When the days get longer and the air is hot, many people in Munich long for a chance to cool down. Thousands bathe in the Isar, spend their evenings with beer and barbecue on the bank. However, it is often forgotten that the Isar is considered a mountain river. Spots that seem harmless one day can be dangerous the next.
And when so many celebrate on the shore, it leaves its mark. So that nature and neighbors don’t suffer too much from the rush along the 14 kilometers across Munich, the city has drawn up rules for leisure fun on the Isar and designated zones for swimming, boating and barbecuing on the Isar.
Where is bathing allowed?
Swimming and splashing is only permitted in very specific sections, because weir systems, water rolls and whirlpools can be dangerous – especially when the Isar carries a lot of water after rain and just rushes.
One of the most popular bathing spots is of course the Flaucher south of the Brudermühl Bridge. If you are traveling with children, you will find a quieter place between Marienklausensteg and the Großhesseloher bridge on the city limits, recommends Michael Greiner from the Munich water rescue service. It is also relatively quiet on the pebble beaches behind the weir at the Marienklause.
The expert advises that you follow the classic bathing rules: don’t dive into the water when you’re drunk, overheated or on a full stomach, never jump straight into the water from unknown spots, but go in slowly. And especially on the Isar, always keep your distance from danger spots.
Is the Isar clean?
The water quality of the Isar used to be so bad that you couldn’t go swimming. Since 2003, UV disinfection systems in the sewage treatment plants have ensured that the bacterial load has fallen drastically. According to the Munich Water Management Office, the quality is now considered “good”, even if it is not drinking water. After heavy rain, however, pollution can temporarily increase.
Is skinny dipping allowed?
The lack of a cover must also be strictly regulated: In fact, the city council issued a “Nude Bathing Ordinance” as early as 1982, which has since been replaced by an “Ordinance on Wearing Bathing Suits in Public Bathing”. In it, the city defines six zones where swimming trunks and bikinis are allowed to fall – near Maria Einsiedel, near the Brudermühl bridge, on the Isar island of Oberföhring, on the Schönfeldwiese, in the Schwabing Bay and on the Flauchersteg.
Women have officially been allowed to lie in the sun topless anywhere since 2019 – because since then only the “primary sexual characteristics” have to be covered beyond the nudist zones.
Where is boating allowed?
The Isar is a wild river that can be dangerous, especially when the water level rises. High water can be recognized by strong currents and cloudy water, says Michael Greiner from the water rescue service. Then you should leave the rubber boat at home.
Michael Greiner from the Munich water rescue service keeps an eye on the bathers on the river.
(Photo: Robert Haas)
Recreational skippers only get their money’s worth in the city in the south up to the Thalkirchner Bridge and in the very north. Exceptions apply to certain sections in the City Bathing and Boating Ordinance are regulated. According to the city, there is a danger to life, especially at the weir systems.
Where is barbecue allowed?
Open fire: Barbecues are largely permitted south of the Brudermühl Bridge until just before the Großhesseloher Bridge. It is only forbidden on the Marienklausensteg and in a few places along the Hellabrunn Zoo. The grilling areas are signposted from the city.
Michael Greiner from the water rescue service reminds of the basic rules: keep at least ten meters distance from the vegetation, preferably have a bucket of water ready and do not use liquid grill lighter. Since this can drip down, it increases the risk of fire. In order to protect nature, it is better to use a grill with legs instead of placing it directly on the gravel floor. And after the party, the rubbish should end up in the bins and the charcoal in the ash bins.