I’m recommending these awesome day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest to you for many reasons, but the main one being: you will want a break from Oktoberfest. Nay, you’ll need a break. A palate cleanser, if you will. A way to relax and recharge and, let’s be real here, detach yourself from the questionable behavior you exhibited the night before. (No judgment!)
Best day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is awesome. Munich is awesome. But there’s a lot more to explore in this part of Europe–so many great places you can check out with just a little bit of travel time.
Some of these day trips from Munich can easily be taken by train. Some are easier and faster if you drive there yourself. And some may work best with your schedule if you simply join an organized tour. There are pros and cons to each method, which I’ll discuss in each section.
I’m all about fitting in as much awesomeness as I can into one trip and, since you’re reading this, you must be too! So, this post is for you. Here are the 12 easiest, quickest, and just overall best day trips you can take from Munich during Oktoberfest.
If you haven’t decided on what you’re going to do while you’re in Munich yet, check out my post on all the best things to do in Munich during Oktoberfest.
The best tools for your day trips from Munich
Depending on which trip(s) you take, your method of getting there and back might differ. Regardless, here are the best tools for getting around on your day trips from Munich. (These are the ones I always use!)
Rental cars – If you plan on driving to any of these destinations, check out the best Munich rental car deals here on Rentalcars.com, the site I personally use.
Train tickets – For getting around Germany and the nearby regions, I usually book my train tickets directly with Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s official rail line. Check out Bahn.com for prices and timetables.
Bus tickets – If you prefer bus travel (I do too sometimes), I’m a big fan of the Flixbus. Flixbus is a low-cost bus line but that delivers great transportation. Check out their timetables and rates here. I’ve traveled around Italy on the Flixbus and, if I can still love it after that, it must be worthwhile.
Organized tours – Many of these day trips are most easily visited as part of an organized tour. For that, I always book with either Viator or Get Your Guide. Check out their options in those links or refer to the particular destination info below.
For each of the day trips below I’ll compare getting there via each of the methods and give you plenty of options!
1. Neuschwanstein Castle – 1 hour 45 minutes
Without a doubt, one of the most popular day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest is to Neuschwanstein Castle. I first took this trip from Munich during Oktoberfest 2016 and absolutely agree that it’s magical and worthwhile.
In case you’ve been asleep for 16 years after pricking your finger on a spindle, Neuschwanstein Castle is the big beautiful Bavarian castle with Alpine backdrops and fairytale vibes. It’s also known as the “Disney castle” since it (allegedly) provided designers with the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. (Cinderella’s castle is at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and, yes, it’s different.)
Though it looks medieval, Neuschwanstein Castle was actually built in the late 1800’s at the behest of King Ludwig II, a historical figure not exactly known for his, shall we say, sanity? Rather, he simply wanted a fairytale castle where he could build a fantasy world of his own and take shelter from all the ‘ugly’ people of whom he had a legitimate, debilitating phobia. (You can’t make this stuff up! Seriously, read his biography.)
For your day trip to Neuschwanstein, it’s important that you read my guide to visiting Neuschwanstein Castle – there are many tips here you MUST know before you go.
Why visit Neuschwanstein Castle on a day trip from Munich?
Neuschwanstein Castle makes the perfect day trip from Munich during Oktoberfest because it’s a manageable distance away, you can get here via all transportation methods, and there’s a lot to see and do in the area.
Neuschwanstein Castle is even more stunning in person than the thousands of photos you’ve seen. There’s another castle right across the street basically (Hohenschwangau), and many beautiful areas to explore in the hills and lakes around the castle.
You can climb the hills and visit the Marienbrücke (the bridge from where you can take the famous photo) as well as take a guided tour inside the castle. And I especially love visiting during Oktoberfest because the weather here in the fall is simply dreamy and more fairytale-y. (Does that make sense to anyone else but me? Who knows.)
How to take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich
Because Neuschwanstein Castle is the most popular of the day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest, that means there are many ways to get here.
Munich to Neuschwanstein by car
Driving from Munich to Neuschwanstein is going to be the fastest way to get here. (This is what I did.) It was easy to pick up a rental car in Munich and just as easy to find parking when I got here.
Full disclosure, I continued on to Switzerland after my time at Neuschwanstein, so renting a car made the most sense for my trip.
- Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
- Drive time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cost to park: €10
- Where to park: One of the parking lots on this map.
- Check out the best Munich rental car deals here.
