A trip to Munich is a great way to experience the best of Bavaria. While known predominantly for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, there is so much more to this city. And the fact that you can make so many great day trips from Munich to other destinations makes it the best home base.
4 Popular Day Trips from Munich
If you are looking for ideas on day trips from Munich, there are quite a few places you can see that aren’t too far away.
Munich is a great place to see, but it certainly shouldn’t be the only place you visit in Bavaria!
If you are able, try to take time to visit the following places:
1. Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle
If you can make the time on your trip to Munich to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, it is well worth it.
This popular attraction is one of our top day trips from Munich because it is so close (within 2 hours) and allows you to see the castle that inspired Walt Disney to create Cinderella Castle.
You can do it on your own or take a Neuschwanstein Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Munich.
2. Munich to Salzburg
A popular day trip from Munich is to Salzburg, Austria. Only a 2-hour train ride away, it makes it a great day trip, giving you the chance to see a whole other country.
During this Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail, you will be able to visit the historical Austrian city and enjoy a guided walking tour of its UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Visitors will be able to visit some of Salzburg’s most popular attractions, including Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s Church, Mozart’s Birthplace, and more.
3. Munich to the Romantic Road
One of my favorite things to do in Bavaria is take a drive down the Romantic Road.
This day trip from Munich takes you on a 220-mile route through some of Bavaria’s most beautiful cities!
This tour takes you first to Harburg, which is one of the oldest and best-preserved castle complexes in Germany.
After visiting the castle, it will take you through the wondrous scenery of the Nördlinger Ries, a giant depression left by an ancient meteor in the Swabian landscape.
Next, you will visit Dinkelsbühl, with its towers and colorful half-timber buildings.
Lastly, you will visit Rothenburg, probably my favorite medieval town in Germany.
You will get plenty of time to walk through the cobblestone streets and do some shopping at the quaint shops selling themed merchandise.
The day trip from Munich down the Romantic Road should be top of your list!
4. Munich to Innsbruck
Another great part of Austria to visit is Innsbruck.
Just an hour and a half by car or train is a lovely alpine town known for great skiing and a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
You will want to spend time in the old town and then take the funicular to see the amazing views from above!
Not to be missed are such sights as Innsbruck’s Baroque Cathedral (which contains the tomb of Archduke Maximilian III), the 15th-century golden roof (built to mark the wedding of Emperor Maximilian I), and a former Habsburg Palace (which is now a museum).
Taking Day Trips from Munich by Train
Germany has a comprehensive network of trains that can transport you efficiently from one part of the country to another.
These trains make it easy to travel from Munich to various parts of Bavaria, allowing you to explore different areas.
Those coming to Germany from outside of Europe qualify for the German Rail Pass (or German Rail Youth Pass for those between 12-25).
The German Rail Pass allows you to travel between 4-10 days within a month for one set price.
Those traveling with kids will be glad to know that with the Germany Rail Pass, children under 15 travel free, but the child has to be named on the train ticket of the adult companion (parent or grandparent).
Kids under 6 ride free throughout Germany.
The pass is valid on all trains within Germany, plus Salzburg and Basel. It also gives you a discount fare for the Europa bus along the Romantic Road.
This makes it affordable for people to take several different day trips from Munich.
