Isar in Munich

What can I do along the Isar?

The Flaucher is the classic spot for swimming and barbecuing. It features wide gravel banks, shallow areas, barbecue areas, and plenty of space—at least during the week. On weekends in the summer, it gets crowded quickly.

The Wittelsbacherbrücke and Reichenbachbrücke are ideal for a quick after-work break by the water. Both are centrally located, easily accessible, and have plenty of seating along the riverbank. These spots have a more urban, lively atmosphere and are often very crowded in the evenings.

For families, quieter areas in the south—such as around Großhesselohe, Marienklause, and Thalkirchen—are often more pleasant. Nevertheless, the water is still a river with a current—children should always be supervised.

For walks with a sense of nature, the Isar floodplains, the Flauchersteg, and the Isar island of Oberföhring are great options. There, the Isar becomes calmer, greener, and feels a bit less like downtown.

For culture by the water, Museumsinsel and Praterinsel are the best destinations. Here, the Deutsches Museum, the Father Rhine Fountain, and the Alpine Museum are located right on the river.

👉 If you’re visiting the Isar for the first time, the easiest place to start is at the Reichenbach Bridge, at the Flaucher, or in Thalkirchen.

Swimming in the Isar: Here it is allowed

Swimming in the Isar is permitted in several sections in Munich. The main swimming areas are located in the south around Großhesselohe, Marienklause, Thalkirchen, and Flaucher; further toward the city center between the Braunau Railroad Bridge, the Wittelsbacher Bridge, and the Reichenbach Bridge; and in the north below the Max-Joseph Bridge up to the Oberföhring weir.

• from the city limits at the Großhesselohe Bridge to just before the Marienklause Footbridge
• from just past the Marienklause Footbridge to just past the Thalkirchen Bridge
• in the Isar Industrial Canal between the bridge to Marienklause and the Thalkirchen Bridge
• from just past the weir at the Flaucher Footbridge to the Braunau Railroad Bridge
• from the Braunau Railroad Bridge to just before the Wittelsbacher Bridge, on the eastern side of the river throughout
• from approximately midway between the Wittelsbacher Bridge and the Reichenbach Bridge to the Reichenbach Bridge, also on the eastern side of the river
• from 200 meters past the Max-Joseph Bridge to 200 meters before the Oberföhring weir, on the eastern side of the river

Warning: The Isar is not a lake. It has a current, cold water, gravel banks, weirs, and areas that can become dangerous depending on the water level. You should not swim after heavy rain, thunderstorms, or during high water. Swimming is strictly prohibited at weirs, locks, power plant facilities, whirlpools, and storm drains.

Nudist Notice: Nude swimming is not permitted everywhere. Designated nudist areas can be found, among other places, at Maria Einsiedel, at the Brudermühl Bridge, at the Flauchersteg, and on the Isar Island in Oberföhring. The Isar app shows the exact locations.

Tip: If you prefer swimming in a facility with outdoor pool amenities, you’ll find the Naturbad Maria Einsiedel (German) on the Isar-Werkkanal. There, the canal flows through the swimming area for nearly 400 meters; the water is treated biologically without chlorine—a great alternative to the open Isar, especially for families.

👉 When swimming in the Isar, use only the designated areas

Barbecuing at the Isar: Where to find grilling areas

Barbecues are permitted only on designated gravel banks. The most well-known barbecue areas are located at Flaucher and to the north around Oberföhring. Because floodwaters can alter the gravel banks, the barbecue zones may also change. Therefore, be sure to check the on-site signage or use the Isar app.

For picnics, please bring a blanket, take your trash with you, avoid glass, and be considerate of others. Especially at Flaucher, it can get crowded quickly on warm evenings. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, arrive earlier or look for sections further south or north.

It’s worth checking the on-site signs as well as the Isar app for the current barbecue zones.

👉 Barbecues are only allowed on gravel banks in specific zones—the Flaucher and the area north of Oberföhring are ideal.

