Highlights in Munich's Surrounding Region

Freising - the Old Episcopal Town at River Isar

You know nothing about Old Bavaria if you haven't seen Freising!

Located in the northeast of Munich, Upper Bavaria's oldest city (almost 1300 years old) can be reached in 25 minutes by car. The romanesque cathedral at the top of the Domberg mountain and various other historic monuments await your visit. Freising's Diocesan Museum, the largest clerical art collection in Germany, is highly recommended for museum fans.

Picturesque places, alleys and corners are great places to stroll and look around. Traditional style is as common as students' flair.

Don't forget to take a walk to Weihenstephan mountain and its "green" university center, the lovely gardens and the world's oldest brewery along with its pub - Old Bavarian hospitality means a lot in Freising! Various excursions to Munich or Lower Bavaria with its scenic and cultural sights can be taken from Freising.

The whole wide world is not far away either, Munich airport is in close vicinity of Freising and every country on the globe comes within reach.

Upper Bavarian Dachau is a Town of Contrasts

Dachau experienced many historical events and changes. The castle of the counts of Dachau was built in the 12th century and is located near the town market, today's historic district. A four-winged Renaissance style castle was built on Dachau's highest point by the Wittelsbach familiy from 1546 to 1573, which became the preferred country residence of Munich's aristocrats due to its appealing location.

Its remaining west wing has been the venue of the renowned Castle Concert Series, one of the town's cultural highlights, for more than 25 years.

Dachau and the Dachau concentration camp became the synonym for the inhuman terror of the national socialist regime. Active remembrance to the victims is borne to this very day. The concentration camp memorial provides information in its museum and archive, numerous other events such as the annual contemporary history symposium bear remembrance. Apart from contemporary history, art and culture are deeply ingrained in Dachau. In former times one of 10 inhabitants used to be a painter and the city is also today characterized by many artists painters. Together with Worpswede, Dachau became the most significant german art colony at the turn of the century and still belongs to the most important European Artist's Towns and Cities.

Dachau is an attractive destination throuout the year due to a range of events: the traditional christmas market with varying christmas attractions guarantees tranquil hours; action, however, is found at Dachau's funfair, which has been held for 120 years.

Grünwald

If there were an award for Bavaria’s most central recreational destination, it would certainly go to Grünwald: Only twelve kilometers south of the provincial capital of Munich, it unfolds its romance and natural beauties. It looks down from its high altitude look-out terraces into Isartal Valley which has lost nothing of its unspoilt character. Both its pride and landmark is the recently renovated, castellated hunting lodge that once belonged to the Bavarian dukes of the 15th century. Its walls now hold a museum with alternating exhibitions.

Grünwald’s many guests are welcomed not only by excellent hotels and restaurants, but also by the youth band and the folklore club with their many concerts and events. Germany’s film factory “Bavaria” is based here, offering guided tours around the premises. And all the excitement of the near-by Munich is just a cozy tram ride away.

If sports are your thing, Grünwald offers you a fitness trail through the forest, tennis courts, horse riding opportunities, or a refreshing bath in the Isar River. Other tourist destinations include the Forest Experience Center in Wörnbrunn – on the way there lies a large playground – and the „Georgenstein“, an erratic block right in the middle of the Isar River.

The Isar is a “green” river. Not a “commercial” one, but well-preserved nature; more of a “restaurant river” really, which can be found everywhere near the river. During the warmer seasons, Isar Rafts glide by – their joyous crews perform the song of the Grünwald Knights (“Grünwalder Rittersleut”) below the castle. “Surrounded by nothing but green forest” remarked Bavarian engraver Wening in 1701 in respect to this place, and that’s how it has remained to this day. Nothing but trees, framed by the Alps. Systematically developed through a network of hiking, walking, cycling paths, the Grünwald Forest offers 2,400 ha of Paradise.

Schäftlarn monastery - glorious views to the Isar valley

Schäftlarn with its neighbourhoods Ebenhausen, Hohenschäftlarn, Kloster Schäftlarn (Schäftlarn monastery), Neufahrn and Zell is among the most beautiful places high above the valley of River Isar.

It is the ideal starting point for short-distance and long-distance excursions to the five lake country, the Alps and Bavaria's capital Munich with its innumerable sights.