Day Trips from Munich

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, the largest state in Germany. A local described Bavaria to us as being just like Texas, “big, loud and proud.”

Located just an hour away from the Alps, there are many small villages and sites to visit just a couple hours drive away from Munich.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Located just 2 hours from Munich and straight out of a fairy tale book is Neuschwanstein Castle. The drive from Munich alone is worth it. I’d have to say that the drive was one of the most beautiful drives I have experienced – lush green meadows, wildflowers, and Baviarian-style houses all backdropped by the majestic Alps.

This castle is nestled in the foothills of the German Alps just above the town of Fussen and is the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty among others. I can’t emphasize enough how dreamy the views were. You must see this place for yourself!

Tours to the castle start at 14 euros. We opted out of the tour and decided to do the hike to Marienbrukle bridge for an iconic photograph of the castle. We were also able to enter the courtyard of the castle without a ticket, as well.

Read Next: Hiking to Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle

Mittenwald

This charming town is located right at the base of the German Alps near the border of Germany and Austria and is flooded with red-roofed Bavarian-style homes. The drive from Munich is only an hour and a half – most of the way spent on the Autobahn.

Mittelwald offers many local restaurants and activities such as bike rentals and ski lifts but is not overrun with other tourists. What a great place to spend an afternoon and grab some delicious ice cream.

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Berchtesgaden National Park/Königsee

Berchtegaden National Park is located a couple hours south of Munich on the border of Austria. This spectacular national park provides amazing alpine lake views and is a winter wonderland, even in May.

We began our visit to the park at Königsee Lake, which is frequently titled “Germany’s Most Beautiful Alpine Lake”. The lake is five miles long, like a fjord, as it was carved by glaciers. The lake is viewable by trail (for free) or a ferry is available (for 19 euros round-trip) to several viewing locations spread out along the lake.

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After a short hike by the lake, we hopped back in our car and headed to the Panoramic Highway drive (Rossfeld Panoramastrasse), a 16km tollway (only 8.50 euros) that ascends along the ridges of the Alps. Most of the drive hugs the German/Austrian border and features outstanding mountain views.

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This national park was without a doubt one of my favorite places we visited in Germany. Also, best place for a snowball fight in mid-May.

Hallstatt

There are very few places as charming and picture-perfect as Hallstatt, Austria which sits on the shore of Lake Hallstätter. This beautiful town is located a three hour drive from Munich and can also be reached by train.

The village can be best seen by wandering the streets by foot or by renting a boat to view the charming homes and mountains from the water.

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If you were to ask me what I enjoyed most during our Europe trip, Hallstatt was hands down my absolute favorite place. This place is a MUST SEE. Check out my blog post to see my tips for the best way to experience this one-of-a-kind Austrian village.

Read Next: A Perfect Day in Hallstatt, Austria