The 15 Most Exciting Day Trips from Munich, Germany

Munich is one of the most magical cities in Bavaria, Germany. Thanks to its proximity to the Alps, the sun has a habit of shining here while the clouds remain over the mountains. Since I started dating someone from Munich, I’ve been able to see not only the city itself but also several beautiful spots around it. To make this guide even more unique, I asked him to provide me with his top local, less touristy day trips from Munich.

Bavaria is a land of breathtaking beauty, from the awe-inspiring Alps to peaceful lakes and rolling hills. Its fairy-tale castles, charming villages, and traditional customs make it look like something from a fairytale. Whether you are exploring vibrant Munich, hiking in the Bavarian Alps, or walking through historic towns, the beauty of Bavaria is as diverse as it is timeless.

In this guide, you will find both local recommendations, my personal favorite day trips and things that you simply must see! With both trips you can make spontaneously, to trips you need to plan out in advance, you can use this guide for any amazing day trip from Munich.

This is a guest post contributed by Lisa from Nova on the Road

The best day trips from Munich

Nuremberg

170 km from Munich

One of the best cities to explore in one day is Nuremberg! Famous for it’s well-preserved oldtown, idyllic Christmas market, and the Nuremberg sausage, a day trip to Nuremberg will not only be incredible, it’ll be tasty as well!

Nuremberg is one of Germany’s cities with a rich history; it served as an important city during the golden ages, the renaissance, and more recent, in World War 2.

Some amazing activities you don’t want to miss out on during your day trip are:

–          Explore the iconic Nuremberg Castle

–          Indulge in the local cuisine, like Nürnberger Rostbratwurst and Nürnberger Lebkuchen (gingerbread)

–          Walk the massive city walls

–          Stroll along the Pegnitz river canals

–          Learn about the WWII nazi trials at the Trials Museum

–          Get lost in the beautiful old town and its stunning churches

Visiting Nuremberg will be a cultural and historical experience that will definitely enrich your trip!

Getting to Nuremberg from Munich

By car: 2 hours, using the A9 highway.

By public transport: 1 hour and 15 minutes by ICE train from Munich Hbf to Nürnberg Hbf.

Augsburg

78 km from Munich

If you’re looking for an incredible historical place in Germany, look no further. As the third oldest city in all of Germany, Augsburg has a history dating back over 2000 years! However, most of the old town dates back to the 16^th century, showcasing stunning renaissance buildings.

One of the things I found most interesting when visiting Augsburg in 2023, was the Fuggerei. This was the first social housing project in the world! You can visit it and learn about why it was built and what kind of people lived there.

Here are more incredible things to do in Augsburg:

–          Admire the Town Hall and Perlachturm

–          Visit the National Textile and Industrial Museum Augsburg

–          Step into the massive Augsburg Cathedral and the cozy St. Anne’s Church

–          Explore the Fuggerei to learn about this oldest social housing project in the world

–          Get lost in the Schaezlerpalais

Augsburg is such an underrated city, but one that will certainly surprise you!

Getting to Augsburg from Munich

By car: 1 hour using the A8 highway.

By public transport: 30 minutes by train from Munich Hbf to Augsburg Hbf

Starnberger See / Walchensee (lakes district)

One of the most German things to do is simply going to a lake. Hot summer day? Go to a lake. Nothing to do on Sunday? Go to a lake.

Somehow this has become quite the culture and once I experienced it myself, I totally understood why! Bavaria is home to many lakes, that you can easily visit on a day trip!

My favorite lakes near Munich are Starnbergersee, Tegernsee, and Walchensee.

Starnbergersee is great for a hot summer day. With both grassy and sandy areas to lie on, and many great swimming spots, this is the perfect place to spend hot days in Munich! Plus, it’s only 30 minutes away by s-bahn!

Tegernsee is my absolute favorite lake in Bavaria! My boyfriend took me there on my birthday and I was treated with stunning views, great Bavarian food, and an incredible sauna experience.

