Europe

Munich, Germany

The third largest city in Germany and the capital of the German state of Bavaria, a.k.a “The Dream City,” Munich boasts 10 universities, vast urban green tracts, dozens of must-see sights, and a year-round festive spirit. Munich is also located about an hour and a half from the Alps, with glacial lakes also a short drive away. Running in Munich is typical of many European cities, with centrally located parks and waterside paths. Note: For guided running tours in Munich, we highly recommend our friends at Go! Running Tours.

The best places to run in Munich center on the large Englischer Garten, and extensive paths along the Isar River. For a lovely run around the grounds of an old castle, head to Schlosspark Nymphenburg. For some hills and history, head to Luitpold Park and the Olympic complex. We’ve also included recommendations for some additional parks and lakes just outside the city.

One great aspect of Munich is the ‘inner city,’ which occupies such a small area that everything is close and easy to visit, and also making the city very walkable. There is also excellent public transport, with subways and trains (U-Bahn and S-Bahn), as well as trams and buses. Areas outside the city are well served by trains. With its orchestras, ensembles, opera houses, and theatre, Munich is also a very culturally active city.

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Some of our favorite runs in Munich, Germany

Isar River Paths

The Isar River is at the heart of Munich, flowing through its center. A greenbelt/linear park follows... more...

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Westpark Loop

Munich, Germany

Urban Westpark is located 6km west of the city center, in the Sendling-Westpark neighborhood. Trees, green space, lakes, an open air cinema, oriental shrine, buddhist temple, and gorgeous Japanese garden. A tour of the outer trails is about 6k (3.6 miles).
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munich-climate-graphMunich climate is continental. Summers are warm but not hot, with average highs in the 23 range (mid-70s). Winters are quite cold but not frigid. Temps dip below freezing most nights, but average highs in January are about 1c (33). Munich is also quite humid.

Despite being a smaller city, Munich has a large selection of hotels. Mostly located in the city core, almost all of Munich’s central hotels border the Englischer Garten, which is home base for the following lodging areas:

  • Gastehaus Englischer Garten. Centrally located. Known to have the best rooms for visiting runners. Make sure to book early.
  • Hotel Astoria. Centrally located. If you can’t get a room at the Gastehaus Englischer Garten, book here.
  • Hotel Adria. Centrally located. Roughly 300 yards from both the south end of the Garden and the running trails along the River Isar.
  • Munich Park Hilton. Opposite the Garden’s eastern border, along the River Isar. Recommended for business travelers who want all the familiar amenities of a big chain hotel.
  • Munich Marriott Hotel. East of the JFK bridge, which bisects the Garden. Fantastic fitness center.

There are also plenty of hotels near Olympiapark and Schlosspark.

Click here to see map of hotel locations.

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There’s a great selection of running shops, especially for a city of Munich’s modest size. InTeam Laufshop is the main specialty running store within the city.

Munich has a vibrant running scene, with races nearly every weekend! See more at Running Calendar Munich.