6 Best Day Trips From Munich By Train

The very best day trips from Munich for you will largely come down to how you like to spend your time. Luckily, there are so many incredible destinations just a short drive or train journey away that there there really is something for everyone. Whether you’d like to spend a relaxing day by one of Bavaria’s breathtaking lakes, immerse yourself in Germany’s history or even nip over the border, this list will show you the very best locations outside of the city.

For each destination, I’ll give you the low down on how to get there by train, the best tour you can take from Munich plus any exciting experiences not to miss when you’re there. Without further ado, here are the best day trips from Munich.

Starnberg

This lakeside town is one of the easiest destinations to get to on this list, located a mere 30 minute train journey from Munich’s central station. The jewel in its crown is Starnberger See, Germany’s fifth largest lake that boasts scenic mountain views.

Offering boat rides, swimming, or simply relaxing by the water, Starnberg is a popular destination that attracts people from far and wide. Around the lake, you’ll also find some stylish restaurants and cafes, while in the town there are traditional beer halls and a good selection of shops.

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By Train: As mentioned above, the train to Starnberg is very quick, making it a great option for a last minute day trip, particularly when the weather is good (although it’s beautiful in winter too!). At 60 trains a day and with tickets starting from just €15.60, it’s a fun day out that won’t break the bank and will give you some respite from the bustling city.

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Starnberg and to book online.

By Tour: For a regular day out, I wouldn’t bother investing in a tour to Starnberg as it’s so easy and accessible to do on your own. However, if you’re looking for something extra special, you can book a sumptuous evening aboard the luxurious MS Starnberg.

Royal Water Music On The Starnberg Lake is a 4 hour experience including live classical music, a 3-course meal with drinks and champagne and a Baroque fireworks display to top things off. It promises to be a night to remember and would by a lovely way to celebrate something special.

For more information about Starnberg, check out my blog post: ‘The Best Day Trips From Munich: 8 Hours In Starnberg‘

Salzburg

One of the great things about Munich is its close proximity and easy access to a number of other countries. One of those countries, of course, is Austria, where you’ll find Salzburg right by the border. Austria’s fourth-largest city, Salzburg is known as being the birthplace of Mozart, and not much of the Baroque surroundings has changed since then.

Its old town is a UNESCO heritage site, nestled at the foot of a hilltop fortress, and is set by the flowing waters of the peaceful Salzach River. For culture-lovers there is plenty to see, with museums, gardens and churches along its immaculate streets.

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By Train: The fastest trains to Salzburg take just 1 hour and 28 minutes with 37 trains running per day. It would take about the same amount of time to drive there, but travelling by train avoids the hassle of finding a parking space or getting stuck in traffic (with scenic views as an added bonus!)

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Salzburg and to book online.

By Tour: Unless you are wanting to add on another destination like. St Wolfgang, Salzburg is another place where I’d recommend making your own way there. If you would like to enjoy a unique experience during your trip, however, there are plenty on offer.

You could learn how to make an original Austrian apple strudel with a professional chef, find out all about the city’s ghoulish history or relive all your favourite scenes from iconic musical The Sound Of Music.

Pro Tip
If you live outside of Germany and will be travelling to lots of different German destinations during your trip, then a Eurail Germany pass is a great way to save money and cut down on hassle.

With options for 3 to 15 days, it gives you unlimited travel on Germany’s trains, plus special discounts for boat and bus tours, attractions and shopping outlets, Learn more and get your pass here!
 

Neuschwanstein Castle

It’s hard to research a trip to southern Germany without coming across some mention of Neuschwanstein Castle. It has become something of an iconic image for Germany, sat high on a rugged hill in a beautiful part of Bavaria.

While there are arguably better castles to visit, Neuschwanstein’s fairytale appeal is undeniable, making it one of the most popular day trips from Munich. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, construction began in 1869 and opened to the public shortly after his death in 1886.

Neuschwanstein survived the two World Wars thanks to its secluded location, and for a time served as the storage space for artwork stolen by the Nazis. Today an astonishing 1.3 million people visit the castle every year to experience its incredible architecture and learn more about its long and fascinating history.

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By Train: Due to the aforementioned secluded location, Neuschwanstein Castle cannot be reached directly by train. Instead, you will have to get the train to the nearby town of Füssen, which will take you 2 hours on the fastest trains.

