Whether it is Bavarian food and beer and beer you are looking for, or perfect views from the heights of the Alps, the various areas around Munich, the largest city in Bavaria, are an abundance of endless options for all types of travelers.
From more magical and mysterious castles and palaces than before, to beautiful natural getaways that are within easy reach, finding the perfect day trip to Munich could not be easier.
Between the country’s reputable transportation system and the ease of renting a car in Europe, you will have no problem getting to the ideal trip and enjoying everything it has to offer within a day.
To get started, here are the best day trips from Munich:
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
Arguably the most iconic castle in Europe, if not in the world, this pastel-colored masterpiece with its complex of spiers, battles, towers and spiers is a true testament to the idea of a castle from the legends.
So much so, that he was actually the inspiration behind the famous Walt Disney castles in the various Disneyland parks.
Less than two hours from Munich, you will be transported to a kingdom of princes and princesses in a magnificent structure, magnificent on the inside as well as on the outside.
Expect a luxurious throne room and pampering decorations inspired by romantic literature and opera.
This without mentioning of course, the amazing views of the Alps from which one can enjoy one of the many towers.
2. Linderhof Palace
The thought behind Neuschwanstein Castle, that is, King Ludwig II – also happened to have another favorite place.
Linderhof Palace, hidden in the alpine forests near the mountains where Neuschwanstein sits, is an elegantly furnished palace built with the intention of being the king’s hunting lodge in the late 19th century.
Like so many of the royal enterprises of the period, Linderhof is supremely prestigious, containing rich tapestries, immaculately carved fountains and beautiful gardens.
Make sure you do not miss the mirror hall, the carpeted rooms and the famous Venus Cave.
It is worth noting that you can find several tours that combine Linderhof Palace with Neuschwanstein Castle during one day.
3. Herrenchiemsee
Built on an island that happens to be located in the middle of the largest lake in Bavaria (a worthwhile tour in itself), the royal complex of Herrenchiemsee is only about 60 km from Munich and is truly a spectacle worth seeing.
Partially finished but no less impressive, the palace areas contain highlights like the staircase of the country, the large hall of mirrors and the small apartment of King Ludwig.
The gardens are covered with fountains and sculptures of unusual caliber, and you can expect not one museum but two museums in the mansion.
The King Ludwig II Museum and the Augustinian monastery are filled to the brim with artefacts from the king’s life and valuable furniture.
4. Salzburg
Make your way to the Austrian border and jump to one of the most beloved countries in Europe, where you will find the impossible picturesque city of Salzburg, surrounded by alpine snow peaks and complete with Baroque-style castles and romantic neighborhoods.
Best known for being the birthplace of the immortalized composer Mozart, Salzburg is a hotbed of attractions pertaining to the late musician.
With the rather winding roads, beautiful old town and picturesque natural scenery, it is easy to see why the town was the setting for Mozart’s “Music Sounds”.
Be sure to take time to visit Salzburg Cathedral and the wonderful St. Peter’s Monastery.
5. Nuremberg
One of the oldest cities in Bavaria, the ancient settlement of Nuremberg has been the site of many major artistic and cultural events since the 14th and 15th centuries and still holds much evidence there today.
So much importance was attached to the arts here, that almost all the beautiful Gothic buildings and various churches were carefully restored after the bombings of World War II. Discover a sense of deep history by walking along the city’s conservation walls and explore the castle in the city center which offers excellent views from its vantage point on top of a hill.
6. Ingulstadt
Ingolstadt’s Old Town is a veritable maze of historic buildings, each of which is more beautiful than its predecessor, perfect for walking around due to its pedestrian-friendly layout, with wide paths and boulevards.
Surrounded by the preserved ruins of medieval battles and fortifications, you will find main points such as Rathausplatz, the monumental Herzogschloss and the Crucitor.
Among the many wonders you will find scattered in the town, be sure to make time for our Lady’s Ministerial Church, which contains the most beautiful and largest stained glass window in Bavaria installed in 1527.
