In a nutshell
- If you’ve already explored the classic attractions in Munich and the hidden gems in Munich, there are some seriously great day trip destinations in the surrounding area.
- The absolute highlights include Neuschwanstein Castle, the Chiemsee, and Andechs Monastery.
- Several of these destinations are easily reachable by public transit — like Lake Starnberg, which you can reach directly on the S6.
Schloss Herrenchiemsee
The Chiemsee is one of the most popular day trips from Munich. The mountain panorama with the Kampenwand right behind the lake is simply stunning.
The classic way to spend your day is to take a short boat ride across the Chiemsee and get off at Herreninsel. There you can visit Herrenchiemsee Palace. The model for Herrenchiemsee was the French palace of Versailles — so you can imagine just how grand the building is.
You can tour the palace from the inside or simply stroll through the beautiful park grounds.
From Munich: Day Trip to the Chiemsee with Boat Ride
More tips for the Chiemsee can be found here:
Die Schlösser Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau und Linderhof
The fairy-tale castle of Neuschwanstein is the top attraction in Bavaria, bar none! Perched on its hilltop in front of the mountains, with its pretty battlements and turrets, it looks like it stepped straight out of a Disney movie.
A ticket here is absolutely worth it — the halls are exquisitely decorated and filled with many works of art.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the other two castles of King Ludwig: Hohenschwangau Castle and Linderhof Palace. They’re not quite as famous, but just as impressive.
Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
Die Partnachklamm
Here’s a lesser-known excursion near Munich that’s seriously worth your time: the Partnachklamm. If the word Klamm doesn’t ring a bell — it’s a gorge stretching several kilometers, with a river still flowing through it.
In the Partnachklamm, you walk along a narrow path right beside the river. Just watch out: the path sometimes passes through small caves, and taller visitors may easily bump their heads. Admission costs 10 euros.
The gorge is also a fantastic outing if you’re visiting Munich with kids. If you’re up for it, you can follow up with a short hike to the Eckbauer mountain hut, or check out the Olympic ski jumps just around the corner.
Ausflug auf die Zugspitze
A day trip from Munich to the Zugspitze is an absolute must for any mountain lover. At an incredible 2,962 meters, it’s the highest peak in Germany.
To get out of Munich early in the morning, we recommend a hotel near the train station. You’ll find our favorites in our Munich hotel tips and Munich boutique hotels.
From the summit, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view across four countries: Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. In summer it’s great for hiking, and in winter it’s one of the best ski areas in Bavaria.
Don’t worry — you don’t have to climb to the summit on foot. There’s a cable car that departs from the level of the Eibsee. The Eibsee is one of Bavaria’s most beautiful lakes, and you can easily combine both attractions in a single day trip.
Full-Day Tour to the Zugspitze with Cable Car Ride
Der Königssee
The Königssee is located in Berchtesgaden National Park, right next to a massive mountain called the Watzmann. It’s never exactly quiet here, but the lake is so beautiful that it’s worth every bit of the crowds!
Boats depart from Schönau and take you to the famous St. Bartholomä Church and across to the other shore. Don’t be surprised when, in the middle of the lake, the captain blows a trumpet — the narrow rock walls create a remarkable echo.
Our tip: On the other side of the Königssee lies another, smaller lake — the Obersee. It’s far less crowded, and we highly recommend a short hike there.
Full-Day Tour to the Königssee from Munich
Wasserburg am Inn
Want to visit a second town on your Munich trip? Regensburg, Bamberg, or Nuremberg are most people’s first choice. But we’d also recommend the little town of Wasserburg am Inn.
Wasserburg is no metropolis, but it’s the ultimate small-town idyll. You can take a lovely stroll along the riverbank, enjoy cake at one of the many cafés in the historic center, or browse the charming little shops.
And the best part: not a trace of mass tourism. The perfect Munich excursion if you want to unwind and recharge.
Kehlsteinhaus und Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden
Right in the heart of the Berchtesgaden area, the Kehlsteinhaus sits at an elevation of 1,834 meters. It was built by the Nazis to receive high-ranking guests. Today it still stands, offering a truly fantastic view over the mountains.
The journey up is already a highlight in itself: beyond the parking lot, an elevator whisks you 124 vertical meters straight through the mountain in a matter of seconds.
While you’re in Berchtesgaden, make sure to also check out the salt mine. Here you’ll dive into a completely different, underground world — you can, for example, ride a raft across a salt lake and slide down a chute to the bottom of the mine. The salt mine is especially great for a vacation with kids.
Day Trip from Munich to the Eagle’s Nest
More tips for Berchtesgaden can be found here:
Kloster Andechs
If you’re in the mood for traditional Bavarian cuisine, Andechs Monastery is the perfect day trip from Munich. The monastery has its own beer garden with an in-house brewery and butcher shop.
Along with Bavarian specialties, Andechs Monastery treats you to a stunning view over the Fünfseenland (Five Lakes Region). Andechs sits on a small hill on the eastern shore of the Ammersee.
You can also reach the monastery easily by public transit. Just take the S8 to Herrsching. From there, a bus runs to the Holy Mountain, or you can make the five-kilometer hike. The hike is also a great option for families with kids — it’s not very strenuous and you can even bring a stroller.
Winklstüberl
A café as a day trip destination from Munich? Sounds odd, but the Winklstüberl is genuinely a go-to weekend hangout for many Munich locals. By motorcycle, car, or bike — the café fills up fast with day-trippers.
Why? It’s simple: the cakes are seriously delicious and the slices are seriously large — we speak from experience. It’s not just cake either; the full range of Bavarian comfort food is on offer, from roast pork to Kaiserschmarrn.
You can pair a visit to the Winklstüberl with a trip to the Schliersee, for example. It’s only 15 minutes away by car and absolutely gorgeous.
Donaudurchbruch und Kloster Weltenburg
The Danube Gorge is one of Bavaria’s most popular day trip destinations. Your outing starts in Kelheim, where you board an excursion boat and cruise along the beautiful Danube between massive rock walls.
Your destination is Weltenburg Monastery. Here you can sample beer from the monastery’s own brewery in the beer garden — delicious and very typical of the region. We also recommend a detour into the idyllic monastery garden.
If you have a bit more time, stop at the Befreiungshalle (Liberation Hall) on your way back to Munich. It stands out dramatically, looking like a gleaming white Greek temple — and there’s a fantastic viewing platform to boot.
Starnberger See
The Starnberger See is Munich locals’ go-to spot for beautiful summer days. Starnberg is just a short distance outside the city center, and you can reach the lake easily by public transit on the S6 toward Tutzing.
You can rent a rowboat, go paddleboarding, or take a swim. We also recommend a boat cruise on the Starnberger See — beautiful views guaranteed! Besides Starnberg, there are several other charming towns along the lake, like Bernried, where you can stop for ice cream or cake.
Our tip: In the middle of the lake lies the Roseninsel (Rose Island) — a name it obviously didn’t get by accident. The gardens are absolutely worth a visit!
Many of these day trips can be booked as guided tours from Munich. If you’d rather explore Munich’s old town instead, our Munich city tours have the right option for you — from classic walking tours to culinary experiences.
