If you are based in Munich, and want to go on a flightless long weekend, you will be spoiled for choice.
From the windswept North Sea to the glitter of the Mediterranean, Munich's geographic position in the deep south of Germany puts a variety of destinations and countries within reach by rail and road.
Munich is served not only by Deutsche Bahn but also by the private Austrian operator Westbahn and ÖBB, the national Austrian Railways. ÖBB offers both day and night services from Munich. Their night service, the ÖBB Nightjet, links Munich with Italy, France. Belgium and the Netherlands stopping there, and keeps on adding new routes. So I will have to update this post quite regularly!
A weekend trip abroad from Munich? Here is why you should take the train - and where you can go
Are you ready to start planning a flightless long weekend from Munich to somewhere in Europe? The Trainline is a good place to start looking at options. Alternatively, you can browse Rome2Rio. Also, check the national rail operators of France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy as well as Austria's Westbahn, and the multinational operators Thalys and Lyria, if you need more flexibility in designing your break.
It will only take you a few minutes to realise that, thanks to the sheer number of European rail operators serving the Bavarian capital, there are so many trips that you can do by train rather than plane. And their number is growing!
Below is a list of trips you can comfortably do from Munich, by day or night train, even for a long weekend.
1.Verona
Verona's Roman bridge, Ponte Pietra © Alps2Coast
There are direct Deutsche Bahn services between Munich and fair Verona. The journey takes 5 hours and 25 minutes, and it is one of my favourite train journeys on earth.
You will be glued to your window! First the Bavarian Alps roll before your eyes, then it is the peaks of the Austrian Tyrol, and you'll be welcome into Italy by the Dolomites, vineyards and mountaintop castles of Suedtirol and Trentino.
After the journey, let's focus on the destination. Thanks to its compact city centre, Verona is perfect for a short break. Besides, it is magical at any time of the year. I have memories of eating roasted chestnuts in the fog on a cold November day, as the great churches and palaces took on the ghostly appearance of buildings in impressionist paintings, and then warming up in a riverside osteria, with a hearty traditional meal of polenta, sipping some local Valpolicella.
Follow the river Adige for incredible views of the city, crossing the Roman Ponte Pietra, and visit the Arena, its iconic Roman amphitheatre, linger in Piazza Bra for a pre-opera dinner, visit Castelvecchio, the medieval residence of the lords of Verona, or its 4 great churches (the cathedral, San Zeno, San Fermo and Sant'Anastasia) or watch the world go by in Piazza delle Erbe, built over Verona's Roman forum, and still the city's official meeting place, with its outdoor cafés and colourful market.
Juliet's balcony © Maksym Harbar/Unsplash
2. Bologna
The courtyard of the Archiginnasio © Sterling Lanier/Unsplash
There are direct Eurocity Deutsche Bahn trains between Munich and Bologna. They follow the magnificent route through the Alps to Verona before crossing the Po and the plains of Emilia-Romagna.. If you want to maximise your time in Bologna, you can opt instead for the overnight ÖBB Nightjet train services, so there is no reason to catch the Air Dolomiti flights between Bologna and Munich!
The capital of Emilia Romagna, the seat of the oldest university in Europe, boasts a beautifully preserved medieval centre, extraordinary Porticos - now on the UNESCO World Heritage list-, a rich creative scene, excellent museums, and considered by the Italian themselves as the pinnacle of Italian food. What else could you ask for?
The size of the city makes it an ideal long weekend destination, and you can get a good feel for the centre and its main landmarks in a couple of days. For my in-depth guide to Bologna, check this post.
If you have one extra day, combine it with a day trip to Ravenna, Rimini, Ferrara, or Modena. These cities, both one hour away from Bologna or less, will dazzle you with their Byzantine mosaics (Ravenna), Roman and Renaissance monuments plus Fellini magic (Rimini), Renaissance architecture (Ferrara), and medieval duomo plus incredible food (Modena).
