10 of the Best Day Trips by Train from Munich

Munich is the perfect launchpad for exciting day trips to different landscapes and charming towns in the surrounding region. Thanks to Germany’s efficient public transport system, you have plenty of options for day trips by train from Munich.

The railway network provides a fun, relaxing way to discover the best places near Munich. As you chug along to your chosen destination, you’ll have plenty of beautiful scenery to take in along the way. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best day trips from Munich by train to help you make the most of your time in the Bavarian capital.

Salzburg Sightseeing Day Trip from Munich by Rail

Salzburg is popularly known as the birthplace of the famous composer, Mozart. During your train ride to the city, you’ll see the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding it. Once you get there, your guided tour of Salzburg begins. Besides the guided portion of the tour, you’ll also have free time to explore at your leisure. You’ll have hours to explore beautiful Salzburg attractions like the Domkirche Cathedral and Festung Hohensalzburg Fortress. One key highlight of the city is the medieval, baroque, and Romanesque architecture lining the charming cobbled streets. During the tour, you’ll learn about Austrian history, indulge in some local delicacies, and take lots of great photos with the beautiful Alpine view as your backdrop.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich by Train

The day trip by train from Munich to the Dachau Concentration Camp allows you to learn about the Holocaust of World War II interactively. In addition to the train ride from Munich, the tour includes a short bus ride for the final leg of the journey to the infamous compound.

The professional guide in charge of the tour will share details about Dachau and take you around the exhibitions, memorials, reconstructed barracks, cells, and guard houses. The tour is a poignant way to honour those who lost their lives here during the war.

Neuschwanstein Castle Tour from Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. The fairytale-like structure is the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland. The tour to Neuschwanstein Castle starts with a 2-hour train ride from Munich to Fussen, followed by a 30-minute uphill walk or a horse-drawn carriage ride, depending on the weather. While the entrance fee to the castle isn’t included in the charge for the tour, you get skip-the-line access when you book the tour. That means you won’t have to wait too long to learn about the eccentric King Ludwig II as you take a tour through the spectacular castle.

Nuremberg Guided Day Trip from Munich by Train

A day trip to Nuremberg offers a rich blend of history and culture just a short train ride from Munich. Enjoy the scenic journey through Bavaria, arriving in about 90 minutes to explore one of Germany’s most historic cities.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through Nuremberg’s charming Old Town, highlighting the majestic Imperial Castle and the vibrant Market Square, with its iconic “Beautiful Fountain.” You’ll also visit the impactful WWII sites, including the Nazi Rally Grounds, for a deeper understanding of the city’s complex past.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Savour Franconian delicacies at a local beer hall, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply wander the mediaeval streets. As you journey back to Munich by train, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Nuremberg’s fascinating history and culture.

Augsburg

Located just a 1-hour train ride away from Munich, Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities. With a history that goes back over 2,000 years, it’s an exciting place for history buffs to visit and explore the many architectural and cultural treasures. While you’re there, you can marvel at the timeless treasure that is the Fuggerei — an old social housing complex, originally built to offer an affordable home for Augsburg’s poorest. The Augsburg Cathedral is another sight not to miss during your tour. And thanks to its two towering bell towers, you definitely won’t miss it. The beautiful building combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture, complete with stained glass windows to make for a breathtaking view. You can also squeeze in a visit to the Town Hall and be dazzled by the magnificent golden hall. A stroll along the Lech river is the perfect way to round off your trip with beautiful views, tranquil surroundings, and a relaxing atmosphere before you hop on a train back to Munich.

Schleissheim Palace

One of the best things about a day trip to Schleissheim Palace from Munich by train is that it’s a fairly short ride of just 25 minutes. The complex is made up of three palaces, namely the Old, New, and Lustheim Palace, all blending nature and culture seamlessly. A tour through these is a great way to explore the history of Bavarian royalty. New Palace is a grand structure with beautiful rooms and stunning gardens, while Old Palace boasts mediaeval architectural brilliance and exhibits that show Bavarian history. The Lustheim Palace has beautiful gardens and a serene lakeside setting, making it a perfect spot for a picnic or relaxing stroll.

Lake Chiemsee

Lake Chiemsee (aka the Bavarian Sea) is the largest lake in the state with a gorgeous view of the Alps and only about 90 minutes from Munich by train. The serene atmosphere around the lake makes it the perfect escape from the buzz of the city.

While you’re there, you can take a boat tour across the lake and let your worries float away in the huge body of water. The area around the lake also has trails that are great for hiking and cycling.

Andechs Monastery

The Andechs Monastery is set on a hill overlooking Lake Ammersee, just a 1-hour train ride away from Munich. This spiritual retreat with amazing brews is a great place to spend your day. The best things about the monastery are the beautiful church with frescoes and art within, as well as the view of the surrounding countryside. The beer brewed by monks is another highlight of this tour. You can taste the different brews in the beer garden or enjoy a range of beers with exquisite Bavarian meals. To complete your tour before you head back to Munich by train, you can take a hike through the lush forest surrounding the monastery.

Stuttgart

A day trip from Munich by train to Stuttgart is a dream come true for car fans. Stuttgart is home to two of the biggest names in the automobile world, Porsche and Mercedes Benz, and after a 2-hour train ride you’ll be able to visit the museums dedicated to these brands. Each museum holds years of history of the brands shown through marvellous displays. Besides the automobile museums, you can also take a tour of the State Gallery to see some art exhibitions or stroll through the city taking in the buildings, community, and surrounding nature.

Ulm

A trip to Ulm from Munich by train takes about 90 minutes. It’s a relaxing journey with lush landscapes, and beautiful towns along the way. There are lots of places to explore in Ulm, from the picture-perfect Fishermen’s Quarter to the artistic Ulmer Museum. The Danube River is also a key highlight of the city, where you can relax, enjoy the view, or even rent a bike for a quick ride along the paths near the water. Before you leave, you can get lunch in Ulm’s historic Old Town, shop for souvenirs in the city centre, and grab a coffee and some cake from a cafe.

Day Trips by Train from Munich: Final Word

Munich is a great place to start your exploration of Bavarian treasures. From ancient cities like Augsburg brimming with history to the serene landscapes of Lake Chiemsee, there are so many amazing places to explore just a short rail journey from Munich.

Every destination is unique, offering something special to enrich your experience. Thanks to Germany’s efficient train network, these trips are easy, seamless and fun. With the convenience of a reliable transportation system and exciting things to look forward to in every city, these day trips by train from Munich should be on everyone’s Bavarian holiday checklist!

* Now read: Make Munich Your Base To Explore Bavaria