Salzburg, Austria (Mozart's birthplace): Regional trains from München Hauptbahnhof take 1h 45min, €20-50 depending on advance booking through DB app. The UNESCO Old Town is compact perfection. Passport required - they actually check at the border. Book window seats on the right side for Alpine views approaching the city.

Neuschwanstein Castle (the Disney inspiration): 2 hours to Füssen station with one change, around €20-30 one-way. The castle everyone recognizes from Disney. Timed entry tickets €18-20 must be booked weeks ahead online - they genuinely sell out, especially May-September. Take bus 73 from Füssen station directly to castle entrance.

Nuremberg (medieval old town): 1 hour by ICE high-speed train, advance booking from €19. The old town survived WWII bombing and the Christmas market (November-December) is Germany's most famous. The Documentation Centre at former Nazi Party Rally Grounds provides sobering historical context.

I've done all three dozens of times and train beats driving every time - no autobahn stress, no parking nightmares, and you can actually enjoy those Alpine countryside views instead of watching for speed cameras. All three need full days but connections are reliable.