Bavaria’s capital, Munich, is not only incredible on its own but also because of the numerous day trips you can take from there. Just an hour away, you’ll find mountains, large lakes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient castles, and medieval towns. You could spend every weekend exploring the area and still not see it all.

Norman from Années de Pèlerinage has put together a list of the best day trips from Munich, most of which are accessible by train in under two hours. While Munich has plenty to offer, exploring the surrounding Bavarian region is a must. You could easily spend a week or more discovering the southern part of Germany from Munich.

### Schloss Neuschwanstein
Schloss Neuschwanstein is Bavaria’s most visited tourist attraction. This fairytale castle inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and appeared in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It gets crowded, but it’s stunning. Built by King Ludwig II, make sure to reserve tickets in advance, prepare for a walk or take a horse carriage, and visit the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle.

### Bamberg
Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a perfect day trip for those interested in medieval towns. Direct trains run hourly from Munich’s central station. Bamberg features a famous half-timbered town hall, a palace, several small museums, and beautiful churches and monasteries. It’s also known for its artisanal beer breweries.

### Regensburg
Regensburg boasts a 12th-century bridge and a well-preserved medieval old town, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don’t miss the Walhalla memorial, a neoclassical temple with sculptures of famous Germans and stunning views of the river valley.

### Salzburg
Salzburg, just 90 minutes by train, is a must-visit for fans of The Sound of Music. The city is home to one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses and Mozart’s birthplace. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and nearby, you can explore ancient mines and caves.

### Nuremberg
Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia, is known for its WWII history and its beautiful Christmas market. Visit the fortress and the Germanic National Museum, which houses significant artworks and historical artifacts.

### Würzburg
Würzburg features the grand Residence palace, adorned with elaborate stucco and frescoes. Though heavily bombed during WWII, it’s been beautifully restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

### Bayreuth
Bayreuth’s highlight is the Margravial Opera House, an intact Baroque court theater. The town also features a new palace and a hunting palace, thanks to Margravine Wilhelmine.

### Augsburg
Augsburg, just 40 minutes from Munich, has a 2,000-year history. It’s famous for its silversmiths and medieval waterworks, which are still operational today.

### Ulm
Ulm is home to the world’s tallest church tower at 162 meters. Climb the 738 steps for a magnificent view of the old town and beyond.

### Altötting and Burghausen
Altötting is Bavaria’s most important pilgrimage site, and nearby Burghausen boasts Europe’s longest medieval castle at 1,050 meters.

### Innsbruck
Innsbruck in Austria, surrounded by beautiful mountains, has a picturesque old town and attractions like the famous golden roof and Swarovski World.

### Dachau
Dachau, a former concentration camp, serves as an important memorial. It’s a somber but essential visit to understand and learn from history.

### Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg’s enchanting medieval old town is famous and a popular stop on Germany’s romantic road, though it’s a longer trip at 3.5 hours by train.

### Linderhof Palace
Built by King Ludwig II, Linderhof Palace is a small but beautiful palace with a lovely park, the only one completed during his lifetime.

There are many more day trips you could take from Munich. With the Bayern-Ticket, you can enjoy unlimited regional train rides for a day at an affordable price. Make sure to sign your ticket and bring snacks and drinks for your journey.

Planning your connections is easy with the German Railway service’s website. Also, carry some cash as credit cards are not widely accepted in rural areas.

This guide aims to inspire and help you plan your Germany itinerary. For more tips and information, you can visit various travel websites and consider getting a guidebook for your trip.