Best ideas on how to enjoy summer in Munich: From beer gardens and beer gardens to lakes and parks, here’s how to make the most of your summer vacation in Munich.
Explore the oldest open-air farmers market in the city
The bustling Viktualienmarkt, Munich’s oldest open-air farmers market dating back to 1807, is a landmark in the heart of the city. You may marvel at the booths decorated with sausage garlands, mountains of fresh vegetables, and pyramids of fruit. The market has everything from meat and cheese to freshly squeezed bread, cakes and juices; buy some treats for the whole family and enjoy them right then and there in the beer garden in the center of the market.
Piérdete en English garden
Larger than Central Park, Munich’s “Englischer Garten” park is a green oasis and a wonderful place to explore: rent a rowboat, stroll along the wooded paths, take a horse-drawn carriage, visit one of its traditional gardens beer and watch The German answer to surfing in the streams of the canal called Eisbach (near Prinzregentenstrasse).
Relax on the banks of the river Isar
The river Isar, coming from the Alps, flows through the center of Munich and attracts people from all walks of life in summer; Locals love to sunbathe, picnic, barbecue (in designated areas), and fish (licensed) here. It is a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing, just be prepared so you can see some people sunbathing on the river bank; Naked sunbathing has been allowed here since the 1960s.
Drink a pint in Munich’s beer gardens
There is no better end to a summer day than sitting with friends at long wooden tables in the shade of centuries-old chestnut trees, enjoying a large mug of Bavarian beer fresh from the brewery. Munich is home to almost 200 beer gardens, including the largest beer garden in the world, with a capacity of 8,000 people. Our top picks include the crème de la crème of Bavarian hospitality, from the bustling beer gardens in the heart of Munich’s farmers market to the idyllic open-air restaurants in the city’s green scene.
Bike Through Munich
Munich is a perfect city to explore by bike; There are plenty of bike rentals throughout the city (for example inside Munich’s central train station), but if you feel more comfortable taking part in a guided bike tour, check out this one. This three-hour bike tour takes you through Munich’s Old Town, along the green banks of the River Isar and into royal parks and gardens. You’ll also tour Munich’s famous English Garden, where you’ll stop at one of the city’s best beer gardens for a drink.
Skate through the city at night
In summer, every Monday night, the locals put on their skates and take over the city. Large areas of the city center will be closed by traffic and skaters and speed skaters through Munich, a unique way to experience the city and its sights. The meeting point is every Monday at 9pm in Theresienwiese (only between May and September). For more information, visit www.aok-bladenight.de.
Swimming in the Feldmochinger See
The largest lake within Munich’s city limits, the Feldmochinger See has excellent water quality and is a great place for swimming and water sports. There are beach volleyball courts, table tennis, showers, as well as a designated nude area. (Take S1 to Feldmoching)
Walk on the roof of the Munich Olympic Stadium
For all adventurous travelers: Munich’s Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics, offers guided tours through its roof, which is made of wide, transparent awnings. The lightweight roof design created from acrylic glass is inspired by the Bavarian Alps, and in good weather you can see the mountains from here. No climbing experience is needed, just good shoes and a little courage. Tours are only available in summer.
Stroll around Lake Starnberg
Take a day trip to Lake Starnberger See, which is 16 miles south of Munich; Bordered by some of King Ludwig’s finest palaces, the lake offers fantastic views of the Bavarian Alps and the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. In summer, the lake is ideal for water sports and strolling along its promenade (take the S6 suburban train (S Bahn) to Starnberg).
