Things To Do In Munich In Winter

Munich is a charming city located in southern Germany, renowned for its scenic alpine views, rich culture and centuries-old architecture. The Bavarian capital is home to over 1,5 million people and has been a destination for travelers for centuries, with its impressive landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. During winter, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-capped roofs, twinkling Christmas markets and cozy cafes. With so many things to do in Munich in winter, it can seem daunting to plan a visit.

About Munich

Munich is the third largest city in Germany and is located in the state of Bavaria. The city has long been associated with wealth and culture, with many renowned musicians, writers and artists having been born or educated there. Munich is also home to several notable educational institutions, including the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the University of Television and Film Munich. The city is renowned for its art galleries, stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Munich is a popular destination for tourists all year round, with most visitors coming to explore the city’s many attractions, enjoy its vibrant nightlife and sample traditional Bavarian cuisine. During winter, the city is particularly picturesque, with snow-capped roofs and majestic Christmas markets. Winter is also the perfect time to explore the city’s many museums and galleries or take a stroll through its leafy parks.

Top Things To Do In Munich In Winter

When visiting Munich in winter, there are countless things to do to enjoy the city’s charm and beauty. From exploring its winter markets and taking part in festive activities, to sampling traditional Bavarian cuisine and visiting its many museums and landmarks, there’s something for everyone. Read on to discover some of the top things to do in Munich in winter.

Visit The Christmas Markets

One of the most popular things to do in Munich during winter is to visit its famous Christmas markets. The Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkt, are held all over the city from late November to just after Christmas. They are filled with festive stalls selling traditional gifts and decorations, as well as delicious treats like roasted chestnuts, bratwurst and mulled wine. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of festive entertainment and activities, including choirs singing carols and children’s rides. The most popular Christmas markets can be found at Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz.

Explore The Museums

Munich is home to several world-class museums, including the Bavarian National Museum, Deutsches Museum and Alte Pinakothek. During winter, the museums come alive with festive events and activities. Visitors can explore the city’s history and culture through exhibitions, interactive displays and workshops. Many of the museums also offer special discounts during the winter months, making them a great way to save money while still enjoying the city’s cultural offerings.

Go Ice Skating

Another popular activity during winter in Munich is ice skating. With several outdoor rinks dotted across the city, visitors can take part in this classic winter activity. One of the most popular ice skating rinks is located at Gärtnerplatz near Isar river. This picturesque rink provides stunning views of Munich’s skyline and is open from October to March each year.

Take A Walking Tour

Exploring Munich on foot is one of the best ways to get a feel for the city. Visitors can take part in guided walking tours that take them through the city’s most iconic sights and attractions. During winter, these tours often incorporate festive elements such as Christmas markets or carol singing. Walking tours are a great way to learn more about the city while taking in its stunning architecture and views.

Visit The Olympic Park

The Olympic Park in Munich was built for the 1972 Olympic Games and is now home to several attractions, including an Olympic Tower, Olympic Stadium and Sea Life Centre. During winter, visitors can enjoy ice skating at Olympia Eisstadion or take a tour of the Olympic Stadium. The park also offers a variety of other activities such as snow tubing, sledding and even curling.

Visit Nymphenburg Palace

Nymphenburg Palace is one of Munich’s most iconic landmarks and is a must-visit for any visitor to the city. Built in 1664 as a summer residence for the Bavarian rulers, this stunning palace is surrounded by lush gardens and stunning architecture. During winter, the palace grounds become blanketed in snow creating an even more magical atmosphere. Visitors can take part in guided tours of the palace or explore its grounds on their own.

Try Traditional Bavarian Cuisine

One of the best things about visiting Munich in winter is sampling its delicious food. Bavarian cuisine is renowned for its hearty dishes such as Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) and Wurstsalat (sausage salad). Visitors can find traditional Bavarian eateries all over the city, with many offering warm comfort food that is perfect for cold winter days.

Popular Tours

Munich offers a variety of interesting tours that give visitors an insight into the city’s culture and history. Here are two of the most popular tours:

Munich City Sightseeing Tour

The Munich City Sightseeing Tour is a great way to explore all that this beautiful city has to offer. This tour takes visitors on a journey through centuries of history as they explore all of Munich’s most iconic sights such as Marienplatz Square, Frauenkirche Church and Residenz Palace. Along the way they will also get an opportunity to sample some of Munich’s delicious cuisine at local eateries or traditional Bavarian beer halls. This tour lasts approximately 3 hours and can be booked here.

Munich Beer Hall Tour

The Munich Beer Hall Tour is a great way to experience traditional Bavarian culture first-hand. This tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Munich’s most popular beer halls where they can sample local brews while taking in live music performances or engaging in games such as skittles or darts. Along the way they will also learn about the history of beer brewing in Germany as they visit some of Munich’s oldest taverns. This tour lasts approximately 4 hours and can be booked here.

Conclusion

Munich is a charming city that comes alive during winter with its festive atmosphere and twinkling Christmas markets. There are countless things to do during winter in Munich from exploring its iconic sights to sampling local cuisine or taking part in festive activities like ice skating or walking tours. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone in Munich during wintertime.