From there you can catch the No. 78 bus for Hohenschwangau castles, where you will arrive after a short 10 minute journey. Note that there is about a mile between the castle’s ticket office and the entrance, so be prepared for a bit of an uphill walk.

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Füssen and to book online.

By Tour: If you would like to soak in everything about this iconic location, you can join the Neuschwanstein Castle Day Trip from Munich. Along with transport there and back, the tour includes a guide who will be with you every step of the way, exploring not only the castle itself but its beautiful surroundings.

Booking.com

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming Bavarian town with a medieval center (including one of the most photographed streets in Germany, as seen above!) Often described as a fairytale town, you could easily spend a day wandering around and experiencing all the charming buildings, shops and restaurants that Rothenburg has to offer.

Christmas fanatics will also enjoy Käthe Wohlfahrt’s Christmas Village, where you can experience the magic of the holidays all year round.

In the Christmas spirit, Rothenburg is also known for its ‘Scheeballen‘ (Snowballs), a special type of spherical pastry made with various fillings and dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Though Rothenburg is beautiful at any time of year, I’d say it’s definitely one of the best day trips from Munich over the festive period.

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By Train: The quickest train from the centre of Munich will get you to Rothenburg in 2 hours 29 minutes, with services running 34 times a day (choose your train wisely though, at certain times it will take you closer to 3 and a half hours).

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Rothenburg and to book online.

By Tour: If you’d like to experience some of the other highlights of one of Southern Germany’s most famous routes, then this Romantic Road And Rothenburg From Munich tour is really good value for money.

For just €54 per person you will visit one of the oldest castle complexes in Germany, drive by the Nördlinger Ries crater and travel via Dinkelsbühl to Rothenburg where you will be able to spend a few hours.

Nuremberg

The second largest city in Bavaria after Munich, Nuremberg is a fantastic destination in its own right. It’s packed with historical landmarks, trendy shops and beautiful buildings, and over the winter becomes home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Closely associated with the Nazi regime, Nuremberg also has a complex and often harrowing past, offering plenty to see for visitors who want to learn more about this period of German history. Diverse, interesting and with storybook looks, it will be hard to squeeze everything into one day in Nuremberg, but if you ask me it’s well worth a try!

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By Train: You can reach Nuremberg in just over an hour on the train, making it one of the best day trips from Munich if you’re looking for a last-minute change of scene. The direct service runs 54 times a day, with tickets costing as little as €9.90. As mentioned above, there is an awful lot to see and do, so if you can I would recommend extending your visit to an overnight trip.

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Nuremberg and to book online.

By Tour: With such a short and easy train journey, I certainly wouldn’t bother booking onto a tour to reach Nuremberg. However, if you want to find out more about the city there are plenty of great guided tours catered to every interest.

History buffs may want to join the Third Reich Historic Tour while foodies can enjoy the Culinary Walking Tour and sample some local delicacies. I’d probably go for the 2-Hour Old Town Walking Tour to get a good general overview while leaving plenty of time to do my own exploring.

Zugspitze and Eibsee

Eibsee is one of my favourite places in Germany thanks to its idyllic location and truly stunning views (can you tell by now I’m rather partial to a lake?!) Eibsee has the added benefit of being situated right at the foot of Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany at a whopping 2,962 m above sea level.

If you’re brave enough to take the cable car to the top, be aware that it will set you back €61. For me personally, I’m more than happy to take a stroll around the lake, relax by the water and enjoy a beer at one of the lakeside taverns.

If you’re after a more active day trip, then you can rent boats, pedalos and stand up paddle boards, or you can hike the full loop of the lake which will take you around 2.5 hours.

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By Train: You can’t reach Eibsee directly by train, but it’s very easy to get to nonetheless. You will have to take the train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen (which is also well worth having a wander round), where you will arrive after around 1 hour and 20 minutes. From there you have the rather charming option of taking the cogwheel train to Grainau or simply hopping on the EIBSEE-Bus.

Head over to Trainline to find more information about trains from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and to book online.

By Tour: If there are 4 or more of you travelling then you can book onto the Zugspitze Tour From Munich, where you will be picked up from your accommodation by a guide who will take you to Zugspitze.

There you will take the cable car (admission is not included) and take a break for lunch at a small mountain hut. You’ll end your tour with a round-trip ride through the mountains by a cog-wheel train before being taken back to Munich.

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