Discovering Burghausen Castle: The Perfect Day Trip from Munich
- Mojtaba Parvaneh
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Are you looking for the ultimate day trip from Munich? If you want to escape the busy city, explore a piece of history, and enjoy peaceful nature, Burghausen Castle (Burg Burghausen) should be at the top of your travel list.
Located right on the border between Germany and Austria, this hidden gem is officially the longest castle complex in the world, stretching across more than one kilometer!
Whether you are a photography lover, a history buff, or someone looking for a great weekend trip in Bavaria, here is everything you need to know about visiting Burghausen Castle, based on a personal trip taken in late May 2026.
How to Get to Burghausen from Munich by Train (Deutsche Bahn)
Public transport in Germany is always changing due to rail construction and schedule updates, so it is important to check the DB Navigator app before you leave. However, getting to Burghausen is very straightforward.
Our Journey (May 23, 2026): We started our day at Munich Central Station (München Hauptbahnhof) at 8:43 AM, catching the RB54 train. Because of ongoing changes with Deutsche Bahn, we first traveled to the town of Mühldorf, where we changed trains. We had to make one more quick transfer at another station before finally arriving at Burghausen after about 2.5 hours.
The Current Optimized Route: If you check the DB app today, the journey is even faster! It now takes only about 1 hour and 50 minutes. There is usually just one stop/transfer in Mühldorf. You simply catch the Regional Express (RE4) from Munich to Mühldorf, and then switch to the Regionalbahn (RB42) directly to Burghausen.
Arriving in Burghausen: First Impressions
Once you step off the train at Burghausen Bahnhof, the walk to the castle is quite short and very pleasant—about a 15-minute easy stroll. The town itself is incredibly clean, quiet, and beautiful.
If you have seen photos of Burghausen Castle online, you might expect a massive, sudden fortress gate. However, entering the castle feels very unique. The walking path leads you into the complex so smoothly that you barely realize you have crossed into a historic fortress!
Instead of a giant, intimidating entryway, it feels like a normal pathway where carts would traditionally pass over a massive, thick stone wall. Once you are inside, it feels almost like walking through a small, peaceful historic village built directly on top of the mountain ridge.
Exploring the World's Longest Castle
As you walk deeper into the complex, you will see various historical watchtowers that were once used to guard the area. The castle sits on a high ridge, giving you incredible, contrasting views on both sides:
On the left side: You look down at the beautiful flowing river that marks the border with Austria.
On the right side: You look down at the gorgeous Wöhrsee Lake, a crystal-clear and perfectly clean body of water.
The Inner Castle and Contrast of Nature
The closer you get to the very heart (the central core) of the castle, the more the traditional "castle vibe" stands out. While the inner courtyard itself isn't massive in open space, it is incredibly beautiful. The bright green trees growing amidst the gray, historic stonework create a stunning color contrast that is perfect for photos.
Museums and Tickets
Walking around the entire outdoor castle complex and its courtyards is completely free of charge and does not require a ticket. However, there are museums inside if you want to dive deeper into the history. On our visit, we decided to skip the museum interiors because we wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather and hike around the grounds, but it is a great option for visitors who love history!
Hiking and Swimming at Wöhrsee Lake
After exploring the main castle, we walked down the other side of the hill directly toward Wöhrsee Lake. The lake sits about 30 to 40 meters below the castle hill.
The path along the lakeside is perfect for a relaxing walk. The best part? The local community has set up a wonderful area right by the water specifically for lake swimming.
Even during a warm, sunny weekend in late May, this spot was not crowded at all. It felt like a cozy, hidden paradise. Taking a refreshing swim under the shadow of a medieval castle is an experience you cannot find just anywhere! If you visit during the warmer months, highly recommend bringing your swimsuit and a towel.
Final Travel Tips for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) so you can enjoy the lush green trees and swim in the lake.
What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, as the castle grounds stretch for over a kilometer on gravel and stone paths.
Food & Drink: There are lovely places to get food in the old town (Altstadt) just below the castle, or you can pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake.
In this guide, we answer questions about:
What are the best day trips from Munich by train?
Where to go for a weekend trip in Bavaria near the Austrian border?
What is the longest castle in the world near Munich?
Where can I go swimming in a lake near a castle in Germany?
What are the top historical places to visit near Munich?
How to travel from Munich to Burghausen by Deutsche Bahn?
What are the best hidden gems in Bavaria for photography?
Where can I find beautiful medieval castles to visit in Germany?
What are the best things to do in Burghausen Germany?
Where is a quiet and clean lake for swimming near Munich?
How long does it take to travel from Munich to Burghausen?
What are the best travel spots in Upper Bavaria for a summer day trip?
Where can I take great landscape and travel photos near Munich?
Is Burghausen Castle free to visit?
What is the best alternative to Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria?
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