Munich to Neuschwanstein by train
If you plan to visit Neuschwanstein and return to Munich the same day, you probably want to take the train. To do so, you’ll take a train from Munich to the town of Füssen, then take a bus from Füssen to the “Neuschwanstein Castles, Schwangau” stop. (Look for bus 73.)
- Train time: 2 hours
- Bus time: 8 minutes
- Average train cost: €24 each way, depending on a number of factors (the earlier you book, the better usually)
- Estimated bus cost: Around €2
To book train tickets, head to Bahn.com. Put in Munich (München) or München Hbf (Munich’s main train station) as your starting point, and Füssen as your destination. Pay attention to whether each option requires you to change trains or not. (And always opt for the one with 0 changes, just to be safe.)
Munich to Neuschwanstein by bus
While train travel in Europe is more popular, taking the bus from Munich to Neuschwanstein is a much better option here! Rather than taking a train and then having to switch to a bus, the Flixbus offers direct Munich > Neuschwanstein transportation.
Take the Flixbus to Neuschwanstein if you want: a lot less room for error, less time in transit, more money in your pocket. The buses have free Wi-Fi and outlets on board. And the best part is that they already have a set roundtrip route for all the people taking day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest!
- Bus time: 2 hours
- Average bus cost: $11 each way
- Check out the Flixbus schedules here.
Munich to Neuschwanstein tours
Another super easy way to take day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest is by booking yourself a spot on a dedicated tour. These typically include roundtrip transportation (so all you have to do is show up!), professional guides, skip-the-line advantages, and more.
This is a popular way to visit Neuschwanstein from Munich without having to even think about all the necessary logistics. Here are some of the most popular Munich to Neuschwanstein Castle day tours:
- Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich – This one includes another awesome castle stop and lots of free time at Neuschwanstein for all the photo ops.
- PREMIUM Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Palace Day Trip from Munich – Similar to the above, but on a luxury coach, small group, includes castle admission fees, guided tour, and snacks/drinks, etc.
- Neuschwanstein Castle Day Tour from Munich – If you just want to hit up Neuschwanstein and be done with it, this basic tour is for you.
- See all Munich to Neuschwanstein day trips here on Viator and here on Get Your Guide.
Looking to stay overnight near Neuschwanstein? Check out my post on all the best hotels and rental properties near the castle.
2. Dachau Concentration Camp – 1 hour
In what I refer to as “mixing uppers and downers,” the second most popular of the day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest is to Dachau Concentration Camp.
The concentration camp at Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp and the one they used as a model for all the horrible ones that came after (an estimated 44,000 of them, BTW). Despite this being a real buzzkill of an experience, visiting Dachau Concentration Camp is one of the most important day trips from Munich you can take.
Visiting Dachau is another super quick and easy day trip from Munich and one that’s best visited by train. As a World War II historian, I’ve visited Dachau a few times already and it really is a cinch!
Why visit Dachau Concentration Camp on a day trip from Munich?
Maybe this is news to you, but Munich, Germany is the birthplace and former headquarters of the Nazi party. It was from Munich that Adolf Hitler built his genocidal empire and Dachau was the chosen location for his first concentration camp.
Dachau is a meaningful and significant place to learn about the Holocaust. Many of the original structures still stand and the largest has been turned into a museum. You can visit the prison cells, the crematoriums, mass grave sites, the “showers” (gas chambers), a recreated barracks, and several memorial spaces, to name a few.
How to take a day trip to Dachau Concentration Camp from Munich
Day tripping it from Munich to Dachau is easy and quick. Unless you’re continuing on to somewhere else, the train is your best friend here. Driving is much quicker but will require more hassle for just a simple day trip.
- Drive time: 30 minutes
- Train (+ bus) time: 1 hour, door-to-door
- You can even walk there from the Dachau train station. Click that link for more info.
Munich to Dachau Concentration Camp by train
This is the most common way travelers visit Dachau from Munich, and how I did it in September 2022. It’s as simple as:
- Taking a train from Munich to Dachau
- Taking a bus from Dachau train station to Dachau Concentration Camp
Really, it’s this easy. For all the details–like exactly which trains to take, which ticket to buy, where to catch the bus, etc.–see my full guide to how to get to Dachau Concentration Camp from Munich here.
