Munich to Dachau: Memorial Site Tour by Train & Guide

Summary

Munich day trip to Dachau by train with stories that linger

You’ll journey from Munich by train with a small group and local guide who shares personal stories at Dachau Memorial Site. Expect time for quiet reflection among historic buildings and memorials before returning together. This isn’t just another day trip — it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

What do you even say when you’re standing at the entrance to Dachau? I kept thinking about that as we left Munich’s old Mullersches Volksbad behind and caught the local train north. Our guide, Thomas, didn’t talk much at first — just pointed out little things through the window, like a bakery he liked or how the suburbs changed since he was a kid. The ride was maybe 25 minutes but felt longer; there’s this slow hush that settles over everyone, even before you get there.

I’d read about the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site before, but walking those gravel paths is different. The air smelled faintly of wet stone and grass — it had rained earlier. Thomas led us through the old gates and just let us stand there for a minute. No rush. He told us stories about prisoners arriving in 1933, how some locals still remember what it sounded like when trains pulled in. There’s a heaviness in the silence here; even the birds seemed quieter than usual.

I didn’t expect how much I’d notice small things — chipped paint on barrack doors, someone quietly leaving a white rose near the memorial. At one point Thomas explained something in German to an older visitor, then switched back to English for us without missing a beat. I tried to ask about one of the sculptures (my German is terrible), and he just smiled and answered in both languages so everyone could follow along. We spent almost three hours at Dachau; it didn’t feel long or short — time sort of stretched out. By the end, I realized I’d barely touched my water bottle or snacks.

The train back to Munich was quiet again, but not heavy this time — more thoughtful. I still think about that moment at the gate, honestly. If you’re considering this day trip from Munich to Dachau with a guide, just know it’s less about “seeing” and more about feeling what happened here — and maybe carrying some of that home with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dachau Memorial Site Tour from Munich

• Meet staff at starting location
• Travel to Dachau Memorial Site
• Take 3-hour guided tour
• Return to starting location

Top questions

How do you get from Munich to Dachau Concentration Camp?

The tour includes round-trip transportation by local train and bus between Munich (starting at Mullersches Volksbad) and the Dachau Memorial Site.

How long does the guided tour at Dachau last?

The guided portion at Dachau Memorial Site lasts around three hours.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No meals are included; visitors should bring their own refreshments as there are none available inside the Memorial.

Can children join the Dachau tour?

No, children under 13 are not permitted on this tour according to site rules.

Where does the tour start and end in Munich?

The meeting point is Mullersches Volksbad in Munich; tours return there after visiting Dachau.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will we have a professional guide during our visit?

Yes, an authorized guide leads your group through the site and shares historical context throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your group in central Munich, return transportation by local train and bus to Dachau Memorial Site, and a guided three-hour walk through key areas of the camp before heading back together to Munich’s city center.