Walking, Biking, and Jogging

The Isar paths are ideal for short rides and longer tours. A central and popular route runs between the Deutsches Museum, the Reichenbach Bridge, the Wittelsbacher Bridge, and Flaucher. There, you’re close to the city but can quickly find yourself surrounded by nature.

For a longer ride, try the route from Flaucher continuing toward Hellabrunn Zoo and the Großhesseloher Bridge. If you want to go even further, follow the Isar Bike Path toward Wolfratshausen (south).

There are many well-maintained paths on the east bank. On the west bank, some sections are gravelly or narrower. Therefore, not every path is equally suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, or leisurely cycling.

👉 A classic loop leads from the Deutsches Museum over the Reichenbach Bridge and the Wittelsbacher Bridge to Flaucher.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Boating, and Surfing

Stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and boating are permitted within the city limits only in designated sections: in the south, from the Großhesselohe weir to 100 meters past the Thalkirchner Bridge; in the north, from the Max-Joseph Bridge to 200 meters before the Oberföhringer weir.

Before every trip, remember to check the water level, assess the current, avoid weirs, and wear a life jacket. On warm days, the Isar may look harmless, but it remains an Alpine river.

A special spot is the Maria Einsiedel raft landing in Thalkirchen. That’s where river surfing began in Munich in the 1970s. In the raft canal (a branch of the Isar-Werk Canal), a standing wave forms in the summer when the canal is opened to rafts—a wave suitable for surfing even for beginners.

👉 There are designated sections for SUP and boats; the raft landing in Thalkirchen is the classic surfing spot.

Raft Trip to Munich

A raft trip from Wolfratshausen to Munich-Thalkirchen is a classic choice for groups, celebrations, and day trips. The trip takes you through the Pupplinger Au, past Grünwald, and down raft slides to the Zentrallände in Thalkirchen.

The season typically runs from May through mid-September. Depending on the water level, the trip takes about five to seven hours. Many dates book up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead.

👉 The Isar rafts end in Thalkirchen—near the U3 subway line, Flaucher, Floßlände, and the Maria Einsiedel natural swimming area.

Flaucher: The Classic in the South

The Flaucher is Munich’s most famous stretch of the Isar. In Thalkirchen, near Hellabrunn Zoo, you’ll find gravel banks, side channels, barbecue areas, swimming spots, the Flauchersteg, and plenty of nature right in the middle of the city. The Flaucher is especially popular in the summer—and gets quite crowded as a result.

Good for:

• Swimming, barbecuing, picnicking
• Family outings, walks
• Unwinding by the water after work

Less ideal for:

• Peace and quiet on hot weekends
• People looking for wide paved paths
• Swimming when the water level is high or the current is strong

👉 The Flaucher is the classic spot on the Isar in the south: gravel banks, barbecue areas, swimming spots, and plenty of space by the water.

Reichenbach Bridge and Wittelsbach Bridge: An Urban Gathering Spot

Between the Reichenbach Bridge and the Wittelsbacher Bridge, the Isar runs particularly close to the city. Many Munich residents come here after work to sit on the riverbank, go for a swim, have a picnic, or meet up with friends. These sections are easily accessible and ideal for a quick visit without much planning. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, you’re better off further south or north.

Good for:

• After-work picnics
• A quick dip to cool off
• A short walk

👉 Here, the Isar is especially close to the city: ideal for lunch breaks, after-work picnics, and a quick dip to cool off.

A Trip to the Isar with Kids

For families with children, quieter sections with a gentle entry into the water and a bit of distance from the crowds are best. Areas in the south around Großhesselohe, Marienklause, and Thalkirchen are often more pleasant than the heavily visited sections near the Reichenbach or Wittelsbacher bridges.

Nevertheless, the same rule applies everywhere: The Isar is a river. Never let children go into the water unsupervised, take the current seriously, and keep your distance after rain or during high water. Places with restrooms, a kiosk, or good public transportation connections—such as Flaucher, Thalkirchen, or the area around the Reichenbach Bridge—are convenient for families.

👉 Thalkirchen is convenient for families: the U3 subway, Flaucher, the zoo, and quieter riverbanks are all close together.

