8 easy but epic weekend getaways from Munich

Sitting in the heart of Germany’s Bavaria region, Munich is ideally located for a variety of incredible trips that can easily be done in two or three days. Whether you’re looking for a cultural escape, an outdoor adventure, or a peaceful retreat, there's a weekend getaway from Munich for everyone in this roundup. The best weekend getaways near Munich don’t require much planning—just pack and go!

From visiting the fairy-tale castle that inspired Walt Disney to exploring the storybook village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber or relaxing by the crystal-clear Bavarian Sea, these weekend trips will help you discover more of southern Germany and beyond.

Best weekend getaways from Munich, according to your interests

Best weekend destinations for outdoor adventure: Chiemsee Lake and Berchtesgaden National Park.
Best places for a weekend of history: Regensburg and Nuremberg.
Best weekend destinations for families: Neuschwanstein Castle and Chiemsee Lake.
Best places for a romantic weekend away: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Regensburg, and Neuschwanstein Castle.

1. Regensburg

Recommended for

Medieval history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.

Top things to do in Regensburg over a weekend

With its perfectly preserved medieval streets, colorful houses, and charming riverfront, Regensburg is easily one of Germany’s prettiest towns and a top weekend trip from Munich. Wandering around the UNESCO-designated Old Town of this Bavarian gives open-air museum vibes. Step inside the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and admire its impressive collection of stained glass, see the striking yellow facade of the Old Town Hall, and walk across Old Stone Bridge for views of the Danube River. The Regensburg Museum of History is a great place to learn about the town’s long and fascinating history. Weekend breaks in Munich don’t get more picturesque than this.

Best way to travel from Munich to Regensburg?

Direct trains run frequently from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof to Regensburg in 1.5 hours.

2. Nuremberg

Recommended for

History buffs, culture seekers, and Christmas market lovers.

Top things to do in Nuremberg over a weekend

One of Germany’s most underrated cities, historic Nuremberg is packed with things to do year-round, making it a fantastic weekend getaway from Munich whenever you visit. In winter, enjoy Nuremberg’s famous Christmas Market — one of the best in the country — and snack on delicious gingerbread cookies called Lebkuchen. In summer, the picturesque Old Town is a delight to explore and the views from the Imperial Castle’s gardens are pretty spectacular. For a deeper understanding of Nuremberg’s history and its role in and after the Second World War, visit the Documentation Center and Nazi Party Rally Grounds. Overnight trips from Munich like this offer a great mix of fun and reflection.

Best way to travel from Munich to Nuremberg?

The quickest way to get to Nuremberg is by high-speed ICE train from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof, which takes just over an hour to cover 150 km. Driving can take almost double this time.

3. Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenschwangau

Recommended for

History buffs, couples, and families.

Top things to do in Hohenschwangau over a weekend

The enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle is said to be the real-life inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, with its medieval turrets and opulent interior. Perched in the hills above the village of Hohenschwangau, this iconic fairy-tale castle is a must-visit when in Bavaria. While most visitors squeeze Neuschwanstein into a day trip, staying the weekend lets you experience more of Hohenschwangau’s historic charm beyond the castle walls, including learning about the area’s royal heritage at the Museum of the Bavarian Kings and taking a boat out onto the stunning Alpseebad. It’s one of the quick trips from Munich that feels like stepping into a storybook.

Best way to travel from Munich to Hohenschwangau?

Hohenschwangau is around 100 km from Munich, which you can drive in under 2 hours. Alternatively, you can catch a 2-hour train from Munich to Füssen, then swap onto a bus for a 10-minute ride to Hohenschwangau.

4. Stuttgart

Recommended for

Car enthusiasts and wine lovers.

Top things to do in Stuttgart over a weekend

Among Stuttgart’s many attractions, the headquarters of two of the world’s top luxury motor brands make it the ultimate weekend getaway for car enthusiasts. The Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum both offer fascinating journeys through automotive history, featuring iconic vehicles, interactive exhibits, and insights into the evolution of engineering and design. The city also has a strong wine culture, which you can enjoy on a visit to the Stuttgart Wine Museum or on a wine-tasting tour of the vineyards surrounding Stuttgart.

