Stunning Castles, Monasteries and Palaces to Visit in Munich

August 31, 2025
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Munich is full of beautiful and historic buildings, including castles, monasteries and palaces. They make for incredible daytrips from the city and are often as beautiful inside as on the outside, with sweeping gardens. Here are some of my favourites for your next Munich daytrip inspiration:

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Table of Contents

My Favourite Castles, Cloisters and Palaces in Munich

1. Monastery Benediktbeuern

This beautiful monastery is only a little over an hour from Munich central by train and well worth a visit. The setting is stunning with the Bavarian Alps in the background, the inside and gardens are lovely and there are plenty of places to grab some food. Check out the Klosterbräustüberl for Bavarian food and often a live traditional band.

Just past the monastery, you will find a 1-2 hour walk full of fun activities including hanging bridges, a sound walk, a barefoot path, a mini zip line and even a pulley boat (at the Moorpfad). It’s a fantastic way to spend a sunny weekend day!

2. Munich Residence

If you want to see a palace without leaving Munich central, Munich Residence is your place. The impressive exterior is a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism and used to be home to Bavarian rulers until 1918.

The interior is just as beautiful with tickets starting at just 10€.

3. Schloss Nymphenburg

Schloss Nymphenburg is right by the Munich Botanic Gardens, which is also well worth a visit and makes for a great combination. My favourite part of this palace are the gardens with lakes, fountains and gorgeous flower arrays.

It’s also located only a short tram ride away from Munich Central, so makes for a great afternoon activity.

Top Tip: there is incredible ice cream nearby at Patagon Helados Romanplatz.

4. Schloss Dachau

Another castle with incredible gardens is Schloss Dachau. They are huge with lovely flower displays that are always very well maintained. From the garden terraces, you also get amazing views over Munich on a clear day.

I think it is important to mention that if you head to Dachau, you should also visit the Concentration Camp Memorial Site on the other side of the city. It is educational, shocking and an important reminder of the horrific history of the area.

5. Andechs Monastery

If you are looking for an easy 1.5 hour hike to a beautiful monastery with a great beer garden, this is the perfect daytrip from Munich. I have done the trip to Andechs countless times with my family over the years and it is always just as beautiful.

The abbey itself is full of stunning paintings and the views are amazing. Start the hike from Herrsching am Ammersee.

6. Schlossanlage Schleißheim

This palace is as gorgeous on the inside as on the outside, though I, once again, particularly love the gardens. They are simply stunning and their perfect symmetry never ceases to amaze me.

After lots of walking and marvelling at the palace, there is also a great beer garden on site!

7. Fürstenfeld Monastery

Located a 30-minute train away from central Munich, this monastery is a true gem. It is a gorgeous complex, both inside and out, with lots of things to explore and another beer garden right on site.

They also have medieval themed events here every now and then, which are super fun to visit.

Honorary Mention: Asamkirche

I couldn’t finish this guide of stunning historic buildings in Munich without arguably the most impressive church in the city – the Asamkirche. It is meticulously decorated, every inch covered in gold, decorations and figurines.

Built between 1733 and 1746, the church measures only 22 x 8 metres. It was originally meant to be a private church, hence the overwhelming design, however, was made public after push-back by the public.

The church is designed so that the bottom part, representing earth and suffering, is dark and gloomy, while the top becomes lighter and heavenly, something you will strongly feel when standing at its centre.