Day Trips around Munich
A non-exhaustive, completely biased list of some of the best spots to visit in the area
EXAMPLE
HIKES
Bavaria is famous for beautiful mountains and stunning views. Here you can find just a few of the best spots to get some steps in.
Zugspitz & Eibsee
Found just outside of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Eibsee is one of the most gorgeous glacial lakes in Germany, with the mountain "Zugspitz" above, which holds the position of highest mountain in Germany!
Sonnenspitz
Sitting above Kochel am See, another beautiful lake, this hike is not for the weak, but the views are incredible. It is one of many in this area of Kochel.
Mittenwald
Besides being an adorable mountain town just outside of Garmisch, Mittenwald has several hikes to offer, and a cable car to take for great views, too! The Brunnsteinhutte pub should not be missed!
Herrsching > Andechs
This is loosely termed as a 'hike,' but it ends at some of the best beer in the area. Park in Herrsching am Ammersee, and take the trek to Andech, a brewery run by monks! Don't forget to walk around too!
GORGES
Gorges (aka "Klamm" in German) are abundant in our mountainous region of Bavaria. They are good for a short walk, and sometimes a hike. They are particularly fun in winter, with icicles everywhere!
Partnachklamm
Park at the old Olympic Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (also just a cool thing to see), and follow the signs to the Klamm. In January, there is a homemade sleigh race on this path too!
Wimbachklamm
Berchtesgaden could have it's own page, to be honest, But for now, visit this Klamm for hiking and choosing your own adventure! Almbacklamm is an honorable mention, in the area
Breitachklamm
Located in Obertsdorf, this Klamm boasts the title of deepest gorge in Bavaria, and deepest rocky gorge in Central Eurpe!
Leutaschklamm
This Klamm not only has stunning views as usual, but has a "Geisterklamm" (ghost's gorge) above it, with a haunted history
EXAMPLE
CUTE TOWNS
Picturesque towns are Germany's specialty, and are rich with history (and usually a castle or two). Here are some worthy of note. Honorable mentions: Fussen, Landsberg on Lech, and Bad Tölz
Rothenburg
Granted, not a day trip, but worth every second in the car. Stay for a night, do the nightwatchman tour (leaves every night at 8 from the town square), visit the Medieval torture museum (home to the original Child catcher cart from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), and walk the wall at sunrise or sunset!
Regensburg
Rivers, bridges, churches, cathedrals, and some of the best döner kebap you'll have. Tourists flock here all year round, but worth checking out!
Passau
Passau sits between 3 rivers, and to find out the history, it is recommended you take the boat trip around the jutted out town. Fun fact (fun? not sure), Hitler grew up here, and almost drowned in one of the rivers.
Lindau
Drive onto the island over the bridge, and try to get there early to secure parking! Lindau has views of 3 different countries, local wine and beer, and a stage on the water which shows operas all year round!
CITIES
While the term "city" is very loosely used, these places do not quite qualify as a "cute town," because they're just a little bigger, and have a little more oomph to them
Salzburg
Sound of Music tour, walk up to the castle, eat some Mozart marzipan, and of course get a schnitzel and kaiserschmarrn (pancakes all mixed up; Austria's specialty)! You do NOT have to get an Austria pass to visit here!
Augsburg
Home to the world's first ever socialized housing area (the Fuggerei - open all year round), this town has tons of history, a fantastic zoo, and is the birthplace of a few famous men.
Nürnberg (aka Nuremberg) Berchtesgaden
A youth hostel in an old castle, tasty gingerbread, the birthplace of the German christmas market, and more importantly, the "Nürnberger" bratwurst - a sausage small enough to fit through a key hole...take the tour!
The best place in Bavaria (but I'm biased). Visit the Eagles Nest (Hitlet's hideout), gorges (see "Gorges"), and spend at least half a day on the Königsee - take the boat to the furthest stop, and walk to the bluest lake, Obersee
LAKES
Also known as "See" in German, you can't miss these fantastic spots, other than the ones named on the other pages
Tegernsee
Views of the mountains, wide open spaces, gelato as far as the eye can see, and fantastic hikes in the area
Ammersee
Hot drinks, good lakeside walking, and Stand-Up Paddleboard rental. This is Starnbergersee, but less touristy and crowded!
Schliersee Starnbergersee!
Ski spot if you ' re into that, ice skating on the lake in the winter, fantastic hiking in the whole area, including a very short walk to Jossefthaler Wasserfall, a small waterfall tucked away behind a hill.
Take the ferry around the lake and you'll be amazed by the beautiful little towns surrounding the lake. Tutzing has fantastic gelato just a few steps away from the dock, for one! Roseninsel is a gorgeous little island... legend has it that an MIS family owns the whole island!
MUNICH HOT SPOTS
Despite what some may argue, Munich is pretty awesome just on its own, and that's all due to the following items (and more).
Englischer Garten
Walk from Marienplatz to Odeonsplatz, past the Residenz and into the Hofgarten, which will lead you to this park! Check out the surfers on the Eisbachwelle, and have a drink at the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower)
Viktualienmarkt
Located just next to Marienplatz, through the gate with the funny toy museum inside, stop here for some dips and bread, a beer, a brat, or whatever your heart desires.
Frauenkirche
Built in 1494, this cathedral is a must. Look up the story of the Devil's footprint in the entry, if you don't know it already! On your way out, stop at Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom, for some amazing food.
Funky Cafes
Gans am Wasser, Gans Woanders, and Alte Utting - all owned by the same kooky people, with live music every single weekend, warm drinks, homemade desserts and other various foods, including Döner, Pizza, and African!
STARNBERG HOT SPOTS
Let's be honest, sometimes staying around town is much needed. This list is (as it should be) mostly food.
Eiswerkstatt
The perfect spot for a warm day, with a bowl of gelato in a warm waffle cone base, or a cold day, for a hot chocolate in the cozy lounge. Located in the big market square, and staff include MIS Alum, so English friendly!
Rent a Boat!
Renting a little electric boat to take out on the water is one of th best ways to spend a few hours on a sunny day. You can also rent them from Tutzing, and from there you can make reservations! Otherwise, get there early!
Lil' Green Il Duetto
Even if you ' re not vegetarian, vegan, or whatever, this place has some of the freshest ingredients and a Green Goddess dressing to die for. Easy, healthy bowls, and they speak English, and you can order over WhatsApp! Located on the same street as Commerzbank
Right by the movie theater (English movies on Tues and Sun!), this place looks fancy but the cost is not fancy at all. Great food, friendly staff, and take-out optional of course