Lakes & Mountains around Munich

For each MVG zone, we have picked out a nice excursion destination in the Munich area that you can easily reach by bus and train.

Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof, Schachenhaus and Neuschwanstein: Bavaria's castles and palaces are among the most beautiful in the world.

From snow-covered Neuschwanstein Castle to the icy Partnachklamm gorge: eight excursion ideas that are particularly beautiful in winter.

From beer gardens to bathing lakes - we have collected eight beautiful summer excursions in the Munich area.

Our author tested three relaxed hiking and cycling tours around Starnberger See and enjoyed them to the full. Highly recommended for imitation!

Whether „Hopfen and Bier-Schleife“, „Salz-Schleife“ or „Kunst- and Kulturschleife“, Munich is the hub for all routes of the water cycle paths.

King Ludwig II built his fairytale castle Neuschwanstein in order to withdraw from public life. Things turned out differently.

There are numerous interesting art museums in the Munich area. We introduce you to the six best.

The Kehlsteinhaus has been retained in its original form as a historical monument from the Third Reich, and is among the most popular destinations for trips in Germany.

A truly extraordinary shape and the legendary east face: The Watzmann has long fascinated mountain climbers from all over the world.

Barren rocks, wild mountain forests and a fairy-tale castle: The perfect tour for a lonely weekend in Munich's landmark mountains.

While Zugspitze in the Wetterstein Mountains may not be one of Munich’s local mountains, it is a mere 90 kilometres away from the Bavarian state capital.

Walchensee is not only the perfect destination for swimming, but also for windsurfing and hiking. Tips and information for a day trip from Munich.

It is not only one of the largest lakes in Bavaria, but also a popular destination for those seeking peace and tranquillity.

At Bavaria’s largest lake, you can not only do water sports or a bike tour, you can also experience a lot of culture at the Herrenchiemsee Palace.

Emerald-green water at the foot of the Watzmann – taking a trip to Königssee lake is to enjoy a singular natural experience.

Around just 20 kilometres to the south-west of the city, you will find “Munich’s summer swimming pool”. Anyone who fancies a swim, bike ride, leisurely stroll or boat trip won’t be disappointed on a trip to Starnberger See.

Lake Tegernsee lies nestled between hillsides of dark-green forestation. Its banks are lined with reeds and old oak trees. Beyond, the masts of sailing boats sway in the wind.

A city with an eventful history and a lively art scene, just 20 minutes from Munich.

Bavaria's oldest city! Visit the Domberg, the legendary old town and the world's oldest brewery in Weihenstephan. A piece of history that inspires!

Nature, art and relaxation await you. Follow in Franz Marc's footsteps and enjoy the idyllic Alpine landscape - just one hour from Munich!

Anyone wishing to experience a picture-book Lower Bavarian city should visit Landshut, with its historic castles, churches, modern cafés, and shops.

A city full of history, picturesque alleyways and impressive sights.

Würzburg in Lower Franconia is worthy of a visit on every level if you want to immerse yourself in North Bavaria's cultural history.

Fürstenfeldbruck is known for its magnificent monastery and for the Miller family of artists and scientists.  

Fancy a trip into the mountains? Garmisch-Partenkirchen is nestled amid breathtaking peaks, at the foot of the 2,962-metre Zugspitze mountain.

When the residents of Munich make a pilgrimage to the “holy mountain”, they aren’t talking about one of the many mountains in the Alpine foothills.

Anyone visiting Munich should definitely not miss out on the medieval town of Landsberg am Lech. Only around 60 kilometres away, the town is a wonderful place to discover on a day trip.

More than a hundred years ago, the artists of Blauer Reiter were attracted by the special atmosphere of Murnau and its surroundings. Convince yourself of the scenic beauty of the town during a short trip from Munich.  

The inhabitants of Oberammergau have staged what is today probably the world's most successful and largest amateur play. Buy your Tickets here.

The medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest in Germany.

Situated around 140 kilometres away from Munich, embedded against a magnificent backdrop of surrounding mountains, you will find the city of Salzburg, famed for its Baroque style.

The Fairytale King's most magnificent building: on Herreninsel in Chiemsee (lake), King Ludwig II created a second Versailles in 1878.

The perfect insight into the life of Bavaria's Fairytale King: Linderhof Palace was Ludwig II's favourite place where he spent most of his time.

Wieskirche (Pilgrimage Church of Wies) in the Bavarian Oberland is one of the world’s most famous rococo churches. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and attracts around one million visitors per year.

Altötting is considered the most famous Marian pilgrimage site in Germany and attracts over a million visitors every year.

The mighty Watzmann mountain as a backdrop, and a medieval town centre: Berchtesgaden has plenty to recommend it for a day trip from Munich.

Do you enjoy shaded walks? You prefer to look down on a babbling brook as opposed to the summit destination? Then a gorge walk is just the right thing for you. A few suggestions.

From the first snow-free pre-Alpine tour to forest hikes with a view of the southern lakes, to a tour of the sprouting city parks: the most beautiful walks.

For our “I have never been to...” series, Karoline Graf visits the Obersalzberg Documentation Centre for the first time.

Excursion boats cruise on Lake Starnberg all summer long. Although our author has lived in Munich for 20 years, he has never taken a tour. He has now made up for it and taken his daughter along.