Best way to travel from Munich to Stuttgart?

High-speed ICE trains travel between Munich’s Hauptbahnhof and Stuttgart in 2-2.5 hours.

5. Chiemsee Lake

Recommended for

Nature lovers, relaxation seekers, and families.

Top things to do in Chiemsee over a weekend

Also known as the Bavarian Sea, Chiemsee is the largest lake in Bavaria and the perfect spot to unwind by the water for the weekend. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding on the crystal-clear waters, or explore the many scenic hiking and cycling trails for breathtaking Alpine views. Jump on a ferry over to Herreninsel Island to visit the stunning Herrenchiemsee Palace, built by King Ludwig II in the style of the Palace of Versailles.

Best way to travel from Munich to Chiemsee?

Trains run every 2 hours from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof to Prien am Chiemsee, the closest station to the lake. The journey takes just under an hour.

6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Recommended for

Couples and photographers.

Top things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber over a weekend

Often regarded as the crown jewel of Germany’s Romantic Road, the picturesque medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, with its colorful half-timbered houses and whimsical spires, is easy to fall in love with. Don’t miss the world-famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Shop, where it’s Christmas every day of the year. Staying for the weekend gives you time to enjoy this gorgeous little town at a more leisurely pace away from the large daytripper crowds.

Best way to travel from Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber?

Driving is the easiest and quickest way to reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which takes 2.5-3 hours from Munich. If you don’t have a car, you can also take a train from Munich’s Hauptbahnhof to Würzburg (1-1.5 hours). From Würzburg, change onto a regional train or bus to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

7. Berchtesgaden National Park

Recommended for

Nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers.

Top things to do in Berchtesgaden National Park over a weekend

Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, Berchtesgaden National Park is the ideal weekend getaway from Munich for outdoor enthusiasts. Grab your hiking boots and enjoy the park’s countless trails through stunning Alpine scenery. Take a boat ride on the emerald green Königssee to discover the red-domed St. Bartholomew’s Church on its western shore. Or for one of the park’s more unusual attractions, head up to the infamous Eagle’s Nest, the former mountain retreat of Adolf Hitler, which has breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains.

Best way to travel from Munich to Berchtesgaden National Park?

Driving is the most convenient option for getting to Berchtesgaden National Park, which can be reached in under 2 hours from Munich. You can take a train from Munich to Salzburg, then change onto a bus or regional train to Berchtesgaden, although this is a much slower option.

8. Salzburg, Austria

Recommended for

Music lovers and history buffs.

Top things to do in Salzburg over a weekend

Head just over the Austrian border for a weekend trip from Munich to Salzburg, a mecca for music lovers. Frolic through the streets on a Sound of Music tour and visit filming locations from this iconic movie, such as the Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Palace, and Nonnberg Abbey. Or if classical music is more your tune, explore the childhood home of Mozart — one of the greatest composers of all time — and attend a classical Mozart concert in a historic landmark. Wander through the Old Town, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in the beautiful Baroque architecture. For the best view in Salzburg, take the funicular to the Hohensalzburg Fortress that looms over the city.

Best way to travel from Munich to Salzburg?

Direct high-speed trains run regularly and take you from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Salzburg in just 1.5 hours.

FAQs

What are the best places to visit from Munich by train?

Munich is well-connected to many nearby destinations by high-speed train, including Nuremberg, Regensburg, Füssen, Chiemsee, and Salzburg.

Where can you drive to easily from Munich?

There are plenty of fantastic places you can drive to from Munich for a weekend. Drive southwest to explore the Schwangau region’s many grand castles and fascinating historic sites. Or take a road trip along the famous Romantic Road to the lovely picturesque village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

What are the best day trips from Munich?

If you don’t have a full weekend to explore, some of the best day trips from Munich include the Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace. The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is also possible to visit on a day trip from Munich.

When is the best time to take a weekend trip from Munich?

There’s no bad time to take a weekend trip from Munich. In Munich in summer, you can relax at serene Chiemsee Lake or explore the charming medieval towns of Regensburg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In Munich in winter, the exciting Nuremberg Christmas Market or the slopes of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort are good reasons to take a weekend break.