Weekend & Day Trips from Munich, Germany

Located in the upper alpine region of Bavaria, close to Salzburg and Lake Chiemsee, Altötting has been a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics for many centuries. It is here, in a little chapel, that more than a million pilgrims come annually to see the famous image of Our Lady of Altötting, also known as the Black Madonna. Whether or not you are religious, Altötting is a fascinating town to visit on your next day trip from Munich. Besides viewing the Chapel of Mercy, you can join a city sightseeing tour, visit the Pilgrimage Museum, see the Basilica of St. Anne and visit Schloss Tussling Castle.

Altotting, 84503 Bavaria, Germany

Augsburg is an ancient but modern city, whose center is home to what many consider to be the most beautiful boulevard in Germany. This city is definitely a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture and culture. Stunning examples of Renaissance architecture can be found in the heart of the city – highlights include the City Hall, Perlach Tower and Augustus Fountain. The Fuggerei is the oldest social settlement in the world and is a must see on your itinerary. Augsburg is also home to some wonderful museums including the Roman Museum, the Maximilian Museum and the Puppenkisten Museum, which showcases the history of Augsburg’s famous Puppet Theater.

Augsburg, 86150 Bavaria, Germany

Not only is the mountain town of Berchtesgaden very attractive, it is also a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in WWII history. Here, at Obersalzburg, you can see the remains of what was once Hitler’s mountain stronghold (which was mostly destroyed by the Bavarian government in the hopes of erasing its notorious history). You can visit the Documentation Center, which is the official historical museum and contains a wealth of Third Reich history. You can also access the bunker system under the building and another eerie and extensive bunker system under Hotel Turken. If you prefer a more light-hearted day you can enjoy some very scenic hiking, visit the salt mine or have a scenic lunch in Hitler’s former home – the Eagle’s Nest.

Berchtesgaden, 83471 Bavaria, Germany

For an exciting outdoor excursion you can visit one of the deepest and most spectacular river gorges at Breitachklamm. The gorge is 2.5km long and a massive 150m deep and walking along the rock path besides the rushing river is an amazing activity at any time of year. Walking paths were painstakingly chiseled out of the rock face around 1904, and you can now walk the length of the gorge and witness the power of the rushing waters which carved this gorge out of solid rock. Winter in the gorge is particularly magical, when the waters freeze and create remarkable ice sculptures.

Breitachklamm, Klammstrasse, 87561, Oberstdorf/Tiefenbach, Phone: +49-83-22-47-76

Burghauzen has been settled since the 7th century and, among other interesting attractions, it is home to the world’s longest castle where a walk around the walls and ramparts is more than a mile long. Of course, a tour of the castle and its’ 6 courtyards is mandatory – a period-clad guide will let you in to some of the castles secrets and legends. Burghauzen also boasts a beautiful Old Town which you can explore on foot, stopping here and there for a coffee or drink. You can download an interactive tour guide to explain everything you are seeing. Other highlights include the very beautiful pilgrimage church Marienburg and the Reitenhaslach Abbey.

Burghauzen, 84089 Aiglsbach, Germany

A day trip to Garmisch Partenkirchen is an exciting outing which offers something for everyone. If you would like to learn more about Bavarian history and culture you can join a guided walking tour of Historic Partenkirchen to see marvelous examples of traditional frescos and delightful shops all along famous Ludwigstrasse. The town also offers outstanding opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, mountain-biking and water sports in summer. You can take a scenic cable-car ride to the summit of Zugspitze to see Germany’s only glacier ski resort. In winter you can find all types of snow sports and visit the amazing Olympic Ski Jump.

Garmisch Partenkirchen, 82470 Bavaria, Germany

No visit to Munich would be complete without taking the time to visit the site of “mad” King Ludwig II’s New Palace. The very impressive palace, which was modeled on the Palace of Versailles in France, was constructed in 1878 on Herreninsel, an island in Germany’s largest lake, Chiemsee.

After you have toured the famous palace and the beautiful formal gardens you can visit the Augustinian Monastery which King Ludwig called the Old Palace. Here you will find the Julius Exter Art Gallery, the Mahler am Chiemsee Gallery and the new museum which opened in 1998, showcasing 1200 years of Bavarian history and the living apartments of King Ludwig.

Herrenchiemsee, Schloss und Gartenvervaltung Herrenchiemsee, D-83209 Herrenchiemsee, Phone: +49-8-05-16-88-70

Igolstadt is an ancient German city which perfectly combines history, legend and modern conveniences. The city is located in the heart of Bavaria, about 40min by train from Munich. History lovers can embark on a tour of the exceptionally well-preserved fortifications for which the town is famous. If you are brave enough you can join a Frankenstein Tour of the Old Town, where you will see some of the actual places featured in Mary Shelley’s book. Other Igolstadt highlights include the Audi Museum, the baroque Maria de Victoria Church, the beautiful Anatomical Institute and its’ adjacent Garden of Medical Plants. Ingolstadt also offers great shopping and dining and Zoo Wasserstern for animal lovers.

Igolstadt, 85049 Bavaria, Germany

Located across the German border in Austria, Innsbruck is a wonderful day trip destination at any time of the year. A few of the most popular tourist attractions in the city include the Imperial Palace, the famous Golden Roof (in the heart of historic old town), Swarovski Crystal Worlds and Ambras Castle, which is home to the Habsburg Portrait Gallery. If you are travelling with children you can take them to meet the animals at the Alpine Zoo. Taking the Nordkettenbahnen Lifts and Cable Cars up to Seegrube or Hafelekar will reward you with wonderful views of the greater Innsbruck region. Leading up to Christmas, the town is festooned with beautiful Christmas lights and the famous Christmas Markets are in full swing.

Innsbruck , 6020-6161 Austria