Escape the City: 5 Epic Day Trips Outside Munich You’ll Never Forget

Munich, the heart of Bavaria, is famous for its beer gardens, rich history, and stunning architecture. While there is so much to do within Munich, if you’ve got a day or two in your trip you can spare, there lies a world of breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable adventures in southern Germany just beyond the city. My husband and I had an incredible time exploring taking these day trips outside Munich to see some of these iconic spots on our honeymoon last year.

While we rented a car and road tripped around Germany, one of the best parts of southern Germany is that many of these locations are accessible by train and/or bus. They’re about 1 to 2.5 hours away, making them perfect for a day trip—or, if you’d like, you can always stretch them out and explore them in even more depth. In this guide, I’ll take you on five epic day trips outside Munich in southern Germany that will transform your journey into a Bavarian fairy tale.

1. Breitachklamm – Nature’s Hidden Wonder

Walk through one of Europe’s deepest and most impressive gorges, carved by the Breitach River over thousands of years. Breitachklamm was formed over 10,000 years ago by glacial melting waters, shaping its stunning features into the natural marvel we see today. Follow a safe, well-maintained path alongside roaring waterfalls and dramatic cliffs that rise above you like ancient guardians. We enjoyed capturing stunning shots of the towering rock formations and shimmering water that reflect the light in magical ways.

Depending on the season, the gorge offers two entirely different experiences—lush greenery in summer or a sparkling, icy wonderland in winter. We got to explore it during the summer and absolutely loved it! We also saw lots of families with kids making the trek, which shows how accessible and family-friendly the trail is. This excursion is a bit off the beaten path and doesn’t seem to be well known by international travelers—we only heard German being spoken the entire time. If you love nature and the Alps, you’ll fall in love with this nature-focused excursion.

Getting There: 2 hours by car or a 2.5-hour train ride from Munich to Oberstdorf, then a 30 minute bus ride.
Pro Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes, preferably waterproof—the paths can be slippery from mist and water spray.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber & Harburg

These two perfectly preserved medieval towns will transport you back in time. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a living postcard with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the iconic Plönlein corner. Wander through the town’s medieval walls and explore the famous Christmas Museum, where it’s holiday season all year long. Then, head to Harburg Castle, one of Germany’s best-preserved fortresses, where guided tours reveal centuries-old defensive towers and grand halls. Rothenburg’s medieval charm has remained intact largely because it was spared significant damage during WWII, making it one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns.

Getting There: 2-hour train ride from Munich to Harburg, then continue to Rothenburg by train or rental car.
Pro Tip: Visit Rothenburg early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heavy tour bus crowds. The quiet streets at dusk are absolutely magical.

Zugspitze – Germany’s Highest Peak

Soar to the top of Germany’s tallest mountain for unmatched views of four countries, year-round snow, and endless alpine adventures. Take Europe’s highest cable car for breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps that stretch across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. At the summit, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or dining at the summit restaurant while soaking in the incredible scenery. On clear days, the horizon seems to go on forever, offering one of the most breathtaking experiences in Bavaria. Standing at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) high, Zugspitze holds the record as Germany’s highest peak and a must-see for nature and adventure enthusiasts alike.

Getting There: 1.5-hour train ride from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then a cogwheel train or cable car to the summit.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers. Even in summer, it can be chilly at the summit, and weather can change quickly.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is a popular but fantastic choice for anyone looking for day trips outside Munich. It is the ultimate fairytale castle, and for good reason. Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig II, is rumored to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Explore its opulent halls on a guided tour while learning about the life and mysterious death of King Ludwig II. Stroll to Marienbrücke Bridge for the most iconic view of the castle framed by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Nearby, visit Hohenschwangau Castle, the lesser-known yet equally enchanting residence where Ludwig II spent much of his childhood. Blending Gothic Revival and Romanesque styles, Neuschwanstein is a masterpiece for architecture enthusiasts and dreamers alike.

Getting There: 2-hour train ride to Füssen, followed by a short bus ride.
Pro Tip: Book tickets online well in advance. I learned this the hard way after standing in line for hours on my first visit! They can easily sell out of tickets during the summer.
Information about hours and tickets can be found here.

National Park Berchtesgaden

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps of southern Germany, National Park Berchtesgaden is a nature lover’s paradise. Its dramatic peaks, serene lakes, and deep valleys create a storybook setting you’ll never forget. On our visit, we made the mistake of trying to fit this National Park into a half-day trip, which didn’t work out. With only a few boat slots left and rain setting in, we realized we needed more time. The park’s beauty was so captivating that we rearranged our entire itinerary to return the following day—and it ended up being our favorite part of our trip to Germany.

Take a peaceful boat ride on the emerald-green Königssee, framed by towering cliffs, and listen as the boat guide demonstrates the lake’s haunting echoes. Our guide even pulled out a bugle and played a melody, letting the sound reverberate across the water. Visit St. Bartholomä Church, a picturesque pilgrimage site accessible only by boat, where the white walls stand in stark contrast to the alpine backdrop. The water here is so clear and pristine that you can see fish swimming beneath the surface—it’s often described as one of the cleanest lakes in Germany.

For a more rustic experience, take a boat further up the water to the Fischunkelalm Hut, a charming alpine shack offering simple but beautiful contrast with the stunning mountain views. It is beautiful location I highly suggest exploring. Don’t miss exploring the nearby town of Berchtesgaden itself. This enchanting alpine village boasts traditional Bavarian architecture, cozy cafés, and local shops offering handcrafted souvenirs. Strolling through its picturesque streets feels like stepping into a storybook. Of all the day trips outside Munich that we took, the area around Berchtesgaden ranks #1 for us!

Getting There: 2-hour train ride from Munich to Berchtesgaden, followed by a short bus ride.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid larger crowds and for better photo opportunities. I recommend taking the boat ride on Königssee to both St. Bartholomä and to the Fischunkelalm Hut. There are some restaurants where you can grab a meal or some beer.

Conclusion

Southern Germany is so beautify and full of natural and cultural experiences that should be high on anyone’s travel bucket list. My personal favorites are Breitachklamm and National Park Berchtesgaden. I hope to visit them both again soon! We were easily able to visit so many locations due to choosing to make a European road trip out of our adventures. If you’re interested in learning what it’s like to road trip in Europe then check out the following article!