Munich to Dachau: Memorial Site Day Tour by Train & Guide

Summary

History’s weight at Dachau, stories echoing on a day trip from Munich

You’ll travel from Munich by train with a small group and an experienced guide who shares honest stories at Dachau Memorial Site. Walk where history happened, see original buildings and memorials up close, and return with a new perspective you can’t get from books alone.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it actually feels like to walk through the gates of Dachau? I didn’t know what to expect when we met our guide under that white and blue umbrella in Marienplatz — honestly, I was a little nervous. The train ride out of Munich was quiet, almost like everyone was saving their words for later. Our guide, Anna, gave us a quick rundown and then we transferred to the bus, following the same route prisoners once walked. That hit me harder than I thought it would. The air felt heavy even before we arrived at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site.

I still remember the crunch of gravel under my shoes as we stepped through the Jourhaus gate. Anna spoke softly but clearly, pointing out where roll calls happened and explaining how the camp started — she didn’t sugarcoat anything. Sometimes she’d pause and let us just stand there in silence. There was this faint smell of damp stone inside the old barracks; it made everything feel closer somehow. At one point, I tried reading a plaque in German and butchered the pronunciation — Anna smiled but didn’t correct me, which felt kind.

The hardest part for me was seeing Barrack X and realizing what those rooms meant. Some people in our group just stood quietly or held hands — no one really looked at each other much right then. We saw memorials from different faiths and heard about survivors who returned years later. On the way back to Munich, nobody talked for a while. And yet, I’m glad I went. If you’re thinking about this day trip from Munich to Dachau, just know it’s not easy but it stays with you — in a way that matters.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dachau Memorial Site guided tour

• Meet guide at Marienplatz
• Transfer by train and bus to Dachau
• Visit Dachau Memorial Site with guide
• Return to Marienplatz

Top questions

How long is the Dachau tour from Munich?

The full tour lasts about 6 hours including travel time between Munich and Dachau.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Marienplatz in central Munich, in front of Ludwig Beck store.

Is transportation included?

Yes, round-trip train and bus transfers between Munich and Dachau are included.

Who leads the tour at Dachau?

A professional guide accompanies you from Munich throughout the visit to Dachau Memorial Site.

What age is required for this tour?

Participants must be 14 years or older due to site regulations; proof of age may be requested.

How much time do you spend at Dachau itself?

You spend around 4 hours at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site with your guide.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No meals are included; it's recommended to bring snacks or eat before/after the tour.

Can you bring children under 14?

No, children under 13 are not permitted on this tour as per memorial site rules.

What’s included

Your day starts in central Munich where you meet your guide holding a white and blue umbrella at Marienplatz. Round-trip shared train and bus transfers are covered as you travel together to Dachau Memorial Site for a guided four-hour visit before returning to your starting point in Munich’s city center.