Munich to Dachau Concentration Camp by car
This really couldn’t be easier either. For my first visit to Dachau back in 2012 I actually drove here since I had a car while in Munich. It’s a quick half-hour drive. There’s parking available on site that costs just €3 for the day (cash only).
If you’ll be driving, put this address (the parking lot) into your GPS: Alte Römerstraße 73, Dachau. And if you still need a car, check out the best Munich rental car options here.
Munich to Dachau Concentration Camp tours
Another easy way to visit the Dachau memorial site from Munich is by organized tour. You’ll get roundtrip transportation, a professional guide, and the pleasure of not having a plan a single thing on your own. Here are some of the most popular Munich > Dachau tours:
- Dachau Concentration Camp Tour from Munich by Train – If you like the idea of taking the train but feel overwhelmed at the same time, this is the tour for you!
- Dachau Concentration Camp and Third Reich Walking Tour Combo – This option combines two of Munich’s most popular tours.
- See all Munich to Dachau tours here on Viator and here on Get Your Guide.
3. Salzburg, Austria – 1.5 hours
Another of the most popular day trips from Munich is to Salzburg, Austria. This trip is just an hour and a half away by either car or train and there’s so much to see and do here. If you’re looking to easily visit a second country while you’re in Germany, head to Salzburg.
Why take a day trip to Salzburg from Munich?
Salzburg is famous for many things–Mozart, Stiegl beer, and this small thing called The Sound of Music, to name a few. Anyone who calls themself a fan of The Sound of Music probably already wants to visit Salzburg, so now’s your chance.
In Salzburg, you can visit many of the famous filming locations from the movie (or take the Original Sound of Music tour), visit Mozart’s birthplace, take a delightful river cruise, visit the hilltop fortress, eat delicious Austrian food, and much more.
To get a better idea of how to spend a day trip to Salzburg, click that link for my full post on just that! I took a day trip to Salzburg from Munich in 2018 (by train) and it was such a fun and tasty day.
How to get to Salzburg from Munich
Taking a day trip to Salzburg from Munich is pretty simple, whether you do so by car, train, bus, or organized tour.
- Drive time: 1.5 hours
- Train time: 1.5 hours – 1.75 hours
- Bus time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
Munich to Salzburg by train
Getting to Salzburg from Munich by train is as simple as booking yourself a train ticket and showing up when you’re supposed to. Some of the trains from Munich to Salzburg are direct, others have just one change. The ride through the countryside is calm and lovely.
Regardless of stops, the ride will take between 1.5 hours to 1 hour and 45 minutes. The cost can be anywhere from €15 to €35, depending on a few factors. (As always, the earlier you book, the better!) Check out Munich >< Salzburg timetables here on Bahn.com.
Munich to Salzburg by bus
Taking the bus from Munich to Salzburg and back is another super easy option for your day trip. Flixbus operates several roundtrip routes between the two cities for prices ranges from €16 – €26.
The only issue is that Flixbus drops you off at the Salzburg South bus station which is a bit aways from where you want to be. You’ll need to take a taxi or another bus into the city center. But if this is the route you want to take, check out the Flixbus Munich to Salzburg timetables here.
Munich to Salzburg by car
If you have your own car, you can certainly drive from Munich to Salzburg too. But since it will still take about the same time as the train, only opt for driving if you already have a car and/or are visiting Salzburg on the way to somewhere else.
Something else to note is that in order to drive in Austria you’ll need to purchase the Vignette – Austria’s mandatory motorway sticker. Sometimes rental cars in Germany come with this, other times you’ll need to purchase one before you enter Austria at places like post offices and gas stations. Ask your rental company when you pick the car up.
Other things worth mentioning:
- There’s a chance you’ll need to show your passport at the border crossing (yes, Austria has border crossings), so remember to bring it just in case.
- Austrian border guards are not super friendly.
- Parking isn’t widely available in Salzburg’s city center.
- Maybe just use one of the other 3 options instead.
Munich to Salzburg via organized tour
Again, one of the easiest ways to take day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest is by joining an organized tour and Salzburg is no different. Take a look at some of these most popular Munich to Salzburg day tours to see if any fit into your plans:
- Salzburg Sightseeing Small-Group Day Tour from Munich by Rail – Let someone else handle the transportation, take a guided tour of Salzburg’s famous sites, and enjoy plenty of free time.
- Salzburg and Lake District Day Tour from Munich – This tour includes a quick tour and free time in Salzburg, but also a drive through the beautiful lake district in your own vehicle.
