Top 9 day trips from Munich

There is so much to love in Munich that it can be difficult to remember the wonders that lie beyond the borders of your city. Located in the heart of Bavaria, this region is quintessential Germany of charming medieval villages, alpine peaks, and pristine lakes.

These nine-day travel destinations from Munich offer nature’s best for summer, winter, fall or spring.

Starnberger See

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Just 30 minutes by car (or car) from Munich, Lake Starnberg is the second largest lake in Bavaria. Once the game of royalty, it is now a people’s favorite.

Take a swim, visit the 18th century St.-Josef-Kirche, or just stroll along the waterfront. Those who want a better view of lakefront life can cruise the waters. There are tours around the lake that stop at Berg and Leoni. Leoni is the home of S. chloss Possenhofen, where the beloved Princess Sissi grew up.

Transport : 30 minutes. By public transport: frequent departures on the S-6 towards Tutzing; By car – A-95 southwest
Best Season : This destination is at its best on a warm summer day.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen y Zugspitze

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Here are the most famous ski slopes in Germany. Used in the 1936 Winter Olympics, the two resorts boast more than 45 miles of downhill runs and 7 miles of cross-country skiing. The city lies in the valley below the Zugspitze , the highest point in Germany at almost ten thousand feet.

For less saturated slopes, read about Skiing in Germany.

Transportation : an hour and a half. By public transport: departures almost every hour to Garmisch-Partenkirchen; By car – A-95 South
Best Season – Ski the legendary slopes in winter or hike the trails during the summer months. Expect clear skies at any time of the year to ascend the Zugspitze .

Lindau and Bodensee

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Lindau, an ideal German island destination, is located on the beautiful Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in Germany). Sunbathing, sailing and swimming are the cornerstones of a Lindau vacation. Admire the Mangturm (13th century lighthouse) and the Bavarian lion sitting opposite each other in the harbor.

Transportation : 2-3 hours. By train: departures almost every hour with local and faster EC trains; By car: A-96 southwest. It is recommended to park on land and cross to the island over a bridge.
Best Season : Visit Lindau when the sun is out and prepare for the crowds on holidays and weekends.

Berchtesgaden

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Hitler’s Kehlsteinhaus (or Eagle’s Nest for English speakers) absorbs most of the attention in Berchtesgarden , but it is far from the only thing to be seen. Along with the epic mountain views, there’s a postcard-worthy Schlossplatz (castle square) and the charming Königssee . The Königliches Schloß Berchtesgaden was originally a monastery, once a summer home for the Wittelsbachs, and is now open to public visits.

Transportation : 3 hours. By train: departures almost hourly with a change required on some routes in Freilassing. Some trains depart on the road, so please confirm that you are in the car heading to Berchtesgaden; By car: take the A-8 southeast to the Bad Reichenhall exit and then the B-20.
Best season : This destination is worth visiting throughout the year. Bring a sweater even in hot weather as it can get cold in the mountains.

Bad Reichenhall

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Germans love a spa town and Bad Reichenhall is an elegant example. This location at the base of the Alps has been famous for its salt mines since the 12th century. Relieve any ailment of the body or mind with the saline content of 24% of the spas, the highest percentage in Europe.

If you need some excitement, go to Kurgarten, where there is a casino and a bierhall in the park. Learn more about the history of the city at Alte Saline. Take a tour of the caves followed by an unusual exhibition on blown glass.

Transportation : just over 2 hours. By train: regular service with a change required on some routes in Freilassing. Some trains depart on the road, so please confirm that you are in the car heading to the Berchtesgaden destination; By car – A-8
Best Southeast Season: Explore the spas and hikes in warmer months and snow in winter.

Chiemsee

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The largest lake in Bavaria is located north of the Alps. A fantastic steam train takes visitors from the train station to the Stock-Hafen pier.

There are two islands to explore that have a nunnery and a monastery (rightfully known as the Frauenchiemsee and Herreninsel ) plus an uninhabited Krautinsel. Most visitors choose “Men’s Island” for the spectacular Herrenchiemsee . The dream castle of King Louis II, this luxurious complex emulates Versailles.

Transportation : one hour. By train: regular train service to nearby Prien; By car: A-8, exit Bernau, follow the signs for Prien
Best Season – Visit Chiemsee from late May through September, when all attractions and transportation are open.

Ammersee

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Much less touristy than Lake Starnberg, Ammersee offers many of the same attractions. Some Germans choose to stay in the quieter Ammersee opposite bustling Munich, but most foreigners don’t know how to go here.

In addition to water sports and cruises, travelers can visit the Archäologischen Parks or walk through the woods to the monastery, Kloster Andech. Hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view.

Transport : 45 minutes. By public transport: frequent departures on the S-5 to the last stop in Herrsching; By car: A-96 towards Landsberg, exit Oberpfaffenhofen, then follow the signs for Herrsching.
Best Season : This destination is at its best on a warm summer day.

Mittenwald

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Located along the Austrian border, it is home to forests, mountains, and music. Matthias Klotz brought glory to his hometown by studying the art of violin making under the masters and bringing it back in 1684.

Walk the fairytale streets straight out of a Brothers Grimm story or climb Karwendel Mountain on foot, bike or on the Karwendelbahn (cable car). Although the peaks are not as impressive as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the crowds are much lighter.

Transportation : less than 2 hours. By train: departures almost every hour; By car: A-95 towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen, continue with the
best season B-2: enjoy warm weather in summer and snow in winter.

Wendelstein

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Climb 6,000 feet to the Bavarian Alps to visit Wendelstein. Müncheners have been making this journey since 1912 when the first Alpine railway scaled its icy peaks.

Transportation : an hour and a half. By train: several times each morning to Bayrischzell; By car: A-8 southeast, exit Irschenberg, follow signs for Bayrischzell.
Best season : this destination can be visited throughout the year, but it is best dressed in the winter snows.