View of Marienplatz, Munich – Suzanne Swartz
Inexpensive Group & Solo Excursions in and Around Southeast Germany
Looking to explore Bavaria and the surrounding area a bit more while studying in Munich? Here are a few day trips that are both economical and fun for students abroad.
Munich, a vibrant university city in southeast Germany, is just a short way away from several day trips that may be of interest to students. From historically important sites to major tourist attractions to other university cities, all of these destinations are worth a day trip, and some can even be done in an afternoon.
A Place of Historical Significance: Dachau Concentration Camp
Dachau concentration camp was one of the many locations used by the Nazis throughout the entire length of the Nazi regime’s rule over Germany. Dachau held political prisoners, such as writers, politicians, and those who resisted the regime in other ways. It was also where the Nazis imprisoned tens of thousands of Jews. The camp was in operation from 1933-1945.
Accessible via Munich’s local public transportation (the S2), students in Munich should take the time one afternoon to make the trip out to Dachau. From there it is possible to take a bus to the KZ-Gedenkstätte, the former site of the concentration camp.
A Major Tourist Attraction: Neuschwanstein Castle
Quite possibly one of Germany’s best-recognized destinations, Neuschwanstein Castle is a day trip’s distance from Munich. Travel to Fussen (about a two and a half hour trip) by train, and from there it is possible to take a bus (RVA/OVG 73) to the village of Hohenschwangau. From there it is possible either to walk or take a bus up to.
Another Major City in Bavaria: Nuremburg
Best-known for the Nuremburg trials of Nazis after World War II, Nuremburg (in German, Nuernburg) is also home to the former Nazi party rally grounds. The area is now a museum and houses an exhibition entitled “Fascination and Terror.”
There are also several other interesting and worthwhile museums in Nuremburg, including the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum) and the Albrecht-Dürer-Haus.
Nearby German University Cities: Passau and Regensburg
Passau, a city with a population of about 50,000, is right on the German-Austrian border. Located where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet, this scenic town makes a great day trip.
Regensburg, also in Bavaria, is a beautiful city of 130,000, of whom over 17,000 are students at the University of Regensburg. Like Passau, it is also located at the confluence of rivers: the Danube and the Regen.
Destinations Just Over the Border: University Cities in Austria
The rail systems in Germany and Austria are such that there are direct trains between most major cities, and within just a couple of hours of Munich are two Austrian university cities worth visiting for the day (and even for the weekend):
- Salzburg: The city of about 150,000 offers a breathtaking view on the train ride in that crosses the Salzach River.
- Innsbruck: A beautiful city nestled into the Alps, Innsbruck is home to 21,000 university students and a picturesque historical center.
Students can consider the above options when thinking about getting out of Munich for the day. From places of historical significance to fun university cities, many of these destinations make great day trips. All trips are relatively inexpensive and are well worth whatever the price paid. It is also possible, for ambitious student travelers looking to see as much as possible, to combine some of these trips and even turn them into a weekend excursion.