3. Rome
The Forum © Luismi Sanchez/Unsplash
You could travel between Munich and Rome by train in the day, as the journey is so beautiful. After the Alps, the train takes you to Bologna and then follows the Apennines and rides you through the rolling hills of Tuscany for one of Italy's most scenic train trips. You would need a stopover in Verona or Bologna to stretch your legs though, as the trip is 10 hours.
For a long weekend, the ideal way to travel between Munich and Rome is the ÖBB Nightjet night train service, which will deliver you to the Eternal City in the morning, ready for sunshine and sightseeing.
Trevi © Michele Bitetto/Unsplash
Once in Rome, you will have to make some choices, as there is so much to see. You can focus on specific interests, such as baroque Rome, Renaissance Rome, ancient Rome, or simply walk around the various districts of the centre and soak up the atmosphere.
For itinerary ideas, check out my blog post on a long weekend from Munich to Rome.
4. Milano
Milano's Duomo © Ouael Ben Salah/Unsplash
A daytime journey between Munich and Milano takes over 8 hours. It will become faster when the high-speed link between Verona and Milano is complete.
For now, the recently introduced ÖBB Nightjet is the perfect option if you want to maximise your time in Milano.
Make sure you step inside the Duomo, Milan's majestic cathedral, which took five centuries to complete, and get yourself a ticket to the rooftop terrace, from where you can catch an incredible view of the city and beyond, with the Alps in the distance.
You can admire the Duomo itself from the Museo del Novecento (while walking through the Kandinskijs, Modiglianis and Picassos, or from the top floor of the Rinascente department store.
If you are into Italian fashion, be it as a buyer or as a window shopper, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a must, as are Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.
Milano's Navigli , popular for aperitivo © Cristina Gottardi/Unsplash
Milan is famous in Italy and beyond for its opera, and the La Scala theatre is one of the temples of the genre. together with the Arena of Verona.
Amongst my personal highlights are the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, built when the city was the capital of the Western Roman empire, and the Pinacoteca di Brera, a fantastic art ciollection in one of Milan's most bohemian districts.
With a bit of planning, you can also book yourself to see Leonardo's Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Keep an eye on their website, as bookings are only open on specific days every three months and are snapped up immediately.
5. Prague
Charles's Bridge © Martin Krchnacek/Unsplash
The journey between Munich and Prague takes 5 hours 30 minutes and is direct. The splendid capital of Czechia is one of these cities where charm is everywhere. There is the iconic Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock of Old Town Square, the wonderful gothic Cathedral of Saint Vitus and the romanesque Basilica of Saint George, both part of the magnificent Castle complex, but you will discover the charm of Prague in minute details - the beauty of a doorway, a courtyard, the pastel coloured buildings lining a cobbled street.
Other recommended highlights are the Jewish Quarter - with its synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, the inspiration of one of Umberto Eco's books, and the Jewish Museum-, and the Lennon Wall, a symbol of peace since the 80's.
You can work out your appetite before a hearty Czech meal by climbing up PetÅ™Ãn Hill for panoramic views of the city, or take a different perspective, on and go on a river cruise on the Vltava.
6. Vienna
You will not need a long time in Vienna to understand why it is constantly ranked as one of the top cities in the world to live, and often as number #1.
An incredible historical centre, packed with museums, palaces and churches, one of the most beautiful and romantic European rivers running through it...And yet the city is green, has been promoting cycling and sustainability for at least 3 decades, Vienna is that perfect balance, a blend of old-world culture and innovation, a metropolis that remains human, also in size.
Vienna's cathedral © Shashank Vienna/Unsplash
Visit Saint Stephen's Cathedral or the great imperial palaces of Hofburg and Schönbrunn, and the neogothic Votivkirche. Pause for a Sacher Tarte and hot chocolate. Discover the Haugsburg dynasty's art collection at the Kunsthistorische Museum or catch a glimpse of Klimt at the Belvedere. Step into the houses of Beethoven, Mozart, Johann Strauss, stroll or cycle along the River Wien or one of the canals flowing from the Blue Danube...
