6 easy must-do weekend trips from Munich
Germany, like Italy, is one of those countries that's much younger than you think. For most of its history, Germany was a patchwork of small states spread across central Europe, each with its own government, customs, and in some cases, even language. Now, Germany is one of the largest and most economically successful countries in Europe, but many of its regions maintain their own character, and that's part of what makes Germany so fascinating to visit.
Bavaria is definitely one such region. Located in the south of the country, Munich is the capital of Bavaria, and it's one of Germany's most interesting cities. From the minute you arrive at Munich Central Station, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the magnificent buildings of this beautiful city, visit the incredible Christmas market, and enjoy the lively cultural attractions it has to offer.
But if you have some time on your hands, it would be a shame not to see more of what Bavaria has to offer. Weekend trips from Munich let you explore more of Germany and see some spectacular places. You can take a weekend trip back in time to the Middle Ages and see half-timbered houses in medieval villages or visit a fairytale castle with a truly amazing view. Whatever you want to see on weekend getaways from Munich, you won't have a hard time finding something worthwhile. All you need to do is hire a rental car or hop on an intercity or regional train, and the best of Bavaria is open to you.
Of course, seeing more of the country is much easier if you can travel light. Leave your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage in Munich and visit some of these incredible attractions.
Regensburg
Easily one of the most beautiful cities in the region, if not in all of Germany, Regensburg is a fairytale of beautiful buildings, quaint narrow streets, and historical interest. No wonder it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Easily reached from Munich, it would be a shame not to see this historic town while you're in the area.
Distance from Munich
Around 120 km north of Munich, Regensburg can be reached with a drive of about an hour and 20 minutes. A train takes around the same amount of time, so you may be better off avoiding the stress of driving and using public transport.
Our activity recommendations
St. Peters Cathedral: Located close to the river, this breathtaking Cathedral has been the spiritual heart of Regensburg for centuries. It houses Germany's largest collection of stained glass and is a beautiful place to contemplate the craftsmanship and passion that went into building such a magnificent structure.
Old Town Hall: This iconic yellow structure dates back to the 1200s and was the center of power in Regensburg until the New Town Hall replaced it. From around 1600 to 1800, it hosted a Diet or assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, and displays inside will teach you more about the complex history of this pre-modern German state.
Regensburg Museum of History: This lovely town has had an impact on German history that's out of proportion with its modern importance. You can learn more about the history of the town – which in many ways is the history of Germany — at this fascinating museum.
Best season to visit
Regensburg has plenty of indoor activities that you can visit at any time. Summer may be the best time to wander the charming streets of the old town and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere, but winter brings a beautiful Christmas market to this incredibly photogenic place, so there's really no bad time to visit.
Neuschwanstein Castle
This iconic building may look familiar. Maybe it's because it appears in so many pictures online. Maybe it's because it was the basis for the Disney fairytale castle. Neuschwanstein is, in some ways, no more authentic than the Californian replica. But it is an incredibly photogenic place to visit.
Distance from Munich
120 km from Munich, you can reach Neuschwanstein Castle with a drive of just under two hours. Since this is a popular tourist destination, it's also possible to reach the castle by public transport, including shuttle buses that will take you from Munich Central Station right to the castle gates.
Our activity recommendations
Visit the castle: Obviously, this is the number one thing to do in town. Built in the 19th century in honor of composer Richard Wagner by King Ludwig II, Castle Neuschwanstein was never intended to be a fortress but instead a retreat for the monarch and his friends. For that reason, it's beautifully preserved and looks very much like something out of a fairytale. You can now go inside the castle and explore the opulent rooms the king furnished to build his mountain retreat.
Marienbrücke: This iron footbridge crosses the Pöllat gorge only 500 m from the castle. As a result, it gives magnificent views of the castle and the rolling hills beyond and may be the perfect spot for a photo opportunity.
Alpsee boathouse: Surrounded by mountains, forests, and castles, the Alpsee is an incredibly beautiful lake, and there's no better way to explore it than by boat. At the Alpsee boathouse, you can rent a small boat and head out on the calm waters of the lake to enjoy these natural surroundings at their best.
Best season to visit
The castle is one of the best weekend trips from Munich, no matter when you decide to go. If you want to do some boating during your weekend getaway, you'll want to go in the summer because the boathouse only operates from May to October. But the main attraction, the castle, is open year-round, making this a great day trip or weekend trip out of the city.
Linderhof Palace
Close to the Austrian border, this palace was another of King Ludwig II's pleasure palaces. When you see it for yourself, you'll have to agree that this monarch had great taste.
Distance from Munich
Just a short hop from Neuschwanstein, Linderhof lies about 100 km from Munich, so it can be reached in about an hour's drive from the city.
