Overview
Dachau offers a profound historical experience as the site of the first Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial visited by approximately 800,000 people annually. Yet the town remains surprisingly pleasant—its old town and palace survived WWII bombing intact, offering picture-perfect Bavarian architecture and gardens with views of the Alps on clear days.
Architecture · Culture · Day Trips · History · Museums
Before you go
Language
German is the local language. English is widely understood at tourist sites, museums, and hotels. Basic German phrases are appreciated.
Money
Germany uses the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants but smaller establishments may be cash-only.
Safety
Dachau is generally safe. Standard precautions apply. The memorial site requires respectful behavior—it is a place of mourning for victims of Nazi atrocities.
Transport
Dachau is on Munich's S2 S-Bahn line; a single ticket from Munich costs around €4-6. The MVV day ticket (€9.40) covers both Munich and Dachau zones. Bus 724 and 726 connect the train station to the Concentration Camp Memorial Site.
Weather
Dachau has a continental climate with cold winters (below 0°C) and warm summers (20-25°C). Spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking tours.