Here’s how to spend a great day in Tegernsee: In the morning hike up to Berggasthof Neureuth. Grab some delicious lunch here, before heading back down. Then treat yourself to an afternoon in the Monte Mare Seesauna and enjoy a great dinner in Tegernsee or back in Munich. Tegernsee is about 50 minutes by car or 1,5 hour by S-bahn, from Munich.

Walchensee is another great spot to spend your summer days. Not only is it great in summer, though, you can also enjoy this lake in different seasons, for watersports. From windsurfing, to wing foiling, to stand-up-paddling, you can do it all here! I recommend renting your gear at SUKI Walchensee.

Walchensee is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Munich by car and 2 to 2.5 hours by train and bus from Munich Hbf to Walchensee Ortsmitte.

Dachau Concentration Camp

28 km from Munich

For those interested in history and WWII, Dachau Concentration Camp is one of the best day trips from Munich to make. This first ever Nazi concentration camp holds lots of interesting, but somber memories within its walls.

When this concentration camp opened in 1933, it held 4800 prisoners. Later, the camp expanded, to hold a lot more prisoners and over 41000 people have died there.

I know, this is not the happiest day trip to make. But it is a must for those interested in learning more about the history of WWII and to understand better what happened there.

Getting to Dachau Concentration Camp from Munich

By car: 30 minutes using the A9 and A99

By public transport: 26 minutes with S-Bahn (S2) and Bus

Therme Erding

40 km from Munich

On a more positive note, Therme Erding is a day trip you’ll want to make! It is the perfect rainy-day activity that’ll certainly blow your mind!

But what exactly is Therme Erding?

To keep it simple: Therme Erding is the largest spa in the world! To go more in detail, here’s what you can expect:

–          40 swimming pools

–          28 water slides

–          24 themed sauna’s and steam baths

–          Many different restaurants and pool bars

–          Lots of loungers to relax on.

Therme Erding is simply HUGE. You will find that you can spend a whole day here, exploring, relaxing, and having fun! As I mentioned before, visiting Therme Erding is the perfect rainy day activity, but you can visit anytime you want, as long as you book your ticket in advance.

Getting to Therme Erding from Munich

By car: 40 minutes using the A94 highway

By public transport: 1 hour and 4 minutes with the S-Bahn (S2 or S8) and the bus.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen + Zugspitze

90 km from Munich

One of my personal favorite day trips from Munich is to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This interesting town used to be 2 separate towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, until Hitler decided to merge them for the Winter Olympics, back in 1933. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is home to Germany’s highest mountain, called Zugspitze.

A day trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen is an incredible experience. This typical Bavarian town is filled with activities, and it’s super easy to visit Zugspitze from there.

These are some amazing activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen:

–          Explore the old town

–          Walk around Eibsee

–          Visit the Olympic ski slope

–          Hike through Partnach Gorge and eat the best Kaiserschmarrn at Kaiserschmarrn Alm.

–          Climb the Zugspitze or visit it by cable car

There are so many activities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, one day might not be enough. I highly recommend considering taking a weekend trip to this beautiful town, as there is just so much to explore!

Getting to Garmisch Partenkirchen from Munich

By car: 1 hour and 10 minutes using the A95 highway

By public transport: 1 hour and 15 minutes by train

Linderhof Palace

97 km from Munich

The same king that built Schloss Neuschwanstein, King Ludwig II, wanted to showcase his unique architectural style in other places as well. And so, the Linderhof Palace was born and it was the only large palace King Ludwig II lived to see completed.

With its stunning Baroque architecture, magical palace gardens, and a beautiful interior with details you can’t even imagine, exploring the Linderhof Palace is an incredible experience.

The Linderhof Palace is less than an hour’s drive from Füssen, making it the perfect trip to combine in a weekend.

The entrance fee for Linderhof Palace is only €10,- per person. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance!

Getting to Linderhof Palace from Munich

By car: 1 hour and 15 minutes using the A95 highway

By public transport: 2 hours and 20 minuted with trains and buses

Königssee + Berchtesgaden

154 km from Munich

Tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, by the Austrian border, you’ll find a hidden jewel; a mountain Hidden away in the Bavarian Alps, close to the Austrian border, is a quaint mountain town where beer, lederhosen, and wiener schnitzel are the foundations.