7. Schleissheim Palace Complex
Containing not one, not two, but three magnificent palaces, the 18th-century Schlesheim Palace and Park is conveniently located 20 km from central Munich, meaning its stunning attractions are within easy reach by public transport or car.
The Neues Schloss is the most magnificent in palaces with pavilions linking the huge parts of the building and the interior is guaranteed to dazzle visitors with its delicate combinations of different styles including Baroque, Italian and Rococo.
Notable highlights include the entrance hall and the grand stairwell.
The second highlight no less impressive than the palaces is Schlesheim Park which is a baroque garden that has survived since 1720.
8. Pasau
One of the most prominent urban landscapes in Europe belongs to the Paseo skyline, a combination of Italian-style buildings and houses reminiscent of Venice overlooking the banks of the beautiful Danube River.
Located on the Austrian border, the town is perfect for those seeking refuge by the river.
Passau’s old town is perfectly built to create the impression that it is always close to the water’s edge, with cobbled paths leading from the hill to the river at regular intervals.
Be sure to visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Ludwigstraße shopping promenade, where you will find all kinds of Austrian and Bavarian goods and treats.
9. Rothenburg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best-preserved towns in Europe and without a doubt one of the most picturesque cities in the world.
Street after street are dotted with buildings adorned with legends in pastel colors and facades for shops and not lacking in fine churches.
A popular stop on the famous route through various towns known as the Romantic Road, Rothenburg attracts visitors from all over the world to wander its perfect streets in a postcard.
10. Berchtesgaden and the Eagles’ Nest
The town of the same name is nestled on a lookout-like spot surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Berchtesgaden National Park, and is frequently visited by hikers in search of the perfect 360-degree view of the Alps.
The town boasts an ancient and impressive palace dating back to the 11th century and the Wittelsbach dynasty.
It also gained great popularity among tourists, the infamous Eagle’s Nest, a hiding place built on a mountain for Hitler, which stood at an incredible height of 1834 meters.
A perfect combination of alpine scenery and fascinating history, the town of Berchtesgaden is recommended to visit on a tour with a professional guide and easy transport from Munich.
11. Mount Acbauer
Mount Aquauer, a favorite place nationwide for snow sports, is home to the astronomically great Olympic ski jump that is still in use today.
You can best see the exciting gondolas of the Eckbauerbahn, it has been in use since the Winter Olympics of 1936. With unbeatable views of the snowy Alps, you can even bring a sled to go down one of the public slopes instead of taking the gondola back. .
Also, perfectly suited to the location is the hearty Berggasthof where you can fill up on beer and traditional and delicious Bavarian food.
12. Chiemsee
Easily accessible in less than two hours from Munich by public transport, you will find the Chiemsee, the largest lake in Bavaria.
Its serene waters, against a backdrop of mountains, provide excellent photo opportunities on sunny days and also on cloudy days.
One of the main attractions of the lake is the Prienavera Center, a custom complex built specifically for exercise and relaxation and boasting indoor and outdoor pools alike with panoramic views of the lake and unique lakeside saunas.
If all the relaxation is appetizing, then enjoy a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants before returning to the city.
13. Walchensee
For the charm of another alpine lake, head out about an hour from Munich to the depths of Lake Walchensee, one of the deepest in Germany.
With a variety of activities available, it is impossible not to be entertained while visiting, whether you are surfing, diving or fishing in the waters of Walchensee.
To get a real perspective of the depth of the lake, you can go out into the mountains that surround it and peek down into the clear water.
Once up in the mountains, you can also enjoy a number of hiking trails, including the beautiful Mittenwald Pine Trees.
14. Partanach Channel
Declared a natural monument due to its stunning aesthetic beauty, the Partnach gorge offers a sweeping adventure into the middle of the gorge along winding paths that take you along side paths of cliffs and through waterfalls.
Make sure you wear clothes that you are ready to get a little wet!
15. Regensburg
Less than two hours drive from Munich is a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the banks of the Danube River.
A truly extraordinary city with roots from 179 AD, the riverfront city flourished from the permanent trade routes established after the Stone Age and as a result is home to fascinating history and beautiful architecture.
Where to stay: The best hotels in Munich, Germany
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