Advice

Let’s take a quick break from the tour to highlight some more points of interest that couldn’t be included in the itinerary. If you still have some time left in Munich, I recommend exploring the lovely Maxvorstadt district, north of the old town. It’s a great place to soak in the authentic Munich vibe, with its cozy bookshops, cafés, independent boutiques, and laid-back restaurants. It’s a peaceful neighbourhood, perfect for a stroll. If you’ve been here before, you’ll already know that Munich is the birthplace of the world-famous Oktoberfest. Dedicated to good beer and great company, this unmissable festival kicks off in the last two weeks of September, continuing into early October. If you can, try to visit during this period! You can also stop by the grand Königsplatz, home to two museums featuring royal antiquities collections. It’s a popular square that hosts concerts, open-air cinemas, and other events, against a backdrop inspired by classical Greek architecture. On the other side of town, you’ll find the Maximilianeum—an impressive Renaissance-style building that houses the Bavarian Parliament. The surrounding park is ideal for long walks along the River Isar. Just a few kilometres outside Munich, you’ll find Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of the Wittelsbach family. It’s steeped in history and well worth the visit. If you’d like to venture a bit further, head toward the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, near the Zugspitze—the tallest mountain in Germany. This town is the country’s most renowned winter sports resort and hosted the 4th Winter Olympic Games in 1936. In winter, you can hit the slopes, and in the warmer months, enjoy beautiful hikes in the surrounding mountains. It’s a charming little town, about an hour and ten minutes’ drive from Munich. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Partnach Gorge—a stunning natural site with dramatic cliffs and suspended walkways running alongside the water. Closer to the Austrian border, you’ll reach the spectacular Eibsee, a crystal-clear lake nestled at the foot of the Alps. Surrounded by hiking trails and panoramic views of the Zugspitze, it’s a great spot for families. If you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget your swimsuit! For those who aren’t afraid of heights, take a trip to the top of the Zugspitze! To get there, you’ll need to hop onto a special train and a cable car. The view from the summit is truly breathtaking, offering panoramic sights across four neighbouring countries. You’ll also find a weather observatory at the top, where you can learn more about meteorology. To the east of Munich, you can visit Lake Chiemsee, often nicknamed the “Bavarian Sea.” The highlight is the Herrenchiemsee Palace, located on one of the lake’s three islands. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, it’s often referred to as the “Bavarian Versailles.” You’ll need to pay for a ticket and a boat ride to get there. Finally, if you have a free day, why not head to Salzburg in Austria? Only a 1.5-hour drive from Munich, it’s the birthplace of Mozart and a must-see for classical music lovers. The Salzburg Festival draws over 240,000 visitors each year and is considered one of the world’s top cultural events. The city also boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. With all that in mind, you’ll have plenty to do if you decide to spend a bit more time in the region!