With its sprawling urban parks, Mediterranean-style street cafes, and outdoor biergartens, there’s no better time to visit Munich than in the summer. Here are five ways to experience the beautiful Bavarian metropolis and the surrounding Alps.
1. Take public transport.
The public transport system in Munich is fantastic—and cheap. From Munich Airport, a €12 ride on the S-Bahn will whisk you into the center of town, as well as give you 24-hour access to several types of public transport (S, U-Bahn, bus, and tram). It’s clean, efficient, and almost as precise as its neighboring Swiss trains.
2. Go wild eating German sausages (but don't forget the vegetables).
There really is a sausage to suit everyone—but Munich's food scene has so much more to offer. Germany is one of the forerunners of great vegetarian and organic cuisine in Europe; lest we forget, staples such as spätzle(egg noodles) and rösti(potato pancakes, often served with applesauce) are meat-free. For delicious vegetarian fare, try Prinz Myshkin, just a short walk from Marienplatz; Tushita Teehaus in the delightful Glockenbachviertel; and Lost Weekend in the hip Schwabing area.
3. Rent a (very fast) car and zoom down the Autobahn, heading straight for the Bavarian Alps.
Nature awaits just a short drive from the city: alpine lakes for refreshing swims in the summer, slopes for horse-sledding and skiing in the winter. Aim for Wendelstein Mountain, the most accessible peak from Munich. (It's also a 90-minute cable car ride away from Osterhofen, though we prefer a wild ride on the Autobahn.) For those who can’t make it out of town, you can admire the Alps with a cocktail in hand from the terrace of the newly opened Flushing Meadows hotel.
4. Visit Walchensee, one of the largest lakes in Bavaria.
The German side of my family is from a tiny village by Walchensee; it’s the place I go to recharge from hectic city living. The lake has Caribbean-blue waters and is very high up in the Alps. In the summer, you should wake up early and climb the Herzogstand mountain by 7 a.m.—you’ll beat the crowds and have the entire mountain to yourself. Expect to arrive at the summit around two hours later, just in time for a Bavarian breakfast at the rustic cafe at the top.
5. Strip down in the Englischer Garten—if you dare.
Munich residents have a philosophy of “leben und leben lassen” (live and let live), and as a result, there are several “urban naked zones” in the city. Englische Garten, a large urban park with beautiful lakes and sprawling fields, is one of them. My suggestion? When in Munich, don't be shy.