Discover Munich: the Isar, parks and culture

A trip around Munich can take many different forms: relaxing by the water, exploring expansive parklands, or discovering architectural history and museums in the nearby city. The Isar landscape is ideal for walking and wildlife watching, while Marienplatz, the Frauenkirche and the museums are cultural and historical highlights. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to decide first which of these themes you want to shape your stay and whether you also plan to visit places in the surrounding municipalities.

The Isar, nature reserve and park

The urban stretch of the Isar invites you to walk, linger, observe, explore and unwind. It is designated as a landscape conservation area, which continues north and south into the district of Munich. Since June 2011, the Isar between the Großhesseloher Wehr weir and the Deutsches Museum has offered visitors the chance to experience its rich natural diversity. This gives you both a specific stretch of river and the wider landscape to consider when planning your trip.

Swimming is permitted at designated spots along the Isar within Munich, and boating is allowed on certain stretches. Before swimming or boating, check the current local rules and river conditions. The Eisbach wave is a centrally located spot for river surfing in Munich: people surf here on the river, although conditions can vary.

The English Garden is in the heart of Munich, covers an area of around 640 football pitches and is considered the world’s largest urban park. You can go for a walk on its lawns. The park is also home to the Monopteros, a temple in the English Garden. The parkland and river offer a different focus from the historic squares and museums in the city.

Squares and architectural history

Marienplatz has been the vibrant heart of Munich since the city was founded in 1158 and is now a popular meeting place. The golden Mariensäule column stands at its centre. The square is dominated by the New Town Hall, with its Neo-Gothic façade, built between 1867 and 1909 by Georg von Hauberrisser. Its carillon is a major attraction; performance times may vary, so it is worth checking the current schedule before your visit.

The Frauenkirche offers another point of reference for the city’s architectural history: master builder Jörg von Halsbach built it in the 15th century, and its distinctive onion domes were added in 1525. Details with clear historical dates like these bring the city’s history to life, without reducing all its attractions to the same focus.

Museums and regional specialties

The Kunstareal encompasses museums and exhibition centres, galleries, universities and numerous cultural institutions. The Deutsches Museum houses one of the most important collections of science and technology. The Residenz in Munich’s Old Town is one of Bavaria’s largest museum complexes. These different places offer a range of experiences: science and technology, changing art and cultural themes, or the rooms of a former royal residence.

For a culinary highlight, head to the Viktualienmarkt in Munich. Around 100 stalls offer fresh food and regional specialties. The products available at individual stalls may change. This food market adds a specific place focused on regional produce to the city’s cultural and natural attractions.

Places to visit nearby

In Oberschleißheim, the Schleißheim Palace complex includes the Old Palace and New Palace, Lustheim Palace and the original Baroque palace park. It is one of the largest and most impressive Wittelsbach residences in Bavaria. Water features define the park, which invites visitors to walk and explore. Check the operator’s current visiting arrangements before planning your visit.

Also in Oberschleißheim, the Schleißheim Aviation Museum, an outpost of the Deutsches Museum, displays aircraft from every era of aviation. The Olympic Regatta Course there was built for the 1972 Summer Olympics and is still used for national and international competitions. Those more interested in technology and aviation will find a different focus here than at the palace complex.

At Grünwald Castle Museum, exhibits ranging from early medieval refuge fortresses to romantic knights’ castles explore the history of castles in the Isar Valley and Bavaria. Hands-on stations and displays introduce visitors to the world of the Middle Ages; the play and media stations are especially suitable for children. The Feringer Sach local history collection in Unterföhring spans finds from the Neolithic period to the Bavarians and covers topics including local development, domestic life and crafts. Visitors can also use a specialist reference library there.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your travel interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Munich, it helps to sort out your priorities: is your trip mainly about squares, architectural history and museums, or would you also like to explore the river and parkland? Individual destinations in Oberschleißheim, Grünwald or Unterföhring may also be important to your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Munich, Unterschleißheim, Unterhaching, Unterföhring, Taufkirchen, Putzbrunn, Pullach im Isartal, Planegg, Ottobrunn, Oberschleißheim, Oberhaching, Neubiberg, Sauerlach, Straßlach-Dingharting, Schäftlarn, Munich Airport, Grünwald, Grasbrunn, Ismaning, Aying, Aschheim, Garching bei München, Gräfelfing, Haar, Brunnthal, Kirchheim bei München, Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn, Hohenbrunn, Baierbrunn and Feldkirchen.

For the main travel overview: Bavaria.