We will be taking the CNL from Venice arriving in Munich at about 6:30 in the morning and was wondering if there's anything we can do that does not involve the specific establishments being opened... say venturing the surrounding wilderness by Neuschwanstein castle or the neighborhood of Dachau camp? These two sites are high on our wish list before ending the day in downtown Munich. Then, we will be taking another CNL to Berlin.
However, inital research shows that Neuschwanstein castle is over 2 hours away on the train and this commute time might kill a good portion of our time in Munich. Should we still do it anyway?
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I think Neuschwanstein is a hoot, but you don't really have enough time to see it if you want to do more than just have dinner and walk around a bit in Munich.
Posted by
California USA
3958 posts
It seems like you would have time to do an organized day trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein but that would leave you with no time to see Munich if you choose. If you were to stay in Munich from early morning to late evening between your 2 overnight trains, I'd recommend heading to an outdoor cafe for coffee in the AM to watch Munich wake up, taking a walk to stretch your legs in the Englishergarten in the late morning, having lunch at the lively outdoor Victualienmarkt, a museum or historic building in the late afternoon, a typical beer hall in the evening and then off to your night train. Just some ideas for fresh air and fun in Munich as an alternative to Neuschwanstein if you make this choice.
Posted by
Mahone Bay, Canada
328 posts
You don't really have time to visit Neuschwanstein and spend time exploring anything else in Munich. With only one day I would skip it and focus on exploring Munich. You do, however, have time to visit Dachau and Nymphenburg Palace. Nymphenburg is by no means the same as Neuschwanstein but it is a fantastic palace experience.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8154 posts
Neuschwainstein is 67 miles southwest of Munich, and I didn't find it really worthwhile of seeing. Dachau is a place everyone needs to experience.
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
I'll echo some of the other comments and discourage trying to squeeze Neuschwanstein into a single day Munich trip. I think Dachau opens fairly early (9:00?). You could probably stash your luggage in the lockers at the train station and get a nice breakfast in Munich before heading to Dachau. With the caveat that it's been a while since I've taken the trip, I'd allow about forty-five minutes to an hour each way to take the train and walk/bus to the site. That will leave you a half day for downtown Munich. If you need ideas for Munich, I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations.
Have fun!
Posted by
Narberth, PA
1230 posts
If you google "One day in Munich" and "Munich early morning", you will see questions and answers that may help. Some folks have posted what they did after getting off the same train you will be arriving on.
Munich Walk Tours may have potential: http://www.munichwalktours.de/en/. They do have a tour going to Dachau.
I believe Neuschwanstein may be outside your time limit.
Depending on time of year, special events may be taking place: Christmas Markets, Auerdult, Karnival, Oktoberfest, etc. At any time, the Altstadt and surrounds like the Englischer Garten offer many places to explore.
Always on my list: Viktuelianmarkt and Dallmayr; in fine weather, an open-air cafe near the Frauenkirche; maybe the Alte Pinakotek to see some Dürer; in winter, maybe ogling some Loden coats at the downtown department stores
Enjoy. Debbie
Posted by
OP
Honolulu, HI
2 posts
Thank you for everyone's advices and suggestions! Sometimes I really need to hear it (in this case see it) to believe I'll be spreading myself too thin. I'm thinking a nice coffee with the sunrise at the Englischer Garten will do just fine. Neuschwanstein castle will have to wait til next time. :)
Posted by
Phoenix AZ
635 posts
There is much to see and do in Munich without having to leave the city center.
The self-guided Munich city walk in the Rick Steves Germany guidebook is excellent. Depending on your interest and curiosity it can take anywhere from two hours to two days.
The self-guided walk ends at Odeonsplatz. From there I recommend that you continue westbound on Briennerstraße, past the plaza dedicated to the victims of National Socialism, to the newly-opened NS Doku-Zentrum. The modern building is on the site of the former Nazi party headquarters. Next door is the Führerbau, which during the war was Hitler's office building (and where the 1938 Munich Accord was signed), now a high school for music and theater. Across the street is the historic Königsplatz.
The Doku-Zentrum has published maps, audioguides and brochures to explore the history of National Socialism in Munich. They are available for free download here.
Walk to Englischer Garten, past Hitler's Haus der Kunst, to see surfers ride the wave on the Eisbach. Check out the view from the Monopteros, then enjoy a meal at the Biergarten at the Chinese Tower.
Or take the U3 or U8 to Olympiazentrum and visit Olympia Park, go up to the top of the Olympia Tower for a commanding view, and visit BMW Welt.