Living in Munich also means being surrounded by mountains, lakes and magical towns. In these years I have tried to discover them all and here you can find some of my favourite ones. Find some one day trips from Munich in this article.
From the most famous Neuschwanstein castle to the hidden gorge of Partnachklamm, Bayern never stops surprising. Discover its breath-taking landscapes and dreamy little cities.
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Eibsee, Bayern, Germany
Not so far from Garmisch, Eibsee is one of the most famous Bavarian lakes. The blue/green waters of Eibsee are located at the foot of the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany. The best ways to enjoy a day trip to Eibsee are taking a little boat or hiking around it, which only takes a couple of hours.
Discover more on the official website: https://www.eibsee.de/
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Zugspitze
As mentioned, the Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany. While hiking it might take a little long, you can get to the top of it with a cable car. The ticket is pricy, but the view from the summit will leave you breathless. One important recommendation: do not go up if it is a cloudy, you won’t see much.
Discover more on the official website: https://zugspitze.de/it
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Nürnberg
Above Munich, one hour away by car, you can reach Nürnberg. Famous for its magical Christmas Market, the city is worth a visit in every season. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful houses, reach the castle to have a stunning view on the city center. Lastly do not forget to stop for lunch and try the nürnberger, the typical würst of the city.
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Bamberg, Germany
If you have visited Nürnberg (but also if you didn’t) don’t miss the chance to spend a day in Bamberg too. Less known and much smaller, Bamberg looks like its houses are made out of Marzipan. If you were a fan of fairy tales as a kid, you will love the little colourful streets of Bamberg. Here you can also try the typical Rauchbier (smoked beer), whose taste is not for everyone 🍻
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Schloss Neuschwanstein
Probably the most famous among the one day trips from Munich: Neuschwanstein. The castle stands above the Hohenschwanau valley. Located at the top of a hill, King Ludwig II commissioned Neuschwanstein and has inspired a lot of fairy tales castles, including the Disney one. The best viewing point on the castle is definitely Marienbrücke, reachable after a short climb. It is also worth a visit inside the building: the eclectic decorations of the interior evoke a fairy tale atmosphere almost as much as the outside.
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Alpsee
Much less known than Neuschwanstein, but right behind the castle, you will find yourself in another stunning Bavarian landscape. Alpsee is surrounded by nature and is located at the starting point of a small hike that leads directly to the castle. Tip: google the route before going, you might not find your way to Neuschwanstein (we didn’t).
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Partnachklamm
You might want to scroll the picture to see what awaits you in Partnachklamm, even though a picture could never stun you as much as the gorge does in real life. The river passing close to Garmisch, that hollowed the mountain over the centuries, will rush wild beneath your feet as you will find yourself surrounded by massive rocks. This unique natural setting offers breathtaking views on hidden waterfalls, rapids and tranquil waters. Tip: continue the hike instead of going back from where you came and enjoy a cold radler with a view on the mountains.
Discover more on the official website: https://www.partnachklamm.de/de
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Königssee, Bayern, Germany
If you got to this point yes, Bayern is mostly about mountains and lakes (and beer), all of them with their unique characteristics. Königssee is the pearl of Berchtesgaden and as such it is a protected natural park. Very quiet despite tourism, you can cross its green waters with a boat: you can either rent one yourself or book a tour. Away from the main town you can find a little church watching over the lake, St. Bartholomew. While crossing the lake the boatman will play a trumpet to let you experience the echo of the lake.
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Regensburg
Last but not least, another town known for its unique Christmas markets: Regensburg.
The river Danube crosses this small city with its gothic cathedral, which UNESCO recognises as a World Heritage. Get lost in the streets surrounded by colourful buildings and don’t miss the St. Emmeram’s Basilica, a pretty church where romanesque architecture, baroque and renaissance blend.
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Read the article “One weekend in Salzburg”