Vienna is not just incredibly beautiful. it also constantly tops the ranks as best city in the world to live in.
The journey between Munich and Vienna takes 4 hours and 30 minutes with an easy change in Salzburg. Both Westbahn and ÖBB cover the route.
The one and only Sacher Torte © Tim Photoguy/Unsplash
7. Paris
Bateaux mouche © Joe de Sousa/Unsplash
Getting to Paris from Munich by train is very easy. There are direct day time services from Munich Hauptbanhof to Gare de l'Est (5 hours 45 minutes) and now also a direct ÖBB Nightjet service from Munich East.
If you come on the Nightjet and are not visiting large museums, even an overnight stay can get you a pretty good feel for the centre, stroll along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to the Latin Quarter (One of my favourite activities in Paris), hop into stunning churches and elegant palaces... You can still fit in one or two famous attractions, or explore smaller museums not so crowded but equally fascinating.
And of course if you have time to stay longer, you can explore in depth. World-famous museums, great patissiers, literary hangouts, the choice yours. You can book tickets to the top attractions on line at Paris Je t'aime.
8. Amsterdam
Amsterdam canal © Leif Niemczik/Unsplash
The daytime journey between Munich and Amsterdam is around 8 hours with a change in Dusseldorf, so if you are going for a long weekend the ÖBB Nightjet is the most convenient option. You will wake up in Centraal, fresh and ready to explore Amsterdam's cultural highlights.
I love going in winter, when it is quieter. The roads along the picturesque canals become very peaceful, and you can wonder around the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum without the crowds. If you arrive during a particularly cold spell, you may catch the locals ice-skating on the frozen canals! Book a boat day or night tour on the canals to admire the grand houses in all their splendour - the city looks so different from the water level. Utterly magical.
9. Venice
La Serenissima © Joshua Stannard/Unsplash
This journey takes just under 7 hours, but it is direct. And of course, there is also an ÖBB Nightjet! Either way, you will feel very proud of yourself for travelling to the Serenissima, without being responsible for her rising waters!
The train station of Venezia Santa Lucia is so well placed, that once you disembark you can walk to Piazza San Marco in about 40 minutes. I could think of worse ways of stretching my legs! The moment you step out of the train station, you can begin the sightseeing in earnest The Rione Cannaregio with the Jewish Ghetto as well as the Rialto Bridge are en route, and you can easily hop across to the delightful and slightly less visited San Polo.
The tourist office offers helpful suggestions for 'respectful itineraries' that allow you to enjoy the city at a slower pace. The only means of transport you will need is a Vaporetto if you want to head to one of the more distant islands such as Burano, Murano, or my beloved Torcello.
Torcello © Maria Laura Gionfriddo/Unsplash
10. Budapest
The night train service run by Hungarische Bahn, part of the ÖBB Nightjet network, is the ideal way to travel to the Hungarian capital.
Bastions © Henry Leester/Pixabay
Budapest is one of my favourite capital city break destinations because it can be as busy or as relaxing as you make it. Split into two parts by the Blue Danube it is a city defined by earth and water.
The sights of Buda, such as the UNESCO World Heritage palace complex, and the deeply moving Matthias church, are incredible, and the views of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion simply unforgettable. A wander through the charming cobbled and paved streets of Castle Hill, lined with beautiful old houses, shops, and restaurants, can be magical.
The Pest side, although less dramatic, is incredibly vibrant, with opera houses, food markets, and the iconic neo-gothic domed Hungarian parliament.
The Hungarian Parliament on the Pest riverside Seth Fogelman/Unsplash
I mentioned water. Not many cities give you the opportunity to combine sightseeing along a majestic river and relax in a thermal bath! Széchenyi is the largest and most famous, but a favourite of mine is Gellért, with its stunning Art Nouveau architecture.
Széchenyi Baths © Linda Gerbec/Pixabay
Apart from Paris and Rome, not many cities have an island in the middle . Budapest's Margaret Island is a peaceful park in the middle of the Danube River,with gardens crisscrossed by walking paths.
