Perhaps most famous for its Oktoberfest festivities, Munich is a unique and endearing blend of olden Europe and the modern world. And while Munich could be the highlight of any European adventure, you may be curious about where else you can go once you've drunk in your fair share of the city.
If you're in need of ideas, places, and activities that you can do outside of Munich, then read on for inspiration on amazing day trips from Munich!
Best Mobility Passes to Use in Germany
Before we dive into all the ideas and itineraries for fun and unforgettable day trips, make sure you can get around the city with ease! Enjoy big discounts on transportation, entry fees, and even shopping partners with these city passes for Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt!
Day Trips From Munich
Ready to expand your adventure in Germany beyond the city of Munich? Learn more about these popular day trips from Munich and find the perfect one to add to your itinerary! From exploring enchanting medieval castles to visiting the locations where the iconic "Sound of Music'' was filmed, there are so many fun, exciting, and informative things that you can do outside of the city.
Explore the Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Castles
If you want to feel like you're visiting a castle straight out of a storybook, there are few options in the entire world that might be better than Neuschwanstein Castle.
It may come as a surprise to learn that this castle is relatively "young" as far as castles go, having only been constructed in the late 18th century. Expressly designed as an homage to the old castles of medieval lore, Neuschwanstein Castle is a romantic tribute to the magic and whimsy of a bygone era full of kings and queens, knights and dragons, good and evil.
If you love learning about the history and architecture that inspired many of your favorite stories, then going on a guided tour and being treated to deeper learning about the Neuschwanstein Castle and its surrounding areas could definitely be the highlight of your trip.
If you were wondering why the Neuschwanstein Castle feels so familiar, it’s because it was supposedly used as the main reference and inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty! It’s also the castle that you see in the Disney logo or opening credits to this day!
Go Sightseeing in Salzburg
Photo credit: Salzburg Information website
Though the name might not ring a bell to some, the city of Salzburg has frequently played a very big role when it comes to both modern and historical art. The picturesque hills of Salzburg served as the backdrop of that iconic scene in The Sound of Music and the city offers many guided tours that will take you to those filming locations.
Photo credit: Salzburg Information website
If you prefer something a little more classical, you'll be pleased to learn that Salzburg is actually where the famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is from and there are also many tours that will provide you a more intimate and personal experience with this larger-than-life character.
A quick reminder before you head off to see if the hills really are alive with the sound of music – Salzburg is actually in Austria, not Germany, so you'll be crossing an international border if you're visiting from Munich. Though this is a common part of their tourism, it's still a good idea to be prepared with your passport, visa, and other documents that you may think could be relevant.
Taking a train from Munich to Salzburg can take up to 4 hours, which will still leave you enough time for a day trip but could feel too long of a time to spend on a train for some. If you want a shorter trip, you can take the Railjet high-speed train to cover the journey in just under an hour and a half! You can hop on this high-speed train if you're using the Eurorail Pass.
Learn More About WWII History
A trip to Germany may feel incomplete without visiting and paying respects to the many different stories, struggles, and lessons that the world learned from World War II. And while there are many places that you could add to your itinerary to learn about World War II, these are the ones that we'd recommend visiting if you're coming from Munich.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Originally established as a concentration camp in 1933, the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site has been transformed as a place to honor the oppressed and to give visitors personal insight into this grim era of history that should never be forgotten.
Eagle’s Nest Tour
The Eagle's Nest is a historic Third Reich structure on Mount Kehlstein, originally built for the exclusive use of Nazi officers and party members. Today, the beautiful, panoramic views of the surrounding area can now be enjoyed by all, while an exhibition informs visitors about the history of the once notorious Eagle's Nest building.
Visit the Museums in Berlin
Berlin is well worth the train or airplane trip from Munich if you're a dedicated art lover or someone who wants to learn more about the art and culture of Germany as well as of other countries from all over the world. Regarded as one of the art capitals of the modern world, you could definitely spend more than a day trip exploring all the museums that Berlin has to offer.
And while most museums in Berlin have free admission on the first Sunday of the month, you can still enjoy big discounts on entries to the top museums of Berlin if your trip doesn't fall on those free entry days!
Here are some of our favorite museums to visit in Berlin:
Hamburger Bahnhof Museum
Also known as The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum itself could be thought of as a piece of modern art. Built on a former train station, this museum is home to works of Andy Warhol, many conceptual exhibits, and even the largest dinosaur skeleton in the world.
Alte Nationalgalerie
The Alte Nationalgalerie (literally the "Old National Gallery") has been a mainstay of Berlin since the late 19th century. The building itself is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture, some of the famous masterpieces the Alte Nationalgalerie has on display include works by Adolph Menzel, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Alexander Calandrelli, and Johann Gottfried Schadow.
DDR Museum
A refreshing change of pace from the traditional museum experience, the DDR Museum is a unique, interactive museum that puts you in the shoes of an East German citizen during the days of the German Democratic Republic. With up to 27 themed areas to visit, you're sure to learn something new about culture, art, and the human experience from a distant yet still recent part of Germany’s history.
City Passes for Munich
If you have a free day or two in the city, we’ve got you covered! Check out what these city passes have to offer and find the one that fits your needs the most.
Munich City Pass
Unlock Munich's top attractions with the Munich City Pass! Not only will you gain free access to 45 museums, castles, and tours all over the city, but you'll also save time when you skip long lines, tedious payment processes, and other hassles with this all-in-one, convenient pass!
Black Forest Card
If you want to see and do the most while you're in Munich (as well as other cities in Germany), then getting a Black Forest Card is a great way to gain access to over 200 attractions, tours, leisure activities, cable cars, and even baths and pools!
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