Berlin to Munich train

Things to do in Munich for every season

The capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s most enchanting cities, Munich is an essential destination for anyone looking to soak up some German culture. Steeped in medieval history, renowned for its beer halls, and bursting with museums and cultural attractions, there’s always something to keep you occupied when in Munich, whatever the time of year. With services taking as little as 3h 53m, catching the Berlin to Munich train couldn’t be more convenient.

Munich in springtime

Catching the train from Berlin to Munich during the spring? This time of year is packed with festivals and annual events welcoming in the sunshine. Springfest is a particular favourite with locals and visitors, offering all the attractions of Oktoberfest. Savour the best German beer around, explore food halls and dine on local delicacies, or enjoy a go on a fairground ride. Starting in late April and running until the second week of May, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the fun if you’re heading into Munich for a springtime getaway.

Need a break from sightseeing and keen to escape heaving crowds and the usual tourist traps? With the sunshine setting in and the temperatures rising, escape to one of Munich’s many parks. There are gorgeous green spaces aplenty in Munich, with the sprawling English Garden being a particular favourite. Home to its very own lake and boasting stunning views of the city skyline, it’s the perfect place to kick back and unwind when you need a break from it all.

Need to take a load off? Whether it’s a lazy afternoon or an early start on a night out, Munich’s beer gardens come alive in spring. Most of the city’s famous beer halls offer outdoor spaces where you can enjoy a spot of al fresco drinking and dining. Worried you won’t find a seat? Head to Königlicher Hirschgarten, the largest beer garden in the city with space for 8,000.

Summertime events in Munich

Come the summer, the city comes alive with a packed schedule of concerts, folk festivals, and other annual cultural attractions. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, think about spending some time at the Summerfestival at Olympic Park. Perfect for a family-friendly day out, you’ll find a good selection of fairground rides, merchant stalls, and water sports on Olympic Lake.

If you’re looking to shop for souvenirs during your summertime stay in the city, the Magdalenenfest in the Hirschgarten is the place to be. One of Munich’s best-loved folk festivals, this summer event brings together merchants selling all manner of goods. Perfect if you’re looking for a spot of retail therapy or want to stock up on one-of–a-kind buys.

In the market for classical live music? The Munich Opera Festival of the city’s summertime calendar. Enjoy live music from some of the first classical musicians in the world, take in a ballet performance, or immerse yourself in live theater in the glorious surroundings of the Bavarian State Opera.

What to do in Munich in autumn

Visiting in autumn? During the fall season, Oktoberfest takes center stage. The largest folk festival in the world, Oktoberfest is a must for beer lovers, but welcomes everyone. Every year, millions of visitors flock to this annual event, with a huge range of pop-up beer halls, eateries, amusement rides, and more on offer. If you are looking to indulge in a glass of beer or two, you’ll be glad to know that all of Munich’s main breweries are present and accounted for. Look out for them during the festival’s staple entry parade.

If you’re a music lover with a taste for the classics, October also plays host to the annual Munich Bach festival. This event brings together contributions from a wide variety of artists from across Bavaria, all inspired by the life and works of Bach himself.

Munich’s winter wonders

In winter, the city’s streets are transformed as the annual Christmas markets roll into town. There are actually several main Christmas markets to enjoy, with Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz among the most popular. Whether you’re heading here or deciding to enjoy one of the smaller markets elsewhere in the city, you’ll be able to explore stalls for bespoke gifts, stock up on festive favourites, and savour seasonal staples like mulled wine and stollen.

Are you visiting with little ones? Explore the city in seasonal style with a ride on the Christkindlt Tram, a festive-themed tram that departs from Sendlinger Tor and meanders through much of Munich’s Old Town.

If the cold’s getting too much for your liking and you’re looking to kick back and relax, why not make ditch sightseeing for a few hours and head to the spa instead. Munich is home to several standout spa complexes, with the Nordbad and Südbad both particularly popular. At both, you’ll find swimming pool access alongside more premium spa facilities like saunas and treatment rooms.