Munich to Dachau: Memorial Tour by Train & Guided Walk

Summary

Stories and silence at Dachau’s memorial with a guide from Munich

You’ll travel from Munich to Dachau by train with a local guide who brings context and care to each step through the memorial site. Walk through cells and barracks, hear personal stories behind historical facts, and watch a powerful documentary before returning together — an experience that stays with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

“This isn’t just history — it’s memory,” our guide Markus said quietly as we stepped off the train from Munich. I remember his voice more than anything right then, low but steady. The ride out took about 25 minutes, but honestly, it felt longer in my head. I kept looking at the fields sliding past the window, trying to imagine what people must have thought on their way here decades ago. The air was chilly — not freezing, but enough that you notice it on your skin. Markus led us towards the entrance of Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site without much small talk. It felt right not to fill the space with words.

I didn’t expect how quiet everyone would be once we passed through the gates. You hear gravel crunching underfoot and sometimes a bird — that’s about it. Markus pointed out details I’d never have noticed alone: graffiti scratched into cell doors, the shape of old uniforms in faded photos, even a tree that still stands near the barracks. He told us about Munich’s role in all this — how close everything was, really — and I caught myself glancing back toward where we’d come from. There was a moment in one of the rooms where someone’s perfume mixed with that cold stone smell; weird how senses stick like that.

The museum part hits different after you’ve walked outside for a while. We watched a 22-minute documentary (it’s in English), and I’ll admit, I had to look away for parts of it. Markus didn’t rush anyone; he just waited by the door, nodding if you caught his eye. At some point he shared a story about a survivor who visited last year — apparently she’d stood in front of her old barrack for almost an hour without saying anything. That image stuck with me more than any display.

We finished up near one of the memorial sculptures — people lingered there longer than anywhere else. On the way back to Munich, nobody really talked much until we were almost home. I still think about that silence sometimes; it felt heavy but also kind of necessary, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Tour

• Travel from Munich by train
• Guided tour of memorial site
• Visit cells, barracks, gas chamber
• Explore museum exhibits and pictures
• Watch 22-minute documentary film
• Pay respects at memorial site

Top questions

How do you get from Munich to Dachau Concentration Camp?

You travel by train from Munich with your guide included in this tour.

Is there a guided tour at Dachau Memorial Site?

Yes, a fully trained local guide leads you through all areas of the memorial site.

How long is the Dachau tour from Munich?

This is a half-day tour including travel time between Munich and Dachau.

Are children allowed on this tour?

No, children under 14 years are not allowed on this tour.

Is transportation included in the Dachau tour?

Yes, public transport (train) from Munich is included with your guide.

Is there an English-language documentary at Dachau?

Yes, there is a 22-minute documentary film in English shown during the visit.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and the site are wheelchair accessible.

What is included in this Dachau Memorial tour?

The tour includes all taxes and fees plus guidance throughout your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes guided round-trip travel by train from Munich to Dachau Memorial Site, entry to all areas including museum and documentary screening, plus all taxes and handling fees covered so you can focus fully on what matters most during your visit.