International Cities, Charming Towns, & Historic Castles Can All Be Visited on a Day Trip From Munich
Munich, Germany serves as an excellent hub for exploring the captivating destinations surrounding it. From picturesque castles to charming villages, the best day trips from Munich offer a wide range of experiences that cater to every traveler’s preferences.
So whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing escape from the city, these five day trips you can easily take from Munich will immerse you in the beauty and charm of Bavaria and beyond.
Read More: One Day in Munich Itinerary
Best Day Trip From Munich #1: Neuschwanstein Castle
My top recommendation on a day trip you can’t miss doing from Munich is Neuschwanstein Castle. Of the many castles I’ve seen it stands out as being one of the most unique due to its setting in the countryside and fairy-tale perfect facade. In fact, I think it’s so worth a visit that I wrote an incredibly detailed article here on exactly how to visit Neuschwanstein and what to expect, from parking and transportation to ticket sales and lines to shopping and dining.
- You can also make it easy on yourself by doing a tour from Munich that will escort you to Neuschwanstein in an air-conditioned bus.
While visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, be sure to make time to do the short little walk to Marienbrücke Bridge for an iconic photo. If you’re feeling in an especially castle-y mood, Hohenschwangau Castle is also nearby and available to tour.
Best Day Trip From Munich #2: Oberammergau and Mittenwald
Visiting these two towns was a dream come true for me and something I’ve wanted to do since I saw them highlighted in a Samantha Brown episode a decade earlier!
What makes these two towns special, in addition to being an easy day trip from Munich if you have a car, is the many frescoes that cover the buildings of the small towns.
Each town is easily walkable and as you amble along the street and back alleys, you’ll be delighted by each new work of art you see on the charming buildings.
Oberammergau is also home to a famous passion play production that is only done once every decade as part of a town tradition that goes all the way back to 1634.
- Oberammergau Tour
- Mittenwald Tour
Best Day Trip From Munich #3: Salzburg
Salzburg may be in a different country from Munich (that would be Austria), but it’s surprisingly close to visit, making for a fun day trip from Munich that lets you check another country off your bucket list.
Salzburg is famous for being the filming location of the Sound of Music, and taking a guided tour to those sites is one of the most popular things to do while in Salzburg.
In addition to the Sound of Music, other can’t-miss sites in Salzburg include seeing the 11th century Fortress Hohensalzburg, an impressive fortress atop a tall hill; visiting the opulent and lovely grounds and gardens of Mirabell Palace; and touring the fantastically marbled interior of Salzburg Cathedral which dates back to the 1600s.
If you’re into classical music, you’ll also no doubt enjoy making your way to the Mozart Museum in Salzburg to see the birthplace of Mozart.
Best Day Trip From Munich #4: Linderhof Palace
Linderhof Palace and Gardens was instructed to be built by the same King Ludwig II of Bavaria who oversaw the creation of Neuschwanstein Castle. However, unlike Neuschwanstein Castle, the king actually chose Linderhof Palace as his home and lived here for a number of years.
Linderhof Palace is also closer to Munich than Neuschwanstein. This makes it a great option for visitors who want to see a stately Bavarian castle, but not travel as far from Munich. Linderhof Palace is only roughly an hour and 15 minutes from Munich.
Pro Tip: If you don’t mind driving a little bit farther and leave early from Munich, it’s possible to see both castles in the same day trip adventure.
Linderhof was built to be a grand stately palace reminiscent of the luxury found at the Palace of Versailles in France. You can learn more about the history of Linderhof by taking the tours offered through the interior and then explore the gardens afterward on your own.
The palace grounds consist of three gardens built on terraces overlooking the castle. There is also a water feature.
Getting to Linderhof from Munich is easy. You can take your own car to get there, or sign up for a day excursion that leaves from Munich. Train or bus transportation is also available though it typically takes longer than driving.
Best Day Trip From Munich #5: Rothenburg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located in the Tauber River Valley region of Germany. It’s one of the popular stop along the country’s famed Romantic Road. Rothenburg stands out for being a city that still boasts much of its original Medieval architecture, including the walls surrounding it.
Inside those walls, you won’t want to miss seeing the city’s main square, Markplatz, framed on one part by a historic tavern called Ratstrinkstube that has an adorable clock tower you won’t want to miss seeing. Rothenburg has one of the most popular Christmas markets in Germany so you won’t want to miss visiting the Christmas Museum, if you’re not there over the holidays. You also can’t miss seeing perhaps the medieval town’s most most famous site: the Plonlein, one of the most photographed streets in Germany.
Also don’t pass up the chance to try the delicious fried dessert the town is known for called the Schneeballen, which translates to snowball. Yum!
You can reach Rothenburg by car or train. Many day trip excursions also leave from Munich to Rothenburg.
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