The Best Places To Visit Near Munich

Munich is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, located in the German state of Bavaria. It is known for its rich history, lively cultural scene, and traditional Bavarian way of life. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, Munich has something to offer everyone. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Here are some of the best places to visit near Munich.

Introduction to Munich

Munich is the third-largest city in Germany, after Berlin and Hamburg. It is the capital of Bavaria, the largest state in Germany, and is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Munich is known for its strong economy and its cultural attractions, including the world-famous Oktoberfest and its many museums, galleries, and historic buildings. The city has a rich history, dating back to the medieval period, when it was a center of religious and political power. In modern times, Munich is known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping and dining scene, and its many parks and green spaces.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Munich. The castle was built by the eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century as a tribute to art and music. The castle’s breathtaking architecture, which combines elements of Romanticism, Gothic, and Baroque styles, is one of its most captivating features. Today, Neuschwanstein Castle is a popular tourist attraction, attracting over 1.3 million visitors each year. The castle is located about two and a half hours from Munich by car.

Füssen

Füssen is a charming town located just an hour’s drive from Munich. This quaint little town has a variety of attractions to explore, such as the Hohes Schloss (High Castle), a medieval fortress built in 1545; the old town with its cobblestone streets and traditional Bavarian architecture; and the many shops and restaurants. During the summer months, Füssen’s lake district is a popular destination for swimming and fishing.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular ski resort located just an hour and a half from Munich. The resort consists of two towns, Garmisch and Partenkirchen, which were united in 1935 to form one municipality. Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers some of the best skiing in Germany, with runs for all levels of skiers. In addition to skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area, such as hiking, tennis, golfing, mountain biking, and more.

Berchtesgaden National Park

Located about two hours from Munich by car is Berchtesgaden National Park, a stunningly beautiful natural area located within the Bavarian Alps. The park’s main attraction is its breathtaking scenery, which includes Alpine meadows interspersed with lakes, forests, and dramatic mountain peaks. The park is also home to rare species of flora and fauna, including golden eagles, ibexes, and chamois. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing in this stunning natural paradise.

Regensburg

Regensburg is an ancient city located about two hours from Munich by car. It was founded by the Romans in 179 AD and has been an important center of trade ever since. Regensburg’s old town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, with hundreds of well-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages still standing today. Visitors can explore Regensburg’s old town on foot and enjoy its many historic attractions, including its 12th-century Stone Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and many museums and galleries.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is an important reminder of one of the darkest times in human history. Located just a 30-minute drive from Munich, the memorial site honors the victims of Nazi atrocities during World War II. Visitors can take guided tours of the former concentration camp and learn about its history through educational exhibits and memorials. The memorial site also serves as an important reminder to never forget the horrors of the Holocaust.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a picturesque medieval town located about three hours from Munich by car. The town’s old town core has remained largely unchanged since the 16th century, making it one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Visitors can explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s cobblestone streets on foot and enjoy its many attractions, including its 13th-century city walls, Town Hall Square, and St. James’ Church. The town also hosts an annual Christmas market that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Popular Tours in Munich

Munich offers a variety of tours that are perfect for first-time visitors looking to get acquainted with the city’s history and culture. Here are two popular tours that you can book online:

Munich Highlights Tour

The Munich Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive overview of the city’s history and culture, with stops at some of its most popular attractions. The tour starts at Marienplatz, where you will learn about Munich’s history from your knowledgeable guide. From there you will visit some of the city’s best-known sights such as St Peter’s Church, Viktualienmarkt (the city’s famous food market), Odeonsplatz (where Hitler gave his first public speech), and more. At each stop you will learn interesting facts about Munich’s history from your guide as well as have plenty of time to explore the sights on your own. Book a Munich Highlights Tour here.

Munich Beer Hall Tour

The Munich Beer Hall Tour offers visitors a unique way to experience Bavarian culture and traditions firsthand. The tour starts at one of Munich’s most famous beer halls where you will learn about Bavarian beer culture from your guide before sampling some local brews. From there you will visit several other beer halls throughout the city that are known for their traditional food and atmosphere. At each stop you will have time to sample some local beers as well as learn about the history behind them from your knowledgeable guide. Book a Munich Beer Hall Tour here.

Visiting these places near Munich will give you an opportunity to explore some fascinating places while discovering some interesting facts about German culture and history along the way! Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing holiday away from it all, these places near Munich are sure to offer something for everyone!