Looking to stay overnight in Salzburg? Check out the highly-rated Hyperion Hotel Salzburg.
4. Eagle’s Nest – 2.5 hours
If you’re keen on historical day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest, also consider a visit to Berchtesgaden to visit the Eagle’s Nest. This German town near the Austrian border is most famous for being the location of Hitler’s Alpine retreat.
Why take a day trip to the Eagle’s Nest?
A day trip to the Eagle’s Nest from Munich is a must for any World War II history buff. This mountaintop retreat (officially known as the Kehlsteinhaus) was built by the Nazi Party to commemorate Hitler’s 50th birthday. It was used for things like parties and celebrations, and to entertain important visitors.
Today, the Eagle’s Nest mostly functions as a restaurant but there are still many noteworthy historical aspects here for you to see. Visiting during Oktoberfest, you’ll also get to take advantage of the fact that “peak season” has ended and you won’t be elbow to elbow with the sweaty tourist crowds.
How to get to the Eagle’s Nest from Munich
The Eagle’s Nest is one of the most popular day trips from Munich because it’s so easy to get to. You can take the train here, drive here, or, the most popular option, join a day tour.
Munich to the Eagle’s Nest by tour
For those of you attending Oktoberfest, you’ll probably find joining an organized tour to be the fastest and easiest way to visit the Eagle’s Nest. Here are some of the most popular Munich > Eagle’s Nest day trips:
- From Munich: Guided Group Tour to Eagle’s Nest – Small group (8 max), guided tour, all 5-star reviews.
- Eagle’s Nest Day Tour from Munich – Your own guide, your own transportation, and they’ll even organize the bus tickets up the mountain for you.
Note that the Eagle’s Nest is also a popular day trip from Salzburg since it’s basically right next to it. If you find yourself staying in Salzburg on your trip and would rather visit the Eagle’s Nest from here, take a look at all the Salzburg > Eagle’s Nest tours here.
Munich to Eagle’s Nest by train
If independent travel is more your thing, you can also take the train here (like I did in September 2023). Head to Bahn.com to check out timetables and rates, but the steps go something like this:
- Train from Munich > Berchtesgaden (you’ll have to change trains in Freilassing)
- Take the public bus from there to the Dokumentation Obersalzberg stop
- Walk 5 minutes to the Kehlsteinhaus parking area where you will then…
- Take a bus from there to the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest)
It sounds like a lot, but the Eagle’s Nest is far and away the most popular attraction in the area, so the infrastructure is there to accommodate you. You can even put in “Berchtesgaden, Kehlsteinhaus (Tourismus)” as your destination at Bahn.com and it will show you the route and include all the train/bus tickets you need.***
***EXCEPT, you’ll need to pay separately/extra for the bus (849) that actually takes you up to the top of the mountain to the Eagle’s Nest. This is a completely separate entity. The Eagle’s Nest is “free,” but you still need to book the bus that takes you up there. Unless you plan to hike up the mountain (which you can totally do!), this is the only way to the top.
This isn’t difficult, but there are a lot of moving parts, which is why I really recommend joining a day tour if you just want to visit the Eagle’s Nest without the stress.
Pro tip: You can even do like me and hike to the Eagle’s Nest instead of taking the bus! That link contains all the reasons why this is the coolest!
Munich to the Eagle’s Nest by car
A bit easier than taking the train is going to be driving yourself here. No connections, no missed stops. Just drive. (Rent a car here if you need one for your trip.)
However, unless you want to hike up the mountain, you’ll still need to buy the bus ticket to the top (mentioned above). The hike is just about 2.5 hours, so you can actually use the time you saved by driving to do this if you so prefer.
Once here, you’ll want to park in one of the two main parking zones at the Hintereck car park near the Dokumentation center. Parking costs €3 per day.
Looking to stay overnight near the Eagle’s Nest? I stayed at Hotel AlpinaRos in September 2023 and can’t recommend it enough!
5. Berchtesgaden & Königssee – 2.5 hours
Even if history isn’t really your thing, don’t write off Berchtesgaden just yet! The Eagle’s Nest may be the most popular “attraction” here, but it’s not the only one. In fact, there are tons of beautiful sights to see here–possibly the most beautiful of all the day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest.
Why visit Berchtesgaden on a day trip from Munich?
