Running in Munich: the secret capital
- audreyubertino
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Munich is one of the few inland cities where you’ll come across surfers, complete with surfboards and wetsuits. When you go for a run in Munich, you’ll discover their favourite spot, as well as the imposing Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace and BMW’s futuristic headquarters. With JOOKS, explore Munich with our 22 audio-guided routes!
‘One thing is certain: whilst Paris appeals to the heart, Munich appeals to the stomach,’ said Rachel Johnson, a famous English journalist. And indeed, the city is home to the finest examples of Bavarian cuisine. However, beyond its culinary delights, Munich has many other attractions to offer.
The third-largest city in Germany in terms of population, the capital of the state of Bavaria is both a modern metropolis and the former residence of the Dukes of Bavaria. The nearby Alps and Lake Constance add to the unique charm of this city, which was described after the Second World War as Germany’s ‘secret capital’.
In the heart of old Munich
Although many historic buildings were destroyed during the Second World War, some have been faithfully reconstructed. A few medieval fortifications also remain – the Isartor, Sendlinger Tor and Karlstor gates. Once through these gates, in the heart of the old town, lies Marienplatz. This is the centre of Munich. It is flanked by the splendid Altes Rathaus, the old Gothic-style town hall, and the Neues Rathaus (the new town hall), which is built in the Neo-Gothic style. Its architect was, in fact, inspired by Brussels Town Hall.
During your run through the centre of Munich, you’re bound to come across the city’s most iconic building, the Cathedral of Our Lady, or Frauenkirche, with its two towers, easily recognisable by their distinctive onion domes. Nearby stands Germany’s largest urban palace, the Residenz, dating from the 14th century. From there, your tour of Munich will take you to the old ‘food market’. Further south, in front of the opera house, you’ll take the newer Maximilianstraße, which was built in the 19th century to host military parades. Crossing the Isar, it will take you to the eastern districts, and further on, you can admire the Maximilianeum, which is the current seat of the Bavarian Parliament.
Urban fun in Munich
On the other side of the Isar, to the east, lies an urban beach, the Isarstrand, not far from the Maximilian Bridge and the island it spans. In this district, known as “Au”, you’ll find the Deutsches Museum, a technology museum also built on one of the Isar’s islands. A wonderful place for a stroll, the Au district is also home to the Müllersches Volksbad, which opened in 1901 after four years of construction. It is Munich’s oldest public baths, built in the Art Nouveau style. A wonderful place to relax after your run in Munich!
The Maxvorstadt district, to the west of the city centre, boasts a wealth of examples of neoclassical architecture. These include Königsplatz, as well as the Glyptothek and the Staatliche Antikensammlungen (the German State Collections of Antiquities), a real treat for lovers of ancient art and architecture.
To the north lies Munich’s second-longest avenue, Ludwigstrasse, which becomes Leopoldstrasse. It leads to Ludwig-Maximilians University and the Siegestor triumphal arch. But above all, it runs through Schwabing, the student district. This legendary artists’ haunt is now home to the English Gardens, a must-see spot on any stroll through Munich. Here you’ll find a 25-metre-high Chinese pagoda, a Greek temple built in the 19th century... and a static wave, which attracts surfers in summer. However, if you want to make the most of it, remember to bring your own equipment: this is a completely natural phenomenon linked to the shape of the Eisbach riverbed, meaning there are no nearby facilities for surfing. Furthermore, Eisbach literally means ‘ice river’, which gives you an idea of the water temperature...
Finally, there is a thriving underground music scene in Munich. For fans of unique sounds, from krautrock to experimental electronic music, there is a wide variety of concerts on offer. Alternatively, after your run, you can always go and listen to Schlager – German pop – whilst sipping a beer in one of the city’s many Biergartens.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from Marienplatz to the English Garden!
Discover all of Munich’s routes and over 1,700 more on the JOOKS app.
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