Garching bei München

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Garching bei München's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Local Exploration
morning
:

Begin your journey with a leisurely breakfast at a cozy café in Garching’s pedestrian zone, savoring cappuccinos and fresh pretzels. Stroll through the Science City campus, admiring its modern architecture and green courtyards. Chat with students and researchers to catch a glimpse of academic life in this vibrant suburb.

afternoon
:

Head to the Forschungsreaktor Munich for a guided tour and learn about the history of nuclear research in Germany. Wander through the nearby campus gardens, taking in sculptures and experimental art installations. Stop by a student-run bistro for a light lunch and lively conversations with locals.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional Bavarian restaurant, sampling hearty sausages, spätzle, and beer from local craft breweries. Enjoy an evening walk along the Isar River’s northern bank, watching joggers and families enjoying the sunset. End the night with a gelato from a small vendor and soak up the relaxed suburban atmosphere.

day 2
Science and Innovation Immersion
morning
:

Fuel up with a continental breakfast before heading to the Garching research center. Join a specialized lecture on cutting-edge physics or biochemistry led by experts from the Max Planck Institute. Wander through the institute’s exhibition halls displaying interactive scientific exhibits.

afternoon
:

Participate in a hands-on workshop at the Technical University of Munich’s Garching campus, tinkering with robotics kits or 3D printing prototypes. Share ideas over lunch at the student canteen, sampling budget-friendly Bavarian and international dishes. Explore the university library’s futuristic reading rooms and rooftop terrace for panoramic views.

evening
:

Relax with a group of fellow science enthusiasts at a trendy pub near campus, discussing your discoveries over craft beers. Take a twilight bike ride along the river trail, feeling the cool breeze off the water. Finish the day with star-gazing from an open lawn near the Campus Garching observatory.

day 3
Cultural Treasures in Munich
morning
:

Catch an early S-Bahn into Munich and start at Marienplatz, marveling at the neo-gothic Neues Rathaus and its famous glockenspiel. Sip on a freshly brewed coffee at a nearby café plaza. Watch locals and tourists mingle as the city awakens around you.

afternoon
:

Wander through the Viktualienmarkt, sampling regional cheeses, sausages, and fragrant breads. Visit the Munich Residenz to admire opulent rooms and baroque decorations once home to Bavarian royalty. Pause for a light lunch in the palace’s courtyard café, surrounded by ornate sculptures.

evening
:

Stroll down Maximilianstrasse for upscale window shopping before settling into a cozy beer garden for a Weissbier and savory Obatzda cheese spread. Listen to a live accordion player setting the Bavarian mood. Head back to Garching by train, enjoying the city lights reflecting on the S-Bahn tracks.

day 4
Nature Retreat at English Garden
morning
:

Bring a picnic basket filled with pastries and fruit and take the tram to the English Garden’s northern entrance. Meander along winding paths, spotting the Chinese Tower pagoda and vibrant flowerbeds. Relax by the gentle streams, listening to birdsong in this urban oasis.

afternoon
:

Rent a paddleboat on the Kleinhesseloher See and glide across the water under a canopy of trees. Refuel with bratwurst and a cold Radler at the lakeside beer garden. Explore hidden trails leading to the surfers at the Eisbach wave, cheering on their spectacular tricks.

evening
:

Enjoy sunset views atop Monopteros, a Greek-style temple overlooking the park. Dine at a rustic beer garden nestled among chestnut trees, sampling hearty pork knuckles and sauerkraut. Return to Garching by tram, savoring the tranquil transition from city to suburb.

day 5
Day Trip to Dachau
morning
:

Board the S-Bahn for a 25-minute ride to Dachau and visit the historic Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. Join a guided tour to gain respectful insight into its somber history and pay tribute to the victims. Spend time reflecting in the memorial park’s tranquil gardens.

afternoon
:

Walk through Dachau’s old town, admiring medieval architecture and the charming market square. Have lunch at a traditional bakery, tasting freshly baked breads and local pastries. Visit the Dachau Palace gardens for picturesque views over the town and surrounding countryside.

evening
:

