Venice to Munich is a fantastic train route dotted with scenic highlights. The journey commences and culminates in two of Europe’s most iconic cities. Venice is renown for its picturesque canals and well preserved architecture dating to the 15th century. Munich is famous for its world class attractions, a wealth of convivial beer gardens and excellent public transportation.
If you travel from Venice to Munich by train directly, the fastest train takes around 6 hours and 40 minutes. Along the way, wonderful stops include Trento, in the Italian Dolomite Alps and Innsbruck, Austria, the largest ski resort town in Europe. You can plan a fantastic vacation around this train route, breaking up the trip into around 2 hour train segments. Here are some some of the best destinations along this lovely European train route!
Venice, Italy
Venice (Venezia) is one of the world’s most iconic destinations. When you visit well preserved Venice today, it feels like stepping back in time to the 1400’s, when the powerful city-state was one of the wealthiest places in the world.
There are no cars or motorbikes in Venice. People do not even utilize bicycles as it is not practical with all the canals and bridges. Transportation is either by foot or boat, which is a refreshing change of pace for the vast majority. People may not realize how distracting cars can be, until they spend multiple days strolling around Venice. And while the city bustles with tourists around Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square) and other popular spots, there are plenty of quiet spots to stroll or enjoy an Aperol Spritz and Venetian cuisine along a beautiful canal.
Plan to take a walking tour when you arrive, to learn about Venice’s history while receiving area tips from a local guide. Unfortunately, Venice has a lot of mediocre restaurants that cater to one time visits, so be sure to avoid the tourist traps. Cicchetti, tapas served in small taverns (bacari), are a culinary highlight of Venice. They pair wonderfully with delicious local wines and epic canal-side views. Try raboso, a sparkling lightly sweet wine from the eastern Veneto region.
Venice is truly among world’s most romantic and unique destinations. Read these great things to do in Venice, Italy with tips to save money during your visit. But plan to get off the main tourist trail if you can, which you can easily do along the Venice to Munich train route.
Padova (Padua), Italy
Padova is only around 30 minutes from Venice by train. It’s the first significant stop on the Venice to Munich train route. The charming town is not overly touristy, which is a refreshing change of pace from more renown Italian destinations across the country.
Padova features significant highlights, including one of the largest squares in Europe. Prato della Valle is a 90,000 square meter elliptical square that is the second largest square in Italy. The iconic square is lined with two impressive rings of statues. It’s a great place to chat with friends or to enjoy a delicious gelato or fantastic sandwich from the market.
Padova is a wonderful destination to enjoy delicious regional Italian cuisine away from the throngs of tourists in nearby Venice. There are also several grand piazzas which are simply idyllic to enjoy excellent espressos and sweets like brioche with a loved one.
Verona, Italy
Located around an hour from Venice, Verona is one of several highlights along the Munich to Venice train line. The northern Italian city is located in the Veneto region and is home to around 257,000 residents. It’s medieval old town is nestled along the meandering Adige River.
A significant highlight is Arena di Verona (Verona Arena), a Roman amphitheater that dates to around 30 AD. Verona is nicknamed “Little Rome” largely because the Arena di Verona is even older than the the Colosseum in Rome. Gladiators previously fought against each other and against animals there. While the venue is still used today, fortunately it hosts opera and theatre instead of blood sports.
Verona, Italy is probably most famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A 14th-century residence with a small balcony overlooking a courtyard is recognized as “Juliet’s House.” The courtyard is a major tourist draw, with throngs of visitors taking photos and posing for selfies.
Trento, Italy
Trento is located around 2 hours from Venice by train. The charming town in the Trentino–Alto Adige region of northern Italy features a gorgeous predominantly pedestrian only historic center. Trento is the third largest Italian city in the Alps, with around 120,000 residents. The ambiance and culinary scene features a cross between Italy and Austria, which is no coincidence. Trento was formerly part of Austria and Austria-Hungary before Italy annexed it in 1919, following World War I.
Castello del Buonconsiglio is the most significant cultural highlight of Trentino. The grand castle was the seat of the prince-bishops of Trento between the 12th and the 18th century.
