Wellness weekend from Munich: Relaxed time out without a car

When your wellness weekend from Munich starts on the platform

Sometimes just a glance at the timetable is enough to feel everyday life slowly slipping away. No car, no traffic jams, no navigation. Just you, your suitcase – and the gentle hum of the train taking you out of the city and into the quiet. A wellness weekend from Munich is like a mini-escape from the noise, the rhythm, the "faster, further, louder" routine. And the best part: You don't need a car.

From our numerous stays in wellness hotels all over the world, we know how important and relaxing it is to plan such a break perfectly. Therefore, we took a look around to see what options there are in Munich and the surrounding area for a relaxing short break in a wellness hotel.

Because all around Munich – in the Alpine foothills, in the spa towns of Upper Bavaria, at Lake Tegernsee, or deep in the greenery of the Bavarian Forest – there are places where the concept of slowing down feels like a natural part of life. Places you can reach in a relaxed way by train – often in under two hours.

Introduce yourself:

You board the train at Munich Central Station on Friday afternoon, a gentle cappuccino in hand, and head south. An hour later, you disembark in Tegernsee, breathe deeply for the first time—and are picked up directly by the Bachmair Weissach hotel shuttle. In the evening, you glide through steaming warm onsen water while the Alps slowly disappear into the mist outside.

Or you can travel a little further, towards Garmisch, and get off in Klais – a tiny train station in the middle of nowhere. If you're in the mood for Alpine luxury, gourmet cuisine, and the gentle sounds of a piano, then Schloss Elmau awaits you on this very route – a place that has long since become a legend.

Of course, you can also spontaneously drive to Bad Aibling, just 45 minutes away, and immerse yourself in the soothing moor water at the Lindner Hotel with direct access to the thermal baths – perfect for a short trip with maximum effect.

No matter how far you want to travel, the luxury of these weekends doesn't start at the hotel. It begins with the decision to leave the car at home. Because taking the train not only makes your travels more sustainable, but also more conscious.

Because your wellness weekend from Munich doesn’t start in the spa

It's a mistake to think that relaxation only begins with the first sauna infusion or a back massage with fragrant oils. In reality, it begins much earlier—sometimes even the moment you park the car.

A car-free wellness weekend is more than just sustainable. It's an invitation to make the journey the destination. Because as you sit on the train, gaze out the window, and watch the Bavarian landscape slowly pass by, something inevitable happens: You find peace. No stress of navigating, no searching for a parking space, no traffic jams through the Alpine foothills. Just you, your destination—and time.

Especially from Munich, the selection of wellness hotels that are easily accessible by train is surprisingly large. Whether at Tegernsee, in Murnau, in the Allgäu, or even in the remote Bavarian Forest – many hotels have long been geared towards guests who arrive without a car. They offer shuttles from the train station, have partnerships with taxi companies, or are simply so centrally located that you can walk directly from the train to the spa.

This is not only convenient – ​​it also changes how we travel:

• more conscious,
• slower,
• lighter.

And by the way: A wellness weekend by train from Munich can often be arranged spontaneously. No rental car necessary, no long journeys. A few clicks, a ticket, and you're on the train to your getaway.

The following are particularly popular:

• Tegernsee & Schliersee: direct train connections, charming hotels with lake views and large spa areas
• Bad Aibling: Bavaria's most charming spa town, ideal for a short escape
• Garmisch/Elmau: Alpine relaxation with breathtaking scenery
• Oberstaufen in the Allgäu: classic wellness region with warm hospitality
• Bavarian Forest (Zwiesel): surprisingly easy to reach and a real insider tip for those seeking peace and quiet

You see: You can not only experience slowing down—you can actually book it. And the first step is often just a ticket away.

What wellness type are you?

Four little escapes – without a car, but with a lot of feeling

Not every wellness weekend is the same. Sometimes we seek peace and quiet, sometimes togetherness, sometimes simply a place to laugh, eat, and let go. So here are four travel ideas – for four different desires. All accessible from Munich without a car.

For romantics:

A weekend at Lake Tegernsee – spa, style & starry skies

When togetherness demands space again, this is Bachmair Weissach Spa & Resort* (advertisement) the right place. A Japanese-inspired onsen, soft music in the spa, a menu that surprises in stages—and the mountains in the background, like a painting.

Just over an hour by train from Munich, then a short shuttle – and your very own weekend for two begins.

👉 Perfect for: Anniversaries, short breaks for two, but also for winter days with a fireplace

For connoisseurs:

Experience Murnau – Spa meets culinary delights

The Alpenhof Murnau* (advertisement) combines everything a connoisseur appreciates: an elegant spa with a pool area, excellent cuisine with a regional focus – and an ambience that hovers somewhere between a design hotel and an artist's residence.

