Exploring Munich’s Alpine Hinterland: 6 Day Trips off the Beaten Path

With its delightful blend of historic charm, a vibrant atmosphere and Bavarian soul, there’s plenty to discover in Munich itself. If you're searching for new horizons, however, day trips from Munich open up the breathtaking Alpine hinterland, a region packed with picturesque villages, peaceful lakes, majestic castles and inspiring cultural experiences. From postcard-perfect scenery to hidden gems, iconic landmarks steeped in history to off-the-beaten-track adventures, here are six of the best day trips from Munich.

No list of day trips from Munich would be complete without visiting Neuschwanstein Castle. Perched on a rugged hilltop, this iconic fairy-tale palace provided the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle in the Disney films. It was commissioned by the "Mad King", Ludwig II, and embodies a romanticised vision of the Middle Ages with its dramatic turrets and frescoed interiors. The castle can get quite busy in the peak summer months, so for a more peaceful experience, we suggest visiting Ludwig's childhood home instead, the nearby Hohenschwangau Castle, which is around two hours by car from Munich. 

Towering 2,962 metres, Zugspitze in the Bavarian mountains is a big draw for skiers in the winter and a must for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers in the summer. Expect panoramic views and the opportunity, if you're feeling peckish, to dine in both Germany and Austria during the same meal as the border runs across the summit. The Glacier Plateau, with its eternal covering of snow, only adds to the beauty of this majestic mountain. You can drive here in just over an hour, but for a more immersive experience, we recommend taking a train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, followed by a cogwheel train or cable car. Either way, remember to stop in the relaxed Alt-Partenkirchen restaurant at Mercure Hotel Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where you'll find Bavarian specialties and a quiet beer garden with stunning mountain views.    

Just 40 kilometres from Munich, this Benedictine abbey is perched on a hill overlooking Lake Ammersee. It's 45 minutes by car, or a train to Herrsching and then a local bus to the monastery. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even hike the Holy Mountain from the station at Herrsching to enjoy a more invigorating approach. Combining spirituality and gastronomy, Andechs has been brewing some of Bavaria's finest beers since the Middle Ages. While the recipes are closely guarded secrets, the beers are designed to be enjoyed with a plate of crispy pork knuckle. 

Known as the "Village of a Thousand Violins", Mittenwald is famous for its centuries-old tradition of crafting stringed instruments. As you stroll through its painted streets, why not stop at the Geigenbaumuseum (Violin-Making Museum) in the shadow of the Karwendel Alps? And if it's the mountains that you're drawn to, you can hike the Leutasch Gorge and discover thrilling views of waterfalls and sheer rock faces. This little village is around 97 kilometres from Munich, with both driving and direct train taking two hours.

In the shadow of the German Alps about 56 kilometres south of Munich, Lake Tegernsee's crystal-clear waters shimmer in the sun. This beautiful region is perfect for hiking, boating or simply soaking in the Alpine ambience. The town of Tegernsee has a historic abbey and a traditional brewery where you can enjoy freshly brewed Bavarian beer with glorious views of the lake. Tegernsee’s mineral-rich water has long been revered for its healing properties, so the lake is a popular spa destination.

The lesser-known lakes of Schliersee and Spitzingsee offer a more peaceful alternative to Tegernsee. Schliersee is perfect for leisurely boat rides, while Spitzingsee is a haven for hiking – especially the trail to Bodenschneid Mountain, where you will bask in panoramic lake views – as well as all kinds of winter sports. Nearby, the Markus Wasmeier Museum gives a glimpse into traditional Bavarian farm life. For a unique epicurean experience, we recommend trying the freshly smoked fish at Fischerei Schliersee. These lakes are about an hour from Munich on the BOB train (Bayerische Oberlandbahn).

A little to the east, Chiemsee is known as Bavaria’s inland sea. Take a train to Prien am Chiemsee and then rent a bike to explore the lake’s beautiful shoreline. You can also take a ferry to the lake's two enchanting islands. Herreninsel is dominated by Herrenchiemsee Palace, Ludwig II's homage to Versailles. The Hall of Mirrors here rivals that of Versailles but it was never finished after Ludwig's untimely death. The island of Fraueninsel has a peaceful monastery and charming artisan shops.

Königssee, about 150 kilometres from Munich, is a pristine emerald lake framed by towering cliffs. The water is so clean that you can drink it straight from the lake. It takes around two and a half hours to drive to Königssee, or you could catch the train from Munich to Berchtesgaden and then a bus to Königssee. For an unforgettable Alpine experience, take a silent electric boat ride to St. Bartholomew’s Church on the lake, or hike to the historic Eagle’s Nest for panoramic views of the Bavarian Alps.

From fairy-tale castles and serene lakes to charming villages and gastronomic delights, this beautiful corner of Bavaria is brimming with culture and a unique atmosphere created by welcoming locals. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast or foodie, these day trips from Munich will provide a refreshing escape from city life.

Looking to stay in the centre of Munich? You're spoilt for choice when it comes to high-quality hotel accommodation. The Mercure Hotel Munich Altstadt is perfect for travellers looking to dive into authentic local experiences like the city's famed festivals, while the recently renovated four-star Mercure Hotel Muenchen City Center is only a three-minute walk from the main train station, giving you easy access to all these day trips from Munich.