I also highly recommend renting a bicycle or e-bike to cycle on the fantastic bike path along the Adige River. I enjoyed a picturesque bike ride an hour south to Mattarello for lunch and coffee before biking back to Trento.
There are some excellent restaurants and brewpubs in Trento. My favorite meal was an assortment of local specialties at Pizzeria Ristorante D’Oro, which was filled with locals when I dined there. truly blends the cultures of Italy and Austria.
2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milan Cortina
Milan Cortina is the host for the 2026 Winter Olympics and the Paralympics. Trento will also be hosting events for the next Olympics and Paralympics. In honor of this, there’s currently a wonderful free exhibition, Performance- Interconnecting Rings, exploring the relationship between sport and technology spanning the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I really enjoyed the exhibit at Le Gallerie Trenro, housed in former World War II era tunnels in the mountain, just a 10-15 minute walk outside Trento’s historic center.
Where to Stay in Trento, Italy
I highly recommend staying at Boutique Exclusive B&B Trento. Rooms are fitted with private saunas and/or hot tubs. My room had a private infrared sauna and incredible view of the beautiful Piazza Duomo. It’s wonderful for a wellness or romantic getaway.
Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck is the largest resort town in the Alps and the capital of Austria’s Tyrol region. The picturesque Austrian town is surrounded by towering snow capped mountains, offering a dramatic vantage point from its charming streets. You immediately realize you’re in a city that previously hosted the 1976 Winter Olympics when you catch a glimpse of the ski jumping venue from the train station platform.
Innsbruck is well worth spending a few days, regardless of the season. Winter offers cold weather sports actives like skiing and snowboarding amidst the picturesque Austrian Alps. Spring, summer and autumn visits can be idyllic for hiking. Grab a table on a picturesque terrace to enjoy delicious Tyrolean dishes and drinks. Innsbruck is a lovely year round destination on the Venice to Munich train line.
Where to Stay in Innsbruck, Austria
I highly recommend staying at Hotel Schwarzer Adler Innsbruck. This well appointed centrally located hotel offers a comfortable stay a short walk from everywhere. Common areas feature beautiful Austrian art. Friendly staff are often dressed in traditional attire. The on-site bar is a chic place for a night cap. I really enjoyed my stay at Hotel Schwarzer Adler Innsbruck.
Munich, Germany
Munich, Germany is the wealthiest and arguably most popular destination for visitors in Germany. The laid back Bavarian city features world class museums, around 200 beer gardens, iconic green spaces like Olympia Park, fantastic public transportation and a wealth of industries including the BMW headquarters. Residenz Museum is among the highlights of Munich, featuring stunning art and grand chandeliers.
The Glyptothek is Munich’s oldest museum, featuring striking neoclassical design. It was originally commissioned by Bavarian King Ludwig I to house his collection of Greek and Roman sculptures. Glyptothek was built between 1816 to 1830 and designed by Leo von Klenze.
Munich can also serve as a base to visit popular Neuschwanstein Castle (one of Germany’s most iconic and visited attractions) as well as Linderhof Castle. You can book a day trip from Munch that covers both of these castles and takes around 10.5 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a rental car and tour the region at your own pace. But there’s absolutely no need to drive within Munich as the public transportation is extensive, efficient, clean and safe. That’s similar throughout much of the country, including North Germany.
Venice to Munich by Train Recap
Traveling between Munich and Venice by train is a fantastic European train journey. The journey begins and concludes in two of Europe’s most popular and iconic cities. The route is dotted with fantastic towns and gorgeous vistas in the Italian and Austrian Alps.
It’s not necessary to book a multi-day tour if you prefer not to, as this journey is relatively simple. You can think of it like a self-guided hop on, hop off train. But along the way you can book some day tours covering culinary experiences, wine tastings and/or walking history tours.
Luxury travelers can stay in some of Europe’s finest hotels, like Gritti Palace in Venice. There’s also a wealth of luxury restaurants, shops and experiences. Read my article on how to spend 2 weeks in Italy.
Budget travelers can avail of tip based free walking tours throughout the route. They’re a great way to dive deeper into history and culture while receiving insider tips from an expert local guide. They also offer a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers during your journey.
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