This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps me keep the Sick Girl Travels blog running while providing you with high-quality product recommendations and great travel deals. Please see my full disclosure for further information. Thanks for your support!

Best One Day Trips From Munich

Munich is a fantastic travel destination with a lot of things to do and to see. But why not explore the splendid towns in Bavaria? There is a huge variety of towns and places definitely worth visiting be it to discover architectural hidden gems, learn history dating back to the Middle Ages, or visit stunning natural attractions, thermal baths, or lake resorts. Most of these places are located a reasonable distance from Munich and can be visited on one-day trips.

Let`s dive into some interesting routes in the best day trips from Munich!

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is one of the most well-known cities in Bavaria after Munich. The city is located in a historical area of Franconia and can offer a lot of attractions to discover. It is worth mentioning that Nuremberg mostly suits those tourists who prefer architectural and historical sites to visit. For instance, you can observe the Nuremberg Fortress which is open for visitors all year round. The fortress is decorated with a tower which was built in the 11th century. In it you can find a Historical Museum. Do not miss the Castle Quarter that is located right after the fortress wall and ve sure to visit the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg, the once home to King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Nuremberg also boasts numerous churches and cathedrals of the Medieval period. They are the St. Lorenz church, St. Sebald church, church of the Virgin Mary, and many others. Another popular place in Nuremberg is the Market Square where an amazing Christmas market is held every year. Around the Christmas holiday, you can see gorgeous illumination, taste local gingerbreads and mulled wine, and have a great time waiting for the celebration of Christmas and New Year.

How to get to Nuremberg

Nuremberg is located not far away from Munich. It is just about 165 km (102 miles) and it is a good distance for a one-day trip. Tourists can use either public transport or a rented car to reach this travel destination. For example, there are direct high-speed trains running between Munich and Nuremberg. The journey time by high-speed train is just a little over an hour. Another option is to use regional trains which are slower, but cheaper.

By bus, you can get to Nuremberg in 2 hours 10 minutes.

When using a rental car, follow road #A9 as it is the fastest route.

You also have the option of taking a wheelchair-accessible tour of Nuremberg and Ingolstadt.

Click Here To Book A Wheelchair Accessible Private Tour Of Nuremberg and Ingolstadt

Regensburg

Regensburg is one of the top visited towns in Bavaria as it has an old town center which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is located in a pretty picturesque place, between the Danube River and the Bavarian Forest National Park. The main attraction of Regensburg town center is definitely St. Peter’s Cathedral. It has medieval features as it was built in the 13th century. The chapel which is located nearby was built in the 8th century and has a unique architectural view. The cathedral is open for observation.

After visiting the Cathedral, just stroll around the Stone Bridge of the 12th century to see other magnificent sites of the town. There are St. Emmeram Palace, the Old Town Hall, the church of St. Jacob, and other historical attractions in Regensburg available for visiting.

If you have enough time, go to Kelheim where Weltenburg monastery and Danube Gorge are located, or to the Bavarian Forest National Park.

How to get to Regensburg

Regensburg is at a distance of 125 km (78 miles) from Munich. One of the best ways to reach the town is to use trains that run every hour during the day. The journey time is just 1.5 hours.

A cheaper option is to use regional buses, but the journey time is a bit longer.

If you rent a car for traveling, follow the roads #A9 and A93. It takes you about 1 hour 20 minutes to get there by car.

You also have the option of taking a tour of Regensburg from Munich. Please note, this tour is NOT wheelchair-accessible.

Ingolstadt

Ingolstadt is located along the powerful Danube River and combines manmade and natural attractions. Ingolstadt is also good for shopping. There is an outlet village near here, which is why Ingolstadt is often visited by tourists for its shopping opportunities.

But back to historical attractions… You can see a lot of medieval buildings here, for example, town gates, the church of St. Maurice, some towers, the local Cathedral, the Franciscan Basilica, and much more. Most of them are in the Gothic style, characterized by the Medieval Ages.

Ingolstadt also boasts two castles – an Old and a New. You can visit the Museum of the Bavarian Army at the New Castle. Another popular attraction of the town is the automobile museum where a huge collection of cars from different periods can be found.

Visiting Ingolstadt is a good combination of observing architectural monuments and enjoying some much-needed shopping.

How to get to Ingolstadt

Ingolstadt is located close to Munich. They are divided by only 80 km (50 miles). If you take a high-speed train, you can reach your travel destination within half an hour.

Getting a rental car is also a good option. You need to follow the road #A9 to get to the town. It takes you no more than 1 hour.

You also have the option of taking a wheelchair-accessible private tour of Nuremberg and Ingolstadt.

Click Here To Book A Wheelchair-Accessible Private Tour Of Nuremberg And Ingolstaft

Augsburg

Augsburg is a true hidden gem of Bavaria with its massive architectural and historic heritage. Travelers should definitely visit the Town Hall, where the famous gilded ceiling is located. The decoration of the interiors will impress even experienced travelers.

