The Top 9 Day Trips From Munich

Starnberger See

Only a 30 minute ride (or drive) from Munich, Lake Starnberg is the second largest lake in Bavaria. Once the playgound of royalty, it is now a favorite of the people.

Take a swim, visit the 18th-century St.-Josef-Kirche, or just stroll the promenade. Those who want a better view of lakefront living can cruise the waters. There are tours of the lake that stop in Berg and Leoni. Leoni is the home of Schloss Possenhofen, where beloved Princess Sissi grew up.

Transportation: 30 minutes. By public transport - Frequent departures by the S-6 towards Tutzing; By car - A-95 southwest
Best Season: This destination is at its finest on a warm summer day.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze

The most famous ski slopes in Germany are located here. Used in the 1936 Winter Olympics, the two resorts feature over 45 miles of downhill runs and 7 miles of cross-country skiing. The town itself sits in the valley below the Zugspitze, Germany's highest point at nearly ten thousand feet.

For less-saturated slopes, read about Skiing in Germany.

Transportation: An hour and a half. By public transport - Almost hourly departures to Garmisch-Partenkirchen; By car - A-95 South
Best Season: Ski the legendary slopes in winter or hike the trails during the summer months. Wait for clear skies anytime of year to make the ascent to the Zugspitze.

Lindau and Bodensee

An ideal German island destination, Lindau sits on lovely Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in Germany). Sunshine, sailing and swimming are the cornerstones of a Lindau vacation. Admire the Mangturm (13th century lighthouse) and Bavarian Lion that sit facing each other in the harbor.

Transportation: 2-3 hours. By train - Almost hourly departures with local and faster EC trains; By car - A-96 Southwest. It is recommended to park on the mainland and cross onto the island by bridge.
Best Season: Visit Lindau when the sun is shining and prepare for crowds on holidays and weekends.

Berchtesgaden

Hitler's Kehlsteinhaus (or Eagle's Nest to English-speakers) absorbs most of the attention in Berchtesgarden, but it is far from the only thing to see. Along with epic mountain vistas, there is a postcard-worthy Schlossplatz (castle square) and charming Königssee. The Königliches Schloß Berchtesgaden was originally a monastery, once a summer home for the Wittelsbachs, and now open to tours by the public.

Transportation: 3 hours. By train - Almost hourly departures with a change required on some routes at Freilassing. Some trains split en route so confirm you are in the car heading for Berchtesgaden; By car - A-8 Southeast to Bad Reichenhall exit, then take B-20.
Best Season: This destination is worth visiting year-round. Bring a sweater even in warm weather as there can be a chill high in the mountains.

Bad Reichenhall

Germans love a spa town and Bad Reichenhall is an elegant example. This location at the base of the Alps has been famed for its salt mines since the 12th century. Soothe any ailment of body or mind with the 24% saline content of the spas - the highest percentage in Europe.

If you are in need of some excitement, go to Kurgarten where there is a casino and bierhall in the park. Learn more about the town's history at the Alte Saline. Take a tour of the caves followed by an unusual exhibition on glass-blowing.

Transportation: Just over 2 hours. By train - Regular service with a change required on some routes at Freilassing. Some trains split en route so confirm you are in the car heading for the destination of Berchtesgaden; By car - A-8 Southeast
Best Season: Explore the spas and hiking in the warmer months and snow in winter.

Chiemsee

Bavaria's largest lake is just north of the Alps. A fanciful steam train takes visitors from the train station to the Stock-Hafen Pier.

There are two islands to explore which have a nunnery and a monastery (rightfully known as Frauenchiemsee and Herreninsel) plus an uninhabited Krautinsel. Most visitors choose "Men's Island" for the spectacular Herrenchiemsee. The dream castle of King Ludwig II, this lavish complex emulates Versailles.

Transportation: One hour. By train - Regular train service to nearby Prien; By car - A-8, Bernau exit, follow signs to Prien
Best Season: Visit Chiemsee from late May to September when all the attractions and transport are open.

Ammersee

Much less touristy than Lake Starnberg, Ammersee offers many of the same attractions. Some Germans choose to stay in quieter Ammersee versus bustling Munich, but most foreigners don't know to go here at all.

Besides water sports and cruises, travelers can visit Archäologischen Parks or hike the woodlands to the monastery, Kloster Andech. Hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view.

Transportation: 45 minutes. By public transport - Frequent departures by the S-5 to the last stop of Herrsching; By car - A-96 towards Landsberg, Oberpfaffenhofen exit, then follow signs to Herrsching.
Best Season: This destination is at its finest on a warm summer day.

Mittenwald

Located along the Austrian border, this is the home of forests, mountains, and music. Matthias Klotz brought glory to his hometown by studying the art of violin making under the masters and bringing it back in 1684. 

Walk the fairytale-like streets straight out of a Brothers Grimm story or make your way up the Karwendel Mountain by foot, bike, or Karwendelbahn (cable car). Though the peaks aren't quite as impressive as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the crowds are much lighter.

Transportation: Under 2 hours. By train - Almost hourly departures; By car - A-95 toward Garmisch-Partenkirchen, continue of the B-2
Best Season: Enjoy the warm weather in summer and snow in winter.

Wendelstein

Climb 6,000 feet into the Bavarian Alps to visit Wendelstein. Müncheners have been making this trip since 1912 when the first alpine rail scaled its icy peaks.

Transportation: An hour and a half. By train - Several times every morning to Bayrischzell; By car - A-8 Southeast, Irschenberg exit, follow signs to Bayrischzell.
Best Season: This destination can be visited year-round, but is best dressed in winter snows.