Top 10 Free
Activities
Bavaria can be expensive, but some of the best experiences cost nothing. Panoramic viewpoints, medieval wall walks, gorge overlooks, and beaches—all free for anyone who knows where to look.
Here are the 10 best free activities in Bavaria—experiences that rival the paid attractions without costing a cent.
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10Cost
Completely Free
Main Risk
Still need transport
Strategy
Bayern-Ticket €29/day
Best Free Experiences
The Top 10
Olympiaberg Panorama→
Munich's 60-meter artificial hill (built from WWII rubble) offers 360° views of the city, the Alps, and the Olympic stadium. The Olympic Tower charges €13, but the hill is free and the view is nearly as good.
The Real Deal
Schuttblume Memorial: At the summit, there's a hidden memorial called "Schuttblume" (Rubble Flower) honoring the women who cleared the city's rubble. Most visitors miss it entirely.
Sunset Spot: On clear days, alpenglow paints the distant Alps pink. Bring a picnic and a blanket—the grassy slopes are perfect.
Nördlingen Wall Walk→
A 2.7km continuous loop on top of a 100% intact medieval city wall. It's completely free, offers views into private gardens, and you can access it via stairs at any of the five historic gates.
The Real Deal
Best Segment: Reimlinger Tor to Berger Tor has the best views and most intact towers. Start there if you're short on time.
Covered Walkway: The wall walk is covered, so it's decent even in light rain. The wooden roof is original medieval construction.
Dachau Memorial→
Entry to the former concentration camp memorial is completely free. The comprehensive exhibition, reconstructed barracks, and memorials are all accessible without charge. Audio guides are €4.50 but optional.
The Real Deal
Path of Remembrance: Some visitors walk the 2km "Path of Remembrance" from Dachau station instead of taking the bus—a reflective journey that's also free.
Documentary Film: A 22-minute documentary screens regularly in multiple languages. It's included (free) and provides essential context.
Malerwinkel Viewpoint (Königssee)→
The classic "postcard view" of Königssee without paying €22+ for the boat. A free 20-minute hike from the parking area reaches the Malerwinkel (Painter's Corner) overlook. Extend to Rabenwand for even higher views.
The Real Deal
Parking Still Costs: The view is free but parking is €7. Still, that's much cheaper than €22 boat + €7 parking for the full experience.
Best Light: Morning light is best for photography—the lake faces east. Afternoon brings shadows across the water.
Paradies Park (Possenhofen)→
A massive public park with lawns, wooden docks, and free swimming access on Starnberger See. While tourists crowd Starnberg's paid beaches, locals spread out on the free Paradies lawns just one station down the S-Bahn.
The Real Deal
Sissi Connection: Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) grew up at Schloss Possenhofen, visible from the park. A free piece of Habsburg history.
Dog Ban: Dogs prohibited May 15 - Sept 15 in recreation areas. Respect the rules—locals are strict about this.
Iron Bridge View (Partnach)→
The gorge charges €10 to walk through, but the Iron Bridge overhead offers a free aerial view of the canyon. Hike 20 minutes uphill from the ticket area via the "top-down approach" for the view without the fee.
The Real Deal
Different Experience: The iron bridge view is dramatic but different from walking through the gorge. If you can afford €10, the inside experience is worth it.
Route: From the Olympic Stadium parking, take the trail signed to Partnachalm (not Partnachklamm). The bridge is about 20 minutes up.
King Ludwig II Death Site→
The exact spot where King Ludwig II drowned is marked by a wooden cross in the water at Berg. The Votivkapelle (memorial chapel) and shore access are completely free. Best at sunrise with mist rising from the lake.
The Real Deal
Mystery Remains: Ludwig's death in 1886 is still debated—suicide, murder, or accident? The atmosphere here encourages reflection on Bavaria's most enigmatic king.
Access: Walk through Berg village park to the lakeshore. The cross is visible about 20 meters offshore. The chapel is on the hillside above.
BMW Welt→
The futuristic BMW showroom is completely free to enter. Kids can sit in concept cars, explore interactive displays, and see the latest vehicles. The attached Museum costs money, but the Welt is the real star.
The Real Deal
Architecture Alone: Even if you don't care about cars, the building itself is worth seeing—a €500 million double-cone designed by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU.
Cheap Parking: P+R Olympiazentrum offers €1.50 parking with MVV validation. The BMW garage costs much more.
Badeplatz Schraml (Chiemsee)→
Free entry to lawn and lake swimming at Bavaria's largest lake. While tourists pay for the Prienavera Lido, locals spread their towels at Badeplatz Schraml—same lake, free access, kiosk for refreshments.
The Real Deal
Location: Near Bernau am Chiemsee, on the south shore. Less touristy than Prien, more relaxed atmosphere.
Water Quality: Chiemsee is large enough that water quality is excellent throughout. You're not trading quality for price.
Schleissheim Palace Gardens→
The baroque gardens of the triple-palace Schleissheim complex are completely free to enter. Grand canals, geometric parterres, and views of the New Palace facade—Versailles vibes without the Versailles prices.
The Real Deal
Walk to Aviation Museum: The Flugwerft Schleissheim is on the same grounds. Walk through the free gardens, then decide if the €6 museum is worth it.
S-Bahn Access: 20 minutes from Munich on the S1. The walk from Oberschleissheim station through the gardens is part of the experience.