Munich is not only known for its beer gardens, the Oktoberfest and the Alpine backdrop, but also for a wide range of special sports and outdoor activities.
Whether you are looking for action-packed experiences like kitesurfing on Lake Starnberg, a round of mountain biking in the Alpine foothills or relaxing yoga sessions in the English Garden, the Bavarian capital and its surrounding area offer adventure seekers and nature lovers countless opportunities to get their fill of adrenaline and discover new things. In this article, we present extraordinary sports and activities that you should definitely try in and around Munich.
Padelboarding on the Isar
Padelboarding is an exciting and relaxing way to experience the nature around Munich from the water. The Isar offers both calm sections, ideal for beginners, and somewhat more challenging sections that offer variety and a challenge for advanced boarders. While padelboarding, you glide over the water while standing on a board, enjoying the idyllic landscape and fresh air. This is a great activity to stay active and cool off, especially in the summer – and all in the middle of the city.
New Trend: Padel Tennis
Padel tennis is a trendy sport that is becoming more and more popular in Munich. This dynamic mixture of tennis and squash is played on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls, which makes for exciting rallies and special court interaction. The game is easy to learn and is suitable for beginners as well as experienced tennis players who want to try something new. Padel Tennis is particularly popular because of its social character – you play it in pairs, so team spirit and fun are in the foreground. In and around Munich, there are now numerous facilities that offer Padel courts.
Hiking in the Alps
Hiking in the Alps is one of the most popular leisure activities for Munich residents and visitors to the city. Just a short drive away, the Alps offer a wide variety of hiking routes for all levels of ability – from leisurely strolls through idyllic valleys to challenging summit tours for experienced mountaineers. The breathtaking scenery, with its green meadows, clear mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks, invites you to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The Alps surrounding Munich offer hiking enthusiasts unforgettable
Skiing and Snowboarding in the Mountains
The proximity of the Alps allows Munich residents to reach some of the best ski resorts in Germany and Austria, such as Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the Spitzingsee ski resort or the Zugspitze – Germany’s highest mountain – in no time at all. These areas offer perfectly groomed slopes for all skill levels, from gentle descents for beginners to challenging routes for professionals. Snow parks with halfpipes and ski jumps provide action and adrenaline for freestylers. Whether you are taking your first turns or seeking sporting challenges, the Alps offer a variety of ways to enjoy winter.
Kitesurfing on Lake Starnberg
Kitesurfing is an exciting experience for water sports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies, just a short distance from Munich. The lake, surrounded by the picturesque Alpine panoramas, offers ideal conditions for kitesurfers – especially in strong winds, when wide expanses of water open up and the speed and jumps over the waves become a highlight. For beginners, there are special courses and rental stations, while advanced surfers can enjoy the freedom of gliding over the clear water.
Mountain biking in Munich’s Hausbergen
Mountain biking is a must for anyone who loves speed, technique and being close to nature. The Alpine region around Munich offers a variety of trails and routes for every level – from leisurely tours through green valleys to challenging single trails that involve steep ascents and rapid descents. Areas such as the Tegernsee Valley or the Spitzingsee region, which promise spectacular views of the Alps and varied routes, are particularly popular. Munich’s local mountains are a paradise for mountain bikers who want to combine adventure and nature experiences.
Sports Activities in the English Garden
The English Garden is not only a green jewel in the middle of Munich, but also a hotspot for a wide range of sporting activities. The extensive meadows and paths offer ideal conditions for joggers, cyclists and inline skaters who want to enjoy the idyllic natural scenery. For yoga lovers, there are numerous open spaces that are perfect for relaxing sessions outdoors, while soccer and frisbee fans can let off steam on the large meadows. The Eisbach is a highlight for surfers, who show off their skills on the famous standing wave. The English Garden offers something for every sports enthusiast.
Paragliding in the Alps
Paragliding is an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking a sense of freedom and adrenaline. The Alps, with their majestic peaks and deep valleys, offer ideal conditions for paragliders – from quiet glides over picturesque mountain landscapes to exciting thermal flights that allow you to fly high. Popular launch sites such as Wallberg at Tegernsee or Brauneck near Lenggries are just a short drive from Munich and offer spectacular views of the Bavarian Alps and lakes. For beginners, there are tandem flights with experienced pilots, while more advanced paragliders can enjoy the freedom.
Climbing in and around Munich
Climbing in and around Munich offers both beginners and experienced climbers numerous opportunities to let off steam and develop their skills. The city itself has many modern climbing gym and there are several high ropes courses in the forests. For those seeking adventure in nature, the nearby Alps are perfect: there you will find spectacular rock faces and climbing gardens that offer everything from sport climbing to alpine multi-pitch routes. Popular areas such as the Wettersteingebirge, the Kochelsee or the Karwendel offer climbers of different levels of experience a wide range of challenges in a breathtaking mountain landscape.
Kayaking on the Isar
Kayaking on the Isar is a fantastic way to experience Munich and its surroundings from a new perspective. The Isar, which winds its way through the city and the surrounding nature, offers some quiet sections as well as challenging passages for experienced kayakers looking for white-water action. The section south of Munich, where the river is flanked by picturesque landscapes and dense forests, is particularly popular with nature lovers. Kayaking on the Isar combines adventure, athletic challenge and nature experiences – perfect for anyone who wants to escape from the daily grind while staying active.
If you want more impressions of these sports activities in and around Munich, check out our video “What is your favorite Sport?” on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube. You can also find information about surfing on the Eisbach in our following article: “10 Reasons why you should study in Munich“.