Reachable by train in just over an hour, and best of all: you're on the edge of the Murnauer Moos – perfect for short strolls before dessert.

👉 Perfect for: gourmets as well as culture lovers and slow travel fans

For friends:

Wellness, wine and good conversations in Bad Aibling

Not too far away, not too quiet, not too elaborate – but just right for a relaxing weekend with your favorite people: The Lindner Hotel in Bad Aibling* (advertisement) is directly connected to the thermal spa, offers well-kept rooms as well as easy access to the pleasantly warm mud cure.

The train takes you from Munich to the small spa town in 45 minutes – from then on, all that matters is a bathrobe, Aperol, and no alarm clock.

👉 Perfect for: Girlfriends outings, day spa and uncomplicated wellness trips

For nature lovers:

Dive deeper – in the Bavarian Forest

The Bavarian Forest is further away, but often closer to the feeling we call “distance.” Hotel Eibl-Brunner in Frauenau* (advertisement) near Zwiesel is a real insider tip – not luxury in the classic sense, but peace, nature and a spa that is run with heart.

The journey by train takes about 2,5 hours, but takes you through beautiful scenery – and at the end, you'll find real down-to-earthness instead of an Instagram show.

👉 Perfect for: hikers, as well as forest bathers, conscious time out with genuine hospitality

If you know what you're looking for—closeness, pleasure, peace, or connection—you'll find your very own wellness weekend around Munich. No compromises, and no car required.

By train & bus to your wellness weekend from Munich: How to arrive stress-free

Sustainable. Comfortable. Almost always with a lake view.

What many underestimate: If you start in Munich, you're already in the best position for a successful wellness weekend without a car. The greater Munich area is excellently connected to the rail network – and many wellness hotels in Upper Bavaria have long recognized that guests without cars are not only welcome, but also very welcome.

Here's an overview of how you can get to the featured hotels comfortably and easily – without any detours and without any stress:

Tegernsee & Schliersee (e.g. Bachmair Weissach Spa & Resort)

• Rail connection: From Munich Central Station with the Bavarian Regiobahn (BRB) to Tegernsee Station, approx. 1h15
• Continuation: Hotel shuttle after registration or short taxi transfer (approx. 10 min)
• Tip:: Reserve a seat in the Alpine Panorama Car – the route is stunningly beautiful!

• Rail connection: From Munich Central Station take the regional train towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen, then continue to Klais, approx. 1h45
• Continuation: Hotel shuttle from Klais (after registration) or taxi
• Tip:: If you leave early, you can still use the day of arrival for a short hike or to visit the spa

Murnau (e.g. Alpenhof Murnau)

• Rail connection: Direct regional train from Munich Central Station to Murnau, approx. 1h10
• Continuation: Taxi or pick-up by the hotel (please request in advance)
• Tip:: Ideal for short weekends with a high density of experiences – nature, art and enjoyment are close together

Bad Aibling (e.g. Lindner Hotel & Therme)

• Rail connection: From Munich Central Station with the Meridian/BRB towards Rosenheim, exit Bad Aibling, approx. 45 minutes
• Continuation: On foot or by city bus in a few minutes
• Tip:Book your day ticket for the thermal baths online in advance – saves waiting time on weekends

Bavarian Forest (e.g. Hotel Eibl-Brunner, Frauenau)

• Rail connection: From Munich main station via Plattling to Zwiesel, approx. 2,5 hours, then continue with the regional train to Frauenau
• Continuation: Pick-up by the hotel possible (please request in advance)
• Tip:The route is long, but scenically rewarding. Perfect for long weekends or holidays.

Saving tips & advice for your train journey for your wellness weekend from Munich

• Bayern Ticket* (Advertisement): Affordable travel for up to 5 people – ideal for friends or couples
• Early bird prices* (Advertisement)Book with DB or BRB in good time and secure saver fares
• Send suitcases: If you travel in luxury, you can have your luggage sent ahead with DHL or Hermes
• Optimize travel time: Arriving on Friday afternoon and returning on Sunday afternoon gives you relaxed carriages and maximum wellness time

Whether you're traveling alone or as a couple, with light luggage or in full spa attire, traveling by train is more than just a necessary step: it's part of your getaway. And with a little planning, you'll arrive not only comfortably but also in style.

Wellness meets culinary delights – when taste becomes relaxation

From tasting menus to Alpine herb cuisine

Wellness is more than massages, steam baths, and silence. It's also what we treat our bodies internally—flavors, textures, spices, fresh ingredients.

Being able to eat really well is part of taking time out. Especially in Upper Bavaria, you'll find numerous wellness hotels that view their cuisine not as a duty, but as a passion. From a fine 5-course menu to authentic organic cuisine with a regional twist – here, culinary delights become part of the relaxation experience.