Another great building in Augsburg is the Basilica of Saints Ulrich and Afra. Both facades and interiors are worth seeing, but in particular the choirs and altar. There are a lot of other religious sites in the town, including the church of St. Anne, the church of St. Mary, the Episcopal Residence, and more.

You can also visit one of the dozen museums located in Augsburg, be it the German Baroque Gallery, Maximilian Museum, Mozart House, or Railway Park. If you have a few days more, you can go to Legoland Park which is situated in the neighbouring town of Gunzburg. It is an especially good idea when traveling with kids.

How to get to Augsburg

Both high-speed and regional trains are available to get to Augsburg which is located just 80 km (50 miles) from Munich. It takes you about half an hour by high-speed train and about 50 minutes by regional one.

When renting a car, follow the road #A8. You can get to Augsburg by car within 1 hour.

You also have the option of taking a wheelchair-accessible private tour of Augsburg and Ingolstadt.

Click Here For A Private Wheelchair-Accessible Tour Of Augsburg And Ingolstadt

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg is one of the most well-known Franconian towns in Bavaria. You may recognize it as the filming location of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Rothenburg is located 255km (158 miles) from Munich and is often combined with visiting other neighboring towns such as Nuremberg or Wurzburg, but you can visit only Rothenburg on a one-day trip from Munich as well.

Narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and medieval churches create a unique vibe. To start, it is better to visit Markplatz Square with its Town Hall, and then go to the famous Plonlein Square. It is a precious landmark of Rothenburg. The square is full of colorful half-timbered houses and tiny towers and the main attraction is Toppler Castle. The castle is small and looks like something straight out of a fairytale book.

The Christmas Museum is also a must-see in Rothenburg, even if you travel during the summertime. Its collection is definitely worth viewing.

Local parks and river canals can also give you a relaxing atmosphere and some much-needed peace and quiet.

How to get to Rothenburg

Rothenburg is located 255 km (158 miles) from Munich. You need to follow roads #A9 and A6 when traveling by car. It takes about 3 hours to get to this charming medieval town.

You can also use public transport, be it regional buses or regional trains, but the journey time is approximately 3.5 hours and you need to make a change when traveling by train.

You can also take a wheelchair-accessible tour of Rothenburg from Munich.

Click Here For A Wheelchair-Accessible Tour Of Rothenburg

Bad Kissingen

Bad Kissingen is a thermal resort located in the very north of the region. Having come to Bad Kissingen you may enjoy the healing properties of local mineral springs or choose to walk around and view unique Franconian architectural features and wonderful park areas.

One of the best options of how to spend time in Bad Kissingen is to visit one of the thermal complexes located here. There are a lot of procedures available.

Do not miss local park areas as they are not only full of flora but are decorated with statues, bridges, and fountains. The local Rose Garden is a lovely place where you can see about 150 varieties of roses. The Kurpark and the Park of Luitpold are also great areas to stroll around because of the wide range of Mediterranean vegetation and elegant architecture.

There are also many churches in the gothic style characterized by the Franconian region. If you travel with kids, then go to the Klaushof Zoo.

How to get to Bad Kissingen

Bad Kissingen is situated quite far away from Munich. The distance is about 350 km. (217 miles) You can take a train with a change in Wurzburg to get to the thermal resort. The journey time is approximately 3 hours one way.

Another option is to go by car. In this case, you need to follow road #A9 and can combine visiting Bad Kissingen with other Franconian towns which is definitely a lovely idea, but you’ll need more than one day to explore the region.

Berchtesgaden

Another great option to explore Bavaria is to go to the very south of the region. Berchtesgaden is an awesome climatic resort located near the Bavarian Alps. If you prefer mountains, then it is definitely worth visiting this town!

Berchtesgaden town is located in the Berchtesgaden National Park which is well-known for its amazing mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and inspiring valleys and fields. The best thing you can do here is to go hiking as the place is naturally beautiful. Jenner, Grunstein, and Gotchen mountains are available for hiking in the summer and for skiing in the wintertime.

Another interesting attraction is the Salt Mine Museum. It is a great experience to visit the museum and go down to the mines where a salt lake is located and a spectacular light show is held. The Berchtesgaden National Park also includes such famous mountain lakes as Konigssee (Royal Lake), Obersee, and Hintersee.

How to get to Berchtesgaden

Berchtesgaden is located 155 km (96 miles) from Munich. There are no direct train routes between the cities, but you can make a change in Freilassing or Salzburg. In total, the journey time is approximately 2.5 hours.

If you travel by car, follow road #A8 and you can reach your travel destination in 2 hours or less.

You also have the option of taking a private tour of Berchtesgaden from Munich. Please note, that this tour is NOT wheelchair accessible.

