When the snow falls in Munich, it's time for a winter walk. We present the nicest routes, from the Englischer Garten (park) to the Isar river – and at the same time the appropriate refreshment to warm up culinarily.
Whenever the locals talk about a walk along the Isar river, they usually go from the former Gasteig (cultural centre) to the Wittelsbacher Brücke (bridge). And there's lots to see along the way, including the Rosengarten (park), Kabelsteg and other historic bridges along the river, from the Corneliusbrücke to the Reichenbachbrücke, all of which were built around the turn of the century. In keeping with the winter scenery, you can get delicious Nordic coffee and cake at the Icelandic Café Blá at Au. Café Hüller, Henry hat Hunger and Rosi Kaffeehaus are also just around the corner.
Also worth a visit: Fugazi, Wagners Juicery, Hungriges Herz
The Kunstareal is a renowned art district in Munich's Maxvorstadt, featuring 16 museums and 40 art galleries, such as the Pinakothek art galleries, the Brandhorst Museum, the Lenbachhaus and the NS-Dokumentationszentrum (Munich Documentation Centre for the History of National Socialism). Both the Königsplatz (square) and the meadows around the Alte Pinakothek are ideal for a nice stroll. There are, of course, numerous cafés around Munich's university district where you can buy hot drinks to take away, such as Mary's Coffe Club, Pavesi and Dinatale. If you want to sit down for a proper break, the cosy Café Jasmin is a good choice: most of the 1950s décor is still intact, and they serve homemade cakes.
Also worth a visit: Coucou Food Market, Gartensalon, Café Joon
The Englischer Garten is regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in the world – and for good reason. No matter whether you'd like to explore the quieter northern section or the more popular southern part, there’s plenty to discover here on foot. When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall, it's particularly worth a trip to the Monopteros, the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) and Kleinhesseloher See (lake) – you can even ice skate there when the lake freezes over. If you take your time, you can easily spend one or two hours outdoors. To warm up afterwards, you can order some Bavarian delicacies, for example at the Osterwaldgarten (restaurant).
Also worth a visit: Fräulein Müller Kiosk, Seehaus im Englischen Garten, Fräulein Grüneis
Westpark is also ideal for a leisurely winter walks. Unlike the English Garden, it’s often less busy here, but you can go sledging or ice skating on the frozen lake. You'll find plenty photo opportunities in the snowy surroundings, especially at the Thai-Sala, the first ever free-standing Buddha sanctuary in Europe. At Café Gans am Wasser, chips, cakes, coffee and mulled wine are served even in winter. Alternatively, you can head over to the trendy Westend district, where numerous cafés, restaurants and bars await.
Also worth a visit: Café Ora, Café Schuntner, Krüner Kiosk, Calima Speciality Coffee
Nymphenburger Schlosspark (Nymphenburg Palace Park) has become an almost classic destination for walkers and is even popular amongst the locals – in every season. But winter is the only time of the year when you can enjoy curling and ice skating on the canal. There are lots of manor houses and hunting lodges to discover across 200 hectares of land, including the Parkschlösschen Badenburg (pavilion), the Pagodenburg (Asian-inspired lodge) and the Jagdschlösschen Amalienburg (hunting lodge). You can get a coffee or mulled wine in the Palmenhaus at any time – grilled sausages and sweets are also on the menu. If you still haven't had enough after the palace park, take a look at the Botanical Garden right next door – spring fever comes up here all year round.
Also worth a visit: Backspielhaus Nymphenburg, Nine Fine Roastery & Bar, Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige Nymphenburg
Munich's districts are best explored on foot, and Haidhausen is undoubtedly one of the nicest on the list. When its old buildings and small streets are draped in snow, the former French Quarter becomes an almost cheesy location. The district has lots of fairytale squares, such as Wiener Platz, Bordeauxplatz and Weissenburger Platz, where a small Christmas market is held every year. It’s also worth seeing the golden Friedensengel (monument) and the Maximilianeum in this part of the city. If you're strolling through the romantic Preysingstrasse, why not take a break at Zum Kloster, LottiEck or Café Helma?
Also worth a visit: Preysinggarten, Polka Restaurant, Nana Meze & Wine, Sorry Johnny
Built in the run-up to the1972 Olympic Games, the Olympiapark (Olympic Park) still feels like a little journey back in time. On a stroll through the landscaped park in the north of Munich, you’ll pass the Olympiaturm (Olympic Tower), which is almost 300 metres high, the 1970s Olympiaschwimmhalle (Olympic Swimming Pool), the fascinating Olympic Village and the popular Olympic Hall, where world-famous stars regularly perform. You can round off your winter adventure with some ice skating at the new SAP-Garden. Once you’ve taken in the magnificent views from the Olympiaberg (Olympic Mountain), you should definitely have a look at the to-go menu in the nearby Oberwiesenfeld restaurant – or, if you're looking for something a bit more upmarket, stop off at BMW Welt.
Also worth a visit: Bamberger Haus, Café Rigoletto, Nini Café Borstei
There are endless possibilities for a stroll along the Isar (river) – and just as many places to stop for a bite to eat. One route runs from Thalkirchen to the Großhesseloher Bridge, which, at over 30 metres high, is the city’s highest bridge over the Isar. Along the way, you’ll pass Hinterbrühler See, the Stichsteg, the Marienklause and the Lola Montez House. Not far from the bridge, in Großhesselohe, is the Waldwirtschaft, affectionately known as ‘Wawi’ by the people of Munich. Whilst a jazz beer garden with live music awaits in summer, during the colder months you can also enjoy excellent Bavarian cuisine indoors.
Also worth a visit: Gasthof Hinterbrühl, Kiosk 1917, Konsum Kiosk