Bachmair Weissach: Tasting with a view of the Alps

Relax in the spa, marvel at the gourmet restaurant: The Bachmair Weissach on Lake Tegernsee is a highlight not only for its onsen spa – you can also expect more from the culinary side. At the in-house MIZU Sushi Bar, Alpine clarity meets Japanese precision, while the Gasthof zur Weissach serves classic Bavarian cuisine at a refined level.

And those who opt for the tasting menu in the evening will quickly realize: Here, you don't just eat – you enjoy the rhythm of slowness.

Alpenhof Murnau: Gourmet trip with a view of the moss

Gourmets will also find their money's worth at the Alpenhof Murnau. Chef Jürgen Zobel focuses on regional ingredients, creative compositions, and finely matched wines. The menus at the Murnauer Reiter restaurant are not only a culinary delight, but also an expression of an understanding of indulgence that perfectly harmonizes with the concept of wellness.

Whether vegetarian, Bavarian, or modern interpretation – here the cuisine adapts to the pace of your relaxation.

Hotel Dein Engel – Allgäu enjoyment with soul

Anyone longing for authentic cuisine in the Allgäu region will definitely find it at Hotel Dein Engel. Here, the food is cooked with love – not for show, but for your well-being.

Some of the ingredients come from our own farm, the wine list surprises with South Tyrolean classics, and the ambience is exactly what you need after an evening in the sauna: warm, welcoming, and relaxed.

Culinary tips for your wellness weekend from Munich

• Book a tasting menu in advance – many hotels offer surprise menus with wine pairing
• Prefer regional cuisine – seasonal and local is not only more sustainable, but often more aromatic
• Celebrate breakfast – don’t rush, feast: from Bircher muesli to mountain butter
• Don’t be afraid of booking alone – even single travelers can enjoy here without barriers

A successful wellness weekend doesn't end at the poolside—it ends at the table. Those who consciously take their time to eat are giving themselves back a piece of their quality of life.

Our favorite hotels for your wellness weekend from Munich

Conclusion: Your wellness weekend from Munich – without a car

Sometimes it's just this one decision that makes all the difference: leave the car at home, pack your bags, and hop on the train. Even the journey itself becomes a prelude – quiet, comfortable, and stress-free. And at your destination, there's no anonymous hotel complex waiting for you, but a place where enjoyment, relaxation, and scenery blend seamlessly.

Whether you choose the relaxing onsen spa at Lake Tegernsee, the art and culinary world of Murnau, or the natural retreat in the Bavarian Forest – each of these hotels is accessible by train. Sustainable, uncomplicated, and unique in its own way.

Your wellness weekend from Munich doesn't have to be a long-distance trip. It's just a train ride away.

Feel like it?

• Get your train ticket now (e.g. with the Bayern-Ticket for day trips or the DB saver fares).
• Then choose one of the featured wellness hotels in Upper Bavaria – and book your little break.
• Pack your swimsuit, your favorite book, and your curiosity.

And then: simply let go. Your wellness weekend doesn't begin at the spa—it begins right on the train platform in Munich.

Questions and answers about a wellness weekend from Munich

Which wellness hotels are easily accessible from Munich?

Many wellness hotels in Upper Bavaria are located directly on railway lines. Hotels on Lake Tegernsee, in Murnau, and Garmisch are particularly popular. Bad Aibling and Oberstaufen are also within easy reach, allowing you to quickly reach the spa without a car.

How long does it take to travel by train to wellness hotels?

From Munich, you can reach most hotels in one to two hours. Bad Aibling is particularly quick, as is Murnau. For the Bavarian Forest, you'll need a little longer. But the relaxation begins on the train.

Can I book a wellness weekend from Munich spontaneously?

Yes, many hotels offer last-minute deals. With the Bayern Ticket, you can travel flexibly. Simply hop on board, arrive, and enjoy. This way, your getaway can be a spontaneous experience.

Are there wellness hotels with culinary extras?

Many hotels combine wellness with fine dining. Tasting menus, regional specialties, and organic cuisine are often included. This way, you can enjoy relaxation and indulgence in one. Perfect for gourmets.

Is a wellness weekend from Munich also sustainable?

Yes, traveling by train is a climate-friendly option. Many hotels also focus on regional cuisine and sustainable concepts. This way, you can combine relaxation with responsibility.

More things to know

• • Wellness weekend in autumn without a car: the most beautiful hotels in Bavaria & Tyrol
  • The most beautiful day trips from Munich between Oktoberfest hustle and bustle and Alpine tranquility
  • Munich bike tours for beginners - Interview with Elke Homburg
  • Munich insider tips
  • Wellness hotel in the Bavarian Forest
  • Picnics in Munich: where is the most beautiful place?

Source: Wellness Weekend from Munich: own research. Our opinions remain, as always, our own.

Text of Wellness Weekend from Munich: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO