6 Castles and Palaces Around Munich: Landmarks and Hidden Gems

Bavaria draws millions of visitors to its iconic castles and palaces every year. While some, like Neuschwanstein Castle and Nymphenburg Palace, are famous, many Munich palaces remain under the radar even though they offer equally enchanting experiences. Steeped in history and architectural wonders, these hidden gems provide an intimate glimpse into Bavaria’s regal heritage. Here’s our guide to six of the best Munich palaces and castles that you can discover on a day trip from the city.

This Baroque masterpiece was built in 1664 as a summer residence for the Wittelsbach Dynasty. Surrounded by stunning gardens, this regal oasis has lavish frescoes, an exquisite Hall of Mirrors modelled on the Palace of Versailles, and the historic Marstallmuseum where you can admire one of Europe’s finest collections of royal carriages. Explore the palace park to unearth hidden gems like Amalienburg, a pastel-pink hunting lodge with Rococo interiors.

We recommend visiting in the spring or early summer, when the gardens are in bloom. The palace is only a few kilometres west of Munich city centre, so book into the modern Mercure Hotel Munich Olympiapark, which is just a short drive away. This will allow you to arrive early to avoid the crowds and get to explore the park’s canals, fountains and hidden pavilions at your leisure. 

Perched on a rugged hilltop with breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps and lakes, especially from the nearby Marienbrücke Bridge, this fairy-tale palace was commissioned by King Ludwig II in 1869. Inspired by medieval legends and operas by Richard Wagner, its grand halls like the Throne Room and the Singer’s Hall blend fantasy with neo-Gothic elegance and provided Disney with the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The castle can get very busy in summer so we suggest arriving early. Getting there takes around two hours by car from Munich. If you're travelling by train, head to Füssen and then catch a bus to Hohenschwangau. It's then only a short walk or local shuttle to the castle itself.

There are three distinct palaces in the Schleissheim complex – the Old Palace, New Palace and Lustheim Palace – which together showcase a timeline of Bavarian architectural styles from Renaissance to Baroque. The New Palace has stunning frescoes and a Great Hall where concerts are held, while Lustheim Palace exhibits a world-famous collection of Meissen porcelain. We also recommend wandering the formal gardens to discover hidden fountains and sculptures.

You'll find Schleissheim Palace in the village of Oberschleissheim, which is north of Munich and easily accessible by the S-Bahn. Stay at the nearby Mercure Hotel Munich Schwabing, where you'll find a generous breakfast buffet featuring Bavarian specialties to fuel your day of discoveries, and a cosy bar to relax in when you return.

Tucked away in a quiet suburb, Grünwald Castle was originally built as a hunting lodge but is now Munich’s only surviving medieval castle. There's also an archaeological museum displaying artefacts from Bavaria’s early history, but the highlight of your visit will be the climb to the castle tower, where you'll bask in panoramic views of the Isar Valley. This peaceful corner of Bavaria is quieter than the bigger-name attractions, and you can also take a relaxing walk along the riverbank. It's only around 11 kilometres from Munich – to get there, take tram line 25 to Grünwald.

About an hour to the southeast of Munich, you'll find Bavaria’s inland sea, Chiemsee, which has two enchanting islands sparkling in the sun: Fraueninsel has a monastery and ancient artisan shops, while Herreninsel is dominated by the vast Herrenchiemsee Palace, King Ludwig II's homage to Versailles. Commissioned by the king in 1878 as a tribute to Louis XIV, it has extraordinarily opulent rooms, including another Hall of Mirrors, and exquisite gardens that are best enjoyed in the spring or summer when the flowers are in full bloom. We suggest catching a boat from Prien am Chiemsee to Herreninsel, which elevates this magical experience to new heights.

Blutenburg is a picturesque medieval castle that was built in the 15th century and used by Duke Albrecht III of Bavaria as a hunting lodge. Today, its charming Gothic chapel and peaceful setting make it an idyllic escape from the bustling city centre. Here, discover a rare collection of children's literature at the International Youth Library, before enjoying a coffee at the castle café while watching swans glide across the water. According to legend, the castle’s name, which means "Castle of Flowers", originates from the wild roses that once carpeted the area. This fairy-tale fortress is only 10 kilometres from the centre of Munich. The easiest route there is to take the S-Bahn to Pasing and then catch a local bus. 

Exploring Munich's castles and palaces takes you on an enchanting journey into Bavaria’s past. From medieval fortresses to Baroque masterpieces, each palace tells its own story and beguiles you with its architectural wonders and cultural insights. Whether you’re captivated by Ludwig II’s eccentricities, intrigued by medieval legends or simply seeking a peaceful escape to the Bavarian Alps, you'll create memories that last a lifetime.

Planning to explore Munich's palaces from the city centre? There's plenty of high-quality hotel accommodation available. If you're seeking authentic local experiences, you'll love Mercure Hotel Munich Altstadt, while the recently renovated four-star Mercure Hotel Muenchen City Center is close to Munich's main station.