Just outside Berchtesgaden center you’ll find Königssee, a stunning lake surrounded by the jaw-dropping Bavarian Alps. You can take a ride up and down the lake on the historic electric boats, visit a lakeside church, and do tons of easy but rewarding hikes around the lake. (Fun fact: Königssee is the deepest lake in Germany.) Königssee visitor info here.
This Alpine wonderland is full of gorgeous scenery and hidden little spots to find. But also, some not-so-hidden spots like the Röthbach waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Germany.
Beyond Königssee, you can also hop on the Jennerbahn cable car which will take you to the top of the Jenner Mountain for sweeping views of lake Königssee and the Alps.
Head back down and explore this historic little town on foot. Have a beer at the Hofbräuhaus Berchtesgaden, walk the Brine Line Cliff Walk for overhead views of the city, or visit the town’s castle (it’s pink!). If you want to take a little Alpine break from the craziness of Oktoberfest, this is a great place to do it!
How to get to Berchtesgaden
Getting to Berchtesgaden from Munich is simple, whether by car or train. Driving here is fairly straightforward so I probably don’t need to give you instructions. (Rent your car here if you haven’t yet!) And if you do have your own car, you can take a ride on the Rossfeld Panoramic Road for views you won’t soon forget.
To get from Munich to Berchtesgaden by train, you can check out the timetables and purchase your tickets on Bahn.com. The train ride takes about 2.5 hours and has just one change (in Freilassing). Picking up a “Bayern-Ticket” will be the best bet for your journey as it allows unlimited train/bus transportation for the day throughout Bavaria. Click that link for more info.
The Eagle’s Nest is best visited if you want to join a tour and not worry about transportation. The rest of Berchtesgaden and Königssee are best if you prefer independent train travel. Note that some of the Eagle’s Nest tours also include Berchtesgaden walking tours too if you do want to see the town.
Looking to stay overnight in Berchtesgaden? I stayed at Hotel AlpinaRos in September 2023 and can’t recommend it enough!
6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber – 2.5 hours
Another destination that makes for one of the loveliest day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest is the medieval wonderland of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Why take a day trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber?
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the half-timbered fairytale village you think of when you picture medieval Germany. (It was the inspiration for Disney’s Pinocchio if that tells you anything.) It’s got amazingly-preserved defensive walls, a funny nightwatchman, beautiful architecture, great food, and tons of fairytale enchantment.
Really though, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of my favorite cities anywhere. I lead tours to this town every year and I’m always finding new hidden gems. For all the awesome things you can do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, check out my complete post in that link.
Given its compact size, Rothenburg is a popular day trip destination. I particularly love it during Oktoberfest season when the air is cooler, the summer crowds are gone, and the leaves have begun changing colors. (To me, Rothenburg is the ideal “fall” setting.) Check out my 1-day Rothenburg itinerary in that link if you want your options narrowed down for you.
How to get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is about 2.5-3 hours away from Munich by both car or train. If you already have a rental car, driving is going to be the easiest and most straightforward way to get here. But if you don’t, you can also take the train in the same amount of time.
Simply enter Rothenburg ob der Tauber as your destination on Bahn.com and it will show you all possible times and routes. Some routes are all trains and some combine trains and buses. Unfortunately, there is no direct route from Munich to Rothenburg. (But its off-the-main-road-ness has a lot to do with what makes this city so great.)
Munich to Rothenburg day tours
If you don’t have a car and don’t want to deal with train schedules, they do have Munich to Rothenburg day tours. At 3 hours each way, it’s going to be a full day, but you’ll get to see some really beautiful sights. (Plus, you can always sleep on the bus. Also, YOLO.)
- Romantic Road, Rothenburg, and Harburg Day Tour from Munich – At about the same price you’d pay for train tickets is this tour that takes you to Rothenburg and another town on Germany’s Romantic Road.
- From Munich: Rothenburg and Nördlingen Day Trip – This tour to Rothenburg also includes a visit to Nördlingen, a cool city on the Romantic Road that’s set inside a meteorite crater and where the oldest buildings in town are actually made out of diamonds! (True story.)
Looking to stay overnight in Rothenburg? The Akzent Hotel Schranne is where I always stay!
7. Regensburg – 1.5 hours
Like Rothenburg, Regensburg is another well-preserved medieval town just an hour and a half from Munich. Being so close with so many things to see and do (and eat), Regensburg is one of my favorite day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest.
Why take a day trip to Regensburg?
