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

Summary

Walk Dachau’s history from Munich by train with a local guide

You’ll travel from Munich by train with a licensed guide who shares stories as you explore every part of Dachau Memorial Site — barracks, crematoriums, gas chamber, and museum exhibition included. Expect honest conversation and quiet moments that linger long after you return to Marienplatz.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound of shoes scuffing on Marienplatz — everyone waiting, some quietly chatting, some just checking their watches. Our guide held up a black-and-white sign for the Dachau Memorial Tour, and that’s how we found each other in the morning shuffle. I didn’t expect to feel nervous about a day trip to Dachau from Munich, but there it was — a little knot in my stomach as we boarded the S-Bahn together. The train ride was maybe twenty minutes, but it felt longer because of what was coming.

Dachau itself is only about 10 miles outside Munich, which somehow makes it more real. Our guide — Anna — started sharing stories before we even arrived. She spoke quietly but clearly, and sometimes paused when she said something heavy. The air at the memorial felt colder than in town, even though it was just late spring. We walked through the gates together; someone behind me whispered “Arbeit macht frei” under their breath. I tried not to stare too long at the iron letters.

Walking through the barracks, I remember touching one of the wooden bunks (gently — you almost feel like you shouldn’t touch anything here). Anna explained how prisoners lived and survived here; she pointed out small details I would’ve missed alone — like scratch marks on walls or how silent it gets near the crematorium. At one point I lost track of our group for a second just reading names in the museum exhibition. There’s a lot to take in — photos, letters, lists of names — and honestly, some moments are hard to process right away.

We had time to wander quietly before heading back to Munich together. On the train home, nobody really talked much at first; then someone asked Anna about her own family history in Germany and she answered honestly. That stuck with me more than I expected. Even now, days later, I still think about that silence near the gas chamber — and how close Dachau is to everyday life in Munich.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dachau Memorial Site Tour from Munich

• Meet at Marienplatz tourist centre
• Take train to Dachau
• Tour Dachau Memorial Site
• Visit barracks and crematorium
• See gas chamber and bunker
• Explore museum exhibition
• Return by train to Marienplatz

Top questions

How far is Dachau from Munich?

Dachau is about 10 miles (16 km) outside Munich and reached by a 20-minute train ride included in the tour.

Are children allowed on this Dachau tour?

No, children under 14 are not permitted on these tours due to the sensitive nature of the site.

How long does the day trip to Dachau from Munich last?

The entire tour lasts around 5 hours including travel time between Munich and Dachau.

Is transportation included in this tour?

Yes, all transportation costs between Munich and Dachau are covered during your guided tour.

What will we see at Dachau Memorial Site?

You’ll visit all main areas: barracks, crematoriums, gas chamber, bunker punishment block, maintenance building and museum exhibition.

Where does this guided tour start?

The meeting point is outside the Tourist Information Center at Marienplatz in central Munich at 8:50am for a 9am departure.

Is lunch or refreshments included?

No meals are included; bringing your own refreshments is recommended as there’s no scheduled lunch stop during the visit.

Do I need special fitness for this tour?

A moderate level of physical fitness is needed as there’s quite a bit of walking involved throughout the memorial site.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation by train from central Munich with all costs covered for both journeys. A memorial-licensed guide leads you through every area of Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site and allows time for independent reflection inside its museum exhibition before returning together to Marienplatz.