10 of the best day trips from Munich: nature, culture, and fairy-tale castles

19.05.2024 - 15:41 / lonelyplanet.com

If the residents of Munich look pleased with their lot, it’s little wonder. Not only is this cosmopolitan city a fantastic place to live, it also serves as a great base for exploring the nearby mountains and lakes, as well as other cities and countries. When you've had your fill of art collections, parks and rollicking beer halls, head a little farther afield for new cultural thrills and outdoor adventures.

Within an hour or so of the Bavarian capital, you hit the Alps, where hiking trails and cable cars scale cloud-shredding peaks and winter snowfall entices skiers. Alternatively, you can explore the history-rich cities of Augsburg or Ulm, or one of "Mad" King Ludwig’s palaces. Austria is also within easy reach, with glorious Salzburg just a short train ride away. Here are ten of the best day trips from Munich.

Travel time: 1 hour

This looking-glass lake offers heaven-on-earth mountain views – on warm summer days, it’s tempting to just hang out at the lakeside lido beaches, rent a boat or paddle along the shores, but there are some sights here too. 

The big cultural deal on the lake is the riotously romantic and unashamedly opulent Schloss Herrenchiemsee, which Ludwig II ambitiously modeled on Versailles back in 1878. The lavishly frescoed, gilded and chandelier-lit Grosse Spiegelgalerie is longer than its Versailles counterpart at 98m (321ft) and elicits a chorus of "wows" from visitors.

How to get to Chiemsee from Munich: Prien am Chiemsee – the easiest access point – is an hour’s drive southeast of Munich via the A8. Trains depart frequently from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, making the journey in an hour. To reach the palace, take the ferry from Prien-Stock to Herreninsel (it’s a 20-minute walk through pretty gardens from there). 

Travel time: 30 minutes 

Founded in 1959, this wildlife park is home to deer, racoons, wolves and wild boar, as well as a family of brown bears. A circular trail passes through the enclosures, from dense forest to open meadows, with several residents also sharing the footpath. Be sure to bring a few 50 cent coins to chuck into the animal-feed vending machines dotted across the park. 

If visiting with kids, leave ample time to explore the huge play area about halfway round. There are rope courses, steep slides, water fountains, pirate ships and areas suitable for toddlers, as well as picnic tables dotted throughout – don’t be surprised if a peacock struts past as you’re enjoying your lunch.  

How to reach Wildpark Poing from Munich: Public transport options are limited here, unless you are happy to walk around 2km (1.2 miles) from the nearest S-Bahn station (Poing). It takes about 30 minutes to drive there.  

The best things to do with kids in Munich

Travel time: 30 minutes/1 hour