I'm asking this question for a friend of mine who will be travelling to Munich in the 3rd week of March for Business purposes from Australia. He is deciding whether to add another week for vacation purposes but from what I see alot of tour companies ( including day tours) don't start until April. He is mainly interested in history, culture and scenery and not really interested in big cities. Anyone have any ideas on activities in Munich or around Munich for a week. I was thinking he may be able to train it to another place, and back again to munich for his flight home?
Any suggestions welcome

As big cities go, Munich to me has something less than a huge metropolis feel to it. Perhaps that is because I have spent some pleasant hours there, but compared with the hectic pace of London or Paris, Munich seems a little less frazzling to visit for a small town guy like myself.

By the end of March, and early April, the weather should be improving in terms of cold. Daylight hours will be about equal over most of the globe, so early darkness will not be the problem it would be in early January.

Salzburg is an obvious choice for a visit from Munich that could occupy two days or so. Some of the historic castles around Munich built by Ludwig II are available: Herrenchiemsee is one; Linderhof is another. Neuschwanstein gets photographed often, and it is widely known, but inside I found it to be less than overwhelming.

The city of Nürmberg is a place of historic note. It is within a 2 hour train ride of Munich.

Some of the smaller towns in the Bavarian Alps are pretty. Berchtesgaden, which is easily reached from Salzburg, is another possibility. Skiing should still be possible in early April; at least it was the last time I paid an early April visit to that attraction.

I suggest finding a good guide book on Bavaria. Most of them describe numerous worthwhile tourist objectives.

I don't know that one has to take a bus tour to enjoy the area. I either take the train to the smaller towns, or rent a car and do my own touring. Whether or not that would be a problem for someone who is more familiar with the "other side of the road" is another question.

I will say this. Trains and various local forms of transportation go just about everywhere in Bavaria.

Thanks for your detailed response Bob, I'll pass on the information.
cheers

There's no winter this year, not even in the mountains. Most of the days it was rather warm and sunny 15C last week about 12C max for the next week. If you compare this year to last year with the loads of snow until late March, it's just fascinating. No snow this year, only patches for a few days. The crocusses are blooming

There is much to be seen in and near Munich that can be visited on one's own - no need for a tour company! If your friend is interested in spending a week or so in the area, he might find inspiration in travel guides at a local library or bookstore.