Munich to Dachau: Small Group Memorial Tour by Train

Summary

Walk the Dachau Memorial with context, stories & quiet moments

You’ll travel from Munich by train with a licensed guide who shares real stories and context along the way. Walk through every public area of Dachau Memorial Site in a small group, pausing for reflection at key points like the Jourhaus gate and former barracks. Expect honest conversation and space for your own thoughts—this half-day tour leaves an emotional mark.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Dachau before I realized how quiet our group had gotten. The train from Munich was only about 25 minutes, but it felt longer — maybe because our guide, Anna, started sharing these details about the camp’s beginnings and the rise of the Nazi party. She spoke softly, almost like she didn’t want to disturb anyone else in the carriage. There was this moment when she pointed out the fields outside and said some prisoners saw them for the first time in years only at liberation. That stuck with me.

The walk from the station to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site isn’t far, maybe ten minutes or so. It was colder than I expected — my hands kept finding their way into my pockets — and there was this dampness in the air that made everything feel heavier. Anna paused at the Jourhaus gate and let us take in those iron letters: ARBEIT MACHT FREI. I’d seen photos before, but standing there felt different. Someone behind me whispered something in German; I didn’t catch it, but it sounded like a prayer.

Inside, we moved slowly through each area — registration rooms, barracks outlines, even where SS officers trained. Anna told us stories about individuals who survived and others who didn’t make it out. She explained how Dachau became a model for other camps and what happened after liberation in 1945. At one point, I touched one of the cold stone walls without really thinking about it; it was rougher than I expected. No one rushed us. Even with a small group (I think we were maybe twelve?), people drifted apart sometimes to stand alone or just listen to the wind rattling old leaves along the paths.

I didn’t expect to feel much hunger or thirst during those hours — not sure anyone did — but there are places for snacks back at Munich if you need them after. The return train was quieter still; Anna answered questions gently if anyone asked. I still think about that view from the platform as we left Dachau behind, sky all grey and flat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dachau Memorial Half-Day Tour

• Depart Marienplatz Munich at 9:00
• Travel by train to Dachau Memorial
• Visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
• Learn about Nazi rise and camp history
• Explore main gate house and camp areas
• Study prisoner registration and Kristallnacht
• Return to Munich by 14:00

Top questions

How long is the Dachau tour from Munich?

The tour lasts about 5 hours total, including travel time between Munich and Dachau by train.

Is transportation included in this Dachau day trip?

Yes, public transport costs between Munich and Dachau are included in your booking.

How many people are on each small-group tour?

The maximum group size is 18 guests per tour.

Are children allowed on guided tours at Dachau?

No, children under 14 are not permitted to join guided tours at the memorial site.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour start in Munich?

The meeting point is Marienplatz in downtown Munich; please arrive by 8:45am for check-in.

Will there be food or drinks provided during the tour?

No refreshments or snacks are provided during the tour itself; you can buy them before departure or after returning to Munich.

What will we see at Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site?

You’ll visit all public areas including registration rooms, barracks outlines, SS training grounds, Jourhaus gatehouse, and more.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip train tickets from Munich to Dachau with your fully licensed professional guide leading every step inside the memorial site; all public areas accessible to visitors are covered together as a small group before returning to central Munich early afternoon.