Top 5 Day Trips From Munich

Munich is one of my favorite cities in all of Germany if not the world. During the summer months it is absolutely beautiful. You can spend your days at the English gardens, touring the city, going to Museums, or visiting one of the many beer gardens throughout the city.

However, with all there is to do in the city there are many amazing options for day trips in the surrounding area that are worth mentioning. If you ever find yourself in Munich and you don't know what to do, consider spending one of your free days visiting any of these amazing options ranging from locations with historical significance, beautiful landscapes, castles, or a more outdoorsy hike.

Neuschwanstein

Neuschwanstein is the first day trip from Munich that I recommend. Neuschwanstein is hands down the most famous castle in the world, with over 1.4 million people visiting every year. The famous Disney castle is even modeled after Neuschwanstein. I can't recommend visiting enough. The trip there is beautiful in and of itself being located in the German Alps. You will be surrounded by mountains in a beautiful scenery. The castle itself is stunning and you must walk across the bridge over a ravine with a great view of the castle. 

How to get to Neuschwanstein:

Neuschwanstein is one of the few places in Germany that is harder to get to with public transportation. However it is only 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Munich by car. As such I recommend two potential options. If you have a car or are open to renting one I think driving is a great way to visit. It gives you flexibility and lets you explore a bit more. Or you can take one of the many tours or buses that takes visitors to the castle.

What to do at Neuschwanstein:

I have to recommend Radius tours when visiting Neuschwanstein. They have a lot of availability and offer tours in English for those that don't speak German. 

When you got make sure to explore the entire castle and the surrounding area. When I visited I especially loved the bridge over the ravine behind the castle. It provides a new and amazing view of the castle from a side you haven't seen before and makes from some great picture. 

Zugspitze

The Zugspitze mountain is the highest in all of Germany. Due to this it has become a great attraction with a lot of activities for all to enjoy. During the winter months you can enjoy winter sport and during summer you can go for hikes and enjoy the weather.

How to get to Zugspitze:

The Zugspitze mountain is very close to Munich, making a day trip easy and relaxing. The drive is less than an hour and a half. There are also public transportation options with bus or train but these options take on average 3 hours. For this reason I recommend that you try to drive to Zugspitze.

What to do at Zugspitze:

There is an abundance of options for what to do at Zugspitze. There is a cable car that you can take up the mountain in order to enjoy the unbelievable views across the mountain range. There is a Glacier that you can hike to as well as some hiking trails in the area as well. In winter you can enjoy the amazing skiing slopes offered at Zugspitze. 

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Germany and southern Germany in particular is known for the beautiful traditional architecture and the enchanting towns throughout the country. Rothenburg is the best example of these ideals. This city is full of cobblestone lanes and half timbered houses with medieval architecture that will amaze anyone that visits, making it a must for a day trip from Munich.

How to get to Rothenburg:

Rothenburg is just about 2 hours and 45 minutes from the center of Munich. However, a train to Rothenburg takes just about the same amount of time as driving, just under 3 hours. Which is why I recommend that you take a train to Rothenburg. This will allow you to enjoy the trip and the views along the way more. Additionally, it will really force you to walk through Rothenburg and to fully experience the city.

What should you do in Rothenburg?

Located on the steep banks of the River Tauber, with the medieval buildings and walls, Rothenburg is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, making it a must for romantic trips. When visiting you need to visit these attractions:

• The 13th Century Town Hall (Rathaus)
• The Old Town
• The Old Town Walls
• Plonlein
• Saint James Church

Each of these options is extremely beautiful and breathtaking. Plonlein is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire city. Make sure to take your time when visiting and to enjoy the beautiful city of Rothenburg. 

Dachau

Dachau, one of the concentration camps established in March 1933 during the second world war. This serves as a memorial and museum in order to serve as a reminder of what happened to the Jewish people and those prosecuted under the Nazi regime. 

Getting to Dachau from Munich:

It's only a 30 minute drive from Munich or a 40 minute train ride from the main train station in order to arrive at Dachau.

Visiting Dachau:

While this isn't one of the typical fun day trips, Dachau is one that everyone should do. The trip serves as a reminder for the atrocities committed not that far in the past. There is a lot of material and signs provided in English making it easy for visitors to understand without knowing German. However, I would recommend booking a tour to have more insight and information when walking through the site. 

Innsbruck

Probably my favorite city that I have visited in a long time. Innsbruck is absolutely stunning. The city is essentially surrounded on all sides by mountains and has a beautiful river running through the heart of the city. I can't recommend visiting Innsbruck enough.

Getting to Innsbruck from Munich:

Innsbruck is a 2 hour drive from Munich while only being a 1 hour and 45 minute train ride. Due to it being shorter and you being able to enjoy the view traveling through the mountains I recommend that you take a train the Innsbruck. Not having a car will enable you to walk through the city and take in everything as well as enjoy the train ride to the city itself with the beautiful landscape.

What to do in Innsbruck?

I myself loved everything about Innsbruck when I visited. I went skiing with some friends at Muttereralm. Since I'm a beginner skier this was perfect for me. The mountain and the slopes were beautifully maintained. There were multiple restaurants offered along the slopes that you can stop at for a beer on the mountain or maybe some schnitzel for lunch. There is a bus that you can hop on and easily arrive at the ski resort. Additionally I loved walking through the historical and beautiful old town and getting to take in the stunning architecture. I can't recommend Innsbruck enough, I think everyone should visit at least once. 

I hope that these recommendations have been helpful. I truly enjoyed my visits to these locations and hope that you do as well.