Forget large chains and department stores: the Gärtnerplatz and Glockenbach districts are all about individuality. We take a tour of what’s on offer.
The area’s individuality can be seen in the numerous independent labels based here, little craft businesses – tailors, tool shops, fabric shops and so on – and lovely bars and cafés, each with its own style. Even the shop names – things like Blutsgeschwister (“Blood Siblings”), Werkzeughandel Schrauben-Mutter (“Bolt-Nut Toolshop”), Süßmund (“Sugar Mouth”) and GötterSpeise, (“Food of the Gods”) – are intriguing and drive you to explore what’s behind the uniquely decorated shop windows.
If you like bespoke shoes and unusual leather accessories, Anja Hoffmann’s is the place for you. Anja is a master shoemaker who has been crafting bespoke shoes in her rear courtyard atelier in Gärtnerplatz since 1998. Her collection, under the Heels Angels label, also includes bags and accessories, as well as original collars for dogs. Every piece is made by hand, and Anja sources organic leather locally for her creations.
Heels Angels, Klenzestraße 45
The Munich-based fashion label WE.RE was founded in 2014 by Katharina Weber and Theresa Reiter. Their designs are characterised by clean lines and high quality, with all pieces handmade in Germany. The two designers have also set up a studio in their shop in the Glockenbach district, where they design, sew and alter their garments. WE.RE is now known throughout Europe.
WE.RE, Reichenbachstraße 30
Looking for something outside the fashion mainstream? The designers at Blutsgeschwister have a unique way of combining tradition with modern urbanity. The German Blutsgeschwister label has had a shop in Gärtnerplatz since 2013. Offering colourful apparel for mothers and children, you’ll find special cuts and striking fabric designs here as well as quirky homewares, bags, purses, scarves and sunglasses.
Blutsgeschwister, Gärtnerplatz 6
In Glockenbach’s leather paradise – a leather workshop right in the middle of the city. In Klenzestrasse, Caroline Antonetty works with a variety of different leathers to make extraordinary bags, clothing, accessories and purses, and custom items on request – and has been doing so for 25 years. Perfect for anyone who wants to bring home an extraordinary souvenir from Munich!
Antonetty, Klenzestraße 56
Small and large labels from Copenhagen, Berlin and Munich are available at the Homegirl Store on Reichenbachstraße. Owner Medo Diet wanted to open a cool shop for women where you immediately feel at home – and she has succeeded. While customers browse through the clothes, hip hop plays in the background and there is always someone sitting in front of the shop with a drink in their hand.
Homegirl Store, Reichenbachstraße 43
Eisenblätter & Triska supplies very special headgear. You can expect to find the right hat for any occasion and any weather, created by the owners Astrid Triska and Katrin Eisenblätter. Their unique, hip headgear is made with great attention to detail here in Glockenbach. They also have a large selection of designer scarves.
Eisenblätter & Triska, Hans-Sachs-Straße 13
Chi*Ka so kind in Müllerstrasse is an exciting place for children and adults alike. The owner, Karolina Watamaniuk, is a great believer in creative playthings, ecological clothing for babies and children, and original design – all of which you’ll find on the colourful displays, stocked with funny little crochet monkeys, sock elephants, children’s cutlery, bandanas, night lights, pram chains and much more.
Nica's Cosmos, Müllerstraße 1
Organic toys, fair trade baby clothing, quality items for the nursery – parents can find all this and more at Auryn Naturfashion on Reichenbachstraße. Although the shop has a modern and contemporary feel, it has actually been in Munich's Glockenbach district for over 25 years. Owner Christine Frehe-Reynartz only sells selected children's and baby items that are well made and made from natural materials.
Auryn Naturfashion, Reichenbachstraße 31
An established institution for chocolate lovers in Glockenbach. The GötterSpeise chocolaterie – naughty, but nice! It offers a large selection of unusual types of chocolate, delicious chocolates from all over the world, teas and wines, ingredients for desserts and inspirational literature. You can sit in the café, enjoy a hot chocolate or a coffee (roasted in-house), and take time to unwind.
Götterspeise, Jahnstraße 30
The bookshop on Hans-Sachs-Straße has been an institution in the neighbourhood for a quarter of a century – and has made a name for itself with its fine, high-quality selection. In addition to fiction, non-fiction and children's books, it also sells fine stationery and beautiful cards. Everyone is sure to find a gift here! It's also worth taking a look at the events calendar, as the Glockenbachbuchhandlung bookshop hosts a reading every month!
Glockenbachbuchhandlung, Hans-Sachs-Straße 11
Maximilian Crichton specialises in natural wines at his wine shop in the Glockenbach district. Here, you can not only enjoy tasting a few wines with friends and ordering snacks to go with them, but also buy the natural wines. Perfect for anyone still looking for a spontaneous gift! The wine tastings offered by the Munich native in his shop also make great gifts.
Forever Thirsty, Fraunhoferstraße 7
Since 1982, Optimal Records has been the place to go in Munich if you're looking for good records. Whether you're after classics or small indie labels, new or second-hand, you'll find everything here and can spend hours browsing. The shop recently won an award as one of the best vinyl shops in Germany. In addition to music, they also stock a wide range of books and wines!
Optimal Records, Kolosseumstraße 6
Kaerly Studio spans two floors between Viktualienmarkt and Gärtnerplatz. This Scandinavian interior design shop stocks a number of well-known brands such as Carl Hansen, Louis Poulsen and &Tradition. With more than 30 interior design brands to choose from, you can browse sofas, tables, chairs, beds and kitchens. It's also a great place to simply seek inspiration!
Kaerly, Buttermelcherstraße 2
If you are looking for a beautiful and unique lamp, you might find what you are looking for at Delikatessen-089. Don't be misled by the name; this interior design shop has been known for decades for its select vintage goods in the Glockenbach district. It all started in the 1990s on Rumfordstraße, and with the move to a larger store, new goods were added. To this day, however, the focus is on lamps and tables, some of which even come from the shop's own carpentry workshop.
Delikatessen-089, Reichenbachstraße 24
You can take a treasure hunt in what must be the most in-your-face antique shop in Glockenbach. At Haben Will (“want to have”) the name says it all: in this antique and second hand shop you will always find something you want to have. That’s assuming, of course, that you’re looking for unusual vintage clothing, fashion jewellery, porcelain, a carnival outfit, show equipment, homewares, a feather boa or drag costume.
Haben Will, Fraunhoferstraße 41
Alva Morgaine describes her shop as a ‘cabinet of curiosities for vintage items, unique pieces and treasures’. Here you will find opulent dresses from around 1880 to colourful trouser suits from the 1970s. In between are vintage furniture, antiques and curiosities. The owner sells whatever she likes herself! The Munich native also brings back many items from her travels. The clientele has become more international since the shop was recommended in the New York Times.
Alva-Morgaine, Hans-Sachs-Straße 9
It doesn't get more Munich than this: Fundgruber on Klenzestraße focuses on both traditional costumes and second-hand designer clothing. On over 100 square metres of retail space, you'll find both new and used dirndls, lederhosen and jankers. The pre-owned designer fashion comes from brands such as Prada and Gucci. The corner shop has been known for over 15 years for its special rarities and fair prices.
Fundgruber, Klenzestraße 58
