Explore Bavaria by train in 6 days: Munich

The most interesting things to do in Munich in 6 days!

Travelers' Map is loading...
If you see this after your page is loaded completely, leafletJS files are missing.
 


Here is an itinerary of things to do in Munich

Munich is the capital of Bavaria with many things to do and attractions to visit in and around the city. There is a lot of information on the internet about places you can visit in Munich, and there are lot! However, from my side, I will try to focus on how to combine different spots of interest and at the same time explore Bavaria by train.

My schedule allowed me 6 days in Munich. The difficult part when you visit a place for the first time without a guide, as that was my case, is that you cannot figure out easily which places you can access in a reasonable time. The lack of itinerary meant that I should sacrifice some of my time to make a schedule. My assistant on this is always the Google Maps! https://www.google.com/maps. During my travels, I always make sure that my mobile has available data in order to be able to use this application. 

As I was planning my days there, I noticed that the application was giving me reasonable times to visit the Bavaria region and I thought I should not miss the chance! Of note, the city of Munich has an extended metro network and a reliable railway network around the city, thus making it easy to explore Bavaria by train. 

Consequently, if you are about to organise a short trip to Munich, read first below. I think it will save you time and effort, especially if you are a last minute traveller…as I am!

Where to stay

Booking.com

Places you should definitely visit in Munich

Day 1

Marienplatz & the Neues Rathaous: 

My trip in Munich started with Marienplatz. Marienplatz is the central square of the city, named after a Marian column and seems always crowded by locals and tourists. Marienplatz is very easily accessible by metro (station Marienplatz). There are cafes and bakeries around, where you can have a coffee or something to eat.

Don’t forget to take some pictures of the Neues Rathaous, a Gothic Revival monument and the Rathaus- Glockenspiel.

things to do in Munich

Day 2

English Gardens:

As I am a nature lover, English Gardens could not be omitted from my schedule. English Gardens is a huge park with waterways, beautiful paths and a lake. As you will be scrolling around at this peaceful park check your google maps and find your way to the pagoda, the chinese tower and the monopteros, a circular replica of Greek temple. If you head over the southern end of Eisbach, you will notice the surfers showing their tricks in the cold water! Don’t miss that as they offer an interesting spectacle.

things to do in Munich

Day 3

Olympiapark:

Another interesting spot in Munich is the Olympic stadium, which serves as an activity center. Unfortunately, in many cities the Olympic premises are not adequately preserved.  This is certainly not the case in Munich! I was surprised to see how well reserved was all the premises around. You can just walk or run, or take part in watersports. As long as you arrive at this park you will notice the BMW tower. If you head to this direction you will be in front of the BMW Museum and the BMW Welt.

things to do in Munich

BMW Museum + BMW Welt:

Either you are a fun of BMW or not it doesn’t matter! Take the chance to visit the BMW Museum with engines, vintage cars, turbines and more. Just opposite to the museum is the BMW Welt. The entrance is free and you can have a look at the BMW latest models as well as at the attractive BMW souvenirs.

things to do in Munich

Daily trips you can plan around Munich

However, according to my opinion, the most interesting part about Munich is that you can take full advantage of the railway network and organize daily trips around the Bavarian region.

 

Day 4

Salzburg

The most popular day trip when exploring Bavaria involves a visit in Salzburg. I would describe Salzburg as a fairytale city with the cobblestone streets and the castle offering unforgettable views of the area. Salzburg is about 1h and 30 min by train from Munich and definitely worths a visit. 

Exploring Salzburg!

As you arrive at the train station, the most convenient way to explore the city is on foot. Distances are short and it ‘s so nice to snake through the streets. My first stop was Mirabell Palace. Mirabell Palace is about 15 min walking from the train station (about 1.2 klm). The beautiful gardens surrounding the Palace create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Moving on, after a 10 min walk and after crossing the bridge with the numerous locks, in the streets of the old town, I came accross the Mozart’s birthplace. The area seems always crowded with a lot of stores, cafes and restaurants.

Finally, my route ended at Hohensalzburg Fortess, the emblematic castle visible from any place in Salzburg.  From the castle you get the most magnificent views of the city! 

As you leave the Mozart’s birthplace and in less than 10 min walk you reach the cable car to the castle or you go up on foot. The whole distance from Mozart’s birthplace up to the castle is about 800m and during this route you come accross Salzburg cathedral and the Residenzplatz.

Salzburg
Salzburg
Mozart's birthplace

Day 5

Nuremberg

Further, another not to be missed daily trip involves Nuremberg. Nuremberg is about 1h and 10 min from Munich by train. The city and the old town will definitely steal your heart. Most of the main sightseeing is in the old town such as the Saint- Sebald church, the Fresh Market, many shops and the Kaiserburg Castle, with spectacular views of the area. 

However, if there is time you can also visit the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, which is around 3 klm far from the old city.

Above all, I am sure you will love the atmosphere while walking along the river and the narrow streets.

 

Nuremberg

Day 6

Garmisch Partenkirchen + Top of Germany

Moreover, if you are a mountain lover don’t miss Garmisch Partenkirchen. Garmisch Partenkirchen is a village about 1h and 10min by train from the city of Munich. 

Of note, It is good to arrive there no later than 10-11 in the morning so as to have plenty of time to take another train and a cable car to visit Zugspitze, the Top of Germany. 

The views from up there are stunning and you can probably have coffee or lunch at the premises or have a look at the souvenirs shop!

 

Zugspitze

Budget tip

As long as you reach Munich train station, visit the information center and ask for the Bavarian ticketWith this ticket, you can save money when booking for the Bavarian region including Salzburg which is in Austria!

Hopefully, this post provides guidance. If you feel that for some reason it didn’t answer all your questions, please don’t hesitate to use the contact form and place your thoughts. All your questions will be considered for the revised version of this post in the near future.

Photo-essay

Nuremberg

Nuremberg

Zugspitze

Munich

Munich

Munich

Salzburg

Salzburg

Thanks for reading!
More to come!

Join my newsletter and stay up to date with our latest news!

By checking this box you agree to our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.