Day Trips from Munich

Take a day trip to these attractions around Munich

Munich has many sights to offer, but is also an ideal starting point for day trips in Bavaria or even as far as Austria. The world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the medieval Rothenburg in Franconia or the Mozart city of Salzburg and of course the mountains of the Alps are (for once!) worth a detour from the state capital. Our selected tips for an excursion that can be reached by train.

From Munich to Neuschwanstein castle: A fairy tale

The world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle in the Ammergau Alps is characterized by its picturesque location on a craggy cliff and its medieval-looking facade. Originally, the castle was designed by King Ludwig II as a private retreat, but he died before it was completed. On August 1, 1886, the castle was opened to the public to pay off the debts from its construction. 

Every year, around 1.5 million people from all over the world visit Neuschwanstein. From Munich, the fairytale castle can be reached in just under 2 hours by train, making it perfect for a day trip.

Hello, Mozart! A day trip to Salzburg in Austria

Salzburg, the picturesque city in Austria, is famous for its cultural diversity and breathtaking beauty.  The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants with baroque buildings, narrow streets and the majestic Salzburg Cathedral.

The Hohensalzburg Fortress towers over the city and offers an impressive panoramic view  of the Alpine landscape.  Salzburg is closely associated with composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and his birthplace and residence are major attractions. Getreidegasse is a lively shopping street with charming stores and cafes.

It takes only 1.5 hours by train to reach the city on the Salzach.

From Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Back to the Middle Ages

Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Middle Franconia is characterized by its well-preserved medieval town center. The city wall, which is almost completely walkable, offers a great view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

The narrow streets and half-timbered houses convey the flair of past centuries. A highlight is the market square, dominated by the town hall and the St. Jacob's church tower. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located about 220 kilometers northwest of Munich. 

A car or train ride takes about three hours. The city is nevertheless a worthwhile destination for a day trip from Munich.

To the Zugspitze: The highest point in Germany is not far from Munich

The Zugspitze in the Alps is Germany's highest mountain, with an altitude of 2,962 meters above sea level. On the top there is a weather station, restaurants and viewing platforms.

From Munich you can take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From there, you can reach the Zugspitzbahn, which leads to the valley station of the cable car. The cable car ride is a popular way to get to the Zugspitze and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alps.

Dachau concentration camp: A Holocaust memorial near Munich

The Dachau concentration camp is a touching memorial and an important historical site. It was built in 1933 near the town of Dachau near Munich and was one of the first concentration camps of the Nazi regime. Today, the site is a memorial commemorating the victims of the Holocaust and helping to educate people about the horrors of Nazi rule.

Dachau Concentration Camp is easily accessible from Munich by S-Bahn. The S2 S-Bahn line runs directly from Munich Central Station to Dachau, and the trip takes about 20-25 minutes.