Munich to Dachau: Private Guided Memorial Tour by Train

Summary

Walk Dachau’s grounds with a private guide from Munich by train

You’ll travel from Munich by train with a certified private guide who helps you understand Dachau’s history in real detail. Walk through original sites like the “Arbeit macht frei” gate and crematoriums, hear personal stories of prisoners, and visit the museum together before returning quietly to Munich—it stays with you longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at Dachau wasn’t what I expected—it was the sound of gravel under our shoes, sharp and steady, as we followed our guide past the old gate. The “Arbeit macht frei” sign is right there, plain as day, but it’s the silence that really gets under your skin. Our guide—Anna—met us at Munich Hauptbahnhof and chatted about the city on the train ride out, but she grew quieter as we got closer. I guess we all did.

I kept noticing little things: the way Anna paused before telling us about the camp’s administration building, or how she let us linger at the rail platform where prisoners arrived. She pointed out details I’d have missed—the roughness of the brickwork, faded photos in the museum, that chill in the air even though it was June. There were moments when I didn’t know what to ask, but Anna never rushed us. She shared stories about former prisoners—one name stuck with me but I still can’t pronounce it right—and explained how people come here now to remember. It felt respectful, not like a history lesson you forget after lunch.

We had time to walk through the crematorium and see inside some of the barracks. Honestly, I needed a minute alone after that. Anna said that’s normal—she’s led this private guided tour of Dachau for years and still finds new things every visit. On the way back to Munich (train tickets are included), we talked less; just watched fields slip past outside the window. It’s hard to say much after seeing Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site up close—you just carry it with you for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private tour to Dachau Memorial

• Meet guide at Munich hotel or station
• Take train to Dachau
• Take bus to Dachau Memorial Site
• Explore camp with guide
• See Arbeit macht frei gateway
• Visit administration headquarters
• View rail platform and crematorium
• Visit museum and watch documentary
• Return by train to Munich

Top questions

How do I get from Munich to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site?

Your guide meets you at your hotel or Munich Central Station and takes you by train and bus to Dachau; all transport costs are covered in the tour price.

Is this a private guided tour of Dachau?

Yes, this is a fully private tour led by an officially certified English-speaking guide.

How long does the tour last?

The total time is 4 to 5 hours including travel from Munich, touring Dachau Memorial Site for about 3 hours, and returning together.

Are children allowed on this tour?

No, children age 13 and under are not permitted on tours of Dachau according to memorial site rules.

Can I ask questions or focus on specific topics during the tour?

Yes, your guide tailors commentary based on your interests—you can ask questions throughout.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

You can choose hotel pickup in central Munich or meet your guide at Munich Central Station; both options are included.

What sites will I see at Dachau?

You’ll see original features like the gatehouse (“Arbeit macht frei”), administration headquarters, bunkers, crematoriums, rail platform, and museum exhibits.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your certified private guide either at your centrally located hotel in Munich or directly at Munich Central Station. All train tickets from Munich to Dachau (and back) are covered in your booking. You’ll explore Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site together for about three hours—including key locations like the gatehouse and museum—before returning together by train to Munich.