Taking Your Dog to the Isar

Dogs are allowed on the Isar, but letting them run free isn’t always advisable or permitted everywhere. In protected areas, on designated areas, and in heavily visited swimming zones, it’s especially important to be considerate. Additional rules apply in Munich for large dogs and certain breeds.

Quieter sections in the south and north are convenient for dog owners. In contrast, it can get very crowded at Flaucher, the Reichenbach Bridge, and on hot weekends. Please clean up after your dog; dog waste bag dispensers are listed on the Isar Map.

👉 With a dog, the more spacious sections in the south and north are more relaxed than the central gravel banks.

Isar-Werk Canal, Marienklause, and Hinterbrühler Lake

The Isar-Werk Canal runs parallel to the Isar River for about 12 kilometers in southern Munich. It was originally built for hydroelectric power, but today it’s also a peaceful spot for walks and bike rides. The section around the Marienklause, Hinterbrühler Lake, and the Floßlände in Thalkirchen is particularly charming.

The small Marienklause is located at the foot of the Hochleite near Harlaching and is a peaceful spot nestled between the Isar, the Isar-Werkkanal, and the riparian forest. The Marienklausensteg footbridge leads to the Isar and on to the embankment of the Isar-Werkkanal. Nearby is also Hinterbrühler Lake, a small, shady lake in the south of Thalkirchen that is popular with walkers.

The canal comes particularly alive at the Floßlände: in the summer, the Isar rafts from Wolfratshausen arrive here, and surfers take advantage of the small waves.

Another striking feature is the bronze sculpture “Der Isarflößer” by Fritz Koelle. It stands where the rafting canal branches off from the Isar-Werkkanal and commemorates the long tradition of rafting on the Isar.

👉 Between Marienklause, Hinterbrühler See, and Floßlände, the Isar is particularly calm and green.

Directions by Public Transportation

• Großhesseloher Bridge: S7 to Großhesselohe-Isartalbahnhof or Tram 25 to Großhesseloher Bridge
• Flaucher and Floßlände: U3 to Thalkirchen (Tierpark)
• Wittelsbacher Bridge: Bus 58, 68, or 132 to Baldeplatz
• Reichenbach Bridge: U1/U2 to Fraunhoferstraße or Tram 18 to Fraunhoferstraße
• Ludwigsbrücke and Deutsches Museum: Tram 17 to Deutsches Museum or S-Bahn to Isartor
• Prater Island: U4/U5 to Lehel, then on foot
• Isar Island Oberföhring: U4 to Arabellapark, then continue by bus or on foot

Museums- and Praterinsel: Culture by the Water

If you want to combine the Isar River with culture, the area around Ludwigsbrücke, Museumsinsel, and Praterinsel is the place to go. The Deutsches Museum is located on Museumsinsel. On and around Praterinsel, you’ll find the Vater-Rhein-Brunnen, the Alpine Museum, and several event venues.

Ludwigsbrücke is also historically significant: Munich’s city history began right here with Henry the Lion’s Isar Bridge. Today, the area is primarily a great starting point for walks toward Gasteig, Muffatwerk, Prater Island, or Reichenbach Bridge.

👉 Around Ludwigsbrücke, Museumsinsel, and Praterinsel, you can combine a walk along the Isar with culture.

Oberföhring Weir: A Smoother Journey North

In the north, the Isar returns to a more natural state and is often a bit quieter. Around the Oberföhring weir near the English Garden, there are gravel banks, shallower riverbanks, and more distance from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The area is ideal for walks, nature observation, and relaxing family time by the water.

Good for:

• quieter Isar outings & walks
• dog owners who respect nature and follow the signs
• anyone who wants to avoid the Flaucher

👉 Oberföhring is the quieter access point to the Isar in the north—close to the English Garden and great for walks.

What events take place along the Isar?

The gravel banks and sensitive riverbank areas of the Isar are not your typical event venues. In the summer, the Kulturstrand on Prater Island combines music and dining on an artificial sandy beach on Prater Island—near the Vater-Rhein-Brunnen fountain. The Isarinselfest is a street festival along the Isar Canal between Ludwigsbrücke and Maximiliansbrücke that takes place in early September.