Regensburg is a hip college town just north of Munich which actually has Germany’s highest concentration of bars per capita. So there’s that! There are tons of well-preserved medieval structures and buildings to check out, lots of great beer gardens and hidden bars, and an easily walkable town center. It’s Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can take river cruises on the Danube, eat at one of the world’s oldest restaurants (the historic Wurstkuchl), visit some cool museums (my favorite is the dachshund museum lol), explore a fancy palace, and much more.
How to get to Regensburg from Munich
As always, if you have your own car then you won’t have any problem getting to Regensburg from Munich. The drive is super straightforward and takes just under 1.5 hours.
By train, the journey is also just an hour and half. Some routes require a train change but some are direct to Regensburg. Check out Bahn.com for the most up-to-date timetables and ticket prices.
As far as visiting Regensburg from Munich on a tour, there aren’t a ton of options–probably because it’s so easy to get here on your own. But once you’re here, definitely consider one of the available Regensburg sightseeing tours like:
- This quick 1.5-hour guided walking tour around the city (Or if you’re traveling as a family or group, take advantage of your own private version.)
- This 2-hour sightseeing cruise down the Danube to Walhalla, Germany’s larger-than-life memorial complex
- Check out all the things to do in Regensburg here on Viator and here on Get Your Guide.
Want to stay overnight in Regensburg? I stay at the ACHAT Hotel Regensburg and it’s perfect.
8. Stuttgart – 2 hours
Depending on what your interests are, Stuttgart may actually be one of your favorite day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest. While there’s plenty to do here, there are two major reasons why you should squeeze in a visit. (Stuttgart’s also a good stop for some interesting WWII history too.)
Why visit Stuttgart on a day trip from Munich?
Stuttgart is widely known for two things: being the home of Porsche and Mercedes Benz, and also the location of Europe’s second largest beer festival.
Stuttgart is a fantastic destination for the car lovers in your squad. You can tour the Porsche and Mercedes museums which, I’ve been told, are pretty much Heaven for car enthusiasts. (As many times as I’ve been to Stuttgart, I’m not a car person, so you’ll just have to accept popular opinion here.)
Beyond that, Stuttgart is also the home of the Cannstatter Volksfest, also known as the Stuttgart Beer Festival. Like Oktoberfest, I attend this festival every year. (Why I have yet to write about it is anyone’s guess. Soon, I promise!) It actually overlaps Oktoberfest in Munich but starts a week later so you can visit both!
The Stuttgart Beer Festival is Europe’s second largest and is similar to Oktoberfest in many ways. However, it’s a completely different vibe and such a fun party. If you want to experience something like Oktoberfest but that’s also unique, hit up the Cannstatter Volksfest.
How to get to Stuttgart from Munich
Getting to Stuttgart from Munich is going to be one time when taking the train will actually get you here faster. You can get direct trains between the two cities on Bahn.com and get here in 2 hours. Driving from Munich to Stuttgart will take about 2.5 hours. But, if you’ve already rented a car, you might as well use it!
Looking to stay overnight in Stuttgart? The Hilton Garden Inn at NeckarPark is ideal for Cannstatter Volksfest trips. (And the breakfast is incredible.)
9. Liechtenstein – 2.5 hours
If you want to take one of the lesser-known day trips from Munich during Oktoberfest, definitely consider a trip to Liechtenstein!
Liechtenstein is one of the world’s smallest countries and I can tell you with absolute confidence that it’s a total Alpine gem. So many people look right over Liechtenstein (mostly because you can’t even see it on most maps), but this little country is only 2.5 hours away from Munich.
Why take a day trip to Liechtenstein
Though I do recommend spending at least a night here, most people take a day trip to Liechtenstein just to get their passport stamped (which you can totally do here). Beyond that, there are some neat museums, some amazing Alpine views, great food, great wine, and the chance to visit somewhere most people will never go.
For all the other reasons I highly recommend a visit here, check out my post on all the things you can do with just a short visit to Liechtenstein.
The capital and main city in Liechtenstein is Vaduz. This is where you’ll want to spend most of your time.
How to get to Liechtenstein
The easiest and fastest way to get from Munich to Liechtenstein is by car. If you have your own rental car, this trip will take you just 2.5 hours each way.
You can take the train here, but it’s going to add considerable time to your transit and you’ll have to change trains a time or two. Check out Bahn.com for the schedules though, maybe this works better for you. Put in “Vaduz” as your destination. (I traveled between the two cities by train in 2019 and it was easy.)
