While many places don’t have much to offer to entice you out of your warm cocoon during cold seasons, Munich certainly does! The beautiful Bavarian capital transforms into a winter wonderland with plenty of exciting things for you to do outdoors and even indoors. This article explores 20 ways you can have fun while you’re in Munich in winter.
Outdoor
Curling on the Nymphenburg Palace Canal
Nymphenburg Palace is a popular destination for anyone looking for the fairytale-like experience that only a castle can offer. During winter, the palace goes a step further, offering a prime location for the famous Bavarian winter sport – curling.
In winter, the Nymphenburg Palace Canal is Munich’s longest curling rink, where two teams take turns sliding granite stones toward a target. Everything you need to take a shot at curling is available for rent on site so all you need is to bring your A-game. It’s the perfect winter fun with a fairytale setting. In addition to curling, the canal is also a great ice rink for winter sports enthusiasts who love ice skating and generally having fun on the ice.
Hellabrunn Zoo (Tierpark Hellabrunn)
Visiting the Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich in winter is a unique and memorable experience. One of the highlights of a winter visit is the chance to observe animals that thrive in colder climates, offering an exciting change from the typical zoo experience.
From the grizzly polar bears and yaks to the playful sea lions and majestic elks, there’s an abundance of wildlife to discover during the winter months. Opened in 1911, Hellabrunn Zoo became the world’s first geozoo in 1928, designed to showcase species diversity in habitats that closely mimic their natural environments. Nestled along the picturesque Isar floodplains, it’s a remarkable destination for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Munich Ghosts & Spirits Evening Walking Tour
Are you looking to take a little walk on the spooky side? The Munich Ghosts & Spirits evening walking tour is just the kind of hair-raising fun you’ll love, especially on a wintery evening. A local guide will walk you through Munich’s popular haunts as they share scary stories and lore about each place.
During your spine-tingling tour you’ll learn about the city’s darkest secrets, inexplicable phenomena and lots more supernatural stuff. If you need a little liquid courage to help you stomach the spookiness of it all, you can stop at a tavern along the way and play some drinking games to help you shake off the chills!
Skiing & Tobogganing on the Olympiaberg
If you’re lucky to be in Munich in winter when there’s lots of snow and not just a general chill in the air, then this is an activity worth trying out. When there’s plenty of snow, the Olympic Hill (Olympiaberg) becomes one of the best ski slopes in the city.
The hill has areas that are flat and well-suited for families with small children looking to have some winter fun on toboggans. There are steeper runs as well for skiing experts or anyone simply looking for an adrenaline rush on the slopes with no holds barred.
Munich Botanical Garden
In need of a little glimpse of summer during winter? The Munich Botanical Garden is just the place to go. Open all year round, except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the garden is the perfect spot to spend a winter afternoon amidst thousands of colourful blooms.
Some of the best parts of the botanical garden are the greenhouses with tropical climates. In these, you’ll stand among flowering plants that bring back the feeling of summer even for just a moment.
Ice Bathing
While the natural instinct in winter is to soak in a long, hot bath to chase away the chills, some in Munich embrace the extreme opposite – ice bathing.
Known for its potential benefits, such as strengthening the immune system, reducing stress, and even boosting circulation, this challenging activity continues to draw adventurous participants. However, it’s not something to be attempted on a whim – proper preparation and safety measures are essential. Always ensure you’re under the guidance of experienced professionals, use the right equipment, and never go alone.
For those willing to take the plunge, the post-bath glow and the thought of warming up with a steaming cup of coffee make it all the more rewarding!
The English Garden
The English Garden is one of the most beloved spots in Munich, and its charm shines even during winter. Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll or eager to explore the picturesque Kleinhesseloher See, this iconic park offers something for everyone. During the colder months, the frozen lake transforms into a lively hub, where locals and visitors enjoy curling, ice skating and ice hockey.
Winter adds a magical touch to the park, and if walking doesn’t appeal, why not hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a fairytale-like ride through the snowy pathways? For those seeking more action, there’s always river surfing on the Eisbach (if you’re not an experienced surfer, better to spectate!)