👉 You’ll usually find events at nearby locations such as Prater Island, Kulturstrand, or the Isar Canal.

Is fishing allowed on the Isar?

The association Die Isarfischer e.V. is responsible for the urban section of the Isar; anyone wishing to fish must have both a Bavarian fishing license and the appropriate permit. For visitors, fishing within the city limits is only permitted to a limited extent. The Isar in Munich is part of the so-called grayling region and is home to a remarkable variety of fish—including brown trout, grayling, barbel, nase, mühlkoppe, and the strictly protected huchen.

👉 To fish on the Isar within the city limits, you need a fishing license and permission from the Isarfischer association.

Good to Know: What Else You Should Know About the Isar

• The Isar rises in the Karwendel Mountains in Tyrol and flows into the Danube near Deggendorf after a course of about 295 kilometers. It flows through Munich for about 14 kilometers.
• The name “Isar” is often said to have Celtic roots and is associated with meanings such as “the raging one” or “the swift one.”
• For Munich, the Isar is a historically significant location. In 1158, Henry the Lion had a bridge built at the site of today’s Ludwigsbrücke and routed the salt trade through his settlement. This became the nucleus of what would later become the city.
• The fact that the Isar once again features gravel banks, shallow shores, and more natural floodplains today is due to the Isar Plan: Between the Großhesseloher Weir and the Deutsches Museum, the river was redesigned over a stretch of about eight kilometers from 2000 to 2011—creating more space for nature, recreation, and flood protection.
• Within the city limits, several facilities harness the power of the Isar. Central to these are the three SWM run-of-river power plants on the Werkkanal, which together generate approximately 47 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity per year. Other facilities include the water-powered screw at the Westermühlbach, the Prater power plant at the Maximiliansbrücke, and the Maxwerk at the Auer Mühlbach.
• The Georgenstein, approximately 5 meters high, near Baierbrunn rises strikingly from the Isar. The rock was once a dreaded obstacle for rafters—today it is a natural monument and an eye-catching feature in the Isar Valley.

Safety and Consideration Along the Isar

The Isar is beautiful, but not harmless. It can be especially dangerous after rain, during high water, or near weirs. Anyone swimming, paddling, or out with children should check the current conditions.

Important:

• Swim only in designated areas; do not enter the water during high water or after heavy rain
• Keep a safe distance from weirs, locks, and power plants
• Barbecue only in designated areas
• Always keep an eye on children
• When boating, check water levels and currents
• Take your trash with you, respect natural areas, and avoid making noise

👉 The Isar remains an Alpine river: Always be cautious after rain, during high water, and near weirs.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do along the Isar in Munich?

Swim, barbecue, picnic, go for a walk, bike, jog, go stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing, take a raft ride, walk your dog, or visit sights along the river.

Where are the most beautiful spots along the Isar?

Flaucher is especially popular for swimming and barbecuing. The Reichenbach Bridge and Wittelsbacher Bridge are great for unwinding after work and soaking up the city atmosphere. It’s quieter in the south near Großhesselohe or in the north near Oberföhring.

Where is swimming allowed in the Isar?

Only in designated areas. The Isar app shows the exact swimming zones and current warnings.

Where is barbecuing allowed along the Isar?

Only on designated gravel banks. Barbecue zones are subject to change, so be sure to check the signage and the Isar app.

Can you go stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the Isar?

Yes, but only in designated sections. It’s essential to pay attention to water levels, currents, and weirs.

Is the Isar suitable for children?

Yes, but only with caution. Calmer, shallow areas are better suited than heavily frequented or fast-flowing spots. Children should never enter the water unsupervised.

Are dogs allowed on the Isar?

Yes, but with consideration for swimmers, nature reserves, and signage. Additional rules apply to large dogs and certain breeds.

What should you do during high water?

Do not swim, do not paddle, and keep your distance from the water. Current water levels are available from the Bavarian Flood Information Service; warnings are also posted on the Isar app.