- Dachau was a magnet for artists like Carl Spitzweg and Lovis Corinth in the late 19th century, leading to the establishment of one of the most important artist colonies in Germany.
- The town's original medieval structure is defined by its position on a glacial moraine hill, which provides views reaching as far as the Alps on clear days.
- The local brewing tradition in Dachau dates back centuries, with the town maintaining historical ties to monastery-led agricultural production.
About Dachau
Dachau is a Bavarian town situated on the Amper River, famously recognized for its dual identity as a significant center for landscape painting in the 19th century and its somber role in 20th-century history. The town retains a well-preserved Old Town, dominated by the historic Dachau Palace and its serene Court garden at Dachau Palace. Visitors seeking respite in nature often explore the expansive Erholungsgebiet Karlsfelder See, which provides a balance to the town's urban history. The local art heritage is formally curated at the Gemäldegalerie Dachau, highlighting the influence of the Dachau Artist Colony.
Highlights of Dachau
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Tour the remnants of this historic palace to see its famous banquet hall and Renaissance-era woodwork.
Parks
Stroll through these terraced gardens to enjoy panoramic views across the valley towards Munich.
Museums
Explore the extensive collection of plein-air paintings created by members of the historic Dachau Artist Colony.
Parks
This local lake area provides swimming, sailing, and walking paths for outdoor enthusiasts.
Venues
Experience traditional Bavarian culture, music, and local festivities at this annual event.
Natural attractions
Visit this large, popular lake known for its water quality and recreational green spaces.
Top things to do in Dachau
The 65 highest-rated places in Dachau, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
The Schleissheim Palace complex comprises three distinct residences: the Old Palace, the New Palace, and the Lustheim Pa...
2
Museums
Deutsches Museum Flugwerft Schleissheim is an aviation branch of the Deutsches Museum, housed in a restored historic air...
3
Parks
Erholungsgebiet Karlsfelder See is a 24-hectare recreational site featuring a man-made lake created from former gravel e...
4
Historical places
Dachau Palace serves as the only surviving wing of a 16th-century Renaissance four-wing complex originally built for the...
5
Parks
Rolf-Zeitler-Park serves as a central green lung for the municipality of Unterschleißheim, located north of Munich. Name...
6
Zoos
7
Natural attractions
8
Natural attractions
9
Parks
10
Venues
11
Parks
12
Beaches and ponds
13
Museums
14
Temples
15
Parks
16
Natural attractions
17
Temples
18
Temples
19
Amusement parks
20
Temples
21
Historical places
22
Museums
23
Venues
24
Temples
25
Temples
26
Temples
27
Temples
28
Temples
29
Parks
30
Temples
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Dachau on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Dachau
Late summer, specifically August, is ideal to experience the traditional atmosphere of the local folk festivals.
2 days, which allows sufficient time for both historical exploration in the town center and recreational activities at the surrounding lakes.
The town is well-connected via the Munich S-Bahn (S2 line) and features a walkable historic center, supplemented by local bus routes.
The Altstadt (Old Town) area is recommended for proximity to historical sites, while the vicinity of the train station offers convenient access for commuters.
Mid-range; accommodation costs are generally lower than in central Munich but increase during major regional events.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 65 curated attractions in and around Dachau, ranked by traveller ratings.
Schleissheim palace complex is the highest-rated place to visit in Dachau right now.
The largest category is temples, with 31 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
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