I’m talking about beautiful Berchtesgaden. This colorful little town will win your heart, even though it may not seem like much at first. Berchtesgaden is the ideal location for an amazing day trip because there are so many unique things to do there.

These activities are a must:

–          Wandering around the old city center and stopping by the stunning pink Schloss Berchtesgaden

–          Cruising the magnificent Königssee by boat

–          Studying the WWII history of Berchtesgaden, including Hitler’s stay here

–          Enjoying tasty local cuisine at Gasthof Neuhaus

–          Learn more about the Nazi’s at the Eagles Nest (or simply enjoy the beer garden)

In my opinion, Königssee and the Eagles Nest are such unique spots, you should visit them if you can! And make sure to take your time enjoying Berchtesgaden’s historical city center too!

Getting to Berchtesgaden from Munich

By car: 1 hour and 50 minutes using the A8 highway

By public transport: 2 hours and 30 minutes by train

Mittenwald

105 km from Munich

One of my absolute favourite towns in all of Germany is Mittenwald. Also known as “The Village of a Thousand Violins”, Mittenwald is famous for its centuries-old violin-making tradition, established by Matthias Klotz in the late 17th century.

Today, Mittenwald is a cozy town that makes for an incredible day trip to the mountains. With an excellent café culture, breathtaking mountain views, and the mysterious Leutasch Gorge, you’ll find some diverse activities here, beyond exploring the cozy old town.

Especially the Leutasch Gorge (Leutasch-klamm) is an incredible activity in Mittenwald. Only 25 minutes from the town’s center by foot, using the Wanderweg Zur Leutaschklamm, this is such an easy way to explore nature, yet being close to town. Entry to the gorge is free of charge, so why not check it out, right?

Mittenwald is one of the easiest places to visit by public transport from Munich.

Getting to Mittenwald from Munich

By car: 1 hour and 25 minutes using the A95 highway

By public transport: 2 hours by direct flixbus or train with a stopover in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

236 km from Munich

THE fairytale village of Germany has also made it to the list! A place that feels like walking through a village in Beauty and the Beast or Snow White. A town that has a spark of something else… A spark of magic…

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is all of this and so much more. From the towering city walls to the picturesque Plönlein, this town will surprise you in every way possible!

And there are always good vibes in this town. Sit on one of the cozy terraces where the townspeople come together to catch up, or explore the lesser-known streets and find quietness in this lively city. Whatever you are looking for in a day trip, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is amazing for everyone!

Some magical activities in Rothenburg are:

–          Admire all the beautiful buildings and towers in the old town

–          Snap a photo of Plönlein

–          Climb the Rathausturm

–          Visit one of the many interesting museums

–          Explore the city and its darker side at night: Go on the Night Watchman Tour

–          Try out the town’s local delicacy: Schneeballe (snowball)

Have you gotten curious about this town? Then check out this complete guide for Rothenburg ob der Tauber!

Getting to Rothenburg ob der Tauber from Munich

By car: 2 hours and 45 minutes using the A8 and A7 highways

By public transport: 2 hours and 30 minutes by train

Bamberg

230 km from Munich

Another one of my favorite towns in Southern Germany is the small town of Bamberg. I once stopped there for a couple of hours on my drive to Austria, and I was quite surprised by the quietness of Bamberg. I thought more people would know about this town, however, it seems that while Nuremberg and Ingolstadt get all the tourists, Bamberg remains a hidden gem.

And I loved that!

Bamberg is mainly known for its unique Rathaus (town hall), standing on a wild river. But beyond that, there is so much to see in Bamberg! I loved spending my morning exploring the historic sights and going shopping on the main street in the afternoon.

Here are some more things to do in Bamberg:

–          Snap a photo of the Rathaus

–          Step into the Bamberg Cathedral

–          Explore the Bamberg Residence and its stunning rose garden (offering amazing city views)

–          Visit The Historisches Museum and Old Court

–          Admire the Seehof Palace

All in all, Bamberg is simply a must-see!

