use today. If you’re visiting in winter, make sure to relive some of your childhood memories by packing a toboggan for a speedy route back. Alternatively, head to the Berggasthof for a well-deserved beer and traditional Bavarian food. Perched on the edge of the mountain, you’ll have a 270° view of the Alps.

The ultimate Disney-princess castle is just an hour and 40 minutes from Munich. This nineteenth-century gem was King Ludwig II’s escape until it was opened to the public after his death in 1886. A tourist hotspot, over 1.4 million people visit each year to explore the castle, admire the view and take pictures. Make sure you buy your entrance ticket before tackling the mountain walk up to the castle, or – if you’re feeling lazy – complete the Cinderella experience by taking a horse-drawn carriage right to the front door.

This freshwater lake is the meeting point for three different rivers. Hop on the S-Bahn from Munich city centre and you’ll find yourself at Chiemsee in around 90 minutes. Make sure you pack your swimming gear – right on the banks of the lake you’ll find Prienavera. This purpose-built complex has indoor and outdoor swimming pools overlooking the lake, as well as saunas and relaxation areas. Refuel before heading back to the city at one of the many lakeside restaurants.

Pack your passport, hop on the train, and head further afield; the advantage of being in south Germany is you’re right near the Austrian border. In less than two hours, you can be in the home of the Sound of Music – Salzburg. Wander around the narrow alleys of Altstadt, get gelato and admire the architecture in Domplatz, and catch the funicular up to Hohensalzburg castle for fantastic views of the city. Ready to relax after all that sightseeing? The monastery, Kloster Mülln, claims to brew some of the best beer in the country!

Experience a private trip from Munich to Ingolstadt and Augsburg, two of Bavaria’s most historic cities. Begin in Ingolstadt, home to the famed Audi headquarters and a rich medieval past. Explore the picturesque old town, visit the impressive New Castle, or discover the city’s military history. Continue to Augsburg, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its Renaissance architecture and the Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex. With a private guide, enjoy a personalized experience, learning about the region’s history and cultural heritage at your own pace.

The Dachau tour from Munich offers a profound and educational experience, exploring the site of one of the first Nazi concentration camps. Departing from Munich, this guided tour takes you through the Dachau Memorial, where you’ll learn about the camp’s dark history, its role during the Holocaust, and the lives of those imprisoned. With a knowledgeable guide, visit key locations, including the barracks, crematorium, and memorial sites. The tour provides a sobering but important insight into one of the darkest periods of human history, fostering reflection and remembrance.