Munich City Tour and Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Day Trip from Frankfurt

Munich City Tour and Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Day Trip from Frankfurt

This full-day tour from Frankfurt offers a powerful combination of history and city sightseeing, priced at $689.37 per person. The tour spans approximately 14 hours, providing a comprehensive visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site and Munich’s top sights. The trip departs from Wiesenhüttenpl. 38 at 8:30 am, with transportation provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach. While the journey involves about 4 hours of travel one way, the tour’s highlights include a guided exploration of Dachau and a richly detailed Munich city tour.

This experience suits visitors interested in history, culture, and architecture, although it requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to the walking involved at the stops. The tour is also noted for its professional guides and audio guides in nine languages, enhancing the understanding of historic sites. One of the main limitations is the long drive, which some reviews suggest could affect the overall time available at Dachau. Still, this trip provides a meaningful and well-organized way to see both locations in one day, especially for those eager to understand Germany’s past alongside its vibrant capital.

Key Points

• Full-day guided trip from Frankfurt to Munich and Dachau lasting about 14 hours.
• Visit Dachau Concentration Camp, including prison bunkers and gas chambers, with an expert guide.
• Explore Munich’s top sights, such as Marienplatz, the Old Town Hall, Frauenkirche, and the Hofbräuhaus beer hall.
• Transportation is by luxury coach, with audio guides available in 9 languages.
• The tour includes entrance to Dachau and guided commentary, but food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included.
• Long driving times may limit the time spent at Dachau for some visitors, and the tour involves moderate walking.
• Highly rated guides and well-organized visits make this a meaningful experience, despite some mixed reviews on pacing.

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site: An Intense Historical Visit

The tour begins with a 4-hour coach journey from Frankfurt to Dachau, where a guided tour leads through the site of the first Nazi concentration camp in Germany. The guide takes visitors through photographs, documents, reconstructed cell blocks, and the crematorium and administration buildings. The site offers a chance to see the prison bunkers and gas chambers, helping visitors grasp the scale and horror of the Holocaust.

The expert guide shares little-known facts about the camp, including stories about Nazi figures like Heinrich Himmler. The admission to Dachau is free, and the visit typically lasts around 2 hours. Some reviews mention that the experience at Dachau can be quite sobering, emphasizing the importance of respectful reflection during the visit. The guided tour ensures that visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of this dark chapter in history.

Munich’s Landmarks: From Marienplatz to Frauenkirche

After returning to Munich, travelers are given free time to grab lunch and explore on their own before rejoining the guide for a comprehensive city tour. The Munich highlights include the Old Town Hall, Marienplatz, and the Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady (Frauenkirche), which is widely regarded as a symbol of Munich.

The guide leads visitors through the city’s main square, Marienplatz, since 1158, and explains the history behind this lively hub. A highlight is climbing the south tower of Frauenkirche for breathtaking views of Munich and the Alps. Plus, the Hofbräuhaus beer hall, dating back to the 16th century, offers a chance to see Munich’s beer-loving culture firsthand. The tour also mentions other notable sites like the Deutsches Museum and the Munich National Theatre, though these are outside the main itinerary.

The Detailed Itinerary: Stops and Highlights

The tour schedule includes three main stops:

• Old Town Hall: Visitors spend about 3 hours exploring Munich’s Old Town, including Viktualienmarkt and other attractions. This stop offers free admission and a chance to admire Gothic architecture and lively markets.

• Dachau Concentration Camp: The guided visit here lasts around 2 hours, focusing on the memorial area and the history of the first Nazi camp. The admission is free, but the emotional impact is significant, making it essential to approach with respect and reflection.

• Departure from Frankfurt: The coach departs from ETS Touristik GmbH at 15 minutes from the Dachau site, concluding back at the meeting point in Frankfurt.

These stops are designed to balance historical education with city sightseeing, though some reviews highlight the long drive and limited time at Dachau, which could be challenging for those who want a more relaxed pace.

Guides and Language Support: Knowledgeable and Helpful

The tour features professional guides who provide insights into both Munich’s architecture and Dachau’s history. Audio guides are available in 9 languages, helping non-German speakers engage fully with the sites. Multiple reviews praise guides like Thomas and Andre, describing them as friendly, professional, and informative.

The guides’ storytelling adds depth to the experience, helping visitors understand the historical context and personal stories linked to Dachau and Munich’s landmarks. Some reviews note that the guides are patience and knowledgeable, which enhances the overall experience despite some criticisms about pacing and focus.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Transportation, and Accessibility

The meeting point is conveniently located in central Frankfurt at Wiesenhüttenpl. 38. The coach used for transportation is luxury and air-conditioned, making the long journey more comfortable. The trip starts at 8:30 am, with the return to Frankfurt in the evening, around 9 pm.

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, as the tour involves walking at the stops and some uphill climbs, especially at Frauenkirche. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which can provide a more personalized experience. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so travelers need to make their own arrangements to reach the meeting point.

Cost and Value: Balancing Price with Experience

At $689.37 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day combining historic and urban sights. The price includes transport, guided tours, and entry to Dachau. However, food and drinks are not included, so visitors should plan accordingly for meals and snacks.

While the cost may seem high, reviews suggest that the guides’ expertise and organized itinerary deliver good value. Nonetheless, some reviews mention that the long travel times could detract from the overall experience, especially if time at Dachau feels rushed.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This trip is best suited for history enthusiasts and culture lovers who are comfortable with long days and moderate walking. It caters to those wanting an immersive understanding of Germany’s past and a chance to see Munich’s iconic landmarks. The guided commentary, audio support, and well-structured stops make it an informative and engaging experience.

However, travelers seeking a more relaxed pace or more time at Dachau might find the schedule a bit rushed. The long drive and full-day commitment make this tour ideal for those ready for an intensive exploration rather than a leisurely visit.

Final Thoughts on the Munich and Dachau Day Trip

This full-day tour from Frankfurt offers a thought-provoking journey into Germany’s history combined with a lively exploration of Munich. Despite some criticisms about the long bus ride, the guided tours, expert commentary, and notable sites deliver a meaningful experience.

The professional guides and audio support enhance understanding, while the visits to Dachau and Munich’s main attractions provide a balanced mix of reflection and sightseeing. It suits travelers eager to maximize their day with a focus on history and culture, although a longer visit might be preferable for those deeply interested in Dachau’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the entrance to Dachau paid or free?
The entrance to Dachau Concentration Camp is free of charge.

How long does the coach journey take?
The journey from Frankfurt to Dachau takes approximately 4 hours, with similar time back to Frankfurt.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes transport by luxury coach, guided tour of Dachau, audio guides in 9 languages during Munich sightseeing, and admission to Dachau.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included; travelers should plan to buy lunch during free time in Munich.

What are the main stops during the city tour?
Stops include Old Town Hall, Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and Hofbräuhaus.

Is this tour suitable for all physical levels?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking and some uphill parts at Frauenkirche.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What language support is available?
Audio guides are available in 9 languages, and guides speak English fluently.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private tour, meaning only your group participates.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Wiesenhüttenpl. 38, Frankfurt, with the return scheduled around 9 pm.