The Best Day Trips from Munich

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 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.

Pack your passport 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!