Oct 9, 2025
This guide outlines various day trip destinations accessible within two hours of Munich, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and recreational activities. While current travel restrictions may impact immediate plans, these locations provide excellent future options for exploring the region.
Sights in Munich
Munich itself boasts numerous attractions. Key highlights include:
- Marienplatz: Featuring the New Town Hall.
- English Garden: A large urban park.
- Deutsches Museum: A science and technology museum.
- Residenz München: A significant palace museum.
- Nymphenburg Palace: Known for its extensive park and lakes.
- Viktualienmarkt: A daily food market (closed on Sundays and holidays).
- Bavaria Filmstadt: A film-themed attraction.
- Oktoberfest: While cancelled this year due to the pandemic, it is a major annual event.
Lakes Near Munich
The Munich area is surrounded by beautiful lakes, easily reachable by public transport or car, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, water sports, and relaxation.
Starnberger See
Germany’s fifth-largest lake, located 25 km southwest of Munich. It offers stunning Alpine views and a nearly 50 km circular path for cycling and hiking. Popular for diving, rowing, and sailing, it also features swimming areas and lakeside eateries. Accessible via the S6 or regional train, or by car in about 30 minutes.
Ammersee
A more tranquil alternative to Starnberger See, located further west. It provides beach resorts, beer gardens, and hiking trails. A visit to the nearby Kloster Andechs is recommended. It’s favorable for windsurfing and sailing. Reachable by S-Bahn (S8 to Herrsching) or car via the A96.
Chiemsee
Bavaria’s largest lake, known for its three islands and Alpine panorama. It’s a bit further than the other lakes but well worth the visit, accessible in just over an hour via the A8. Like other lakes, it offers a circular route, cycling paths, swimming spots, and water sports.
Other notable lakes include Tegernsee, Wörthsee, and Osterseen, each offering unique landscapes.
Hiking in Bavaria
Munich’s proximity to the Bavarian Alps and Pre-Alps makes it ideal for hikers. Various trails cater to different fitness levels and preferences.
Drachental near Wörnsmühl
A pleasant 7.2 km loop trail starting in Wörnsmühl, suitable for families. It follows the Leitzach river, passes a café, and winds through fields and meadows with minimal inclines.
Hackensee to Kloster Dietramszell
This area offers varied routes from 3 to 11 km, starting in Kleinhartpenning. Trails circle Hackensee or lead to the Kloster Dietramszell. The longer route goes through forests and past a lake, offering views of Dietramszell and its church.
Ridge Trail from Herzogstand to Heimgarten
A more challenging hike in the Bavarian Pre-Alps, offering spectacular panoramic views. The route typically starts at Walchensee, ascends Heimgarten, traverses the ridge to Herzogstand, and descends. An option exists to use the Herzogstandbahn cable car. The full circuit involves approximately 1300 meters of elevation gain and covers around 14 kilometers.
Castles and Palaces
Day trips to castles and palaces are a popular option, with many reopening under specific regulations.
Neuschwanstein Castle
One of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations, this 19th-century castle inspired Disney’s iconic fairytale castle. Located near Schwangau, it’s accessible by car from Munich in about 1 hour 15 minutes via the A95.
Burghausen Castle
Located about 110 km east of Munich near the Austrian border, this castle is mentioned in records from before 1025. With six courtyards and a length exceeding one kilometer, it is recognized as potentially the longest castle in the world.
Schleissheim Palace Complex and Park
This complex near Munich features three 17th and 18th-century palaces and a baroque park. It’s easily reached by S-Bahn line S1 from Munich Hauptbahnhof.
Isar Cycle Path
For an active day out, the Isar Cycle Path offers nearly 300 km of diverse landscapes. It runs through Munich, allowing for a start heading south towards Starnberger See or northeast. Public transport options are available for the return journey.
Spas Near Munich
Although currently inaccessible, spa resorts offer future opportunities for relaxation and family fun.
Therme Erding
The world’s largest thermal bath complex, featuring the “Galaxy waterslide paradise” with 27 slides. It also offers areas for wellness and saunas (age restrictions apply).
Bad Wörishofen
A quieter spa option, known for its extensive wellness programs, saunas, and thermal waters, offering a relaxing retreat.
