Discover Alternative Destinations Near Munich: Journey to Seven Hidden Gems Within Easy Reach by Train
Discovering the hidden gems near Munich is a delightful journey for any travel enthusiast, and the Germany ticket makes it an affordable adventure. Here are some lesser-known cities that are worth visiting:
Starting with Mittenwald, a charming Bavarian alpine town nestled in the Upper Bavarian Alps near the Austrian border. Known for its colorful timber houses decorated with mural art, cobbled stone lanes, frescoed buildings, and stunning alpine scenery surrounded by the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains, Mittenwald is an ideal destination for a peaceful mountain escape. The town is famous for its historic violin-making tradition, and attractions like the Geigenbaumuseum, St. Peter and Paul Church, and beautiful hiking trails await visitors [1].
Regensburg, about 90 minutes from Munich, is a UNESCO World Heritage city with medieval streets, a famous stone bridge, and a rich history. Offering a manageable day trip experience that blends Bavarian charm with historic urban exploration, Regensburg avoids the crowds found in more famous destinations [4].
Just 25 minutes from Munich lies Dachau, notable for its concentration camp memorial, an important and sobering historical site. Although it requires some emotional preparation, it's accessible with the Germany ticket and offers an essential educational visit close to the city [4].
Muhldorf am Inn, east of Munich, is a district town with a rich history dating back to 935. Known for its architectural style reminiscent of Inn-Salzach cities, Muhldorf am Inn boasts attractions like the Old Saline of Bad Reichenhall, offering a tour into the underground tunnel system of the town, and the "witch chamber" in the town hall [5].
Bad Reichenhall, in the Berchtesgaden region, is a picturesque town suitable for nature outings. It's known for its healing mineral, Alpensole, making it a popular spa town, and the Predigtstuhl can be reached from Bad Reichenhall via the oldest, original cable car in the world [6].
Traunstein, about ten kilometers from Lake Chiemsee, is a district town with a focus on salt's economic importance in the Middle Ages. The city was part of the Salzburg Prince-Archbishopric until 1802 and has a long history, including the Battle of Muhldorf in 1322 and one of the last witch trials in the Archbishopric of Salzburg in the years 1749 and 1750 [7]. Traunstein offers various hiking opportunities, including a good view of the entire Chiemgau from the 774-meter-high Hochberg [8].
Nördlingen's old town is surrounded by a completely walkable city wall, created by a 15-million-year-old asteroid impact. The town's buildings are made from suevite rock, which contains small diamonds, causing the houses to shimmer in the sunlight [9].
Wasserburg am Inn is reachable by regional train from Munich in just one hour. Known for its charming buildings and richly decorated town hall, Wasserburg am Inn offers a beautiful town enclosed by a loop of the Inn [10].
Schongau is home to the Impressive Baroque Stadtpfarrkirche Mariae Himmelfahrt from the 13th Century [11].
The Germany ticket allows unlimited travel on regional trains throughout Germany for a fixed monthly fee, making it perfect for discovering these hidden gems without breaking the bank [2][4].
**Summary Table:**
| City | Highlights | Travel Time from Munich | Notes | |------------|---------------------------------------|------------------------|--------------------------------| | Mittenwald | Alpine charm, violin heritage, murals | ~2 hours | Peaceful, scenic, great hikes | | Regensburg | Medieval streets, UNESCO World Heritage | ~1.5 hours | Historic city, easy day trip | | Dachau | Concentration camp memorial | ~25 minutes | Important historical site | | Muhldorf am Inn | Old Saline, Witch Chamber | ~1 hour | Rich history, architectural style | | Bad Reichenhall | Healing mineral, Predigtstuhl cable car | ~1.5 hours | Picturesque town, nature outings | | Traunstein | Salt history, hiking opportunities | ~1.5 hours | District town with a long history | | Nördlingen | Asteroid-created city wall, suevite rock | ~2 hours | Unique buildings, shimmering houses | | Wasserburg am Inn | Charming buildings, town hall | ~1 hour | Beautiful town enclosed by the Inn | | Schongau | Baroque church from the 13th Century | ~1.5 hours | Impressive architecture, historic town |
These destinations provide a compelling mix of culture, history, and natural beauty within an affordable train ride from Munich using the Germany ticket.
Embarking on a train journey from Munich, one can discover the enchanting town of Mittenwald, renowned for its alpine charm, violin heritage, and picturesque murals. Alternatively, Regensburg, just 90 minutes away, offers a historic urban experience with medieval streets and a UNESCO World Heritage city status. Both destinations are ideal for travelers seeking a blend of lifestyle and travel, thanks to the Germany ticket making this adventure affordable.
