Munich: WWII Sites & Dachau Memorial Full-Day Tour

Summary

Walk Munich’s WWII past from city streets to Dachau’s silence

You’ll stand where history happened—from Dachau’s silent grounds to Munich’s busy squares—guided by locals who share real stories and small details you won’t find in books. Expect honest moments: reading names aloud, noticing everyday life around heavy places, feeling both silence and laughter along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of gravel crunching under our shoes at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. It was quieter than I expected—just the wind moving through those old poplars. Our guide, Anna, barely raised her voice but every word seemed to land heavier here. She showed us the gate with “Arbeit macht frei” and I caught myself shivering, even though it wasn’t that cold. Someone behind me whispered in German, and it felt like time folded in on itself for a second.

I didn’t know what to say most of the time at Dachau. The rooms were spare, the air kind of stale, and you could almost smell old stone and something metallic. Anna told us about people who’d been imprisoned here—she said their names out loud, which felt important. When we left, nobody really talked for a while; I just kept thinking about how close this place is to Munich, like it’s right next door. That part surprised me.

Back in Munich’s old town, things felt louder—trams rattling by Marienplatz, people laughing outside cafés. We followed Anna through Königplatz where rallies once happened (it looks so normal now), then past buildings that used to be Gestapo headquarters. She pointed out little brass plaques in the sidewalk—Stolpersteine—for victims deported from these addresses. I tried reading one aloud; Li laughed when I butchered the name but helped me finish it anyway. Honestly, that small moment stuck with me more than I thought it would.

This day trip from Munich isn’t easy in some ways, but I’m glad we did it with someone who knew how to talk about both facts and feelings. The whole thing lasted about seven hours but parts of it still echo around my head sometimes—especially that quiet at Dachau.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Munich WWII Sites and Dachau Tour

• Meet at tour starting point
• Visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
• Walk tour of Munich Third Reich sites
• See Nazi Party marching grounds
• Tour ends at office

Top questions

How long does the Munich WWII & Dachau tour last?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel time between sites.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Munich?

No lunch is included; plan to bring snacks or eat during breaks in Munich.

Are children allowed on the Dachau Memorial Site tour?

No, children under 13 are not permitted at Dachau Memorial; proof of age may be required.

Does this tour include a local guide?

Yes, a local guide leads both the Dachau visit and WWII walking tour in Munich.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour begins and ends near Müllersches Volksbad in central Munich.

What sites are visited during this day trip from Munich?

You’ll visit Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site plus key WWII locations like Marienplatz and Königsplatz.

How do we travel between Munich and Dachau?

The group travels together; transport logistics are arranged by your guide as part of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided visit to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site with all entry fees covered, a 2.5-hour walking tour of key Third Reich locations across central Munich including Marienplatz and Königsplatz, plus expert commentary from your local guide throughout—all starting and ending near Müllersches Volksbad.