Dachau Palace

Dachau Palace sits on a ridge above the old town of Dachau, just northwest of Munich, and was once a summer residence of the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria. Only one of its four wings survives, but it holds a magnificent banquet hall with one of the finest Renaissance wooden ceilings in southern Germany, and its court garden offers views as far as the Alps. It makes a calm, rewarding half-day trip from Munich.

Where it is and how to get there

Dachau is about 20 km (12 miles) from central Munich. Take the S-Bahn to Dachau station, then a city bus to the "Rathaus" stop and walk up through the old town. The Deutschlandticket and the regional MVV tickets are valid. Parking at the palace is very limited; use the old town lots or the Wieninger Straße garage.

A short history

A castle stood on this hill around 1100. From 1546, Dukes Wilhelm IV and Albrecht V turned it into a grand four-winged Renaissance palace. Elector Max Emanuel later had it remodeled in Baroque style by his architect Joseph Effner. In the early 19th century, three of the four wings were demolished, leaving only the hall wing you see today.

What you will see

• The banquet hall with a carved coffered ceiling created between 1564 and 1566, decorated with Wittelsbach coats of arms; it is still used for concerts
• The court garden with a linden arcade nearly 280 years old, orchards and old walls
• Panoramic views over Munich to the Alps on clear days
• A small bee garden with information panels

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

• April to September: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• October to March: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed Mondays, plus January 1, Shrove Tuesday and December 24, 25 and 31

The palace will be closed to visitors on October 17, 2026 because of an event. Admission is €3 (reduced €2), free for under 18s, and the garden is free. Buy tickets at the palace cafe. There are no regular guided tours, but the Dachau tourist office offers an audio tour.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially as a peaceful counterpoint if you are in Dachau to visit the Concentration Camp Memorial Site, which deserves at least half a day of its own. Plan 45 to 90 minutes for the palace and garden, then explore the old town and St. Jacob's Church next door.