11. Brussels
The Atomium, © Wilber Diaz/Unsplash
You can get to Brussels from Munich by the ÖBB Nightjet. And once you arrive...
Stroll in the stunning eclectic mix of gothic and Renaissance/Baroque styles of the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, and the covered galleries in the nearby streets; climb up the twentieth-century Atomium; visit to one of the city's museums, such as the 6 grouped under the Royal Museums of Fine Arts Belgium, dedicated to different artists and periods from the Flemish Old Masters to Magritte. immerse yourself into Brussels comic book culture by following the Comic Strip Trail; visit the European Parliament quarter; enjoy the parks and the outdoors.
Treat yourself to a delicious beer stew or waffles, and of course some chocolate, but also try traditional Belgian food to discover why Brussels is considered one of the gourmet capitals of Europe.
12. Strasbourg and the Alsatian villages
A super easy French escape from Munich is Alsace. Both SNCF and Deutsche Bahn serve the route and the direct journey takes less than 4 hours.
Strasburg is a medieval wonder, with a UNESCO-Heritage-listed medieval city centre, la Grande ÃŽle. The cathedral is hailed as a gothic masterpiece. If you have an interest in contemporary politics, you can visit the European parliament. In the evening, you can relax over a hearty Alsatian meal washed down with a delicious local beer or wine.
Strasbourg © Harvid Heidahl/Unsplash
If you prefer to get away from big cities, you can base yourself in one of the delightful Alsatian villages, such as Colmar which is only 30 minutes from Strasbourg by train. Colmar, is surrounded by other equally interesting villages such as Eguisheim. (16 minutes by bus).
Colmar © Aswathy N/Unsplash
If the centre of Strasbourg has reignited your passion for medieval history, you will be in heaven. An 18-minute train ride from Strasbourg to Sélestat, plus a 30-minute bus ride, will take you to the 900-year old Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, perched on top of a mountain overlooking the Rhine valley. You can visit Haut Koenigsbourg also from Colmar, and the train journey is even short (11 minutes).
Haut Koenigsbourg in winter © Ronan Potier/Unsplash
13. Dijon and Burgundy
Fancy a Burgundian getaway? You can leave Munich just past midnight on the ÖBB NIghtjet, get off in Strasbourg at 5.20 and from there board a high-speed train to Dijon (2 hours 25).
Burgundy is one of France's most fascinating historical regions, a former duchy and before that an independent kingdom, and Dijon is its worthy capital. The distinctive polychrome roofs, toits bourguignons, add character to the architecture of a city brimming with building ranging from medieval Gothic to art deco.
Close-up of the façade of Notre Dame de DIjon © Fred Clery/Unsplash
Visit the Palais des Ducs, also home of one of France's great museums, the Musée de Beaux Arts, pause to admire the stunningly elegant Notre Dame de Dijon with its slender gothic columns, or step inside to admire Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir (Our Lady of Good Hope), one of the most ancient French statues of the Virgin Mary. Visit the cathedral of Saint Bénigne, walk through the ancient streets to soak in the atmosphere, or if you are feeling more epicurean visit the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
Surrounded by vineyards, Dijon is the starting point of the the "route des Grands Crus", where eight of the world's top ten most expensive wines are produced. The 'route des grand crus' ends in stunning Beaune, which is 20 minutes away from Dijon by train. Wander through the half-timbered houses of the Old Town, admire the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu), and hike or cycle the Chemin des Grand Crus to visit wine cellars the active way.
Beaune's toit bourguignon © Herve' Marmillot/Unsplash
14. Lausanne and Montreux/Sion
The cathedral of Lausanne © Cricrimo/Pixabay
Lausanne is just under 6 hours from Munich by train, with a change in Zürich. With its lively Old Town, Switzerland's finest gothic cathedral, and elegant houses on the hills sloping down Lac Leman (Lake Geneva), Lausanne is a lively yet relaxed city. If you are a sport aficionado, the city is the seat of the International Olympic Committee and you can visit the Olympic Museum.