Getting to Bamberg from Munich

By car: 2 hours and 30 minutes using the A9 highway

By public transport: 1 hour and 45 minutes by ICE train

Salzburg

144 km from Munich

One of the bigger cities to visit from Munich is Salzburg in Austria. And just to warn you; you might want to turn this into a weekend trip, because there is just so much to do here!

Salzburg is like a filmset; filled with picture-perfect buildings by a turquoise river, a castle on the hill, and surrounded by towering mountains. Famous for its starring role in The Sound of Music, and the upbringing of Mozart, Salzburg has a lot more to it than just pretty sights.

Make sure not to miss out on these activities:

–          Chase the best viewpoints of the city

–          Get lost in the Mirabel Palace and its stunning gardens

–          Climb the Hohensalzburg Fortress

–          Explore some of the many picturesque churches

–          Hop on a boat tour along the river

Salzburg has too many activities to mention right now, but let me assure you; a weekend trip to Salzburg will be a rewarding experience!

Getting to Salzburg from Munich

By car: 1 hour and 45 minutes using the A8 highway

By public transport: 1 hour and 30 minutes by train

 Ps. On your weekend trip to Salzburg, it’s also super easy to stop by the fairytale town of Hallstatt! Check this complete travel guide + things to do in Hallstatt!

Landshut

73 km from Munich

A true hidden gem in Bavaria, Landshut makes for an incredible cultural day trip from Munich. This fairytale town seems unfazed by tourism; it doesn’t try to sell its magic, and that’s exactly what makes it so unique.

Landshut is best known for the Landshuter Hochzeit, a massive medieval reenactment held every four years. It’s the largest historical play of its kind in Europe, where around 2,500 locals bring to life the grand wedding of Duke Georg der Reiche and the Polish king’s daughter, Hedwig. The next chance to experience this one-of-a-kind festival will be in 2027. For more information, visit this website.

But even if you visit outside the festival, there’s plenty to see and do in Landshut:

But if you happen to be visiting any other time, here are some spectacular things to do in Landshut:

–          Visit the world’s tallest brick structure, Martinskirche

–          Photograph the historic Rathaus (city hall)

–          Visit the Landshuter Residenz

–          Admire the towering Trausnitz Castle

–          Learn more about Landshut’s history at Landschaftshaus

Landshut might not seem like much at first glance, but trust me, it will absolutely surprise you!

Getting to Landshut from Munich

By car: 1 hour and 5 minutes using A9 and A92 highways

By public transport: 1 hour and 15 minutes by train and bus

Ulm

157 kilometers from Munich

The last day trip on this list is definitely not the least! Ulm is another hidden gem that you wouldn’t expect to be so special. Or should I say hidden gems? Yes, Ulm is actually two different cities, Ulm and Neu-Ulm, separated by the Danube River. Up until 1810, it was one city, but they separated it due to incorporation in the Kingdom of Württemberg.

Today, Ulm is famous for being the birthplace of Albert Einstein and for its tallest tower in the world, the Ulm Minster.

Make sure to check out these activities on your day trip to Ulm:

–          Climb up the tallest tower in the world, the Ulm Minster of 162 meters high, tranlating into 768 steps!

–          Admire the Butcher’s Tower (Metzgerturm)

–          Take a walk on the city walls

–          Admire the Ulm Rathaus (city hall)

–          Explore the picturesque Fisherman’s and Tanner’s Quarter

–          Visit the Albert Einstein Memorial Fountain

Getting to Ulm from Munich

By car: 1 hour and 45 minutes using the A8 highway

By public transport: 1 hour and 15 minutes by ICE train

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Munich

With so many incredible destinations just a short trip from Munich, you could easily fill an entire year exploring Bavaria and beyond. Each day trip is a new adventure, from fairytale castles and medieval towns to breathtaking alpine landscapes. You might be fascinated by history, the great outdoors, or interesting local culture, but no matter what your interest is, there’s always something new to find. And that’s only the beginning; there are numerous more hidden treasures to discover!

Ready to plan your perfect day trip from Munich? Let me know in the comments which spot caught your attention, or visit my other travel guides for some inspiration!