Our activity recommendations
See the palace: Another somewhat obvious choice, visiting the stunning palace is the main thing to do around here. Built as a hunting lodge in 1878, this palace was, in fact, the favorite of the King. Admire the incredible Hall of Mirrors and visit the Dining Room where the eccentric King would dine alone while having entire conversations with imaginary guests.
Explore the grounds: The beautifully manicured grounds of the palace are almost as beautiful as the building itself. Check out the Venus Grotto, a man-made copy of Capri's famous Blue Grotto, and fantasize about what you would do on your property if you had Ludwig's money.
Best season to visit
The grounds are their best in spring, and visiting in this season can also help you avoid some of the tourist crowds on what is one of the most popular day trips from Munich.
Herrenchiemsee
Located on an island on Bavaria's largest lake, this palace built by — who else? — King Ludwig II was intended to be the Bavarian monarch's rival to Versailles. However, he never got to see it finished, as it was still uncompleted when he drowned at the age of 40.
Distance from Munich
Herrenchiemsee lies about 90 km southeast of Munich and is easy to reach with an hour-long drive.
Our activity recommendations
See the palace: How many palaces does a single monarch need? That's a question you may find yourself asking as you explore the on-site King Ludwig II Museum. You can also visit the State Room, the king's bedroom, and another Hall of Mirrors to admire either the taste or the madness of this king.
Augustinian Monastery: Also on the island, you'll find this Monastery that dates back to 620, making it the oldest in Bavaria. Wander through the halls and admire the austere life of the monks that couldn't be more of a sharp contrast to that of their neighbor, the king.
Best season to visit
Summer is the best time to head out on the lake and explore, though there are enough indoor attractions here to make it worth a visit on weekend trips from Munich at any time of the year.
Berchtesgaden and Eagle's Nest
Part of the Berchtesgaden National Park, this is one of the best weekend trips from Munich to take if you want to see beautiful mountain scenery. But this being Germany, there's also some fascinating history to explore here.
Distance from Munich
It's around 150 km from Munich to the Eagle's Nest, requiring a drive of around two hours. Public transport is spotty in this mountainous area, so a rental car may be the best way to go.
Our activity recommendations
The Eagle's Nest: If you're admiring the mountain scenery of this area, it may be a little disturbing to know you're not the only one to appreciate it. Hitler was a big fan of this area and had the Eagle's Nest built as his mountain retreat. In Germany, most structures dedicated to Hitler were destroyed after the war, but this one was preserved, and now you can visit and see the recreational life of one of history's most notorious dictators.
Berchtesgaden Monastery: Long before Hitler moved in, Berchtesgaden was home to a monastery that dates back to the 1100s. You can explore it and the charming old town of this Alpine city on weekend trips from Munich that will show you both the rich history and incredible natural surroundings.
Hiking: All these mountains have to be good for something. Berchtesgaden is a premium hiking destination popular with both Germans on day trips from Munich and international travelers. Bring your hiking boots and explore the many trails in this beautiful region.
Best season to visit
Many mountain roads get closed during the winter, so summer is a good time to visit here, even if it does get crowded. Alternatively, consider a visit in the spring to see the wildflowers sprouting in the alpine meadows.
The Romantic Road
If you want to see the most picturesque towns in Bavaria, it's worth taking a trip along the so-called Romantic Road. It takes over 10 hours to drive the entire length of the road, but it makes one of the best weekend trips from Munich if you don't mind driving and want to see some unbelievably photogenic places.
Distance from Munich
The Romantic Road runs from Füssen in the south to Würzburg in the north. You can join it anywhere along its length, but Füssen is far closer to Munich. It's 130 km from Munich to the town, and you can start your adventure from there.
Our activity recommendations
Augsburg: The oldest city in Bavaria and one of the oldest in Germany, Augsburg dates back to the Romans. Visit the beautiful Renaissance town hall and explore the charming Old Town to get a glimpse of Germany's distant past on one of the best weekend trips from Munich.
Nördlingen: One of the very few medieval walled towns still remaining in Germany, this town is located in the impact crater of a meteorite and features a tower built from the rock the impact formed. Less crowded than many of the towns along the Romantic Road, it's a wonderfully atmospheric place to explore.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Probably the most famous town along the Romantic Road, this beautiful riverside town is almost unbelievably photogenic, so it's not surprising that this is one of the most popular weekend trips from Munich.
Best season to visit
Cruising along the road in warm weather is a delightful experience, so even though these towns get crowded in the summer, that's probably the best time to visit.
Conclusion
The best day trips and weekend trips from Munich can take you back in time or show you some wonderful natural surroundings. Whether you want to rent a car or take public transport, you'll have lots of options to explore what makes Bavaria so special.
If you only have three days in Munich, it's better to stick to the city. But with a little longer at your disposal, you can take advantage of these excellent weekend trips from Munich to get the most out of your German vacation.