We are a family of five (parents and 3 college age children) spending Christmas in Europe. We will be in Munich for 4 nights beginning December 19. We are huge history buffs, along with visiting the Christmas markets, of course. We know we would like to visit Dachau. The question is: should we do arrival day, and one day in Munich, followed by tour of Dachau, then Munich again, or a day trip to a nearby village? I would love to visit a UNESCO village, with medieval history, if possible. We are headed to Amsterdam on December 23 or 24 until the 28. Looking forward to any and all advice. Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2547 posts
I don’t plan anything major on arrival day or the next day. You don’t know how jet lag will hit. Munich has over 20 markets, so you’ll find plenty to do on those days.
Dachau can be done in a half day. It’s a very sobering day.
Mittenwald is a beautiful town in a gorgeous setting.
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
605 posts
We will be in Munich in December too. We have spent time in Munich and Salzburg previously. I agree a half day at Dachau is enough.
I have a day trip to Regensburg (Bayern tkt) planned
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regensburg
https://www.thurnundtaxis.com/experience/romantic-christmas-market
Posted by
Green Bay
21160 posts
Dachau is just a close-in suburb of Munich. You probably want the bus stop, "KZ-Gedenkstaette, Dachau", Just 40 minutes from Munich Hbf after taking the S-Bahn to Dachau Bahnhof, then the 726 bus.
Augsburg, Bamberg, and Regensburg are all UNESCO World Heritage towns near Munich, all easy to get to by train and have Christmas Markets as well.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1488 posts
Having spent weeks in Munich and not seen it all, I cannot imagine not being able to fill 4 days just in the city. Dachau, as noted, is not the most pleasant way to spend your time, although everyone should see it. I usually spend the rest of the day in a beer garden. The college age adults (there are no children in Germany over 17) should plan on spending time in the University district north of the altstadt. They'll find a lot of international students there, as well as good food, and night life.
If your interest in Medieval history does take you out of Munich, consider Augsburg, home to the Fugger's, who financed a large number of the Holy Roman Emperors adventures.
Posted by
West Michigan
138 posts
I agree that visiting Dachau kind of a "duty". We can't let younger generations forget that, as it CAN happen again. Maybe starting next year. Half day there and then a beer garden sounds right.
Along those lines, a short walk south-south east of the Marienplatz is the Jewish History Museum. An hour or two would be very interesting.
And, speaking of the University district... Take the S3 or S6 train two stops north from the Marienplatz station, to "Universitaat". Lots of young folks everywhere. Also just south of the subway exit, is the White Rose Museum. My wife and I visited it last week. It tells the story of a group of students who did not fall for Hitler's charisma and propaganda. They tried to counter his lies with pamphlets. Also very sobering and a very worthwhile hour.
Not far from the Universitaat is the Englisher Garten. Very nice, but I believe it's all outdoor seating and may not work in December.
You might look up the Deutches Museum online, see if it would be of interest to you. It is huge, a full day might not see it all. Easy to get to by bus from the Marienplatz area.
There is a webcam in an upper window of the Ludwig Beck store facing the Marienplatz. It is really wonderful to see, especially during the Christmas Markets. Munich Marienplatz webcam
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
605 posts
To add.: We spent time at the Documentation Museum in 2016. The layout was extremely well done and I highly recommend.
Posted by
44 posts
Regensburg
A very lovely historic town. I would plan at least 1 overnight stay. The Christmas market at Thurn und Taxis Castle (castle Emmeram , central Oldtown/City) is wonderful, but I don't know the times. Please check the Regensburg tourism or castle Emmeram website for the latest information. GREAT Marstallmuseum (Carriage Museum).
https://www.thurnundtaxis.com/home
Brewery/Restaurant beside the Castle https://www.brauhaus-am-schloss.com/
St. Emmeram Abbey
Regensburg Dome
all in a good and easy walking Distance
AND so many more to see.
Posted by
Michigan
217 posts
I will also recommend visiting Augsburg. We were there in the mid-90s in December. The Christmas market seemed more intimate than many we have visited. At that time there was a presentation of "angels" from the town hall at a certain time in the evening on certain days. If that is still happening you might find it very special. You may be able to find a schedule of the market happenings for Augsburg as well at other town's Christmas Markets online.
Have a wonderful trip!
Traveler Girl
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
680 posts
would love to visit a UNESCO village, with medieval history
Bamberg and Regensberg are the only two towns that will match your UNESCO and medieval criteria that I am aware of. There are other medieval towns and other UNESCO sites, but not together. Even though I am a huge fan of Bamberg, I recommend Regensberg as it has a direct train and is a slightly shorter and very doable day trip (about 1.5 hours each way).
Agree with recommendations to spend arrival day mostly walking and seeing markets in Munich. Save any indoor activies (e.g. Nymphenburg, museums) for day or two later as the jet lag wears off.