Popular day trips from Berlin or Munich using Regional Train Passes
Germany’s excellent regional train network makes it easy to take day trips from major cities. Passes like the Deutschland-Ticket (€58 per month as of 2025) or regional Länder-Tickets offer affordable access to countless destinations.
Popular day trips from Berlin
Potsdam
Just a short regional train ride away, Potsdam is famous for its history as the former seat of Prussian kings.
- What to see: Explore the UNESCO-listed Sanssouci Palace and its grand gardens, the Dutch Quarter, and the historic Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference was held.
- How to get there: Take the S7 S-Bahn or a regional train (RE1, RB21, or RB22) directly to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof. The ride takes about 30–45 minutes.
Spreewald
This serene biosphere reserve is a unique, canal-filled landscape perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- What to do: Paddle a rented kayak or take a guided punt tour through the picturesque waterways. Many visitors stop in the village of Lübbenau to explore and enjoy the famous local pickles.
- How to get there: Take a regional train (RE2) from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Lübbenau (Spreewald) station. The journey is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial
For a sobering but important look into Germany’s history, visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial in Oranienburg.
- What to see: Explore the grounds of the camp, including barracks and the memorial site, to learn about the victims and the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime.
- How to get there: Take the S1 S-Bahn from Berlin to Oranienburg station. From there, it’s a short bus ride or 20-minute walk to the memorial.
Dresden
For a longer day trip, the stunning city of Dresden is famous for its restored Baroque architecture.
- What to see: The “Florence on the Elbe” offers sights like the Frauenkirche church, the Zwinger Palace, and the Old Masters Picture Gallery. A walk along the Elbe river is also recommended.
- How to get there: You can reach Dresden from Berlin via regional train routes, though the travel time is a bit longer, usually around 2–2.5 hours.
Popular day trips from Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle known as the “fairy-tale castle,” this 19th-century masterpiece is one of Germany’s most famous attractions.
- What to see: Tour the castle’s lavish interior, walk the Marienbrücke bridge for a spectacular photo of the castle, and enjoy the stunning alpine views.
- How to get there: Take a regional train from Munich Hauptbahnhof to Füssen (about a 2-hour journey) using a Bayern-Ticket or Deutschland-Ticket. From Füssen, take a local bus to the village of Hohenschwangau. Book castle tickets online in advance to avoid long waits.
Salzburg, Austria
For an international trip, Salzburg is easily accessible from Munich via regional train.
- What to see: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city, the birthplace of Mozart. Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, walk through the Old Town, and see sites from the movie The Sound of Music.
- How to get there: The Bayern-Ticket is valid for travel from Munich to Salzburg on regional trains (about 1.5–2 hours).
Berchtesgaden National Park
Nationalpark Berchtesgaden Nestled in the Bavarian Alps, this park offers stunning mountain scenery.
- What to see: Take a boat tour on the picturesque Königssee lake or visit the historic Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s former mountain retreat.
- How to get there: Take a regional train from Munich to Berchtesgaden. The trip takes around 2.5 hours.
Nuremberg
This historic city, located in northern Bavaria, offers a rich history and a beautifully preserved Old Town.
- What to see: Explore the Imperial Castle, wander through the historic Market Square, and visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Documentation Center.
- How to get there: A regional train from Munich to Nuremberg typically takes about 2 hours and is covered by the Bayern-Ticket or Deutschland-Ticket.
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