And wherever you are in Lausanne, you are never far away from the largest freshwater body in Europe, so you can make the most of it!
Lac Leman by Lausanne © Samuel Dorsaz/Unsplash
If you have the time you can combine your stay in Lausanne with a day trip to the elegant resort of Montreux. The journey itself is delightful as the train coasts Lac Leman pretty much all the way. As for Montreux itself, its lakeside cafes and restaurants ooze old world charm,
The city hosts a world-famous jazz festival in July each year, and has earned itself a place on the rock music map too. Freddie Mercury, whose statue takes place of honour in one of the lakeside squares, recorded a number of Queen albums at Phoenix Studios. Bowie, Stones and Iggy Pop also recorded there.
Montreux is also home to one of Switzerland's most iconic and well-preserved medieval landmarks, Chillon Castle, situated on a rocky island on Lake Geneva,
Montreux castle © Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
If you crave some mountains, Lausanne is also within easy reach of the Valais region, the sunniest part of Switzerland, all alpine vineyards and castles perched on mountains towering above the turquoise waters of the Rhône River (whose source is the Rhône Glacier). Dominated by not one but two mighty medieval fortresses, the town of Sion is the perfect base to visit the Valais. .You can hike, you can eat, you can drink, visit the castles, and even an Underground Lake.
The journey from Lausanne to Sion is 53 minutes, and you will catch a glimpse of Chillon castle from your seat
The two mountains of Sion, with a castle each © Fabrice Smet/Unsplash
15. Cinqueterre
Vernazza from above © Andy Crone/Unsplash
A new ÖBB Nightjet route between Vienna and Liguria opened last year, and it conveniently stops at Monterosso, one of the 5 villages that make up the Cinqueterre - the others are Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore).
The beauty of the Cinqueterre is that they are virtually car-free. You either catch the local train between them or hike the coastal paths that connect them. The Cinqueterre paths get very busy in high summer, so go outside peak season if you can, to be kinder to this fragile coastal environment and have it almost to yourself. Liguria's microclimate means a lot of year-round sunshine anyway.
Manarola © Jack Ward/Unsplash
You will struggle to decide which one to make your base, as they are so beautiful and yet so distinct. Monterosso has a dark sand beach. Vernazza is blessed with a delightful Portofino-style harbour, Manarola has a spectacular hilltop location. From Corniglia, the most elevated and secluded, you'll have incredible panoramic views of the Ligurian sea. Riomaggiore, surrounded by vineyards like Corniglia, is a vertical landscape of steps and uphill paths, and its pastel houses seem to almost encircle the sea.
To protect the environment, the Cinqueterre area has been turned into a national park. If you want to hike a specific section called Sentiero Blu between Monterosso and Vernazza you will need to buy a ticket. Numbers are restricted on the Via dell'Amore (Path of Love) so try and book early. It makes sense to get a Cinqueterre Card, which also gives you other local discounts.
16. Florence
Florence needs no introduction. Who would not want to spend a long weekend admiring Brunelleschi's dome, the magnificent Duomo, the sculptures of the Baptistry, the David, the palaces and monumental tombs of the Medici family, the Botticelli's and Michelangelo's in the Uffizi, the graceful Boboli Gardens, the tombs of the great Italians (Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo to name a few) in Santa Croce, and the pictorial and architectural wonders of Santa Maria Novella, which is just outside the station?
The cathedral and Brunelleschi's dome © Marian Brandt/Unsplash
The ÖBB Nightjet drops you at Firenze Santa Maria Novella early in the morning, ready to explore the wonders of the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Ponte Vecchio by night © Claudio Poggio/Unsplash
If you have more than a couple of days, bus no.7 to beautiful hilltop Fiesole, with its Roman-era theatre, medieval churches, and residences of the Medicis and the foreigners who settled in Italy after the Grand Tour.
17. Basel - the crossroad of Switzerland, France and Germany
The Rhine in Basel © Johannes Siebler/Unsplash
The journey between Munich and Basel takes 4 hours and 30 minutes, with a change in Zürich.
