Munich is the capital of Bavaria, and is a gateway to Austria, the Alps, and other scenic parts of Germany itself. While there’s definitely plenty to explore in Munich, a day trip or two can offer a change of scenery and covers more ground than simply sticking to one city. Here’s our roundup of the best day trips from Germany.
Lake Constance
Just two hours from Munich is the largest lake in Germany. Dating back to the Ice Age, Lake Constance is bordered by Austria and Switzerland, and is one of the most stunning sights in Germany. There’s plenty to do in the historic Konstanz town – from visiting exhibitons at the Rosgarten Museum to chowing down pork knuckle at the local tavern.
Germany’s oldest fortress-castle, Meersburg Castle, is perched well above Lake Constance, and is also well worth a visit. Dating back to the 7th Century, many of the ancient rooms, including the Knights Hall and Death Chamber are open to the public.
For something a little more family-friendly, visit SEA LIFE Constance to learn more about the marine life native to this region of Germany. The Mainau Island – accessible via bridge from the mainland – is great for nature lovers and even has a kids play area with a petting zoo and miniature water park.
Salzburg
Salzburg is a must-visit for music lovers, and located just two hours from Munich. Famed as the birthplace of Mozart and the place where scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed, this city is the perfect blend of history and beauty, and can easily be explored in a day.
Mozart’s birthplace and former residence is a must-see. Located in the heart of the city, the building itself is immaculately preserved, and items such as his childhood violin and old clavichord are on display. Be sure to visit Café Tomaselli – one of Europe’s oldest cafes – for a quick snack break before moving on.
The Mirabell Palace and Gardens has been named one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world – and for good reason. Built in the 1600s as a pleasure palace for Prince Wolf Dietrich Raitenau and his mistress, this palace is one of Austria’s most popular sites. Sound of Music fans may recognise the Pegasus Fountain as the place where the children sang Do Re Mi in that iconic scene.
Soak up some views from Hohensalzburg Fortress. Dating back over a millennium, the fortress dominates the city’s landscape and offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains – it’s particularly beautiful at sunset, but can be enjoyed anytime.
Neuschwanstein
Disney fans, rejoice! The castle that inspired Aurora’s home in Sleeping Beauty is just two hours from Munich. Averaging over 6000 visitors a day in summer, Neuschwanstein castle overlooks the picturesque village of Hohenschwangau in Southwest Bavaria. Dating back to the 1880s, the grand castle was built by the famed “Fairytale King” Ludwig II, who was known for his ostentation and love for the finer things in life. True to form, this castle looks imposing from its position high in the hills, and consists of 15 complete rooms resplendent in the finest materials.
Not a fan of palaces? There’s plenty to explore in Füssen. This underrated town is a mix of old Bavarian architecture and modern buildings. Admire the colourful shops and frescoes are reminiscent of Santorini and Rome, and take time to appreciate the natural beauty of this city, with its vast green fields, mountains, and forests.
Book a day trip to this magical castle here.
Passau
Looking for a riverside getaway? This is the perfect place. Located in lower Bavaria, less than two hours from Munich, Passau is a lively town on the Austrian border. Formerly an Episcopal seat, many of the buildings are reminiscent of Northern Italian architecture, and the town being the confluence of three major rivers add to the Venetian feel.
History lovers will love Passau for its wide variety of relics, such as the Oberhaus, which was constructed in 1219 and served as the stronghold of the Bishop of Passau for centuries. The Schaibling Tower is another medieval fortification that his withstood the test of time since its construction in the 14th Century.
There are plenty of adorable cafes and eateries in town for a relaxing afternoon café-hopping. From authentic Bavarian nosh to an array of pralines and chocolate bark, there’s a mind-boggling variety of food available. Sink your teeth into a Schnitzel at Wirtshaus Bayerischer Lowe in the city centre, or better yet, grab a pretzel, sit by the river, and watch the world go by.