Click Here For A Private Tour Of Berchtesgaden From Munich

Konigssee

Konigssee Lake is one of the hidden gems of the Bavarian Alps. It has a crystal-clear surface and is surrounded by magnificent mountains so the landscape is truly inspiring here. Konigssee is too cold to swim in, but you can take a boat tour to travel around the lake. The last stop of the tour is the beginning of a hiking trail leading to tiny, but truly wonderful Obersee Lake. It is definitely worth going there! You will be amazed at the views and it makes for a romantic road trip.

You can also explore Berchtesgaden National Park by climbing up Jenner Mountain via local cable car. The views from the top are panoramic and truly inspiring. The total height of the mountain is 1874 m. Another great idea is to visit the Salt Mine Museum with its unique salt lake. The Berchtesgaden National Park is full of natural attractions!

How to get to Konigssee

The distance between Munich and Konigssee is a little more than 150 km (93 miles). First, you need to reach Berchtesgaden town by train or by car. Then you need to go to Schonau-am-Konigssee town. It is the closest town to the lake. If you use public transport, take one of the local buses.

If you go by car, then follow the road #B20.

You also have the option of taking a group tour of Konigssee from Munich. Please note, this tour is NOT wheelchair-accessible.

Click Here To Book A Tour Of Konigssee From Munich

Garmisch Partenkirchen

Garmisch Partenkirchen is a charming, tiny town located near the Bavarian Alps. During the wintertime, it is visited by skiers, but during the summertime, it is a nice place for hiking and relaxing in the countryside. Autumn is also a lovely season to visit Garmisch as the local flora is spectacular this time of the year.

The top natural attractions located near Garmisch are Zugspitze Mountain, Eibsee Lake, and Partnachklamm Waterfall. What a combination! Zugspitze is famous for its glacier which is available to visit even in summer. You can climb up the top of th mountain by panoramic cable car. Partnachklamm waterfall is located in a unique canyon where crystal-clear glacier water melts down and flows to the local river. There are comfortable observation decks and bridges all around and you can catch all the unique views.

How to get to Garmisch Partenkirchen

There is a direct train connection between Munich and Garmisch and you can reach your desired travel destination only within an hour. Another option is to take a regional bus to get there. It also takes you about an hour. The distance between Munich and Garmisch is 90 km (56 miles) and it is quite easy to get to the town by car. You just need to follow the road #A95.

Fussen

Fussen is a colorful, tiny town in the south of the region. It is mostly known as a “gate” to the Bavarian Castles. Besides the picture book fairytale castles, its other architecture is also pleasant and worth visiting. There are a lot of delightful buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Schrannengasse and Bread Market Square are the top places to walk around in Fussen. One of the most interesting buildings here is the Monastery of St. Magnus. Its tower dates back to the 9th century and it has been preserved to this day, which is truly unbelievable. Another great monument is the Fussen Castle with its charming facades.

Don’t forget to discover the Lech River surrounding the town. The river area is mountainous and has great panoramic views. After that, you can explore the famous Bavarian Castles – Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, and Linderhof.

How to get to Fussen

There are direct trains connecting Munich and Fussen. It takes tourists 2 hours to get to the town via train ride. No changes are required.

If you travel by car, then follow the route #A95. The distance is 120 km (75 miles) and you can get to Fussen in 1 hour 40 minutes. Having a car is also useful for getting around as the Bavarian Castles are located a bit of a distance from Fussen.

You also have the option of taking a wheelchair-accessible private tour of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Click Here To Book A Wheelchair-Accessible Private Tour Of Neuschwanstein Castle

Dachau Concentration Camp

Located near the town of Dachau in southern Germany, Dachau Concentration Camp was one of the first and longest-operating Nazi concentration camps. Opened in March 1933, it served as a model for the subsequent network of camps that followed across Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. The camp primarily held political prisoners, dissidents, and later, individuals deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime, including Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, and homosexuals. Liberation came on April 29, 1945, when American troops entered the camp.

Today, Dachau stands as a somber memorial and museum, reminding visitors of the atrocities committed during one of humanity's darkest chapters.

Dachau is a 30-minute drive from Munich on A99. Alternatively, you could take the train which takes about 15 minutes.

There are wheelchair-accessible half-day tours available from Munich to Dachau.

Click Here For A Wheelchair-Accessible Tour Of Dachau From Munich

Final Thoughts On The Best Day Trips From Munich

As you can see there Bavaria offers a wide variety of travel options a close distance from Munich. You can relax at a spa town, learn about history, appreciate stunning architecture, or take a romantic road trip. And you have the option to do it all on Germany’s extremely well connected and accessible public transportation system. So, why limit yourself to staying in the city on your visit? Get out and explore these amazing day trips from Munich!

The article is written in cooperation with Julia from Badenguide. Julia firstly visited Germany in 2008 and since then Germany is one of the top destinations for exploring for her. A combination of mild climate, a huge variety of attractions, lovely countryside and great architecture makes Germany a desired travel destination for many tourists from all over the World.

Featured