Outdoor Skating
If you love to stay active during winter and don’t mind the chilly bite of the wintery air, you’ll enjoy skating outdoors in Munich in winter. There are lots of places where you can go ice skating, such as the Ice and Fun Sports Center Munich East with a huge outdoor rink surrounded by the Ostpark that creates a beautiful natural backdrop. The centre also has an indoor rink, ideal for ice skating and ice hockey.
Other places you can go for ice skating in Munich include the Municipal Ice and Fun Sports Center West, Prinzregentestadion, and Grünwalder Freizeitpark. Whether you simply want to skate on the ice, play ice hockey, or join in on some ice dancing, you’ll have everything you need for a fun winter day at any of these rinks.
Ski Tours
Despite the name, ski tours aren’t just all about skiing. The tour begins with some deep trudging through the snow as you climb up to the mountains. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a deeply satisfying slide down the mountain on your skis. While the journey down the mountain is the highlight of the tour, the climb leads you through beautiful meadows and forests, with wonderful views of the surrounding landscape.
Munich offers many different ski tours you can access with the purchase of a ticket. For example, the Garmischer Ski-Ticket includes a train ride straight from Munich Central Station to the slopes plus a one-day ski pass.
Alternatively, you can take an eco ski bus from the city’s central bus station to popular resorts such as the Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser, Hochzillertal, and Kitzbuhel and save both time and the environment. Besides the tours and ski resorts, you can also enjoy cross-country skiing without all the bells and whistles but just as much fun winter snow flurries at the Westpark, the Nymphenburger Park, and the Isarauen.
Snowshoe Hike
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to enjoy Munich’s winter scenery, and with local outdoor shops offering snowshoe rentals, it’s easy to get started. When snow covers the city, places like the English Garden, Olympic Park, Hirschgarten, and Isar River trails become ideal spots for casual snowshoe hikes.
For more adventurous trails, a short trip to the Bavarian Alps offers stunning options. Close by, Wallberg (Tegernsee Valley, 45 mins) and Spitzingsee (Schliersee, just over an hour) provide breathtaking views and marked routes for all levels. Slightly further, Krün (Wetterstein Mountains), Lenggries (Isarwinkel), and Oberammergau (Ammergau Alps) deliver unforgettable alpine snowshoeing experiences, all within 1–1.5 hours of Munich.
Whether staying in the city or venturing into the Alps, snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore Bavaria’s winter landscapes!
Indoor
Indoor Pool/Saunas
When winter’s chill sets in, there’s no better way to warm up and unwind than by visiting one of Munich’s many indoor pools or saunas. These inviting spots offer the perfect escape, letting you enjoy the soothing embrace of water no matter the weather.
For those who’d rather skip the swimming, most facilities also feature saunas where you can relax in blissful warmth. The gentle, steamy heat of the sauna works wonders for both body and soul, easing tension, soothing muscles, and melting away any memory of the cold waiting outside.
Some indoor pools and saunas you can explore in Munich in winter are the Muller’sches Volksbad, Nordbad, and Dantebad.
Sea Life Aquarium
If you’re looking for an engaging indoor activity in Munich in winter, a visit to Sea Life Munich is a fantastic choice. Nestled in the heart of the iconic Olympic Park, this top-tier aquarium is home to over 3,000 marine creatures, including Germany’s largest variety of sharks. From vibrant tropical fish to graceful rays, each exhibit offers a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of the underwater world.
One of the highlights is the breathtaking tunnel tank, where you can walk through and enjoy a 360° view of marine life swimming around and above you. It’s an unforgettable experience to see sharks, rays, and schools of fish in such an immersive environment.
Sea Life Munich also takes its conservation mission seriously, with efforts focused on protecting endangered species like seahorses and turtles. Visitors can learn more about these important initiatives while enjoying the captivating displays.
Indoor Golf & Bar
Art Museums
A chilly winter day provides the perfect excuse to explore one of Munich’s many cosy art museums and immerse yourself in creativity. There’s something magical about wandering through galleries, surrounded by captivating colours, intricate brushstrokes, and thought-provoking masterpieces.