You can also take the bus if you do plan to stay overnight. Flixbus has routes that go from Munich to Vaduz, Liechtenstein in just over 3 hours. Check out the available Flixbus times here.
Looking to stay overnight in Liechtenstein? I loved my stay at the Residence Hotel in 2019.
10. Nuremberg – 1 hour and 10 minutes
Just over an hour north of Munich is the town of Nuremberg (or Nürnberg in German). Nuremberg is another beautiful medieval town that’s full of both ancient and modern history.
Why visit Nuremberg on a day trip from Munich?
If you’re into historic little Bavarian towns, here you go! Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second largest city (after Munich) and full of well-preserved historical structures. While here you can visit Nuremberg Castle, walk along the medieval city walls, and check out a variety of historic churches, tunnels, and dungeons. (And try some of the famous Nürnberger bratwursts!)
But it’s also well known for its part in World War II history—both as a Nazi base and the location of the postwar Nazi trials.
How to get to Nuremberg from Munich
The train is going to suit you best on a day trip from Munich to Nuremberg. The trip is just over an hour and the route is direct—no changes required. Check out the timetables here on Bahn.com.
Driving is another easy way to get here since it’s just a 1.75-hour drive on a pretty straightforward route. If you haven’t done so yet, check out the best rental car deals in Munich here.
There are also a handful of organized tours that will take you on a day trip to Nuremberg from Munich. If you’d rather go the guided route, check out these available options:
- Nuremberg Guided Day Trip from Munich by Train – This most popular Munich > Nuremberg day trip includes a fully guided tour, round trip train travel, and a walking tour of the town.
- There are also a great deal of popular Nuremberg walking tours if you want to get their on your own but prefer a tour once you get here.
Looking to stay overnight in Nuremberg? Check out the popular Park Plaza Nuremberg.
11. Innsbruck, Austria – 1 hour 45 minutes
Salzburg isn’t the only city in the Austrian Alps you can visit quickly from Munich. Less than 2 hours away, Innsbruck is another great place to get that Alpine experience.
Why visit Innsbruck on a day trip from Munich?
Innsbruck is a historic Alpine town in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains (especially in the fall). You can ride cable cars to the top for amazing views or stroll the Old Town and check out its many colorful buildings.
And, as is standard in this part of the world, you can also visit beautiful churches, medieval fortresses, and quirky museums (like the home of Swarovski Crystal). And of course, eat delicious local cuisine if you’re looking for a change from pretzels and pork.
How to get to Innsbruck from Munich
This is another option where the train is going to be the easiest journey. The route is direct and takes just 1 hour and 45 minutes. Check out the timetables and rates here.
Driving from Munich to Innsbruck will take you about 2 hours, but you’ll have to make sure your car is equipped with the Austrian Vignette. (Ask your rental company about it before you drive off!)
Unfortunately, there aren’t many group day tours to Innsbruck from Munich, probably because the train here is so quick and painless. But once you’re in Innsbruck, check out these small group tours for something fun and unique.
Looking to stay overnight in Innsbruck? Check out the highly-rated Pradl Elf apartment.
12. Zugspitze
If it’s height you’re looking for, make plans to take a day trip from Munich to Zugspitze–Germany’s highest peak. Though this trip requires a few different modes of transportation, you’ll see it was all worth it when you get here.
Why take a day trip to Zugspitze?
Being that Zugspitze is Germany’ highest mountain, you’re going to get some of the most amazing views of the top of the Alps. You’ll also have the opportunity to drink Germany’s highest beer and eat Germanys highest bratwurst. And if you didn’t come to Germany for that, then what are you doing here?
How to get to Zugspitze
Getting from Munich to Zugspitze isn’t exactly the most straightforward process, but luckily my friend Susanna has written a comprehensive post on this very topic. Check out her post on how to get to Zugspitze from Munich here for all the necessary details.
But yes, because this trip isn’t the easiest, there are a few different Munich > Zugspitze day tours you can join. (Honestly, this is going to be the easiest route of all!) Check out these Zugspitze day tours from Munich if you want to minimize the room for error.
Whichever of these day trips from Munich you take during Oktoberfest, you’ll love the break from the madness. Breathe in the fresh air, maybe drink something other than beer (just maybe, no pressure), relax your dancing muscles, and be sure to let me know which trip you decided on below in the comments. Prost!
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