Where to Find the Best Views in Munich

After being heavily bombed in World War II, Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt) was painstakingly reconstructed, ensuring an old-world atmosphere pervades. The city’s historic architecture, charming squares, and attractive Alpine backdrop makes a photogenic stop. Here’s where you can discover the best views in Munich. 

The Tower of St. Peter’s Church (Peterskirche)

The 184-foot (56-meter) observation platform at this 12th-century church affords unhindered views out across Munich’s Old Town (Altstadt). On a clear day, the Alps are visible in the background.

Lake Cruises

Day-trippers to the nearby lake district, which stretches south of Munich toward Austria, are in for a treat, scenery-wise. Take a boat trip out on the still waters of King’s Lake (Königssee) or Austria’s Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) and admire views of mountains rising up beyond the shore.

The Olympic Tower (Olympiaturm)

Situated within Olympiapark, this 950-foot (290-meter) tower features an open-air viewing platform. The city of Munich spreads out below against the backdrop of the Bavarian Alps.

From a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

One of the best ways to sit back and soak up views of Munich’s grand avenues, monuments, parks, and squares, is from the upper deck of a hop-on hop-off tour bus. Gaze out at Odeonsplatz, Munich Residence (Residenz München), and Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg).

Neuschwanstein Castle

This 19th-century Romanesque Revival castle perched on a ridge amid forested mountains looks like a fairy tale come to life. Among the best places to view Neuschwanstein is from the nearby Queen Mary’s Bridge (Marienbrücke), which spans a gorge just south of the estate.