Sports & Leisure in Munich: The Best Outdoor Activities, Parks, Lakes and Alpine Adventures
Staying Active Between the Isar, Parks and the Alps
Munich is a city in motion. Whether by bike, on foot, or at a run, sports and outdoor activities are a natural part of everyday life for many residents. Between the Isar River, the English Garden and the Olympic Park, there are countless opportunities to stay active – often just steps from your front door.
An Active Lifestyle
Thousands of people exercise outdoors every day. Joggers follow scenic routes along the Isar, cyclists make use of the city’s extensive network of bike paths, and sports enthusiasts gather in parks for soccer, yoga, fitness workouts and other activities in the open air.
Munich’s passion for sports is also reflected in major events such as the Munich Marathon, which attracts participants from around the world and takes runners through many of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.
No Club Membership Required
You don’t need to join a sports club to stay active in Munich. Spontaneous soccer matches take place in the English Garden, people work out or relax along the Isar riverbanks, and numerous running and cycling routes make it easy to explore the city while exercising.
Popular spots include the green areas along the Isar, the expansive paths of the English Garden and the wide range of sports facilities in the Olympic Park.
Nature Right on Your Doorstep
One of Munich’s greatest advantages is its proximity to nature. Numerous lakes are located just a short distance from the city center and offer ideal conditions for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and beach volleyball.
The Bavarian Alps are also within easy reach, making Munich a perfect base for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and winter sports.
The Best Sports and Leisure Activities in Munich
On the following pages, we present some of the best places, activities and addresses for staying active in and around Munich – from jogging along the Isar and fitness opportunities in the city to outdoor adventures in the Bavarian Alps.
be found on the Internet pages of the sports and leisure authority (www.sport.musin.de). With so much to choose from, some people break a sweat just clicking through the Web site.

