Winter activities in Munich
The city of Munich offers suitable winter activities for action lovers, people who enjoy relaxed strolls or those with wanderlust.
Ice bathing in the Isar
If classic winter activities are not enough for you, you can give the trend of ice bathing or winter bathing a try. The icy water has a positive effect on blood circulation and boosts the immune system. Nevertheless, it takes some practice: it is best to start swimming in cold waters in summer already and keep at it until the temperatures drop significantly. Under no circumstances should you enter the water in places with too strong a current. This is why there are events where ice bathing in the Isar is possible under supervision and guidance.
Botanical Garden
It's too cold outside and the next summer vacation is still far away? The Botanical Garden is worth a visit all year round. Even in winter, you can look at an infinite number of plants in the tropical climate on an area of 4,500 m². The Botanical Garden in Nymphenburg is rightly considered one of the most important in the world. The magnificent grounds are located directly adjacent to Nymphenburg Palace Park, making it a very popular destination for excursions.
The approximately 16,000 plant species are under constant scientific care and belong to the State Natural Science Collections of Bavaria. Audio guides and QR codes provide all kinds of information about the plants. Tickets can be purchased either on site or in advance online.
Forest walk and sledding
Munich offers countless beautiful routes for walking.
Somewhat hidden in Perlacher Forst, for example, is Perlacher Mugl. After a walk to the top of the small mountain, you can shoot down the footpath. For children, the small flatter slope at the foot of the mugl is especially good for sledding.
Munich during advent
Delicacies from all over the world, mulled wine under fairy lights and the strolling between artisanal art and musicians. Advent in Munich is far from boring. The city is divided into 25 districts and nearly all of them have at least one christmas market. Each year there are approx. 38 markets, enchanting you with their lights and delicious food and drinks.
It is very common for christmas markets to have a veriety of stands: traditional or unique, the Munich markets have it all. Often times you can find the eccentric and nonstandard christmas gift you were looking for. That is not all though, there is so much more to discover.
Historical Advent tour through the old town
The Advent guided tour, apart from all the Christmas markets, is about the origin of Christmas traditions and the traditions that are nowadays forgotten. Stories will put you in the right Christmas mood. The Rauschgoldhaar & Tannengrün tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and takes place on four dates in December. You can sample Christmas treats like Kletzenbrot, ginger bread, speculoos and much more. The tour starts at the toy musuem, at the tower of the old town hall and ends near Michaelskirche.
Beautifully lit squares
It is well worth taking a stroll throught the old town during Christmas time. The sparkling boulevard from Odeonsplatz to Brienner Straße is one of the most beautiful illuminated streets in the city center. The large light globes on Promenadeplatz are also particularly impressive.
Munich's largest Christmas tree glows with thousands of light candles at the town hall on Marienplatz and forms the center of the Christmas hustle and bustle.
