Car Hire Munich

Located in south-east Germany, close to the Austrian border, Munich benefits from an easy-to-use road network. Whether you’re staying close to the city, venturing into the Alpine areas for skiing and snowboarding, or heading to one of the country’s other major cities, such as Berlin, a bounty of picturesque scenery awaits along the way.

In Germany, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road, with speed limits varying from 50km/h in urban areas to 100km/h on main roads. The motorways, known as autobahns, have limits ranging up to 130km/h, though some rural stretches have no set speed restrictions in place.

On the autobahns it’s important to keep a close eye on signs to ensure you’re sticking to the right speed as where limits are in place they’re firmly enforced. If it’s your first time on an autobahn the best advice is to stay in the right-hand lane except when you’re overtaking, after which you should move back into the right lane as soon as possible.

Car hire gives you the freedom and flexibility to visit Munich’s top sights, as well as the must-see spots located outside the city.

Nymphenburg Palace, a stunning 17^th-century estate, is easily accessed from the A96. Tour the regal rooms and elegant grounds of the former royal residence before heading down the Arnulfstraße to visit the Residence Museum. Here a treasure trove of royal artefacts is housed in the former palace – roam the ornate halls and gaze upon lavish ceilings and masterful works of art.  

The Romantic Road, one of Germany’s most scenic driving routes, runs directly through Bavaria. Stretching for a total of 350km, you’ll pass lush green forests and stunning hilltop castles along the way.

Take the A8 out of Munich and then use the country roads to reach Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This walled city offers a glimpse into Germany’s medieval past, lined with colourful townhouses.

Tour the walls before heading along the A7 to visit Würzburg. The city’s jaw-dropping UNESCO-listed baroque palace is the standout highlight here. Marvel at the ornate frescoes decorating the ceilings and admire the breathtaking Mirrored Hall. 

Munich defines old-world magic. Set against the backdrop of magnificent mountain landscapes and blessed with a vibrant culture, the city’s Alpine enchantment is ready to sweep you off your feet. Hire a car with Hertz and enjoy the freedom to explore this stunning part of Germany at your leisure. 

Discover the wonders around Marienplatz

The fascinating history of Munich’s old town can be explored around the city’s main square, the Marienplatz. Work your way through the side streets, teeming with traditional restaurants, to the historic heart, which offers the chance to truly immerse yourself in the city’s buzzing atmosphere.

Each day the crowds in the square are entertained by the famed Glockenspiel, housed within the tower of the extravagantly designed New Town Hall. Watch the ornately carved figures glide and dance to the tinkling music as they re-enact events from Bavaria’s past.

Munich’s 14th century Old Town Hall sits proudly on the other side of Marienplatz. During World War II, the Old Town Hall was destroyed but thankfully it was later rebuilt to capture its original Gothic style.

Discover Munich’s home grown treasures

By day, explore the Englischer Garten – or English Garden. This enormous green haven is the perfect place to watch the world go by and enjoy a picnic, pick up freshly baked pretzels or a flavoursome kebab from a nearby food stall.

Brush off the crumbs of your lunch and amble along one of the paths to the glittering lake in the centre of the park for more tranquil bliss.

By night, embrace the vibrant spirit of the city at Weisses Brauhaus, one of Munich’s most loved beer halls. Do it Bavarian style – tap your feet along to one of the live oompah bands, join in the jovial singing and feast on weisswurst.

Unearth the beauty in the Bavarian countryside

While in Munich, a tour of its neighbouring rural beauty spots is a must. Travel through forest and hills to discover Schloss Neuschwanstein, the fairy tale castle that inspired Walt Disney when he was creating the castle from Sleeping Beauty.

Tour the lavish rooms of this wondrous monument to excess, dreamt up by the mysterious King Ludwig II, and pause to enjoy the tranquil views across the Bavarian countryside.

Venture near to the Austria border to visit Berchtesgaden National Park – see if you can spot where Julie Andrews sang to the hillsides in the Sound of Music, which was filmed here. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and explore the array of flora and fauna within the reserve before enjoying a bite to eat in the Eagle's Nest on top of Mount Kehlstein.

Offering incredible panoramic views, the Eagle’s Nest – or Kehlsteinhaus – was originally built for Adolf Hitler as a place to hold government meetings and social get-togethers. It’s well worth a visit, if only for those staggering views.

If you don’t want to stray too far from the centre of Munich, stunning lakeside scenery and wood-cladded buildings can be found by Lake Tegernsee, only a 45-minute journey away. No matter what time of year you visit, the landscape offers a wealth of adventure.

In the summer, swap your car for a mountain bike and ride through the trees or paraglide over the hilltops. In the winter, snow falls over the steep terrain, creating meandering ski slopes throughout the thick woodland. Afterwards, warm up in the cosy restaurants where you can sample time-honoured cuisine, such as a hearty bowl of Bavarian stew.

Car rental in Munich enables you to explore the very best of the city and beyond. Book now to begin planning your Bavarian adventure.