Basel is an extremely interesting city, and you can easily spend a day or two visiting the centre, the medieval cathedral, the cobbled Altstadt, Minster, the many museums, and make your way to Dreiländer Deck, where your gaze can span over three countries (France, Germany, and of course Switzerland). If you feel like an active break, with your tourist BaselCard you can hire a bicycle to explore the town centre for 20 CHF. Or you can hike the 5km Rehberger-Weg which connects Basel and Weil am in Germany. And then there's the Rhine, the lifeblood of Basel. You can cycle or walk along it, book a boat tour, and in summer try that unique and unforgettable Basel - swimming in the Rhine!
18. Zurich
The Altstadt © Josh Disandolo/Unsplash
There are direct trains between Munich and Zürich and the journey only takes 3 hours and 30 minutes).
When you step off your train in the elegant Hauptbahnhof, you will soon appreciate that Zürich is far more than a financial centre and the largest Swiss city. there. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town (Altstadt), take a stroll along the peaceful shores of Lake Zürich, visit the Kunsthaus, one of Switzerland's most important contemporary art collections, or the FIFA Football Museum. If the weather's nice you can go hiking on the Uetliberg, Zürich's mountain, and reconnect with nature. It is a city for all seasons too.
There is a lovely Christmas market, foliage in autumn, and glittering waters all around you.
19. Épernay, Reims and the Champagne region
Reims Cathedral © Pascal Bernardon/Unsplash
If you are based in Munich and fancy a trip to the heart of the Champagne region, you are in luck. From Munich Hauptbanhof you can get to Paris Gare de l'Est in 5 hours and 45 minutes, and the trains to Reims and Épernay depart from the same Parisian station! The journey from Gare de l'Est to Reims is 50 minutes, and to Épernay 1 hours and 20 minutes.
Either works as a base to visit the region. Épernay is the main centre in the legendary Champagne producing area of La Montagne de Reims. Reims has champagne houses in town and is also a very important city in French history. Its beautiful Gothic cathedral is the site where the kings of France used to be crowned..
If you need inspiration, check my post on a long weekend to Champagne by train.
20. Krakow
Market Sqaure in Krakow Old Town © Grafi Jeremiah/Unsplash
The ÖBB Nightjet connects Munich with the ancient Polish capital of Krakow.
Krakow's rich history is evident in its UNESCO-heritage-listed Old Town, some incredible art, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Amongst the unmissable sights, Market Square and its legendary St Mary's Basiica, rebuilt after being destructed by the Mongols in the Middle Ages, the Cloth Hall, deemed to be the world’s oldest shopping mall, and the former royal residence of Wawel Castle, at the top of the hill of the same name, next door to the Cathedral.
The historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz, with its synagogues, Jewish Cimitery, vibrant street art, and cafes..
Krakow is also a very green city. The Old Town is surrounded by Planty Park, with its beautiful gardens and sculptures.
Perhaps the biggest surprise for me was discovering the incredible art collection of the Czartoryski princes. The story of how the Czartoryski family started and grew their collection is worthy of a film, and amongst their remarkable purchases are paintings by Rembrandt, Hans Holbein, Mantegna, and Leonardo's incredible Lady with an Ermine.
Saint Mary's Basilica, Chris Unger/Unsplash
To Bologna, Vienna, Paris and beyond. The growing possibilities for train travel from Munich
The suggestions above are just meant to inspire you. What do you love to see, eat, and do? Identify your dream destinations and then, before browsing flights, check if there is a train that can take you there!
With Munich's great position in the middle of Europe, travelling east, west, south and north are all possible. If you reach Paris, you can exploit the French high-speed train network to discover so much of France. Bologna is a great hub to discover the east and west side of Italy, and Vienna puts a lot of Eastern Europe into play.
There are many other destinations I could not include, but I hope this post will give you an idea of the many possibilities you have and how easy it is to ditch the plane, travel sustainably, and turn your long weekend getaways into real adventures.
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