Return to Garching for a relaxing dinner at a family-run pizzeria offering wood-fired pizzas and salads. Share stories from the day’s emotional experience with newfound friends. Enjoy a calming evening walk along the campus lake, listening to frogs croaking.

day 6
Bavarian Traditions and Brewery Visit
morning
:

Start with a traditional Weißwurst breakfast at a local butcher’s shop in Garching. Learn about the origins of each sausage and sample them with sweet mustard and pretzels. Chat with the butcher about Bavaria’s culinary heritage.

afternoon
:

Take a guided tour of the nearby Garching brewery, exploring copper kettles and fermentation rooms. Sample a flight of house-made lagers and ales, noting the subtle taste differences. Enjoy a hearty lunch at the brewery’s brewpub, sharing the communal tables with jovial locals.

evening
:

Join a Bavarian folk music evening in a rustic hall, dancing the polka and waltz with new acquaintances. Indulge in steins of dark beer as live musicians play accordions and zithers. Finish the night with a stroll under festoon lights back to your accommodation.

day 7
Art and Architecture in Munich
morning
:

Take the S-Bahn to Königsplatz and explore the Glyptothek’s classical sculpture collection. Marvel at marble statues by ancient Greek and Roman masters. Stop for a mid-morning espresso at a nearby art café.

afternoon
:

Visit the Pinakothek der Moderne to immerse yourself in contemporary painting, design, and architecture exhibits. Absorb bold installations and thought-provoking pieces before lunch at the museum’s sleek restaurant. Wander through the adjacent modern art library, paging through rare design publications.

evening
:

Head back to Garching for a riverside dinner at a trendy fusion restaurant blending Bavarian and Asian flavors. Relax on the terrace overlooking the campus canals. Cap off the night with artisan ice creams as you stroll along the moonlit paths.

day 8
Isar River Adventure
morning
:

Grab a packed breakfast and rent kayaks near the city’s southern Isar bend. Paddle downstream, passing leafy banks and occasional weirs creating standing waves. Enjoy the refreshing splash of cool river water on a warm morning.

afternoon
:

Pull into the grassy banks for a picnic lunch under towering trees. Watch scientists and students swim and sunbathe along the shore. Continue your paddle to the Flaucher, where parkgoers gather for barbecues and live music.

evening
:

Return to Garching and unwind at a brewpub overlooking the river. Sip a German pilsner while recounting your river escapades. Take a twilight walk along the campus canal, reflecting on the day’s natural beauty.

day 9
Neuschwanstein Castle Excursion
morning
:

Set out early on a scenic train ride and bus connection to Schwangau. Hike up the forested path to Neuschwanstein Castle, inspired by fairy tales and King Ludwig II’s vision. Arrive before the crowds to admire the turrets and towers against a blue Alpine sky.

afternoon
:

Tour the castle’s opulent chambers, feasting your eyes on painted frescoes and ornate furnishings. Descend to Marienbrücke for postcard-worthy views of the castle perched above the Pöllat Gorge. Enjoy lunch at a mountain-side inn, sampling regional specialties like Kässpatzen.

evening
:

Return to Garching in the evening and savor a comforting Bavarian roast with red cabbage at a local tavern. Swap photos and stories of fairy-tale grandeur with fellow travelers. Finish with a quiet night stroll around the glowing campus grounds.

day 10
Local Cuisine and Farewell
morning
:

Begin your final day with a bakery crawl through Garching’s best patisseries, sampling buttery croissants and fruit tarts. Chat with bakers about traditional recipes passed through generations. Savor a strong coffee brewed just the Bavarian way.

afternoon
:

Join a cooking workshop to learn how to prepare käsespätzle and apple strudel from scratch. Laugh with new friends as you knead dough and stir cheese sauces under the guidance of a master chef. Feast on your homemade creations alongside fresh salads and regional wines.

evening
:

Conclude your journey with a festive dinner at a riverside gourmet restaurant, featuring seasonal Bavarian fare with a modern twist. Raise your glass to new friendships and unforgettable experiences. End the night by gazing at the Garching skyline, cherishing the memories you’ve made.

Discover Garching bei München

Read more in our Garching bei München 2025 Travel Guide.

Garching bei München Travel Guide