Whether your tastes lean towards contemporary art or timeless classics, Munich’s diverse art scene has something for everyone. With a wealth of museums showcasing everything from modern innovations to traditional treasures, you’ll find endless inspiration and plenty of works of art waiting to be discovered.
Some popular museums you can visit in Munich in winter (and in any season!) are the Lenbachhaus, Museum Brandhorst, Pinakothek der Moderne, and Haus der Kunst. In these, you’ll find famous collections, popular works of art, and even new and upcoming artists for you to enjoy.
Imperial Castle (Munchen Kaiserburg) Exhibition
The Imperial Castle (Münchner Kaiserburg) Exhibition is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Munich’s rich history. Housed in a historic vaulted hall, this exhibition offers a fascinating multimedia journey into the city’s past, from its medieval roots to its development under the Wittelsbach dynasty. Since its opening in 2007, the exhibition has provided visitors with engaging insights into the life of medieval emperors and the evolution of Munich as a seat of power.
One highlight is the 7-minute presentation on Emperor Ludwig and his life, which is available in English upon request at the front desk. Another is the 12-minute film Court and City: The Development of Munich Under the Influence of the Wittelsbach Dynasty, which delves into how this influential family shaped the city’s growth. These carefully curated presentations, paired with the stunning architecture of the venue itself, make for a compelling experience.
What’s more, admission to this remarkable exhibition is completely free, making it an accessible and enriching way to explore Munich’s history – perfect for a winter day of discovery.
Munich Residenz Museum
Open to the public as a museum since 1920, the Munich Residenz is a must-see if you’re ever in Munich in winter (or any time of the year, for that matter!). Thanks to the extensive size of the building you’ll have plenty to explore, so you can escape the winter chill for a good while.
While you’re here, you’ll see pieces of the country’s history in the building’s architecture and furnishings, as well as paintings, tapestries, treasures, and religious devotional items. Through these exhibits, you’ll see and learn about the different eras of the royals and other elites who lived there between 1508 and 1918.
You can opt for the audio-guided tours, which are included in the modest ticket price and available in several languages, including English, German, French, and Japanese. It’s recommended to pre-book the special English guided tours for groups, as there are no regular guided tours offered except upon booking.
Laser Tag
The Bavarian National Museum
When winter weather sets in, the Bavarian National Museum offers the perfect refuge for a cultural excursion that’s as enriching as it is enjoyable. Known as the “Schatzhaus an der Eisbachwelle” (Treasure House by the Eisbach Wave), this is one of the largest museums in Germany, showcasing a vast and diverse collection of art and artefacts spanning from late antiquity to the art nouveau period.
With ever-evolving display collections and engaging special exhibits, the museum creates meaningful connections between the past and the present, bringing history to life in a way that captivates visitors of all ages.
One highlight that truly sets the Bavarian National Museum apart is its extraordinary collection of nativity scenes – the largest and most valuable in the world. These intricately staged displays span 300 years of cultural history, celebrating the birth of Christ with astonishing detail and craftsmanship.
Indoor Ice Skating at the SAP Garden
With indoor ice skating, you can spend some time on the ice without having to brave the cold weather outside. The SAP Garden in the famous Olympic Park offers the perfect getaway for an indoor ice skating adventure.
There are three ice rinks within, all open for leisure and popular sports. Due to limitations on the number of people who can be on the ice rink at a time, it’s best to book your tickets in advance before you go there. In addition to ice skating, you can enjoy figure skating, ice dancing, and ice disco at select times.
Catch a Movie at the Mathäser Filmpalast
Munich in Winter: Final Word
Munich in winter is a city full of possibilities, where snowy landscapes and cosy indoor escapes create a perfect seasonal balance. From outdoor adventures like snowshoeing and curling to cultural excursions in museums or warming up in saunas, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city during the colder months.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or prefer the comfort of indoor attractions, Munich offers a unique blend of history, culture, and winter fun to suit every taste. With so much to see and do, Bavaria’s capital proves that winter is one of the most magical times to visit.
* Now read: 10 of the Best Day Trips by Train from Munich
